The US Toy Industry Association (TIA) has revealed the 77 finalists for the 2012 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY), which honor creativity in the children’s play industry. This year’s finalists were whittled down from 600 nominees and span categories like education, boys, girls, preschool and gaming.

The official ToyAwards.org website is open from now through January 15, 2012 and is accepting votes from consumers of all ages. Winners will be selected through the input of the public, retailers (mass and specialty), media and members of the toy industry and will be announced on February 11, 2012 as the kick-off to the American International Toy Fair.  The next inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, Arnie Rubin, founder and CEO of Funrise Toy Corporation, and the late Frederick August Otto Schwarz, founder of FAO Schwarz, will also be recognized for their contributions and service to the toy industry during the awards ceremony.

This year’s nominees include:

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR

Beyblade: Metal Masters Performance Battle Top Assortment by Hasbro
DaGeDar by Cepia
HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set by Innovation First Labs
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks by Mattel
Lazer Stunt Chaser by Thinkway Toys
Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber by Hasbro, Inc.
Thomas & Friends Trackmaster Cranky & Flynn Save the Day! by Fisher-Price

GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR

Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen by Fisher-Price
Fijit Friends Interactive Figures by Mattel / Radica
Justin Bieber Rockin’ Tour Bus and Concert Stage Playset by The Bridge Direct
Lalaloopsy Silly Hair by MGA Entertainment
Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse by MGA Entertainment
Monster High Doll Assortment by Mattel
Squinkies Adventure Mall Surprize Playset by Blip Toys

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR

Angry Birds (Rovio Entertainment/ Striker Entertainment)
Cars 2 ( Disney Pixar ) (Disney Consumer Products )
Chuggington (Ludorum)
Monster High (Mattel)
Moshi Monsters (Mind Candy)
Redakai (Spin Master)
The Smurfs (IMPS)

GAME OF THE YEAR

Angry Birds Knock On Wood Game by Mattel
Hedbanz by Spin Master
Jungle Speed by Asmodee
LEGO HEROICA Castle Fortaan by LEGO Systems
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure by Activision Publishing
Tetris Link by Techno Source
UNO Roboto by Mattel

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR

Disney AppMATes Mobile Application Toys by Disney Consumer Products and Spin Master
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks by Mattel
InnoTab by VTech Electronics North America
Lazer Stunt Chaser by Thinkway Toys
LeapPad Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure by Activision Publishing
Spy Net Stealth Recording Video Glasses by JAKKS Pacific

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR

Elefun Busy Ball Popper by Hasbro/Playskool
Green Toys Pizza Parlor by Green Toys
LeapPad Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises
Let’s Rock Elmo by Playskool
Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo by Fisher-Price
Pirate Ship by Box Creations
Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Busy Airport Game by Wonder Forge

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR

HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set by Innovation First Labs
InnoTab by VTech Electronics North America
LeapPad Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises
Perplexus Original by PlaSmart
Spectacular Science by Thames & Kosmos
Swish by ThinkFun
Tag Solar System Adventure Pack by LeapFrog Enterprises

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR

Angry Birds plush toys by Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co.
HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set by Innovation First Labs
nanoblock by The Ohio Art Company
Rory’s Story Cubes by Gamewright/Ceaco
Sticky Mosaics Happily Ever After Jewelry Box by The Orb Factory Limited
Tilt by ThinkFun
Tobbles by Fat Brain Toy Co.

A full list of nominees can be found at the Toy Industry Association website.