Current:Home > MarketsHere's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year -TradeWise
Here's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year
View
Date:2025-04-17 17:17:42
Three more toys are being recognized for their innovation and longevity.
The Strong National Museum of Play announced on Tuesday that My Little Pony, Phase 10 and Transformers were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year.
“These are three very deserving toys that showcase the wide range of how people play,” Christopher Bensch, The Strong's vice president for collections and chief curator, said in a news release. “But for My Little Pony, in particular, this year is extra validating. The beloved toy was a finalist seven times before finally crossing the finish line."
The three inductees were among 12 finalists, including Apples to Apples, balloons, Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks, Hess Toy Trucks, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, remote-controlled (R/C) vehicles, Sequence, the stick horse and trampolines.
About this year's inductees
My Little Pony
My Little Pony was first introduced by Hasbro in 1983 and reintroduced again in 2003. The mini-horse figurines come in more than a thousand varieties, all with elongated tails and manes, made to be brushed.
My Little Pony peaked in popularity in 1982 and 1993, outselling Barbie, according to a news release from The Strong National Museum of Play.
In addition to the figurines, several animated My Little Pony television series have been popular over the years. Most recent is Hasbro's nine-season series, "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," released in 2010.
Phase 10
One of the best-selling card games, second only to Uno, Phase 10 was introduced in 1982 by Ken Johnson, a Black game inventor and entrepreneur.
The rummy-style card game challenges players to collect groups of cards to complete 10 phases, in sequential order, before their opponents. Over the years, Phase 10 sequels, variations and a mobile app game have been released.
“Today, Mattel reportedly sells two million Phase 10 decks annually in 30 countries and in more than 20 languages," Mirek Stolee, The Strong's curator of board games and puzzles, said in a news release.
Transformers
Hasbro released its first set of Transformers in 1984. The toys were marketed with a backstory, supported by a Marvel comic book series, a cartoon television series, animated movies, video games, consumer goods and even its own cereal, according to a news release.
Transformers figurines have continued to stay relevant alongside the live-action movies. The first, "Transformers" was released in 2007, starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel. The most recent release, "Transformers One," hit theaters in September.
How are finalists selected?
Anyone can make a nomination for the National Toy Hall of Fame. Final selections are made by a board of historians, educators and others who "exemplify learning, creativity and discovery," according to a news release.
Can you see the National Toy Hall of Fame in person?
Yes, the National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.
What other toys have been inducted?
Eighty-four toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998. That first year, teddy bears, the erector set, Crayola Crayons, frisbees, Barbie, etch-a-sketch, Monopoly, tinkertoys, Play-Doh, marbles and LEGO were inducted.
Last year, four toys were inducted in the hall of fame: baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Nerf toys.
Other notable inductees include sand (2021), the Atari 2600 Game System (2007), balls (2009), Hot Wheels (2011), The Game of Life (2010), G.I. Joe (2004), cardboard boxes (2005), Raggedy Ann and Andy (2002), kites (2007), Mr. Potato Head (2000) and sticks (2008).
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
veryGood! (81298)
Related
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Floor fights, boos and a too-long kiss. How the dramatic and the bizarre define convention history
- How Fox News and CNN covered 'catastrophic' Trump rally shooting
- Who is JD Vance? Things to know about Donald Trump’s pick for vice president
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- At the Trump rally, it was evening sun, songs and blue sky. Then came bullets, screams and blood
- Atlanta's Marcell Ozuna in Home Run Derby spotlight after arrests: 'I pray people can forgive'
- Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin delivers emotional tribute to father at SEC media days
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Watch live as assassination investigation unfolds after shooting at Trump rally Saturday
Ranking
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Why Armie Hammer Says Being Canceled Was Liberating After Sexual Assault Allegations
- Court in Japan allows transgender woman to officially change gender without compulsory surgery
- Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin delivers emotional tribute to father at SEC media days
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- 2024 MLB draft tracker day 2: Every pick from rounds 3-10
- 1 killed, 6 injured when pickup truck collides with horse-drawn buggy in Virginia
- Shannen Doherty Officially Filed to End Divorce Battle With Ex Kurt Iswarienko One Day Before Her Death
Recommendation
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
GoFundMe for Corey Comperatore, Trump rally shooting victims raises over $4M
2024 Republican National Convention begins today on heels of Trump assassination attempt. Here's what to know.
Schools receive third — and potentially final — round of federal funding for homeless students
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
New York’s Green Amendment Guarantees the Right to a ‘Healthful Environment.’ Activists Want the State to Enforce It
Pauly Shore Honors “One of a Kind” Richard Simmons After Fitness Icon’s Death
Blue-collar steel town tries to dig out from day of infamy after Trump shooting