Have you every wondered, what is the toy of the year? Every year in February, companies throughout the toy industry meet at Toy Fair in New York City to display all of their exciting new toys for the year. Prior to Toy Fair, consumers can individually place their vote on toys from a variety of categories. The winners are revealed at an event during Toy Fair. These are the current winners in various categories for Toy of the Year 2012.
1. Toy of the Year - LeapPad Explorer
©Leap Frog
The LeapPad Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, was voted the toy of the year for 2012. This popular tablet is recommended for children ages 4-9. It includes 2 GB of memory and has a 5" touch screen with 480x272 resolution. There is also a built-in camera, video recorder, and microphone. Apps can be downloaded directly onto the device and additional game cartridges can be purchased in retail stores. There are over 100 learning game cartridges, books, apps and videos. Leapster Explorer cartridges are also compatible with this device.
2. Activity Toy of the Year - LEGO Ninjago Fire Temple
©LEGO / ©PriceGrabber
This 1174 piece LEGO construction set is geared for kids ages 8-14. This kit includes 7 minifigures and 14 weapons. The main temple can be split in half to reveal the Fire Dragon. The Fire Dragon is fully poseable and able to spit fireballs. The temple is 10 in. wide and 11 in. tall. The dragon is 15 in. wide, 17 in. long and 3 in. tall.
3. Boy Toy of the Year - Hot Wheels Wall Tracks
©Mattel / PriceGrabber
Using 3M Command technology, these Hot Wheels Wall Tracks will cling to any vertical surface with removable velcro strips. Children will have an entirely new way to play with their favorite cars. Children can manipulate different levers to switch the car's path down the track, allowing for a unique experience. Additional accessory sets can also be purchased.
4. Educational Toy of the Year - LeapPad Explorer
©LeapFrog
Recommended for children ages 4-9. It includes 2 GB of memory and has a 5" touch screen with 480x272 resolution. There is also a built-in camera, video recorder, and microphone. Apps can be downloaded directly onto the device and additional game cartridges can be purchased in retail stores. There are over 100 learning game cartridges, books, apps and videos.
5. Game of the Year - Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game
©Mattel / ©PriceGrabber
For those Angry Birds fanatics, a tabletop game has been created by Mattel. To win this game, collect enough points to build your structure faster than your friends can knock it down with an Angry Bird! The game includes three Angry Birds, four green pigs, one slingshot-style launcher, 14 structure pieces, 40 mission cards, 16 points cards, a bonus points star, and a bonus points egg.
6. Girl Toy of the Year - Fijit Friends Interactive Figures
©Mattel
These interactive, singing, dancing friends are recommended for kids ages 6-9. There are 4 different Fijit Friends in the collection. The more Fijit Friends added to the collection, the more they are able to interact with each other.
7. Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year - Elefun Busy Ball Popper
©Hasbro
Infants and toddlers really enjoy playing with small balls, as well as placing items in and out of containers. This toy launches balls out of the elephant's trunk. The balls can automatically be launched up and returned into the toy or the elephant's trunk can be rotated, launching the balls onto the surrounding floor.
8. Innovative Toy of the Year - Hot Wheels Wall Tracks
©Mattel / PriceGrabber
Using 3M Command technology, these Hot Wheels Wall Tracks will cling to any vertical surface with removable velcro strips. Children will have an entirely new way to play with their favorite cars. Children can manipulate different levers to switch the car's path down the track, allowing for a unique experience. Additional accessory sets can also be purchased.
9. Outdoor Toy of the Year - Rockboard Scooter - Mini
©Rockboard / ©PriceGrabber
This scooter for kids allows children to propel it like a traditional scooter with 1 foot on the board and the other on the ground, or by placing both feet up on the board and rocking their feet back and forth. No batteries or gasoline is required. The weight maximum is 90 lbs. A handlebar brake is also included.
10. Preschool Toy of the Year - LeapPad Explorer
©LeapFrog
Recommended for children ages 4-9. It includes 2 GB of memory and has a 5" touch screen with 480x272 resolution. There is also a built-in camera, video recorder, and microphone. Apps can be downloaded directly onto the device and additional game cartridges can be purchased in retail stores. There are over 100 learning game cartridges, books, apps and videos.
11. Property of the Year - Angry Birds
©PriceGrabber
The popular mobile game was developed in 2003 and has now morphed into a variety of items children and adults can't wait to get their hands on. Their license has spread to additional items such as plush toys, board games, clothing, and doodle books.
12. Specialty Toy of the Year - HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set
©Innovation First Labs
HEXBUG Nano's are small, battery operated robotic creatures that behave like bugs. Build them a habitat, such as this, and they will explore the ramps and areas within their environment. Placing the pegs in various spots allows children the ability to customize their Nano's experience. This playset inludes 15 pegs, 15 flags, 2 merry go rounds, 1 see saw and 1 extremely rare HEXBUG Nano Mutation.
