The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, has revealed the 12 finalists vying for induction this November, setting the stage for another round of playful debates among toy fans.
This year’s contenders span a wide spectrum of classic and unconventional playthings, from beloved board games to cultural icons of the 1990s and even everyday elements of play. The finalists include:
- Battleship
- Catan
- Connect Four
- Cornhole
- Furby
- Scooter
- Slime
- Snow
- Spirograph
- Star Wars Light Saber
- Tickle Me Elmo
- Trivial Pursuit
“This year’s contenders present some playful matchups. There’s a great group of classic tabletop games in Battleship, Catan, Connect Four, and Trivial Pursuit. Then you have some nontraditional toys like snow and slime, that are wonderful vehicles for play. There’s also Tickle Me Elmo and Furby — two technological icons of the ’90s toy world — battling it out,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator.
Tickle Me Elmo was nominated in 2018, while Spirograph was nominated twice, in 2007 and 2022. Slime and Connect Four were first nominated in 2023, and scooters were up for induction twice before in 2013 and 2015. Battleship, Catan, and Connect Four were all nominated in 2023, and Battleship and Catan had been nominated previously, in 2015 and 2021, and 2021 and 2022, respectively. This appears to be the first year for Cornhole, Furby, Snow, Star Wars Light Saber, and Trivial Pursuit. Many of these classic games have found new life through licensing and revivals.
“I’m always excited to see where the judges and public come out in their votes,” Bensch adds. “At the end of the day, the playful debates just go to show how much personal and cultural relevance these toys have for us all.”
Last year’s class, a classic trio, was My Little Pony, Transformers, and Phase 10.
Fans will have the chance to support their favorites through a “Player’s Choice” ballot online, open September 17-24. The top three public picks will count collectively as one vote alongside the National Selection Advisory Committee, which will determine the 2025 inductees.
The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to honor toys that have stood the test of time and influenced generations of play. To earn a place, toys must demonstrate icon status, longevity, discovery, and innovation. Inductees are displayed at The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of toys, games, and play-related artifacts. Anyone can nominate a toy.
Final selections will be announced in November. The inductees will join 87 beloved toys, including American Girl dolls, Atari 2600 Game System, LEGO, Cabbage Patch Kid, and Star Wars action figures.
Learn more at toyhalloffame.org.
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