National Toy Hall of Fame 2025 Finalists: A Diverse Lineup of Iconic Toys and Games
The National Toy Hall of Fame is gearing up to potentially induct snow as one of its newest members later this year. The competition is fierce, with popular board games, outdoor activities, and beloved toys vying for the honor. The Hall of Fame recently revealed its 12 finalists for the Class of 2025, inviting the public and a panel of judges to cast their votes for the deserving candidates. Among the contenders are classic games like Battleship, Catan, Connect Four, Spirograph, and Trivial Pursuit, as well as crowd-pleasers like scooters, slime, and cornhole. The list also includes iconic toys such as the "Star Wars" lightsaber, Furby, and Tickle Me Elmo, selected from a pool of thousands of nominations received each year.
Christopher Bensch, the vice president for collections and chief curator at the Hall of Fame, expressed excitement about this year's diverse lineup of nominees. From traditional board games to technological marvels like Tickle Me Elmo and Furby, the selection offers a range of playful matchups that reflect the evolving landscape of toys and games. Bensch emphasized the personal and cultural significance of these toys, highlighting the impact they have had on multiple generations of players. The public has until September 24 to vote for their favorites, with the top three vote-getters earning a spot on the "Player's Choice" ballot alongside selections from the panel of experts. The final inductees will be announced in November by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, where the Toy Hall of Fame is located.
To be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame, a toy must be an iconic representation of play, engaging across generations, fostering creativity, or revolutionizing toy design. Last year's honorees included My Little Pony, Transformers action figures, and the Phase 10 card game, bringing the total number of inducted toys to 87 since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 1998. This year's nominees span a wide range of categories, from classic board games like Battleship and Catan to innovative toys like Furby and the "Star Wars" lightsaber. Each nominee has left a lasting impact on the world of play, earning them a place among the elite group of toys celebrated by the National Toy Hall of Fame.