These Three Toys Were Just Named to National Toy Hall of Fame
Back in September, the National Toy Hall of Fame announced 12 finalists up for nomination this year.
Care Bears, the coloring book, the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Jenga, Magic the Gathering, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox Cars, My Little Pony, the Nerf Blaster, Risk, the smartphone, and the top were all considered for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
This year's winning toys have been announced, and they are: Matchbox Cars, coloring books and Magic the Gathering cards.
To be considered for induction, toys must fit four qualifying criteria: 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). Last year's inductees were the Magic 8 Ball, the pinball machine, and Uno.
According to musesumofplay.org, "the National Toy Hall of Fame receives thousands of nominations annually." Fans can vote for their favorite online, and the three toys with the most votes join three toys also sbumitted for consideration by National Selection Advisory Committee. To date, 68 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.