At Toy Fair, the Droid Inventor Kit from littleBits’ was named The Creative Toy of the Year in the prestigious Toy Association’s TOTY Award program. The kit enables kids to create their own custom Droid unit while reinforcing creativity and problem-solving skills.
littleBits, founded in 2011, offers an innovative platform of easy-to-use electronic blocks that allows anyone to create and prototype with electronics, independent of age, gender or technical ability. The company believes in creating the conditions of invention, and produces products that encourage self-directed exploration and problem solving; support grit and tenacity; and create a safe place to experience both failure and accomplishment.
The Droid Inventor Kit includes all the components needed for kids to create their very own Droid. A free app (iOS and Android) completes the experience, providing step-by-step instructions and how-to videos.
Each littleBits electronic block has a different function such as a power, motor, or sensor, which kids can use with their Droid in new and exciting ways. In-app challenges encourage kids to reconfigure the littleBits technology in new and unique ways – in combination with household items – so they can create custom Droids, including a delivery Droid and a room guardian. The app guides kids as they put together their Droid and control it in “Drive Mode,” “Self-Nav,” “Force Mode,” and more.
Here are the other winners of the 2018 TOTYs.
Best Toy of the Year
Fingerlings from WowWee
(also the Collectible of the Year)
People’s Choice Award
L.O.L. Surprise! from MGA Entertainment, and Mystery Minis from Funko
Action Figure of the Year
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Dancing Groot Figure from Hasbro
Construction Toy of the Year
LEGO Star Wars BB-8 from LEGO Systems
Doll of the Year
Wonder Crew Superhero Will from PlayMonster
Game of the Year
Soggy Doggy from Spin Master
Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year
Teddy Ruxpin from Wicked Cool Toys
Innovative Toy of the Year
Rubie’s Jurassic World T-Rex Inflatable Costume by Rubie’s Costume Company
License of the Year
Star Wars, Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Outdoor Toy of the Year
Bunch O Balloons Filler Soaker from Zuru
Playset of the Year
Hot Wheels Super Ultimate Garage from Mattel
Plush Toy of the Year
Disney Junior Minnie’s Walk and Play Puppy from Just Play Products
Preschool Toy of the Year (for ages 3 through 5)
PAW Patrol My Size Lookout Tower from Spin Master Ltd.
Rookie of the Year
Antsy Pants Build & Play Kits from Beach House Group
Specialty Toy of the Year
LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon from LEGO Systems
Tech Toy of the Year
LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox from LEGO Systems
Vehicle of the Year
PAW Patrol Sea Patroller from Spin Master
