Published on: 18th June 2024
The winners of the Outdoor Toy Awards 2024 have all received their gongs after a weekend of rigorous testing by a group of kid critics.
Made up of 20-plus judges aged between 3-16, an afternoon of serious fun took place testing outdoor toys, set up by the awards organisers Nick Gibbs-McNeil of Kidzcoolit and Peter Jenkinson of Toyology.
There were 10 categories under scrutiny and the kids had more than 70 toys to test, making it a playful afternoon of fun in the occasional sun with hydration, music and clipboards. In addition to the top awards in each category, there were several commended toys plus an overall Gold Award – a new gong for best in show, judged by everyone in attendance using the shout-o-meter.
“We’ve managed some national coverage once more and are working on several opportunities as we approach the holidays as well as plenty of social activity to enhance and maximise the awareness of all entries,” said Peter.
Nick added: “The judging day was such a joy. I’m so pleased that Pete and I decided to change the judging process to the natural habitat of most of these products – the garden. It makes such a difference having children play with them in the way they were intended to be played with. The day was electric, full of laughter and play. And the feedback from the young judges was immensely useful. It’s a blessing to be involved in such an incredible event”.
The 10 categories are Climbing and Adventure, Sport and Splash Fun, Outdoor Games, Science and Nature, Ride On, Trampolines, Pre-School Play, Battle & Blaster Toys, Houses, Tents & Hideaways and Flying Toys.
Golden Outdoor Toy Award 2024
Wham-O Slip’N Slide Air
Climbing & Adventure
Winner: Simba Smoby Toys BIG KraXXL The Frame
Commended: Sportspower Pirate swing, single swing and climber.
Sport & Splash Fun
Winner: Nautica Pool Surfer
Commended: Smart Ball Kick Tracker
Outdoor Games
Winner: Wham-O Game Time! Trac-Ball
Science & Nature
Winner: Build Your Own Binoculars
Commended: Weather and Climate Lab
Ride-On
Winner: Razor Crazy Cart Shuffle
Commended: Umove Unicorn Scooter
Trampolines
Winner: Sportspower 14ft Outdoor Trampoline with Ladder and Enclosure
Pre-School Play
Winner: Barbie My First Trampoline
Commended: Earlyrider – Bella Velio
Commended: Funsicle Over the rainbow Sprinkler
Battle & Blaster Toys
Winner: Sambro Paw Patrol Water Blaster Backpack
Commended: Zuru X-Shot Hydro Cannon
Commended: Zuru Bunch O Bubbles Motorized Mega Bubble Blaster
Commended: Wow! Stuff Hyper Pogo Squirter
Houses, Tents & Hideaways
Winner: Feber recycle Eco House
Flying Toys
Winner: Eolo ready-to-fly pop-up kite
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