Nominees for 2011 TOTY: Educational Toy of the Year Nominees

The Toy Industry Association has released their list of nominees for the 2011 Toy of the Year Awards. They’ve also launched a new website which allows kids of all ages to go and vote for their favorite toys. Now through January 14, 2011, families can vote, download a Holiday Gift Guide, and register to win fantastic prizes.

Here are the nominees for Educational Toy of the Year: (Because of technical difficulties, there are no TOTY pictures available for these items.)

Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

• Alphie (Hasbro/ Playskool) – Alphie, the loveable, learning robot encourages children to learn and have fun. With the help of their treasured, talking pal, preschoolers can learn about the alphabet, rhyming, counting, color and shape recognition, matching, animal names, instrument sounds and much more. Ages 3+

• Furnished School Building (Playmobil® USA) – The Playmobil® Furnished School Building includes nine figures, a school building with a functioning bell, a furnished classroom, a science room, an art and music room, and many other accessories.  Kids can even write on the chalkboard. Ages 4+

• iXL™ Learning System (Fisher-Price®, Inc.) – iXL™ Learning System is a 6-in-1 smart device that wraps learning and fun into the ultimate handheld gadget. The System includes six great applications – digital e-reader, game player, learn-to-write notepad, art studio, music player and photo viewer – for endless creativity and fun.  Character licensed software is sold separately. Ages 3 – 7 years

• Leapster Explorer™ Learning Experience (LeapFrog) – The new Leapster Explorer offers the latest in high-tech design for young children, featuring finger-touch interactivity and the biggest, brightest full-color screen ever from LeapFrog.  The powerful processor allows for dozens of downloadable Leaplet™ learning apps including e-books, videos, flash cards, and includes an ever-expanding library of games that covers school skills, creativity and life skills. Ages 4 to 9 years

• Math Dice® Jr. Kid’s First Mental Math Game (ThinkFun Inc.) – Math Dice Jr. helps build math confidence in early learners. Roll the Target Die to obtain the target number – then roll the chunky, brightly colored Scoring Dice. Using addition and subtraction, players combine the Scoring Dice to match the target – the first player to reach the finish line on the scoring track wins. Ages 6+

• MobiGo™ (VTech Electronics North America) – Preschoolers will get in “touch” with learning math, logic and categorization on MobiGo. Young learners can mimic Mom and Dad’s smartphones with the touch-screen controls that allow tap, flick and drag interaction. The slide-open QWERTY keyboard introduces older kids to typing skills. And the Learning Lodge, an online library of downloadable content, ensures that kids and parents have a constant stream of new content. Ages 3 to 8 years

• V.Reader™ (VTech Electronics North America) – V.Reader is the first interactive e-reading system for children. Stories come to life with animation, sound and touch screen features. Reading games help build critical early language skills while keeping the play pattern fun and engaging. And the Learning Lodge, an online library of downloadable content, ensures that kids and parents have a constant stream of new stories to explore. Ages 3 to 7 years

Go vote!