Fat Brain Toys and Make: Announce Kidventor Challenge Finalists

Selected Toy and Game Ideas Include Educational Challenges and Fresh Takes on Classic Games

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Nov 02, 2017, 10:00 ET

ELKHORN, Neb., Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fat Brain Toys, one of the nation's largest independent toy retailers, and Make:, leader of the Maker movement and producer of the popular Maker Faire events, announced the finalists for their Kidventor Challenge.

The finalist entries are:

Aeropong by Alexander, Age 10

DIY Pinball Challenge by Syon, Age 11

Balloon Pop Play by Sam, Age 9

The Tribyrinth by Charlie, Drew, & Matthew, Age 10

Power Towers by Jackson, Age 13

"The creativity and inventiveness of the entries we received has far exceeded our expectations," said Karen Carson, co-founder of Fat Brain Toys and Kidventor judge. "Our goal in launching this contest was to give a new generation of kids a voice in creating a new generation of toys. What we've learned is that young minds are eager for a more challenging, engaging and imaginative experience when they play. We're thrilled with the response to the Kidventor Challenge and can't wait to present this opportunity year after year."

The Kidventor Challenge offered children ages six to thirteen an opportunity to submit toy or game ideas for the chance to have their concept brought to market by Fat Brain Toys. The winner, announced November 14^th, will receive a $2,500 advance scholarship, a license agreement that offers royalties, and round trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to attend the 2018 American International Toy Fair in New York City.

The winning toy or game will also be on display at the American International Toy Fair in February and showcased before thousands of buyers from around the world.

"We are so impressed with the ideas of these young makers who have demonstrated an ambition toward new possibilities and a unique sense of imagination," said Dale Dougherty, Founder and CEO of Make: and one of the judges of the Kidventor contest. "We hope this will inspire more kids to look for new opportunities for creativity and fun and embrace learning through the challenge of inventing."

In addition to Karen Carson and Dale Dougherty, the judging panel includes Nolan Bushnell, founder of the Atari Corporation, John Lee, founder of Learning Curve, and Jerry Welch, former CEO of the famed FAO Schwarz.

In addition to the five expert judges, anyone can also vote online for who they think should win. Whoever wins the popular vote online will receive an extra judge vote, with the most judge votes determining the winner. To vote for your favorite finalist, please visit: https://www.fatbraintoys.com/kidventor.cfm.

About Fat Brain Toys
Fat Brain Toys is one the nation's largest independent toy retailers. Unlike mainstream or mass-produced alternatives, Fat Brain Toys creates and curates quality toys, games, and clever gifts, and enables children to learn through pure, authentic play. In addition to the online store, Fat Brain Toys operates two retail storefronts and wholesales their original line of specialty toys and games to over 1,500 stores worldwide. Fat Brain Toys is a family-owned and operated company based in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

About MAKER MEDIA
Headquartered in San Francisco, Make: is a global platform that allows Makers to come together to learn, share, make, and collaborate. The launch of Make: magazine in 2005 followed by Maker Faire in 2006 jump started a worldwide Maker Movement which is transforming innovation, culture, and education. Make: editorial content can be found online at makezine.com, its e-commerce at makershed.com, and its online learning for kids at makercamp.com.

Contact
Fat Brain Toys
Danielle Parde, 402-253-0441
[email protected]

Make:
Gretchen Giles, 707-570-7887
[email protected]

SOURCE Fat Brain Toys