National Toy Hall of Fame Finalists Announced: Will Your Childhood Favorites Make the Cut?
The National Toy Hall of Fame has released its list of 12 finalists for this year’s induction, and it’s safe to say that we’re all on the edge of our seats waiting to see who will make the cut. Will it be your childhood favorites, or will the judges have an entirely different idea of what constitutes a toy?
The 2023 nominees include some classics that have been around for generations, such as baseball cards and Battleship. But there are also some newer contenders that may surprise you, like the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the ever-iconic Ken doll.
Of course, with such prestigious nominees, the competition is fierce. It’s not just about popularity – each toy is judged on criteria such as innovation, longevity, and cultural impact. So who among the 12 finalists will be deemed worthy of induction into the prestigious National Toy Hall of Fame?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the contenders and what they bring to the table:
Baseball cards: Old school and reliable, baseball cards have been a staple of American childhood for over a century. The thrill of opening a new pack and discovering your favorite players is hard to beat. But is it enough to secure a spot in the hall of fame?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a half shell, these crime-fighting turtles burst onto the scene in the late 80s and have been popular ever since. With their own TV show, movies, and an endless array of merchandise, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have certainly made their mark on pop culture. But is that enough to earn them a spot in the hall of fame alongside classics like Barbie and Lego?
Battleship: A classic board game that has been around since the 1940s, Battleship requires strategy and cunning to sink your opponent’s fleet. But will its longevity and popularity be enough to edge out newer, flashier toys?
Ken: The ultimate companion to Barbie, Ken has been a fixture in little girls’ toy collections since the 1960s. With his molded hair and fashionable outfits, Ken has evolved over the decades to keep up with changing trends. But will the judges be swayed by his dashing good looks?
These are just a few of the finalists, but the competition is stiff. Other contenders include coloring books, Risk, My Little Pony, and the Fisher-Price Corn Popper. It’s anyone’s guess who will make the final cut.
As we eagerly await the National Toy Hall of Fame’s decision, one thing is for sure: the stakes are high. To be inducted into the hall of fame is to be immortalized as a beloved childhood toy for generations to come. So let the debates begin – which toy do you think deserves a spot in the hall of fame?
