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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about entering, judging and the 2027 International Toy Awards. Can't find your answer here? Reach out and we'll help directly.
General
About the Awards
What are the International Toy Awards?
The International Toy Awards are an independent global platform dedicated entirely to recognizing excellence in the design of toys, games and play experiences. Unlike awards tied to a single trade fair, retailer or national association, entrants worldwide compete on the quality of their work alone.
Why was this award created?
A remarkable toy can inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, bring people together and stay in our memories for a lifetime. The International Toy Awards exist to recognize the people and ideas behind exceptional play — from the first sketch and prototype through to the final manufactured product — across every age, culture and form of play.
What makes these awards different from other toy competitions?
Four things guide the program:
- Independent — entries are judged on the quality of the work, not the size or commercial power of the company behind it.
- International — designers, inventors, manufacturers, brands, studios and students from every country are welcome.
- Inclusive — traditional toys, emerging forms of play, children's products and adult recreation, collecting and creativity are all recognized.
- Open to ideas — produced toys, working prototypes and unreleased concepts are all eligible.
Getting Started
Eligibility & Entries
Who can enter?
The competition is open to independent designers, inventors, studios, manufacturers, brands and students worldwide. There is no requirement to be an established company — first-time inventors and student projects are welcome alongside global brands.
What stage of development does my entry need to be at?
Entries are accepted at any of three stages, each evaluated according to its own stage of development:
- Produced toys — finished toys and games that have been manufactured, released or prepared for commercial production.
- Prototypes — working or presentation prototypes that communicate the design, function and intended play experience.
- Concepts — original toy and game concepts that have not yet been manufactured or commercially released.
Is there an age limit on the toys themselves?
No. The awards recognize toys made for babies, children, families, collectors, hobbyists and adults. Eligible adult-oriented entries include designer toys, collectibles, sophisticated construction sets, puzzles, strategy games, models, miniatures, creative kits, mechanical toys and other recreational products.
What categories can I enter?
The awards welcome original work across the complete world of toys and play. A full breakdown of categories is available on the Categories page.
Do I need to ship a physical product?
No. The International Toy Awards use a digital-first judging process so the competition stays accessible to entrants everywhere. Entries can be presented through photographs, renderings, drawings, written descriptions, demonstration videos and supporting design documentation — there's no need to ship physical products, and no international shipping, customs, storage or return costs to worry about.
The Process
Judging
How are entries judged?
The jury evaluates the complete design intention behind every entry against eight criteria:
- Play Value
- Creativity & Originality
- Design & Function
- Innovation
- Age & Audience Appropriateness
- Quality & Feasibility
- Developmental / Emotional Value
- Inclusion, Accessibility & Sustainability
Who sits on the jury?
Every eligible entry is reviewed by a carefully selected jury that may include toy-industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, educators, magazine editors, toy writers and other specialists in play — drawn from the toy industry as well as the wider product and industrial design world.
Do the awards provide product testing or safety certification?
No. The International Toy Awards evaluate design excellence and the proposed quality of the play experience. They do not provide product testing, regulatory approval or safety certification — entrants remain responsible for meeting the safety and compliance requirements of the markets they sell into.
2027 Calendar
Fees & Deadlines
When do the 2027 awards open and close?
The inaugural competition follows this calendar:
- November 15, 2026 — Awards Launch, submissions open
- January 31, 2027 — Early-Bird Deadline (save 20% on the standard entry fee)
- March 31, 2027 — First Deadline, standard entry period
- April 30, 2027 — Final Deadline at the standard fee
- May 15, 2027 — Late Entry Deadline (subject to a 20% surcharge)
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees vary by deadline: submitting by the Early-Bird deadline saves 20% off the standard fee, while entries submitted after the Final Deadline (during the Late Entry window) carry a 20% surcharge. We recommend entering early both to reduce cost and to allow time to prepare your presentation materials. Current fee amounts by category are listed at entry.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes — entrants are welcome to submit multiple products, prototypes or concepts, including across different categories.
Benefits
Winning & Recognition
What do I receive if I win?
Winning is an independent endorsement that can strengthen how buyers, retailers, distributors and customers perceive your product. Winners receive an official winner's seal that can be used on eligible packaging, websites, catalogs, retail displays, presentations, exhibitions and marketing materials.
What if my entry doesn't win?
Every eligible entry — winning or not — is presented to the jury, which may include toy-industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, educators, magazine editors and toy writers. Participation itself creates a chance for influential professionals to discover your product and become familiar with you or your company.
Who We Are
Organization
Who organizes the International Toy Awards?
The International Toy Awards are presented by Farmani Group, an international organization founded in 1985 dedicated to discovering and promoting outstanding creative talent. Farmani Group develops and manages internationally recognized programs across design, architecture, photography, lighting and the creative industries, including the International Design Awards and the European Product Design Award — both of which have long recognized excellence in toy and game design. The International Toy Awards build on that experience with a platform devoted entirely to toys, games and the power of play.
I still have a question — how do I get in touch?
Reach out any time through the contact details on our website, and we'll get back to you directly.
Tip
Entrants are encouraged to submit early. The Early-Bird deadline (January 31, 2027) offers the lowest entry fee and gives you the most time to prepare strong presentation materials.
Ready to enter?
Submit your toy, prototype or concept to the inaugural International Toy Awards.