Explore the 2026 Toy of the Year Finalists: Innovations That Ignite Joy

Unveiling the 2026 Toy of the Year Finalists: A Celebration of Innovation

This year’s Chicago Toy & Game Fair set the stage for a delightful showcase of creativity as the finalists for the prestigious 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards were officially announced. With a mix of traditional favorites and groundbreaking new products, the 113 finalists represent innovative toys and games that are poised to win hearts this holiday season.

The Importance of Play: Beyond Just Fun

The announcement coincided with the first-ever Wishlist Weekend, an initiative that encourages families to engage in the joy of play and start making their holiday wishlists. This celebration isn’t just about toys; it’s about fostering connections and embedding learning into play, a sentiment echoed by The Toy Association and The Toy Foundation. As stated by Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association, “Each TOTY finalist is a testament to the creativity that defines the toy industry, which is always innovating to create products that spark joy, learning, and social connections through play.”

A Deep Dive into This Year's Exciting Finalists

The TOTY Awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars of the toy industry,' recognize outstanding toys across various categories, from action figures to educational toys. The finalists ranging from gorgeous 'beautified' slime to interactive dinosaurs capture the imagination of children and adults alike. Each nominee is not only innovative but also reflects the current trends and cultural shifts within the toy industry. This year, categories notably include:

• Action Figure of the Year: Featuring cutting-edge designs such as the Avatar Interactive Shoulder Banshee and Jurassic World's Interactive Dolores Aquilops.
• Collectible of the Year: Including trends in trading cards and miniature collectibles like Disney Lorcana and Pokémon Trading Cards.
• Educational Toy of the Year: Spotlighting STEM-focused toys like the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set, which champions creativity and learning.

The Philanthropic Heart of the Awards

The TOTY Awards also serve a noble cause—proceeds from the awards benefit The Toy Foundation's initiatives aimed at providing toys and play opportunities to children in need. As Executive Director Pamela Mastrota shared, “As we celebrate these outstanding TOTY finalists, we're also championing the cause at the heart of it all: helping children in need experience the comfort and happiness that play provides.”

The Voting Process: How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

Voting is now open to fans, retailers, media, and industry professionals, allowing everyone to partake in selecting their favorite toys. From now until January 7, 2026, anyone can cast their vote at ToyAwards.org. This engagement is a vital part of the community, creating excitement as families across the country participate in recognizing the best of the best in toys while also making holiday shopping decisions.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Toy Industry?

The winners will be announced in February 2026, during a gala event that celebrates not just the toys themselves but the entire ecosystem of creativity and joy that they inspire. As the toy industry continues to evolve, one can only imagine what innovations will surface in the coming years, particularly as technology and play become increasingly intertwined.

Conclusion: Embracing the Joy of Discovery

2026's TOTY finalists are a reminder of the power of play to inspire imagination, creativity, and learning. For families looking to make informed and joyful choices this holiday season, the finalists serve as a curated guide to the most exciting products in the toy landscape. So as you make your lists, consider these pioneering toys not just as gifts but as gateways to adventure and learning for the young minds in your lives.

Get involved and explore the finalists at ToyAwards.org and discover what amazing moments of play await this holiday!