Each year, the prestigious Toy of the Year awards recognize standout toys that blend fun with developmental benefits. As toy experts, we've compiled this comprehensive 2019 nominees overview, trusted by parents for informed choices.
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Children naturally gravitate toward fun toys, but the expert jury goes further. They evaluate educational value, skill-building—like motor development and creativity—and overall quality. Discover last year's winners in our 2018 Toy of the Year blog for timeless recommendations still worth adding to your collection.
Nominees are categorized by age for age-appropriate play:
Explore the full list below, highlighting toys that promote learning through play.
For infants and toddlers, play is prime learning time. These nominees excel in motor skills and sensory engagement.
Critters roll, tumble, and twirl in this interactive tree house, boosting fine motor skills and sparking joy. On the ZoomiZone, they sing and announce names. Available from early September 2019.
Ideal for music-loving tots, add spines to Codi for 27 melody combos. He dances along, encouraging sensory exploration. Available from early September 2019.
A train puzzle that challenges shape-matching with progressive difficulty. Trains captivate, puzzles educate. Available at Bol.com.
Preschoolers' imaginations soar—these toys nurture creativity and social skills.
More than a plush, Cubby responds to peekaboo, tickles, feeding, and grooming. Builds nurturing play. Available from August 2019.
Hang tools on Bob's pants without dropping them—hilarious family fun with a plumber twist. Available from August 2019.
Sort animals into pastures with fences and water bowls. Teaches logic. Available at Bol.com.
Match left/right socks for the croc in this multiplayer memory game. Family favorite. Available from September 2019.
Create 3D animals with safe melting beads. Endless crafting fun. Available at Bol.com.
Competitive spirits emerge—these foster strategy and dexterity.
Dress influencer dolls and snap selfies with AR app effects. Real-world creativity. Available from September 2019.
Mold glittery bracelets with powder and water. Fashion-forward fun. Available at Bol.com.
Layer transparent pieces for color-matching challenges. Puzzle mastery. Available at Smart Games.
Wrist-controlled racers with shake-to-charge. High-speed thrills. Available from September 2019.
Rapid spot-the-picture search game. Sharpens observation. Available at Bol.com.
Curious explorers thrive with building and adventure toys here.
Build and app-activate mysteries in this haunted school. Immersive storytelling. Available from August 2019.
Fortnite-inspired blaster with 20 darts. Active play. Available at Bol.com.
Team up for riddles and treasure hunts. Communication key. Available at 999 Games.
Race to escape sinking Atlantis in 60 compact 3D challenges. Portable puzzles. Available at Smart Games.
Epicscale castle with catapult defense. Imaginative battles. Available from August 2019.
Challenging games for growing minds.
Brew potions carefully—wrong ingredients explode. Strategic fun. Available at Bol.com.
Co-build a precarious temple. Teamwork essential. Available at 999 Games.
Draw in air, capture via app. Hilarious twists. Available via Mattel.
Slide tiles to guide knight past dangers. Progressive puzzles.
Family-friendly escape challenges. Available at Bol.com.
Strategic games rival screens for family bonding.
Dodge llama spit with tactics and luck. Comedic strategy.
Avoid explosive cards in this clever bluff game. Available at Bol.com.
Team-deliver aid in crises. Heroic cooperation. Available at Bol.com.
Spin to claim board space. Multi-generational appeal. Available at Bol.com.
Proven: play knows no age limit. Adult game nights await.
DIY duo puzzles with intro adventure. Available at Bol.com.
Dice tactics with clever blocking. Available at Bol.com.
Manage bird sanctuary strategically. Available at 999 Games.
Match captions to memes for laughs. Available at Bol.com.
