Calling All Young Toy Inventors

All great toy ideas have to start somewhere, and what better way than from a kid? The Young Inventor Challenge allows kids to pitch ideas to a panel of judges, and if chosen, to get picked by top toy companies such as Target, Mattel and Hasbro.

The competition invites children between the ages of 6 and 18 to present original toy and game inventions to media, consumers and industry heavyweights, with the possibility of being picked up by a retailer for distribution.

Through Oct. 28, kids and teens can register to compete, and then showcase their ideas to a panel of experts (similar to a science fair setup) on Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG). This year, kids can also enter via video without having to travel to Chicago.

Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, presentation and creativity. First place and runner up awards will be given out in each award category for ages 6-11 and ages 12-18. Last year’s winner “Ship of Treasures” was chosen by Target, invented by two now fifth-grade students.

Participants and their immediate families will also be given complimentary tickets to the ChiTAG fair for the entire weekend. Enter and find out more by visiting Chicago Toy and Game week.