Transformers and Other Toys Up for Toy Hall of Fame Induction

The National Toy Hall of Fame, located inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has announced its 12 finalists for induction this year. Among the nominees are Transformers action figures, which debuted in the 1980s, and the iconic My Little Pony figures, a seven-time finalist.

• Transformers action figures, first introduced in the 1980s, are nominated for their longevity and influence on pop culture.
• My Little Pony figures, a seven-time finalist, are once again in the running for induction.
• Other nominees include balloons, Hess Toy Trucks, "Choose Your Own Adventure" gamebooks, and the games Phase 10, Sequence, and the Pokemon Trading Card Game.

Criteria for Induction into the Toy Hall of Fame

To be inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame, toys must meet specific criteria, including longevity, recognizability, and great "play value," meaning they encourage creativity, socialization, and other positive attributes.

• Toys must have longevity and be recognizable across generations.
• They should encourage creativity, socialization, and other beneficial qualities in play.
• Toys that promote boredom or get shoved under the bed are not likely to be inducted.

Public Voting and Expert Panel Decisions

Fans can vote for their favorite finalists from September 18 to 25 at toyhalloffame.org. The three toys with the most public votes will make up a "Player's Choice" ballot, which will be tallied along with ballots from 22 historians and other experts.

• The public can vote for their favorite finalists online from September 18 to 25.
• The top three toys from public voting will form a "Player's Choice" ballot.
• Expert judges' ballots will be combined with the public vote to determine the inductees.

Previous Inductees and Toy Hall of Fame History

Since its establishment in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame has recognized more than 80 toys for inspiring creative play across generations. Past inductees range from simple playthings like the stick and paper airplane to iconic toys like Barbie dolls and Dungeons & Dragons.

• Over 80 toys have been inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame since 1998.
• Inductees include simple toys like sticks and paper airplanes, as well as iconic toys like Barbie dolls and Dungeons & Dragons.
• Last year's inductees were baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, and Nerf foam toys.

Versatility and Universal Appeal of Balloons

Among the first-time contenders this year are balloons, praised for their versatility and universal appeal. Balloons made the list of finalists due to their ability to inspire various forms of play and their appeal to children and adults alike.

• Balloons are a first-time contender for induction into the Toy Hall of Fame.
• They are praised for their versatility and universal appeal across ages.
• Balloons can inspire different types of play, from whimsical to physical.

Trampoline and Apples to Apples Game Among Other Finalists

Rounding out the list of finalists are trampolines, known for their physical play value, and the party game Apples to Apples, which encourages socialization and word associations. Remote-controlled vehicles and the classic stick horse are also in the running.

• Trampolines are nominated for their physical play value.
• The Apples to Apples party game promotes socialization and word associations.
• Remote-controlled vehicles and the stick horse are other finalists.

"Choose Your Own Adventure" Gamebooks and Hess Toy Trucks Finalists

The bestselling "Choose Your Own Adventure" gamebooks, which encourage readers to plot their own stories, are among the finalists this year. Hess Toy Trucks, which have signaled the holiday season since 1964, are also in the running for induction.

• "Choose Your Own Adventure" gamebooks allow readers to create their own stories.
• Hess Toy Trucks have been a holiday tradition since 1964.
• Both these nominees promote creativity and nostalgia.

Tough Decisions Ahead for Judges and Public

With such a diverse range of toys nominated, from strategic to whimsical to physical, the selection judges and public will have some tough decisions to make this year, according to Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator at the museum.

• The finalists represent a wide range of play styles.
• Strategic, whimsical, and physical toys are all in the running.
• Judges and the public will have to make difficult choices among the diverse nominees.