Toy of the Year Awards to Take Place September ’22 in Conjunction with Preview & Holiday Market

New Fall Timeline Announced for Esteemed Awards Program; Nominations Open June 1

April 12, 2022 | The Toy Foundation announced the next Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards will be held September 20, 2022 at The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market, which is taking place at the Dallas Market Center September 20 to 22.

Historically celebrated in February and regarded as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards have been shifted to a new fall timeline to give companies the opportunity to promote their nominated products and brands during the holiday shopping season, when toy sales are vital and when products are on shelf for the holidays.

Proceeds raised from the TOTY Awards will benefit The Toy Foundation, which works to serve and support children, allowing them to experience comfort, joy, and the extraordinary benefits of play through strategic partnerships, impactful grantmaking, effective programming, and toy donations.

The TOTY nomination period for top toys, games, and licensed properties will open June 1 and run for six weeks. The nomination committee (comprised of play experts, journalists, academics, retailers, and other toy experts) will determine the finalists, which will be announced August 15. At that time, voting will open for retailers, media, Toy Association members, and consumers (at ToyAwards.org) through September 2.

“The TOTY Awards are a tradition for the play community to gather and honor the most outstanding toys and companies within the industry,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “It is also an opportunity for The Toy Foundation to shine a spotlight on the industry’s commitment to philanthropy because together we have a greater impact and a greater opportunity to  ensure every child has the opportunity to experience play.”

This fall will mark the first time the industry is back together in person to attend the Preview & Holiday Market and celebrate the TOTY winners, after two years of virtual events.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone this September in Dallas for an exciting celebration of our industry’s creativity, philanthropy, and passion for play!” added Mastrota.