Innovative Toys and Games of 2026 Showcased at Fair
113 Creative Toys & Games to Top Holiday Wishlists!
Today, an exciting array of innovative toys and games has been unveiled at the annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair. This year, the 2026 Toy of the Year Awards highlights some truly unique finalists, including 'beautified' slime, a self-hatching dinosaur, and fidget collectibles that are sure to capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
The Toy of the Year Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of the toy industry," honor the best toys and games each year across 16 categories. The announcement coincides with the introduction of Wishlist Weekend, a new initiative encouraging families nationwide to engage in imaginative play and build their wishlists for the festive season.
"The beginning of Wishlist Weekend at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair is the perfect occasion to celebrate creativity and fun," notes Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. "This year’s finalists not only exemplify the playful spirit of our industry but also reflect a commitment to inspiring joy, learning, and connection through play."
The TOTY Awards also serve a greater cause, with proceeds contributing to The Toy Foundation’s mission to provide new toys and play opportunities to children in need. Programs like the Play Fund and Toy Chest aim to deliver comfort and healing through play to children facing hardship.
As excitement builds around this year’s awards, Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation shares, "Celebrating these remarkable TOTY finalists is about more than just awards; it's about ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the joy of play, which is vital for their well-being."
Fans can participate by visiting ToyAwards.org until January 7, 2026, where they can cast votes for their favorite toys and discover more about the foundation's important work. The winners, including the overall Toy of the Year, will be revealed in February 2026.
Meet the 2026 TOTY Finalists
ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR
Includes toys representing characters for imaginative play.
- Avatar Interactive Shoulder Banshee by Disney Consumer Products
- Doom: The Dark Ages Doom Slayer McFarlane Elite Edition #1 Action Figure by McFarlane Toys
- How to Train Your Dragon Interactive Tame & Train Toothless by Spin Master Ltd.
- Jurassic World Rebirth Dolores Aquilops Interactive Shoulder Pal by Universal Products & Experiences
- Ninjombie Action Figures by MGA Entertainment
- Primal Hatch by Spin Master Ltd.
- Super Mario Big Bad Bowser by JAKKS Pacific
COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR
Designed for collectors, featuring series or sets.
- Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game - Fabled Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc.
- Hot Wheels Premium Formula 1 Die-Cast Vehicles by Mattel, Inc.
- LEGO F1 Collectible Race Cars by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- Magic: The Gathering Marvel Spider-Man Bundle by Hasbro, Inc.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box by The Pokémon Company International, Inc.
- Sticki Rolls Series 2 by Sky Castle Toys
- Wigglitz by ZB Designs
CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEAR
Encourages hands-on building and assembly.
- GeckoBot 2.0 by Thames & Kosmos LLC
- Jelly Blox Construction Site Set by Goliath
- LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex Set by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- LEGO Wicked Welcome to Emerald City by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- MAGNA-TILES Fire Station 50-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES
- Melissa & Doug Blockables by Spin Master Ltd.
- Rail Cube Magnetic Monorail Deluxe Set by Meekins Corp.
CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Inspires self-expression and artistic play.
- Barbie Basics: You Create Doll Kit by Mattel, Inc.
- ChompSaw by Chompshop, Inc.
- Clixo Dino Adventure Pack by Toyish Labs, Inc.
- Crayola Marker Airbrush by Crayola LLC
- Gui Gui by Moose Toys LLC
- Play-Doh Barbie Fashion Show Playset by Hasbro, Inc.
- Swift Clicks Heishi Bracelet Maker by Make It Real
DOLL OF THE YEAR
Includes baby, toddler, and fashion dolls.
- American Girl Disney Moana Collection by Mattel, Inc.
- Bratz Stylin' Fashion Dolls by MGA Entertainment
- Disney Darlings by JAKKS Pacific
- Disney Doorables ADOORBS Dolls by Just Play LLC
- Love, Stella Sleepy Time Set by Sassy Baby, Inc.
- Monster High Scary Sweet Birthday Cupid Asteria Doll by Mattel, Inc.
- Woof & Co by Sunny Days Entertainment LLC
EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
Designed specifically for educational purposes.
- 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set by 3Doodler
- CONNETIX 70 Piece PRO Constructor Set by CONNETIX, part of Brave Toys Pty Ltd.
- Cooper the STEM Robot by Learning Resources, Inc.
- ESPN Virtual Reality by Abacus Brands, Inc.
- MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES
- My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon by Thames & Kosmos LLC
- Ollyball STEAM Accredited Master Artists Edition by VICTURY Sports LLC
- SNAP CIRCUITS SPY KIT by Elenco Electronics LLC
GAME OF THE YEAR
For family games targeting younger players.
- Connect 4 Frenzy by Hasbro, Inc.
- Cows in Space by Relatable
- Dumpster Dice by Big Discoveries
- Exploding Kittens: The Board Game by Exploding Kittens, Inc.
- Pokémon Trainer Expert by Ultra PRO
- Simon Jump Game Mat by Just Play LLC
- Tetris Tumble XL by Buffalo Games, Inc.
INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
For children aged 3 years and under.
- Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-in-1 Activity Table & Easel by Mattel, Inc.
- Micro Mini Rock & Go LED Scooter by Micro Kickboard
- My First Tonies: Farm Set by tonies
- Play Tab by Fat Brain Toy Co.
- Shape & Color Garden by Learning Resources, Inc.
- VTech Get Growing Tractor & Mower Ride-On by VTech Electronics North America LLC
- Yookidoo Pour 'N' Grow Pop-Up Garden by Yookidoo
KIDULT TOY OF THE YEAR
For consumers ages 14 and up.
- Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassador Doll by Mattel, Inc.
- Hack Pack by CrunchLabs
- LEGO Game Boy by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- LEGO Wicked Glinda & Elphaba Bookends by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- Marvel Legends Series Spider-Man Electronic Expressive Mask by Hasbro, Inc.
- Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 by MGA Entertainment
- ZipString Aracna by ZipString LLC
LICENSE OF THE YEAR
Brands that have seen significant success through licensed toys.
- Bluey by BBC Studios Americas
- Disney Stitch by Disney Consumer Products
- Hot Wheels by Mattel, Inc.
- Ms. Rachel by Spin Master Ltd.
- Pokémon by The Pokémon Company International, Inc.
- Squishmallows by Jazwares
- Wicked by Universal Products & Experiences
OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys for outdoor play, including ride-ons and sports equipment.
- Crazy Cart Shuffle by Razor USA LLC
- Jaw-Some Shark Catch by iPlay, iLearn, Inc.
- Ocean Emotion Seashells by Learning Resources, Inc.
- Outdoor Kitchen by Hape
- Pocked Mod Lightshow by Razor USA LLC
- PoppinColorz Galactic Color Bubble Machine by South Beach Bubbles
- The Original Woblong Double-Wing Flyer by Rival Flyer, Inc.
PLAYSET OF THE YEAR
Themed environments encouraging imaginative play.
- Barbie Dream Camper Vehicle Playset by Mattel, Inc.
- Bluey Supermarket Playset by Moose Toys LLC
- D?teki Multiplayer Battle Pack — Heatoru & Arctos by TOMY
- Hot Wheels Track Creator Triple Loop Speed Kit by Mattel, Inc.
- Monster Jam Smash & Bash Smashbot Playset by Spin Master Ltd.
- Star Tours StarSpeeder 1000 Vehicle Playset by Disney Consumer Products
- VTech Bluey Road Trip Playset by VTech Electronics North America LLC
PLUSH TOY OF THE YEAR
Soft stuffed toys, including interactive features.
- Again Friends Cow by Mary Meyer Corp.
- Care Bears x Wicked 2-Pack Boxed Set by Basic Fun!
- Disney Stitch Ultimate Stitch Interactive Feature Plush by Just Play LLC
- FurReal Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow by Just Play LLC
- GUND Disney Peek-a-Boo Winnie the Pooh Animated Plush by Spin Master Ltd.
- How to Train Your Dragon Toothless Puppetronic by Real FX by WOW! Stuff
- Hugarounds by Hugimals World
PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
For children ages 3-5 years.
- Color Wonder Bluey Light Up Stamper by Crayola LLC
- Creative Play 3 in 1 Play Kitchen, Store & Workshop by HABA USA
- Fisher-Price Wooden Picnic Basket Set by Mattel, Inc.
- Little Tikes Creative Construction Power Cuts Set by MGA Entertainment
- MAGNA-TILES Pet Playhouse 50-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES
- Melissa & Doug Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set by Spin Master Ltd.
- Mini Farmstand Sorting Set by Learning Resources, Inc.
SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Exclusive toys mainly sold through independent retailers.
- Anywhere Sports – Silent Basketball 9.5" Regulation Size by Thin Air Brands LLC
- Better Butter Thinking Putty by Crazy Aaron's
- Clixo Tiny & Mighty Space Magnetic Building Set by Toyish Labs, Inc.
- Magshuto Stunt Park by Fat Brain Toy Co.
- NeeDoh Nice Cube Swirl by Schylling Toys
- Pets 2 Love by Luki Lab
- Yes & Know Original Invisible Ink Trivia Game Books by Tree Town Toys
VEHICLE OF THE YEAR
Includes all types of toy vehicles.
- Air-Power Turbo Racer by Thames & Kosmos LLC
- BRIO World Pull Back Train Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc.
- Flat 2 Fast Card Racers Speed by Luki Lab
- Hot Wheels Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter by Mattel, Inc.
- Hyper Burst Shockout Circuit by Goliath
- PAW Patrol Fire Rescue: Rapid Reload Fire Truck by Spin Master Ltd.
- Toy Story Moving Truck Vehicle Playset by Disney Consumer Products
For more details regarding the voting and process for the TOTY Awards, fans are encouraged to check out the designated online platform.
The gala celebration of the TOTY Awards will take place in the upcoming year in New York City and will be a grand gathering exclusively for industry professionals.
About The Toy Foundation
The Toy Foundation, a recognized charity under 501 (c)(3), unites the toy industry to support children in need globally. They partner with companies to deliver the heartfelt message of play and its benefits, ensuring children everywhere enjoy exceptional experiences through play.
