We are excited to announce that two of our Lottie Dolls have been nominated in the prestigious 2017 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY) also known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry!
Stargazer Lottie is named for ‘Doll of the Year’, and Fossil Hunter Lottie is nominated in the ‘Action Figure of the Year’ category.
To VOTE for Lottie please visit www.toyawards.org
The TOTY 2017 nominations are the first for Lottie, and are reflective of inclusivity and progress within the toy industry. The Toy Industry Association (TIA) have this year removed the Boy and Girl Toy of the Year categories, a progressive step which fits perfectly with the messaging from the Lottie and Finn Dolls, which is to encourage children to express their individuality through play, we believe childhood should be an inclusive place for every girl and boy.
Arnotts Dublin Lottie Dolls event
Our MD and Co Founder Ian Harkin, said:
“When we launched Lottie and Finn just four years ago, we wanted to bring an offering to the market that challenged the norms and stereotypes, we wanted our dolls to encourage and empower children all over the world. The engagement we have received from children and their parents around the world has been a hugely rewarding validation of our efforts.
“…This nomination to be in the shortlist of the best 7 within each category is a tribute to the exceptional real girls and women who have inspired both dolls nominated. Because we are self-funded, we cannot afford the huge marketing budgets the larger companies have, our business has been built by independent retailers, people who have a passion for product with values, this nomination is also a credit to them.”
Ian Harkin MD and Co Founder Lottie Dolls
Stargazer Lottie, created in collaboration with the European Space Agency spent 264 days on the International Space Station this year, and is now nominated in the ‘Doll of the Year' category. Fossil Hunter Lottie Doll was a collaboration with 'TrowelBlazers', an organisation created by three archaeologists and a palaeobiologist, and is nominated in the ‘Best Action Figure’ category
Catherine (age 5) England - received both STEM Lottie's for her birthday.
"I love my Lottie dolls, we have lovely adventures together - I want to be a superhero palaeontologist when I grow up."
Team Trowelblazers on their collaboration on Fossil Hunter Lottie;
“TrowelBlazers was happy to collaborate with Arklu to produce a palaeontological action figure who had realistic kit. We advised on practical clothing for fieldwork, the types of tools used, what fossils Lottie might have and the information included in the cards and online. We know that role models which girls can relate to are so important, and Fossil Hunter Lottie helps many young trowelblazers to “See It, Be It”.
Photo Credit Elena Rosini
Show Your Support for Lottie
Between now and January 15th 2017 consumers can visit www.ToyAwards.org to vote for their favourite toys in each of the 14 categories. When a consumer votes, they are entered to win all of the finalists within that category. The TOTY winners will be announced in February 2017 at the New York Toy Fair.
Please share your support by VOTING for Lottie over at www.toyawards.org
Thank you! - Team Lottie