My Little Pony, the iconic '80s toy, has once again secured a spot as a finalist for the prestigious National Toy Hall of Fame. This marks the seventh time the beloved pastel toy horse with a silky mane has been considered for induction.
Fierce Competition for Induction
Among the 12 contenders for this year's induction, My Little Pony stands out as a fan-favorite. Introduced in the early 1980s, this toy quickly became a cultural phenomenon, outselling even Barbie at its peak and inspiring a range of movies and TV shows. The 2010 animated series, "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," even gave rise to a dedicated fandom of adult male fans known as "bronies."
Despite its immense popularity, My Little Pony has consistently fallen short in previous Toy Hall of Fame ballots, losing out to iconic toys like Barbie, American Girl, and Cabbage Patch Kids. The competition even includes seemingly simple objects like a stick and a cardboard box.
Reviving '80s Nostalgia
Transformers action figures, another beloved '80s toy, also made the cut for consideration after facing disappointment in previous years. The National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998, celebrates the cultural impact of toys through public voting and expert input.
The other finalists for this year's induction include Apples to Apples, Balloons, Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks, Hess Toy Trucks, the card game Phase 10, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, remote-controlled vehicles, the board game Sequence, a stick horse, a trampoline, and Transformers.
Public Voting and Announcement
The public has the opportunity to cast their votes until Wednesday, Sept. 25, on toyhalloffame.org. The winners of this year's induction will be revealed in November, adding new members to the illustrious list of Toy Hall of Fame inductees.
Expanding the Toy Hall of Fame Legacy
Since its inception, the Toy Hall of Fame has honored a diverse array of toys that have shaped childhoods and sparked imaginations. From classic favorites like LEGO, Barbie, and Monopoly to innovative creations like Transformers and Magic: The Gathering, the Hall of Fame celebrates the timeless appeal of these beloved playthings.