The 12 finalists for the 2021 induction into The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame have been unveiled, all vying for one of the three coveted spots for this year’s inductions.
[blockquote align=”right” author=”Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections”]These 12 toys represent the wide scope of playthings—from one of the most universal playthings in the world like sand to a game-changing board game like Risk to the popular adult game of billiards[/blockquote]
This year’s finalists include American Girl Dolls, Battleship, billiards, Cabbage Patch Kids, the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Mahjong, Masters of the Universe, piñata, Risk, sand, The Settlers of Catan, and the toy fire engine.
Some on the list are past nominees, including Masters of the Universe, which has been on ballot for the past four years. Hopefully, will the resurgence of all things He-Man this past year, He-Man, Skeletor and everyone else can finally make it through. As a kid from the 80s, its hard to fathom they were not a first-ballot entry.
CRITERIA FOR INDUCTION INCLUDE:
- 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;
- Innovation: the toy profoundly changed play or toy design.
Public voting is open through Sept. 22 as part of a “Player’s Choice” ballot at toyhalloffame.org. The three toys that receive the most public votes will be submitted and will join the other top-three submissions by members of the National Selection Advisory Committee.
The final 2021 toy inductees will be announced at The Strong museum on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m.
