The National Toy Hall of Fame began not with a grand ceremony, but with a quiet decision to honor the cardboard box. In 2005, curators at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, made the bold choice to induct the humble cardboard box without any formal nomination. Christopher Bensch, the chief curator at the time, explained that the box represented a great play experience that required no money to access. He noted that children instinctively understood the box's potential, while adults often failed to see the possibilities within its empty space. This decision set a precedent for the Hall, proving that the most enduring toys were not always the most expensive or technologically advanced. The Hall of Fame, established in 1998 under the direction of Ed Sobey, was originally housed at A. C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon, before moving to its current home in 2002. The move was necessary because the program had outgrown its original location, but the core mission remained the same: to recognize toys that sustained their popularity for many years. The criteria for induction were strict, requiring icon status, longevity, discovery, and innovation. These standards ensured that only toys that had truly stood the test of time would be enshrined.
The First Inductees And The Student Protest
The first class of inductees was announced in November 1999, and it included toys that are now considered classics like Barbie, the Lincoln Logs, and the Erector Set. However, the ceremony was not without its drama. Students from nearby Willamette University protested in good-natured fashion when they discovered that Mr. Potato Head and Ken, Barbie's friend, were not included in the inaugural list. The protest highlighted the passionate connection people had with these toys and the desire to see their favorites recognized. The original inductees also included the Crayola crayon, the Etch A Sketch, the Frisbee, the Hula hoop, Lego, Marbles, Monopoly, Play-Doh, the Radio Flyer wagon, roller skates, the Teddy bear, the Tinkertoy, the View-Master, and the Duncan Yo-Yo. These toys were chosen for their ability to foster learning, creativity, and discovery. The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of educators and civic leaders evaluating the nominees. The inclusion of these toys set the stage for future inductions, establishing a standard of excellence that would be maintained for decades. The Hall of Fame was designed to honor toys that had sustained their popularity for many years, ensuring that only the most enduring and impactful toys would be recognized.The Public Vote And The Forgotten Five
In 2023, the National Toy Hall of Fame introduced a new element to its selection process: the public-driven "Forgotten Five" vote. The Fisher-Price Corn Popper was not on the original list of nominees, but the Strong Museum highlighted it along with four other frequent past finalists: My Little Pony dolls, PEZ candy dispensers, pogo sticks, and Transformers action figures. The public was invited to vote on which of these five should be inducted as a fourth toy for the year. The Corn Popper won the vote and was inducted alongside Baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Nerf. This move demonstrated the Hall's commitment to listening to the public and recognizing toys that had been overlooked. The process also highlighted the enduring popularity of these toys, as they had been finalists in previous years but had not been selected. The inclusion of the Corn Popper was a testament to the Hall's ability to adapt and evolve, ensuring that it remained relevant to the public. The Hall of Fame continued to induct new toys, with the Class of 2024 adding My Little Pony dolls, Transformers action figures, and the Phase 10 card game. The Class of 2025, announced on the 6th of November 2025, included the Battleship board game, Trivial Pursuit board game, and Slime, both manufactured and homemade. These inductees reflected the Hall's ongoing commitment to honoring toys that have sustained their popularity and made a lasting impact on play.