The 18th Independent Toy Awards are open for entries, and toy suppliers are invited to submit their standout products in what are regarded as the most trusted and retail-driven awards in the industry.
Unlike other awards, the Independent Toy Awards are decided by those who know toys best – hundreds of independent toy retailers. Entrants can submit their hero products to the usual 25 diverse categories that range from wooden to electronic to dolls. For the first time, companies can also showcase their kidult products in a dedicated new category to reflect its growing importance.
“Retailers are the beating heart of the toy industry, and their insight is invaluable. These awards celebrate the products they believe deserve the spotlight – not based on hype, but on performance, quality and genuine customer appeal”
Once entries close, voting begins, and the independent retail community decides which products they believe are most likely to resonate with the toy-buying public. Gold, silver and bronze medals are up for grabs in each category, plus a commendation medal for any product that secures over 10% of the votes but narrowly misses out on a top spot.
Toy Shop UK editor, Michael Hawkins, said: “Retailers are the beating heart of the toy industry, and their insight is invaluable. These awards celebrate the products they believe deserve the spotlight – not based on hype, but on performance, quality and genuine customer appeal.”
Categories – advent calendar, baby, children’s gifts, collectable, creative, construction, dolls, eco, educational, electronic, game (action), game (board), game (card), game (educational), game (electronic), jigsaws & puzzles, licensed, music, novelty, outdoor, pocket money, pre-school, rc, ride-on, role play, soft, special needs, stem, vehicles, wooden.
Entries close on 6 August and the winners will be announced on 20 August. Find out more and download an entry form.
http://www.toyshopuk.co.uk/ita/
