6 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com ISSUE Toy of the Year Awards 2022 Volume 38, No. 4 18 ACTION FIGURE 20 COLLECTIBLE 22 CONSTRUCTION 24 CREATIVE 26 DOLL 28 GAME 30 GROWN-UP 32 INFANT/TODDLER 34 LICENSE 36 OUTDOOR 37 PLAYSET 38 PLUSH 40 PRESCHOOL 42 RIDE-ON 44 SPECIALTY 46 STEAM 47 VEHICLE 8 FROM THE EDITOR We’ve played all year long, and now it’s time to vote for your favorite toys! 10 AND THE NOMINEES ARE … The Toy Association announces the 122 finalists for the upcoming Toy of the Year Awards. 12 CELEBRATING THE JOY OF PLAY The TOTY Awards gala returns in person to honor the play community’s philanthropy and creativity. 48 TALKIN’ TOYS WITH JIM PRESSMAN The Toy Book chats with the Toy Industry Hall of Famer about his career, how the industry has changed, and more. 52 POP QUIZ WITH WENDY SMOLEN How much do you know about these past TOTY winners? 54 FLASHBACK: TOTY AWARDS 2002 Travel back in time to the TOTY winners from 20 years ago! THE TOY BOOK Volume 38, No. 4 THE TOY BOOK (ISSN-0885-3991) is published bi-monthly by Adventure Media and Events LLC. Editorial and advertising offices are located at 307 Seventh Ave., Room 501, New York, NY 10001, Phone (212) 575-4510. Periodicals Postage paid at New York and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2020 Adventure Media and Events LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in USA. THE TOY BOOK is a trademark of Adventure Media and Events LLC. Registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Postmaster: Send address changes to: THE TOY BOOK, c/o Adventure Media and Events, 307 Seventh Ave., Room 501, New York, NY 10001 or e-mail bill@toybook.com. SPECIAL FEATURES TOTY NOMINEES IN THIS BY CATEGORY
IT’S SO NICE THAT WE GET TO CELEbrate twice this year!
The upcoming Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, taking place next month during The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market event in Dallas, marks the beginning of a new toy industry timeline. The awards ceremony, which used to take place during Toy Fair in February, is shifting with the show’s new timing in the fall. The next Toy Fair will be held in September 2023, while the first TOTY Awards with fall timing is taking place this year. And with that, voting is now officially open for the 2022 TOTY Awards taking place in September! This issue of the Toy Book honors all of the stellar toys and games that are designed to put giant smiles on kids’ faces. Flip through the pages and you’ll find every toy, game, and license that is up for a TOTY Award, so make sure to check them all out before scanning the QR code on each page to go directly to the TOTY website to cast yourWevote.have so much more inside this issue! On page 10, The Toy Foundation’s Executive Director Pamela Mastrota writes about the excitement of returning to an in-person awards ceremony for the first time in two years and highlights the importance of the awards as a key fundraiser for the organization’s philanthropic work. I also got to catch up with Jim Pressman, one of the 2022 Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductees, about his career, how the toy industry has changed over the past 40 years, and more. Check it out on page 48. Also, get ready to walk down memory lane for an epic rush of nostalgia as we throw it back to the 2002 TOTY Award winners on page 54. Now, go vote! Make sure to cast your vote on toyawards.org — the industry is counting on you! I sincerely hope you enjoy this special TOTY edition of the Toy Book. Send over your thoughts and feedback with an email or tweet at us @ToyBook. Our team is currently working on our upcoming September 2023 Preview issue, which will give a first look at toys and games coming to retail next year and the latest launches available in time for the holiday season. ‘Til next time! »
IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR THE BEST TOYS OF THE YEAR!
by MADDIE MICHALIK, editor-in-chief Maddie Michalik is the editorin-chief of the Toy Book and senior editor of the Toy Insider and the Pop Insider. She reports on new products and toy industry trends and has been featured on broadcast TV segments in the U.S. and Canada. Maddie is also on Spielwarenmesse’s TrendCommittee, serves as co-president of the International Toy Magazine Association, and was named a Wonder Woman in the Rising Star category by Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment. Reach her at maddie@toybook.com.
8 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com
THE TOY FOUNDATION UNVEILED 122 toy and game finalists for its 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards in September. Known as the “Oscars of the toy industry,” the TOTY Awards program rec ognizes the top playthings on the market — educational toys that make at-home fun, creative crafts, board games, toys the whole family can and more. The program is also a vital fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, which annually delivers toys to millions of kids in need. Play lovers of ages vote the toybook.com’s homepage to programming for the benefit of children in need,” says Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “And finalists were selected 550 nominees. toy
browse through the toindustry’stheToyhavegroup“Congratulationsnominees.tothisincredibleoffinalists!WecannotwaittotheindustrygatherinpersonattheoftheYearAwardstocongratulatefinalistsandwinners,celebratethephilanthropy,andfundraisesupportTheFoundation’simpactful
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all of these innovative and creative products should serve as a reminder of the power a toy can have to deliver comfort, joy, and the extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play to children — and grown-ups, too.” The
and play experts, willwinnertheon2023duringAwardsrevealedWinnersdesign,eachgory.academics,retailers,andjournalists,reviewedandrankedtheproductsincategoriesrelevanttotheirareasofexpertise.ThejudgesthenparticipatedinadiscussiontodeterminethefinalistsineachcateTheyconsideredproduct’screativity,andplayvalue.ineachcategorywillbeatTheToyFoundation’sTOTYgalaattheDallasMarketCenterthefirstdayofTheToyAssociation’sPreviewand2022HolidayMarketSept.20.ThecovetedoverallToyofYearwinnerandthePeople’sChoice(basedsolelyonconsumervotes)beannouncedonNov.21,2022. »
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10 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com AND NOMINEESTHE ARE ...
and workshops at the marketplace on Sept. 21, hosted by The Toy Foundation, Hasbro, Jazwares, Paramount, and Target. Conveniently located on the trade show floor, we invite all industry attendees to participate in any sessions they can between meetings. Of course, it would not be the TOTY Awards without recognizing the finalists and celebrating the winners across 17 categories of play, including the new RideOn Toy of the Year category, which was added to be distinct from the Outdoor
THECELEBRATINGJOYOFPLAY
by PAMELA MASTROTA, executive director, The Toy Foundation TOTY Awards return in person to honor the play community’s philanthropy and creativity.
The awards ceremony, taking place at the Dallas Market Center during the first day of The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview and 2022 Holiday Market, will also pre view The Founda tion’s forthcoming DEI DEIattenddancelasNorthfromTalentedinitiatives.studentsUniversityofTexasatDalwillbeinattenbeforetheyafulldayofprogramming
12 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com
THE TOY COMMUNITY IS ANTICIPATING the long-awaited return of The Toy Foun dation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, to be held in person for the first time in more than two years on Sept. 20 in Dallas. The esteemed awards program will have a renewed focus on the philanthropy of the toy industry and celebrate the impact of The Toy Foundation’s global philanthropicToyfundraiserAwardsTheinitiatives.TOTYareakeyforTheFoundation’swork as we look to expand our children’s hos pital program; our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pro gramming; and our toy donation efforts to serve and support kids in need with the extraordinary benefits of play. During the TOTY ceremony, we will announce the second year of funding for the Children’s Hospital Play Grants program after an incredibly successful first year. Our initial year of funding for play-related activities, awarded to 18 children’s hospitals across the U.S., helped relieve stress on these institutions. It also had an overall positive impact on the kids, families, and care teams of each hospital thanks to the implementation of new play tools and resources to engage kids and build doctor-patient trust.
The funds raised during the TOTY Awards will help The Toy Foundation expand our important programs benefiting children in need and having the industry’s involvement is critical. There are numerous ways to join your colleagues and lend your support through purchasing event tickets, sponsoring a program, purchasing an advertisement, and pledging a donation in-person or online. We will also be adding more activities during the TOTY Awards and throughout the week in Dallas focused on having fun, giving back, and celebrating the industry.
Preview & Holiday Market exhibitors can also save themselves the hassle of shipping product home by donating the toys from their exhibit to The Toy Bank, one of our signature programs. We will distribute the donations to three local Dallas children’s charities — Dallas Birthday Party Project, Dallas Metro, and Rainbow Days — to deliver the joy of play to deserving kids ahead of the holidays. The Foundation actively collects products all year long, and, thanks to the continued generosity of the play community, we have delivered more than $2.5 million in toys to more than 1 million refugee children in Ukraine to provide a bit of comfort after leaving everything behind and enduring tremendous hardship.
The Toy of the Year Awards will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Dallas Market Center, and will be immediately followed by the Opening Night Party.
Source: The Toy Foundation Toy of the Year award. We expect many of these imaginative, one-of-a-kind toys to be showcased by exhibitors at the Preview & Holiday Market for retailers, media, and other industry stakeholders to see ahead of the critical holiday shopping season.
Companies that are interested in getting involved and supporting The Toy Foundation’s philanthropic efforts are encouraged to reach out to The Foundation’s Director of Development John Fistolera (jfistolera@toyfoundation.org) to learn more and discuss potential opportunities.
14 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com
Ticketing information for both events is
» 16 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com
Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation, maintains and evaluates all aspects of operations, programs, administration, strategic partnerships, and fundraising/donor best practices in a manner that supports, strengthens, and advances The Toy Foundation’s mission. Mastrota brings extensive C-level and nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and relationship-building experience to increase the impact of The Toy Foundation to serve as the unifying force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all kids in need.
available at toyassociation.org. To learn more about The Toy Foundation’s work to provide the power of play to kids in need, visit toyfoundation.org. I look forward to seeing everyone in Dallas this September!
The funds raised during the TOTY Awards will help The Toy Foundation expand our inbenefitingprogramsimportantchildrenneedandhavingtheindustry’sinvolvementiscritical.
Source: The Toy Foundation
18 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com HEROES OF GOO JIT ZU GOO SHIFTERS MOOSE TOYS JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION SUPER COLOSSAL GIGANOTOSAURUS MATTEL GIGABOTS ENERGY CORES BLIP TOYS STAR WARS L0-59 (LOLA) ANIMATRONIC DROID HASBRO WINGSUIT BATMAN 12-INCH FEATURE FIGURE SPIN MASTER TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE CYBERVERSE ADVENTURES DINOBOTS UNITE SMASH CHANGER OPTIMUS PRIME HASBRO JURASSIC WORLD REAL FX BABY BLUE WOW! STUFF ACTIONFIGURE of the Year Scan here to vote for Action Figure of the Year!
20 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com LEGO MINIFIGURES THE MUPPETS HARRY POTTER PLAYING CARDS THEORY11 BIRTHDAY CRAYONS CRAYOLA DISNEY KINGDOMANIA: SERIES 1 – GAME BALL FUNKO 5 SURPRISE DISNEY MINI BRANDS SERIES 4 ZURU MAGIC MIXIES MAGIC MIXLINGS MOOSE TOYS POP IT! PETS COLLECTIBLE Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Collectible Toy of the Year!
22 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com MAGNA-TILES DINO WORLD XL 50-PIECE SET MAGNA-TILES PIXIO-800 LEGOELENCOSYSTEMS CANDY VENDING MACHINE — SUPER STUNTS & TRICKS THAMES & KOSMOS LOGICAL MASTER BUILDER BLOCKS HABA LEGO MARVEL I AM GROOT LEGO SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Construction Toy of the Year!
24 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com RAINBOW LOOM LOOMI-PALS MEGA COMBO SET RAINBOW FLYCATCHERLOOM MAGNA-TILES FOREST ANIMALS 25-PIECE SET ZIPLINX TRIPLE TOWER BLAST BLIP TOYS MAGIC MIXIES MAGICAL CRYSTAL BALL MOOSE TOYS 3DOODLER START+ MAKER BUNDLE 3DOODLER CREATIVITY FOR KIDS BUILD & GROW TREE HOUSE FABER-CASTELL USA/CREATIVITY FOR KIDS CREATIVE Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Creative Toy of the Year!
26 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com MY AVASTARS WOWWEE USA GLOBAL KIDIZEN DOLL COLLECTION FOR PURPOSE KIDS HEALTHY ROOTS DOLLS CURLFRIENDS HEALTHY ROOTS DOLLS MINILAND BABY DOLL CAUCASIAN GIRL WITH DOWN SYNDROME WITH GLASSES MINILAND BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER FRESH FIERCE COLLECTION BY THE FRESH DOLLS WORLD OF EPI DISNEY JUNIOR ALICE’S WONDERLAND DOLL of the Year Scan here to vote for Doll of the Year!
28 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com MANTIS EXPLODING KITTENS HOG WILD POKÉMON TRADING CARD GAME: CONNECT 4 SPIN GAME HASBRO CATCH THE MOON THAMES & KOSMOS TACTO DOCTOR PLAYSHIFU STAR WARS VILLAINOUS RAVENSBURGER GAME of the Year Scan here to vote for Game of the Year!
30 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com FISHER-PRICE LITTLE PEOPLE COLLECTOR TED LASSO MATTEL JURASSIC WORLD: THE LEGACY OF ISLA NUBLAR FUNKO LITE-BRITE WALL ART POP WOW! EDITION BASIC FUN! CAL KESTIS LEGACY LIGHTSABER HILT DISNEY GLOBAL PRODUCT CREATION AIRTITANS JURASSIC WORLD MASSIVE ATTACK T-REX R/C JAKKS PACIFIC BARBIE SIGNATURE QUEEN ELIZABETH II PLATINUM JUBILEE DOLL MATTEL LEGO SYSTEMS FLYER L885 ELECTRIC BIKE RADIO FLYER GROWN-UP Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Grown-Up Toy of the Year!
32 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com 100 THINGS THAT GO LEAPFROG COCOMELON ULTIMATE LEARNING ADVENTURE BUS JUST PLAY WOODEN SHAPE SORTING GROCERY CART MELISSA & DOUG THE PLAY KITS LOVEVERY LEVEL UP GAMING CHAIR VTECH SMARTMAX MY FIRST HIDE & SEEK SMART TOYS AND GAMES CELESTIAL STAR EXPLORER THE MANHATTAN TOY CO. EXPLORE & MORE GROW ALONG 4-IN-1 ACTIVITY WALKER SKIP HOP INFANT/TODDLER Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for ToyInfant/ToddleroftheYear!
34 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com POKÉMON THE POKÉMON CO. INTERNATIONAL BARBIE — 60TH DREAMHOUSE ANNIVERSARY MATTEL GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT BLUEY BBC STUDIOS COCOMELON MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT JAZWARES LICENSE of the Year Scan here to vote for License of the Year!
36 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com FOAMO FOAM MACHINE MGA ENTERTAINMENT ROLLPLAY FLEX KART ROLLPLAY CLYDO FOOTBALL BLUE ORANGE GAMES NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS TWISTER SPLASH WOWWEE USA OUTDOOR Scan here to vote for Outdoor Toy of the Year!
toybook.com | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | THE TOY BOOK 37 LEGO SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES WITH PEACH STARTER COURSE LEGO SYSTEMS SUPERSPACE EVERPLAY LABS WOODEN CAFÉ BARISTA COFFEE SHOP MELISSA & DOUG PLAYMOBIL WILTOPIA — ANIMAL CARE STATION PLAYMOBIL USA L.O.L. SURPRISE! O.M.G. HOUSE OF SURPRISES MGA ENTERTAINMENT BARBIE DREAMHOUSE MATTEL PLAY-DOH ULTIMATE ICE CREAM TRUCK PLAYSET HASBRO PLAYSET of the Year Scan here to vote for Playset of the Year!
38 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com DJ BEAT BOXER VTECH FURREAL CINNAMON THE PONY HASBRO HUGIMALS HUGIMALS WORLD 16-INCH SQUISHMALLOWS JAZWARES NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS CHIMP CARE & NURTURE SET JUST PLAY MY PAL SCOUT SMARTY PAWS LEAPFROG DANCE & PLAY BLUEY MOOSE TOYS LITTLE LIVE PETS MAMA SURPRISE MOOSE TOYS PLUSH Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Plush Toy of the Year!
40 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com BIG BIG BABY HUNTER PRODUCTS PEPPA PIG LIMITED EDITION TONIEBOX STARTER SET TONIES USA IMAGINEXT JURASSIC WORLD MEGA STOMP & RUMBLE GIGA DINO MATTEL DISNEY JUNIOR MICKEY MOUSE FUNHOUSE TREASURE ADVENTURE PIRATE SHIP JUST PLAY CLEAN SWEEP LEARNING CADDY LEAPFROG LITTLE TIKES LEARN & PLAY LOOK & LEARN WINDOW MGA ENTERTAINMENT CRAYOLA COLOR & ERASE REUSABLE MAT CRAYOLA PRESCHOOL Scan here to vote for Preschool Toy of the Year!
42 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com FLYBAR BUMPER CAR XL FLYBAR JOHN DEERE JOHNNY TRACTOR RIDE-ON TOMY INTERNATIONAL LITTLE TIKES ICE CREAM COZY TRUCK MGA ENTERTAINMENT CYBERQUAD FOR KIDS RADIO FLYER VIRO RIDES CAFÉ RACER MGA ENTERTAINMENT Scan here to vote for Ride-On Toy of the Year!
44 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com WHERE’S SQUEAKY? BLUE ORANGE GAMES SNAP CIRCUITS: GREEN ENERGY ELENCO SUPER TRANSPORTCITYSCAPEBUCKET SET HAPE PROFESSOR MAXWELL’S VR DINOSAURS ABACUS BRANDS ANN WILLIAMS CRAFT-TASTIC NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT POTIONS PLAYMONSTER WINDBOTS: 6-IN-1 WIND-POWERED MACHINE KIT THAMES & KOSMOS REPLOGLE GLOBE 4 KIDS REPLOGLE GLOBE SPECIALTY Toy of the Year Scan here to vote for Specialty Toy of the Year!
46 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com CODY BLOCK QUBS DISC LAUNCHER CRUNCHLABS BY MARK ROBER CONNETIX BILL NYE’S VR SCIENCE KIT ABACUS BRANDS ELENCO STEM EXPLORERS BRAINOMETRY LEARNING RESOURCES GRAVITRAX PRO: GIANT SET RAVENSBURGER Scan here to vote for STEAM Toy of the Year!
toybook.com | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | THE TOY BOOK 47 MEGA CHOMP R/C SHARK SKYROCKET TOYS SNAP CIRCUITS: CODE JOURNEY ELENCO SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 SONIC SPEED R/C JAKKS PACIFIC KLUTZ LEGO: RACE CARS SCHOLASTIC THE JOKER DRAGON DC MULTIVERSE VEHICLE MCFARLANE TOYS SWITCHEROO CODING CREW LEARNING RESOURCES MCLAREN FORMULA 1 RACE CAR LEGO SYSTEMS VEHICLE of the Year Scan here to vote for Vehicle of the Year!
48 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com
TALKIN’ TOYS
TB: What is one thing you wish you knew about the toy industry when you first started? I never realized how one product could make such a significant difference. Our first big idea was Tri-Ominos, a game introduced in 1968. Ten years later, it was doing well with no promotion. When I realized this game had more potential and started advertising it on TV, sales soared. In 1979, the company reached $6 million in sales, and half of that volume came from Tri-Ominos alone.Goliath Games WITH JIMHALLINDUSTRYTOYOFFAMERPRESSMAN
by MADDIE MICHALIK, editor-in-chief
THE MAGIC OF PLAY IS POWERED BY some pretty exceptional people. The toy industry would be nowhere without the dedicated inventors, founders, retail owners, and leaders who make sure the best of the best is offered to kids worldwide.
Source:
The Toy Industry Hall of Fame inducted four members to its 2022 class: Jim Pressman (Pressman Toy Corp.), Bob Wann (PlayMonster), Johnny Gruelle (Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy), and Lucille King (Playskool Institute). The Toy Book caught Toy Book: How did you get started in your career? Jim Pressman: My father, Jack Pressman, is why I started my toy industry career. One hundred years ago, in 1922, he founded a toy and game company called J. Pressman. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated college. My older brother Ed suggested I join the family business; he reasoned that no matter what I planned to do in my career, it was an excellent place to learn about the business world. I followed his advice and spent the next 43 years at the company, 37 of which I was the president.
TB: How is the industry different today compared to when you started?
By capitalizing on the game, we changed the company’s focus and were on the way to becoming a leader within the board game industry. In the years that followed, one new game introduction at a time continued to add to our success, including Trivia Adventure, Rummikub, Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and Double Dare.
TB: What’s the most impressive toy launch you’ve ever seen or been a part of?
JP: In the 1980s, our customer base included an array of toy chains, discount stores, and wholesalers. Forty years later, those businesses have dissolved, and now only a few mega-retailers exist. Kids today consume a lot more media. They don’t know a world without smartphones and the internet. In the ‘80s, TV was the only medium to expose kids to newOvergames.the years, one thing has stayed the same: the games themselves. Whether they are perennial games, including Rummikub and Let’s Go Fishin’, which have enjoyed success for decades, or new action games like Gooey Louie and Pop the Pig, the essence of a successful play pattern is the same as ever.
JP: During my era, the most significant launch was the game Rummikub. The company that invented the game in Israel introduced Rummikub to the U.S. It was a modest success, mainly in cities populated by those who discovered the game while in Israel and brought it back home to their families and friends. The Israeli company had difficulty expanding its distribution. When we acquired the rights to Rummikub, we had to convince large box chains that the game could sell anywhere. So, we redesigned the product line, altered the supply chain, and created a TV commercial to help retailers feel comfortable supporting the game. The game is more popular today than ever; new versions are released yearly. There is a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in knowing that my family’s company was responsible for making Rummikub a success!
Source: Goliath Games toybook.com | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | THE TOY BOOK 49
JP: Two proud moments stick out during my career. One was while I was running the company, and the second was after I sold the Duringcompany.mytime
as president, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? was the most significant success in the company’s history, with sales reaching $50 million — doubling our total volume. The proud moment came when I accepted the very first Toy of The Year (TOTY) award for Game of the Year in 2000. I will remember that moment book,complete.book,andtimeandmyretirementDuringforever!myyears,wifeDonnaIhavespentresearchingwritingawhichisnowThe
JP: When working in the toy industry, you must be true to yourself and trust your instincts. Always listen carefully to others because you can learn a lot from being quiet and taking advice. Never give up quality because it costs a little more, but it’s so crucial in the end. No matter what, you must be fair and honest because if people trust you, it goes a long way and offers many rewards.
TB: What are some of your proudest moments throughout your career?
JP: The toy industry offers the rare opportunity to be both creative and entrepreneurial. The combination of the people you meet, the creative process, and having it culminate in creating a game that will bring joy and fun to the end consumer is a very fulfilling experience. In addition, the industry is constantly evolving. To succeed within the industry, you must be aware of the current trends and capitalize on them. Whether you discover a new hot license or find an innovative way to reach consumers, you are always on your toes.
When working in the toy industry, you must be true to yourself and trust your instincts.
TB: What do you think it is about the toy industry that draws people in for life?
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A Century of Toys and Games: The Story of Pressman Toy, tells the story of a 100-year-old family toy business.
For example, Gooey Louie was a game in which players had to pull boogers out of Louie’s nose. Many com panies thought it was in terrible taste and wouldn’t sell. However, when we play-test ed with kids, they told us something different — and they were right: Gooey Louie was a huge hit!
On top of everything, the people are what kept me in the toy industry for life. Although, of course, some of my best friends worked for competing companies, there is still an understanding of the shared experience that keeps us all united. TB: What advice do you have for the generationnext of toy professionals?industry
52 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com 3. IN 2006, WHICH RETAILER TOOK HOME THE LAST RETAILER OF THE YEAR TOTY? A. FAO SCHWARZ C. TARGET B. TOYS “R” US THAT WAS DISCONTINUED. WHAT WAS THAT CATEGORY? 1. BINARY ARTS BEGAN IN FOUNDERS BILL RITCHIE AND ANDREA BARTHELLO’S GARAGE WITH THREE UNIQUE PUZZLES IN 1985. THE COMPANY HAS SINCE PRODUCED MORE THAN 100 MIND-BOGGLING GAMES — INCLUDING RUSH HOUR, ZINGO!, AND THE 2015 TOTY WINNER GRAVITY MAZE — AND HAD A NAME CHANGE! WHAT IS THE NAME OF THAT COMPANY TODAY? 2. AMERICAN GIRL, WINNER OF MULTIPLE TOTYs, HAS BROUGHT BACK ONE OF ITS ORIGINAL DOLLS: MOLLY MCINTIRE! WHAT WAS ONE OF THIS DOLL’S SIGNATURE TRAITS? A. A PONYTAIL C. A RED TURTLENECK B. ROUND GLASSES D. A PURPLE JACKET THE TOY OF THE YEAR (TOTY) AWARDS — also known as “the Oscars of the toy industry” — will be back in person this fall. As you cast your votes for this year’s star-studded event, see how much you know about past TOTY winners! Shopkins Scoops Ice Cream Truck | MooseSource:Toys
toybook.com | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | THE TOY BOOK 53 8. WHAT AWARDSTHEINTRODUCEDCATEGORYNEWWASAT2022TOTYINFEBRUARY?A.GROWN-UPTOYOFTHE YEAR C. LICENSE OF THE YEAR B. RIDE-ON TOY OF THE YEAR D. PLAYSET OF THE YEAR 9. DEBBIE STERLING, AN ENGINEER AND ADVOCATE FOR MORE WOMEN IN ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, CREATED AN INNOVATIVE CONCEPT FOR GIRLS’ CONSTRUCTION TOYS THAT WON THE EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS IN 2014. WHAT WAS THE TOY LINE? 5. AT THE FIRST TOTY AWARDS IN 2000, THE WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? BOARD GAME WON GAME OF THE YEAR, TINKERTOY CLASSIC BUILDING SETS WON FOR PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR, AND LEGO WON IN BOTH THE INNOVATIVE AND BOY TOY CATEGORIES. WHICH TOY WON THE OVERALL TOY OF THE YEAR? 7. IN 2015, THE TOTY PROPERTY OF THE YEAR WAS A BATTLE OF THE TITANS. WHICH PROPERTY WON? A. PAW PATROL C. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES B. DISNEY’S FROZEN D. LEGO: THE LEGO MOVIE ANSWERS 1.ThinkFun 2.B.Roundglasses 3.C.Target 4.GirlToyoftheYear 5.LeapPad(LeapFrog) 6.MGAEntertainment—forL.O.L. Surprise!in2018,2019,and2020 7.B.Disney’sFrozen 8.A.Grown-UpToyoftheYear 9.Goldieblox(Goldiebloxandthe SpinningMachinewasthetoythatwon.) 6. WHICH COMPANY WON THE OVERALL TOY OF THE YEAR AWARD THREE YEARS IN A ROW FROM 2018-2020? The BouquetBotanicalLEGOCol-lectionFlowerwasthe first-ever winner in this Source:category.LEGO
54 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com BOY TOY OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR PEOPLE’S CHOICE TOY OF THE YEAR WINNER:WINNER: SPIDER-MAN DUAL ACTION WEB BLASTER TOY BIZ THE SCREAMIN’ SERPENT ROLLER COASTER K’NEX INDUSTRIES OTHER NOMINEES: OTHERBEYBLADENOMINEES:(HASBRO) BIONICLE TOA NUVA (LEGO SYSTEMS) KG RACER AUTOMITES (KID GALAXY) OCTOBLAST TRACK SET (MATTEL) EASI-ART MAKER (CURIOSITY KITS) QUEASY BAKE COOKERATO (HASBRO) SLIME CHAMBER PLAYSET (MATTEL) LEGO HARRY POTTER CHAMBER OF SECRETS (LEGO SYSTEMS) WINNER: BRATZ STYLIN’ SALON ‘N SPA MGA ENTERTAINMENT 2002 Source: Basic Fun! Source: eBay Source: bratz.fandom.com
55 EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR GAME OF THE YEARWINNER:WINNER:WINNER:QUANTUM PAD LEARNING SYSTEM LEAPFROG CRANIUM CADOO CRANIUM GROOVY GIRLS T-SERIES MANHATTAN TOY OTHER NOMINEES: OTHER NOMINEES: OTHERBARBIENOMINEES:B-BOOK(OREGON SCIENTIFIC) KASEY THE KINDERBOT (FISHER-PRICE) STAR THEATER 2 (UNCLE MILTON) GEOSAFARI TALKING MICROSCOPE (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS) DELUXE SUPERMAN PINBALL MACHINE (FUNRISE TOY) POWER RANGERS BATTLEZONE (TOY QUEST) TRIVIAL PURSUIT 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION GAME YU-GI-OH! TRADING CARD GAME (KONAMI) BARBIE AS RAPUNZEL (MATTEL) BRATZ STYLIN’ SALON ‘N SPA (MGA ENTERTAINMENT) FURREAL FRIENDS (TIGER ELECTRONICS) MICROPETS (TOMY) TOTY AWARDS 2002 Source: LeapFrog Source: The Strong Source: Manhattan Toy
56 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com INFANT/PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEARWINNER:WINNER:WINNER:CHICKEN DANCE ELMO FISHER-PRICE MUSINI NEUROSMITH CATCH-A-BUBBLE THE BUBBLE YOU CAN CATCH SPIN MASTER OTHER NOMINEES: OTHER NOMINEES: OTHERLAMAZENOMINEES:OCTOTUNES (LEARNING CURVE INTERNATIONAL) PLAYSKOOL MAGIC TALKIN’ GRILL (HASBRO) MUSINI (NUEROSMITH) PRETEND & LEARN SHOPPING CART (LEAPFROG) CINDY SMART (TOY QUEST) ELLO (MATTEL) MICROPETS (TOMY) TMX RC THE EQUILIZER RADIO CONTROLLED STUNT MACHINE (JAKKS PACIFIC) FACTOR X (HEDSTROM) POWER AIR SURFER RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANE (HASBRO) POWER WHEELS KAWASAKI SUPER SHOCK DIRT BIKE (FISHER-PRICE) RAZOR SCREAM MACHINE (RAZOR) TOTY AWARDS 2002 Source: MattelSource: eBay Source: Spin Master
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58 THE TOY BOOK | TOTY AWARDS 2022 | toybook.com MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR WINNER: BARBIE AS RAPUNZEL (MATTEL) & MADAME ALEXANDER MCDONALD’S HAPPY MEAL (ALEXANDER DOLL CO.) OTHERDISNEYNOMINEES:PRINCESSES (DISNEY) MECHWARRIOR DARK AGE (WIZKIDS) TRIVIAL PURSUIT 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION GAME (HASBRO) SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR RETAILER OF THE YEAR: UNDER 25 LOCATIONS RETAILER OF THE YEAR: MORE THAN 25 LOCATIONS WINNER: WINNER:WINNER: GROOVY GIRLS T-SERIES MANHATTAN TOY OTHER NOMINEES: OTHER NOMINEES: OTHER NOMINEES: AIRPORT THEME (PLAYMOBIL) GEOMAG (PLASTWOOD) KG RACER AUTOMITES (KID GALAXY) LEGO EXPLORE: THE COMPLETE DISCOVERY SYSTEM (LEGO SYSTEMS) GEPPETTOSTOYSAMBASSADOR KAZOOKIDSTUFFCREATIVETOYS KB TARGETTOYS WALMARTTOYSRUS.COM Source: Manhattan Toy Sources: Mattel (left) & Madame Alexander Doll Co. (right) TOTY AWARDS 2002
