The National Toy Hall of Fame is once again buzzing with excitement as the finalists for this year's induction have been announced.
Balloons
,
Trampoline
, and
Apples to Apples
are among the 12 contenders vying for a spot in the prestigious hall.
The selection process is in full swing, with expert judges and the public set to cast their votes to determine the lucky inductees. Other newcomers in the running include the popular
Choose Your Own Adventure
gamebooks and the iconic
Hess Toy Trucks
. Fans of remote-controlled vehicles, stick horses, and classic games like
Phase 10
and
Sequence
will also be pleased to see them on the list.
Two perennial favorites,
My Little Pony
and
Transformers
, are back again, hoping that this year will finally be their turn to shine. The
Pokemon Trading Card Game
is also among the nominees, adding an element of nostalgia for fans of the beloved franchise.
Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator, expressed his excitement about the diverse range of toys in contention this year. He highlighted the importance of play value, longevity, and recognition in the selection process, emphasizing the toys' ability to foster creativity and socialization.
Voting is open to the public from Sept. 18 to 25 on toyhalloffame.org. The three toys with the most public votes will form a "Player's Choice" ballot, which will be combined with votes from historians and experts to determine the final inductees.
Since its inception in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame has celebrated over 80 toys that have made a lasting impact on creative play. From simple pleasures like the stick and paper airplane to cultural icons like Barbie and Dungeons & Dragons, the Hall of Fame honors toys that have stood the test of time.
As the anticipation builds for this year's induction ceremony, fans are eager to see which toys will be immortalized in the hallowed halls of the National Toy Hall of Fame. Will it finally be the year for My Little Pony to take the crown? Only time will tell.
Last year's inductees included baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, and Nerf foam toys, further solidifying the Hall of Fame's status as a beacon of nostalgia and joy for toy enthusiasts of all ages.
The National Toy Hall of Fame, housed in The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, continues to uphold its mission of celebrating the toys that have brought joy and inspiration to generations of children. Stay tuned for updates on this year's inductees and join in the excitement of honoring these beloved playthings!