Lottie, Finn and Friends enjoyed some amazing adventures this year, and would like to thank fans all over the world for their support! The company celebrated some wonderful achievements, let's take a look at some of the best bits!

#1 Stargazer Lottie Goes to Space

2016 saw Gold Collection Stargazer Lottie Doll become the 'first doll in space' travelling to the International Space Station on the Principia Mission with ESA Astronaut Tim Peake - this doll was inspired by six-year-old Abigail from Canada!

#2 Lottie's Royal Visit

Lottie MD Ian Harkin meet Prince of Wales and had the opportunity to show His Royal Highness Lottie and Finn during the Royal Visit visit to Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal Ireland Wednesday 25^th of May.

In Letterkenny, County Donegal, something familiar for Prince Charles from the makers of @Lottie_dolls pic.twitter.com/7AbCKtf0Sm

— Peter Hunt (@BBCPeterHunt) May 25, 2016

#3 Lottie Tweeted by Tim Peake and Chris Hadfield

The #LottieInSpace campaign engaged with fans following ESA Astronaut Tim Peake's astro adventures, and Lottie was lucky enough to mention in tweets from the famous astronauts, not only Tim Peake but Chris Hadfield! 

#4 Lottie Competes and Wins 'Google Adopt a Start Up' Competition 

Paddy Flynn, Head of Google Ireland’s Startup programme said, “ Over 150 Startups applied for one of the 30 places on offer on the Spring programme..

“Arklu [Lottie Dolls] was selected by the judges because they made a lot of progress throughout the programme and committed 150% to the process investing a lot of time and effort to develop their business strategy.”

Lottie were the overall Winner of the Google AASU Spring Program 2016 

#5 Lottie Wows Crowd at Inspire Fest 2016 

Lottie has been a friend of 'Inspire Fest' now for two years, with speakers receiving a Lottie mascot! Italian filmmaker Elena Rossini was the director of our 'Lottie in Space' mini documentary which beautifully told the story of Abigail's passion for space, and how Stargazer Lottie came to be, Elena premiered her film at Inspire Fest 2016 to an audience who were moved by her work! 

Inspiring-women and their Lottie Dolls at Inspire Fest, Elena - pictured (second from left)

#6 Muddy Puddles Wins Gold Independent Toy Award

An amazing award for us to receive, and was especially important to us because since Lottie's launch in 2012, we have had amazing support from independent retailers across the UK and Ireland as well as internationally. It's incredible to see Lottie stocked in shops that are passionate about the Lottie brand message and quality - we love seeing Lottie and Finn beautifully homed in all of these unique stores, where owners and staff are so knowledgeable about all of the products on their shelves!

Muddy Puddles Lottie Doll 

#7 Lottie Signs Publishing Partnership with Penguin

Lottie signed a publishing partnership with Penguin to launch a series of chapter books and activity (educational sticker ‘dress-up’) books in May 2017. A fitting partnership which will expand Lottie's world and characters, welcoming fans to learn more about Lottie, Finn and Friends adventures on Branksea Island!

Penguin Publishing Partnership Announced to Launch May 2017 

#8 Arnotts Host Dedicated 'Lottie Day' in Dublin, Ireland

The Lottie Team were delighted to meet Irish fans when Arnotts Department Store held a dedicated 'Lottie Day' where children and parents joined in on some in-store adventures including a treasure hunt! Special Guests Kellie Kearney and Lottie Ryan entertained the lovely attendees. 

 Some of the Lottie Team, in Arnotts - pictured with Lottie Ryan 

#9 Lottie Announces Licensing Deal with World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts 

A perfectly fitting licensing deal was signed between Lottie and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts which will see a three-year deal which initially covers the UK and Ireland, and the launch range will be based on a Brownie doll, together with playsets, outfits and buildings based on the Brownie activities and age-group. 

#10 Lottie Nominated Twice for 2017 'Toy of the Year' Awards

Lottie had their first Toy Industry Association awards nominations; ‘Doll of the Year’ (Stargazer) and ‘Action Figure of the Year’ (Fossil Hunter) announced at New York Toy Fair, February 2017. The perfect way to top off the year of progress and excitement for Lottie! 

Thank you everyone for your support in 2016 and we look forward to sharing lots of new adventures together in 2017! 

-Team Lottie