The annual battle for toy supremacy has begun.
The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame has revealed the 12 iconic toys that are in the running to take their place in the hallowed halls of the museum this November. Among the finalists are a few that have been up for the honor before, such as My Little Pony, Matchbox cars, and Masters of the Universe.
This year they’ll face off against the Care Bears, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Jenga, Magic the Gathering, the NERF Blaster, Risk, and two devices on completely opposite ends of the spectrum: the coloring book and the smartphone.
“These 12 toys represent the wide scope of play — from the simple, traditional spinning top that has been played with since pre-history to the ultra-modern smartphone which has dramatically changed how people of all ages play and connect,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections. “Whether old or new, or imaginative or physical, all 12 of these toy finalists share an undeniable ability to inspire people to learn, create, and discover through play.”
Starting today, fans can vote for their favorite finalists 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.
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;
- Innovation: the toy profoundly changed play or toy design.
The final 2019 toy inductees, chosen based on the ballots, will be announced at The Strong museum on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m.
