Parents and kids are tapping into their creative sides looking for fun ways to pass the time. Now kids can take their own idea for a toy or game and turn it into a concept that could end up being sold at major retailers like Target. The CHITAG Young Inventor Challenge happens annually each year as part of Chicago Toy & Game Week, but, the group has partnered with major industry players like Mattel, Magformers, Scholastic and the American Specialty Retailer Association (ASTRA) to launch a special spring edition, specifically to help inspire kids stuck at home due to COVID-19.
The CHITAG Spring Young Inventor Challenge is open to kids ages 6-18 as of Apr.15, 2020. To enter, kids need to create an original prototype toy or game and show the judges how to play with it using photos and sending in a pitch video. The deadline for entry is Jun. 15 and winners will be announced Jul. 1.Â
This is the 14th year for the Young Inventor Challenge, in which heavy hitters from top toy companies mentor each entrant. There’s even a Young Inventor Design Guide which walks parents and kids through the creative design process.
During the judging phase, toy companies have the option to work with inventors to bring their games to market.Â
Past winners include:
- 13-year-old Lily Brown and 12-year-old Tait Hansen who created Betcha Can’t, a card game all about betting and bragging rights. It’s available at Target now.Â
- Tiggy Silwinski’s Draw Into Crime was optioned by PlayMonster.
- Ellie Skalla is the young inventor behind Galactiquest which is being sold at Target.
- Olivia Wasilewski and Brynna Siewers created Ship of Treasures which is available on Amazon.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: CHITAG Young Inventor Challenge
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