If your child is always inventing fun new games to play with his friends and designing original toys, then he might have a future as a toymaker. Now how cool would it be if your kid’s designs actually made it onto the shelves of our favorite toy stores? That would be pretty cool, wouldn’t it? Well here’s your chance to make that dream a reality.
Chicago Toy and Game Week is right around the corner and organizers have opened up registration for its 11th annual Young Inventor Challenge. Through October 28, children ages six and up can submit toy and game concepts that will be evaluated and possibly chosen for distribution by major toy brands. Imagine popping into stores for kids and seeing your child’s vision come to life by Hasbro, Mattel or LEGO!
Photograph: Courtesy ChiTAG
The best part is that for the first time this year, Young Inventor Challenge entries can be submitted by video, which means little New Yorkers can participate in the contest without leaving town. Who knows? Maybe your kid will create the next big thing that will overshadow Hatchimals and Shopkins or an amazing new outdoor toy that will make its way onto every child’s holiday wish list.
Photograph: Courtesy ChiTAG
Each entry is paired up with a toy industry mentor and will get an opportunity to present their ideas at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair on November 18 in a science fair-style showcase. Award categories include Most Marketable Concept, Most Creative Concept, Best Educational Concept, Best Outdoor or Active Play Game/Toy, Most Outstanding Presentation and Best Pitch Video or Commercial. And with sponsors like Pressman Toys, Target, Spin Master, Hasbro, LEGO and Mattel, you know some influential people will be walking through the crowd.
Photograph: Courtesy ChiTAG
Registration is open until October 28 and videos and materials must be submitted by November 4. Participants and their immediate families will also receive complimentary tickets to the Chicago Toy & Game Fair November 18–19. In addition to seeing your kid's toys on a store shelf—which is pretty awesome already—there will be prizes and over $10,000 in scholarships up for grabs. To learn more, visit chitag.com/yic.
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