Finalists chosen for National Toy Hall of Fame

Breyer Horses will be pitted against My Little Pony this fall in a race to see which toys are inducted into the Strong Museum National Toy Hall of Fame.

One dozen finalists have been selected for the annual induction, including Baby Nancy, bingo, Breyer Horses, Jenga, Lite-Brite, Masters of the Universe, My Little Pony, Risk, sidewalk chalk, Sorry!, Tamagotchi and Yahtzee.

“These 12 toys represent the wide scope of playthings — from simple sidewalk chalk that has its roots in ancient times, to Baby Nancy, which proved a turning point in the representation of race in dolls, to the more recent, highly innovative Tamagotchi,” said Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections. “Whether old or new, or simple or high-tech, all 12 of these toy finalists greatly influenced the world of play.”

The National Toy Hall of Fame receives thousands of nominations annually. This year, fans may vote for their favorite finalists until Sept. 16 as part of a “Player’s Choice” ballot at toyhalloffame.org. The three toys that receive the most public votes will be submitted and will join the other top-three submissions by members of the National Selection Advisory Committee. The public will collectively act as one member of the 23-member committee.

The final 2020 toy inductees, chosen based on the ballots, will be announced by the Strong museum on Nov. 5.

The National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have engaged and delighted multiple generations. Criteria for induction include: icon-status — the toy is widely recognized, respected and remembered; longevity — the toy is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity over multiple generations; discovery — the toy fosters learning, creativity or discovery through play; and innovation — the toy profoundly changed play or toy design.

More than 70 toys have been inducted to the Toy Hall of Fame including classics such as the Radio Flyer Wagon, Raggedy Ann and Andy and the rocking horse, as well as newer toys such as the Super Soaker and the Nintendo Game Boy.

The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 and recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period. Anyone can nominate a toy to the National Toy Hall of Fame. Final selections are made on the advice of historians, educators and other individuals who exemplify learning, creativity and discovery through their lives and careers.

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