Family Best Time >> Family

Toy of the Year 2019

Every year a Toy of the Year election is held. And every year we make a handy overview for you. Many nominations have already been announced for the Toy of the Year 2019. You can find it here!

Table of Contents

Why Toy of the Year?

Can't kids choose toys easily themselves? Without help? And without a Toy of the Year award? Surely. But the jury of this election doesn't care only that toys are fun to play with – undoubtedly one of our kids' few priorities. They also look at whether toys are educational and contribute to the development of children. Or that it stimulates their creativity, for example.

Would you like to take another look at the results of the Toy of the Year election of 2018? That is possible, because toys do not have an expiration date and who knows, there may still be some nice things in between that are not yet in your toy box. We wrote a blog about it last year. But we now move on to the nominees for Toy of the Year 2019 that we have drawn up as a result of the election.

Toy of the Year 2019:the nominees

As always, the nominees for the Toy of the Year elections are divided into the following age categories:

  • Toys category 0-3 years
  • Toys category 4-5 years
  • Toys category 6-7 years
  • Toys category 8-9 years
  • Toys category 10-11 years
  • Toys category 12-17 years
  • Toys category 18 years and older

Below you will find an overview of all nominees so far.

Toy of the Year nominees; 0-3 years

In fact, the children in this category still learn the most from playing. Simply because they still have everything to learn! And how do you do that best? Indeed:nice and playful with indoor toys or outdoor toys. These are the nominees for Toy of the Year 2019 in the category 0 to 3 years:

  1. ZoomiZooz Climb Explore Treehouse – VTech Electronics
  2. Codi, my RoboDino – VTech Electronics
  3. Brain Train – Smart

1. ZoomiZooz Climb Explore Treehouse – VTech Electronics

In the tree house, all the critters tumble around to their heart's content. Let them roll, tumble, twirl and frolic! Children improve their motor skills with the ZoomiZooz climbing house, and have a lot of fun too. It's not for nothing that they have been nominated for Toy of the Year 2019. If you put them on the magical ZoomiZone, they will say their name and sing songs.

This toy will be available from the beginning of September 2019.

2. Codi, my RoboDino – VTech Electronics

Codi de RoboDino is the Toy of the Year 2019 for musical little ones. Does your baby or toddler react very enthusiastically to music? Then let him or her put Codi's spines on his back… And you will hear all kinds of music styles. There are 27 different combinations to make, so your little musician always creates a new song. And Codi? He thinks it's fun, and does a dance too!

This toy will be available from the beginning of September 2019.

3. Brain Train – Smart

Almost all children enjoy playing with trains. But this toy train has not been nominated for Toy of the Year 2019 for nothing! It is not only a train, but also a fun puzzle for the little ones. Can you place the shapes in the correct wagon? The assignments get more and more difficult, and you get fewer and fewer tips. So this is also a fun game for toddlers who like trains.

Brain Train is available at Bol.com, among others.

If you are looking for more tips on saving on toys, read this blog.


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 4-5 years

As soon as children start preschool, they don't just grow physically… Their imagination just grows with them. And that's only healthy. Let your kids express their imagination in the game. And, even adults can play that game once in a while! Below you can see the nominees for the toys in this age category.

  1. Cubby the Bear – Hasbro
  2. Bob Bilnaad – Hasbro
  3. Smart Farmer – Smart
  4. Crocs' Socks (Krok's Socks) – BS Toys
  5. Tropical Zoo – TM Essentials

1. Cubby the Bear – Hasbro, Toy of the Year 2019

Cubby the Bear is more than a 'normal' teddy bear... It is a real play friend, which you have to take good care of! Play peekaboo together, tickle Cubby or blow his nose. Then you will get a surprising reaction from Cubby! But remember, Cubby also needs to eat and drink every now and then. And his bear-thick fur can also be brushed again!

Cubby the Bear is available from August 2019.

2. Bob Bilnaad – Hasbro

Yes, you read that right:Bob Bilnaad is one of the nominees for Toy of the Year 2019. In this game Bob comes to clear a blockage. But it's your job to make it hard for him! One by one, hang the tools from Bob's chest on his pants. But beware:if the pants fall down during your turn, the sink will leak and you're out...

Bob Bilnaad is available from August 2019.

3. Smart Farmer – Smart, Toy of the Year 2019

Wow, it's chaos on the farm! All the animals run together. It's up to you to get them all back into their own pasture. There is only one problem:how are you going to put up those fences? Give the animals their own meadow with a water bowl, and you will become the farmer's favorite servant.

Board game Smart Farmer is available at Bol.com

4. Crocs' Socks (Krok's Socks) – BS Toys

Do you always lose 1 of the 2 socks? This crocodile also suffers from that. It's up to you to find the matching sock again. You play this game with 2 to 4 players and it is also great fun for parents! Hence also nominated for Toy of the Year 2019. Help Kroko to find as many socks as possible, but be careful whether it has to be a left or a right sock...

Croc's Socks will be available from September 2019.

5. Tropical Zoo – TM Essentials

Again the last nominee for the category 4-5 years:Tropical Zoo. With this set you can make 3D animals using square beads. First you place them on the card, then you let them melt together with water. The beads are safe to use and guarantee hours of fun.

Tropical Zoo is available at Bol.com


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 6-7 years

According to the jury reports, children in this age category are very competitive and to be honest:I recognize it! Moreover, competitions are also very instructive, especially if you lose every now and then. Below you can see the nominees for the age category 6 to 7 years.

  1. #Snapstar – Yulu
  2. Blazelets Style Studio – Ravensburger
  3. Colour Catch – Smart
  4. Turbo Force, Super Racetrack Set – VTech Electronics
  5. Lynx – Identity Games

1. #Snapstar – Yulu is also nominated for Toy of the Year 2019

The hip dolls of #Snapstar are Social Influencers. It's up to your mini-me to dress them up nicely, and capture them perfectly in their own studio! With the special Snapstar Studio app you can add backgrounds, other hairstyles and make up. It's just like real life!

#Snapstar will be available from September 2019.

2. Blazelets Style Studio – Ravensburger

The next nominee for Toy of the Year 2019 in the category 6 to 7 years is the Blazelets Style Studio. You can make the most beautiful bracelets with the help of the magical powder and water. You put the powder in special molds, and then immerse it in the water-filled suitcase. After that, it's just a matter of styling it all off with a good portion of glitter!

Blazelets Style Studio is available at Bol.com

3. Color Catch – Smart

In this exciting game you have to try to put all the puzzle pieces on the game board. The frogs and salamanders must be the same color as in the assignment. But that is not so easy:they are transparent, and are given the color of the background. Who completes the most assignments and wins the game?

Color Catch is available at Smart Games

4. Turbo Force Super Racetrack Set – VTech Electronics

Also nominated for Toy of the Year 2019:The Turbo Force is not just a race track. With your wristband you can control your race car remotely. And you decide how much gas you give. By putting the racer on your wristband and shaking your arm, you 'charge the car'. But beware:if you are too enthusiastic, your car might fly out of the bend! Who will be the new Max Verstappen?

The Turbo Force Super Racetrack Set will be available from September 2019.

5. Lynx – Identity Games

You might have guessed it when you see the picture above… Lynx is a very exciting search game! Find the pictures of the mission cards as fast as you can. Each player gets 3 cards and has to find them as quickly as possible. Not a game for people with bad eyesight!

Search game Lynx is available at Bol.com


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 8-9 years

Children aged 8 to 9 are really discovering the world. They are often very curious and love to play games or build structures. The nominees in this category for Toy of the Year 2019 have therefore been judged on this. And that can be seen from the list below.

  1. Newbury Haunted High School – Lego
  2. Nerf Fortnite AR-L Blaster – Hasbro
  3. The Treasure Hunters of the Kuala Archipelago – Hasbro
  4. Atlantis Escape – Smart
  5. Great Fortress of the Novelmore Knights – Playmobil

1. Newbury Haunted High School – Lego Toy of the Year 2019 nomination

Lego also moves with the times. And so you can't just start building with this beautiful set... When you're finished, grab the special (free) Lego app and your construction comes to life! Solve the exciting mysteries in this school with the app and your Lego friends.

Lego's Newbury Haunted High School will be available from August 2019.

2. Nerf Fortnite AR-L Blaster – Hasbro

If you have never heard of the game Fortnite as a parent, you may have been living under a rock. This nominated Toy of the Year 2019 game is extremely popular, and with this Nerf Blaster from Hasbro you can now play it for real! The blaster comes with 20 darts and a clip where you can put 10 in it. Let the games begin!

The Nerf Fortnite AR-L Blaster is available at Bol.com

3. The Treasure Hunters of the Kuala Archipelago – Hasbro

Collaboration is very important in this game! Form a team, make the right decisions together in find the treasure. Good communication is indispensable while exploring the buildings and solving the riddles you encounter along the way. Especially in 2019 this nominated Toy of the Year game.

The Treasure Hunters of the Kuala Archipelago is available from 999 Games

4. Atlantis Escape – Smart; nominated in 2019 for Toy of the Year

Oh no, the city of Atlantis is sinking! Can you escape the city in time, before it disappears under water forever? You start at the highest tower, and must try to reach your shovel in the harbor as quickly as possible. This fun compact game contains 60 assignments in 3D and is also ideal to take with you as a travel game.

Atlantis Escape is available from Smart Games

5. Great Fortress of the Novelmore Knights – Playmobil

Playmobil, that's fun. It stimulates the imagination of kids enormously and with this large castle they can undoubtedly enjoy themselves for hours. Conquer the castle through the breach wall, but watch out for the catapult!

Playmobil's Great Fortress of the Novelmore Knights will be available from August 2019.


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 10-11 years

Even in this age group, children are still discovering the world. But the bigger they get, the more challenging the toy should be! Below you will find the nominees for Toy of the Year 2019 for children aged 10 to 11:

  1. The Quacks of Kakelenburg – 999 Games
  2. Menara – 999 Games
  3. Pictionary Air – Mattel
  4. Slide Quest – Asmodee
  5. Escape Room the Game:Jumanji Family Edition – Identity Games

1. The Quacks of Kakelenburg – 999 Games

In the quacks of Kakelenburg you will make real magic potions. Use the ingredients from your stash pouch… But be careful! If you accidentally add a few peas to the recipe, your whole potion will explode and you'll have to start over. Fill your pouch with useful ingredients, brew the right potions, and win the game!

You can order the Kwakzalvers van Kakelenburg via Bol.com

2. Menara – 999 Games

In the exciting game Menara it is the intention that you will rebuild the temple together. Pay close attention to the instructions on the construction drawing! With this game it is important to keep thinking ahead… But also not to get too overconfident! This construction project can only be successful through good cooperation. Fits completely in this time, hence also nominated for Toy of the Year 2019.

Menara is sold through 999 games

3. Pictionary Air – Mattel

Pictionary is about as old as grandma and grandpa, not specifically for 2019 but still nominated for Toy of the Year 2019. Because you probably haven't played it this way yet! With the magic pen you draw the assignments in the air. And they miraculously appear on your smartphone or tablet. Point the camera in the special app at the artist and you will see him or her with the magical drawing. And you can watch the recordings as often as you want, so you will often be able to laugh at that fanatical daddy!

Pictionary Air can be ordered through Mattel.

4. Slide Quest – Asmodee nomination Toy of the Year 2019

In Slide Quest, the goal is to guide your knight safely through a world full of danger. But beware of obstacles and traps! The further you get in the game, the harder it gets. Who will save the life of his or her knight and win this exciting game?

5. Escape Room the Game:Jumanji Family Edition – Identity Games

With this Escape Room game you simply bring the Escape Room into your home! This Jumanji edition is especially intended for the younger lovers of the escape game. Complete the assignments, solve puzzles… But make sure you are ready within the hour!

Can be found at Bol.com


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 12-17 years

Why do children aged 12 to 17 only play with screens? To be fair, they do love that… But if you do your best, they are still very tempting for a fun game with the whole family. So read in that phone-free hour, and sit down and enjoy it together. Below are the nominees for the age category 12 to 17 years.

  1. Leipe llamas – Selecta Game and Hobby
  2. Exploding Kittens – Asmodee
  3. Pandemic Rapid Response – Asmodee
  4. Rolit – Goliath

1. Leipe Lama's – Selecta Game and Hobby

The first nominee for Toy of the Year 2019 in this category is Leipe Lama's. And in this game you have one very important mission:to avoid being spat on by the llama! But for that you need a good tactic and a little luck. Who will keep it dry and win this comical game?

2. Exploding Kittens – Asmodee

Exploding cats, of course you prefer to stay away from them. And that's exactly the point of this game. Get the cats right near one of your opponents and be the last one standing. This tactical game is a kind of combination of Russian Roulette and Chess. A real game for thinkers and gamblers! Nice nomination for Toy of the Year 2019.

Exploding Kittens is for sale at Bol.com

3. Pandemic Rapid Response – Asmodee

One disaster after another takes place in Pandemic Rapid Response. Who is going to supply the cities with all that much-needed food? Indeed:you! Form a team with the other specialists, and make sure that you deliver all items on time. Then you will not only become the hero of the day, but you will also win this exciting game!

Pandemic Rapid Response is for sale at Bol.com and rightly nominated for Toy of the Year 2019.

4. Rolit – Goliath

With Rolit you have to gain as much ground as possible on the game board. And you do that by having your color appear as often as possible. But before you know it, one of your opponents has been spinning again… An ideal game for families with players of all ages!

Rolit is for sale at Bol.com


Nominees Toy of the Year 2019; 18 plus

It's simple:you're never too old to play and playing games is always fun, whether you're 8 or 88. And so every year Toy of the Year is chosen in the category 18+! For those pleasant evenings with friends, or just cozy at home with your sweetheart. Below you can see the nominees in this age category.

  1. Escape Room the Game:2 Players – Identity Games
  2. Clever – 999 Games
  3. Wingspan – 999 Games
  4. What Do You Meme – Megableu

1. Escape Room the Game:2 Players – Identity Game

An Escape Room is always fun, so this is the DIY version for your home! In this edition, you have to form a team with 1 other player and solve the assignments and puzzles together. Can you escape in 60 minutes? To get into it, there is also a 15-minute 'introduction adventure' with this game. Super fun to play an escape room, and a great nomination for Toy of the Year 2019.

Escape Room the Game:2 Players is available at Bol.com

2. Clever – 999 Games

At Clever it is the intention (the name says it all) that you think a little smartly. Hand in your dice scores, but in the meantime try to hinder your opponents as well. A game where you definitely have to think a bit, and where tactics are very important.

The game Clever is available at Bol.com

3. Wingspan – 999 Games; 2019 nomination Toy of the Year

In Wingspan you run a bird sanctuary. It's up to you to give them all the optimal care. If you succeed, you will get something of each type in return. Who takes the best care of their feathered friends and becomes the winner of Wingspan?

Wingspan board game is available at 999 Games

4. What do you Meme – Megableu

Already the last nominee for Toy of the Year:What do you Meme? Each round focuses on one photo card. It's up to you to link it to your funniest text card. You take turns forming judges, who must judge the other players. Who will give the rest a stomachache from laughing and win this fun game?

Board game What do you Meme is available at Bol.com