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The National Toy Hall of Fame

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The National Toy Hall of Fame

The National Toy Hall of Fame is an American Museum that consists of games and toys that have been popular for years. There are currently 42 toys that meet the criteria to be inducted into the toy hall of fame. For a toy to be included it must be popular for years, be innovative, be well known and it must stimulate creativity or learning.
The hall of fame began in A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon. The Village was named after the founder of the Erector Set, A.C. Gilbert. They chose Gilbert's name because he was known for wanting his toys to combine playing and learning. The Museum was moved in 2002 to The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. It simply just needed a bigger toy box.

America's Favorite Toys

Every year new toys enter the National Toy Hall of Fame. The toys and games can be as specific as Candyland or Mr. Potato Head. Or they can be as generic as the bicycle or the stick. Anyone can suggest a toy for nomination at The National Toy Hall of Fame website. An advisory committee made up of teachers, historians and museum curators add up all of the suggestions and then vote for their top picks.

Toy and Game Standards

  1. Icon-Status: The toy or game is remembered and widely recognized
  2. Longevity: The game or toy was popular for years and wasn't just a fad
  3. Discovery: The game or toy encourages learning, creativity or of course discovery
  4. Innovation: The game or toy must have dramatically changed the way people play or has a revolutionary new design

Class of 1998 and 1999

  1. Barbie
  2. Crayola Crayon
  3. Erector Set
  4. Etch-A-Sketch
  5. Frisbee
  6. Hula Hoop
  7. LEGO
  8. Lincoln Logs
  9. Marbles
  10. Monopoly
  11. Play-Doh
  12. Radio Flyer Wagon
  13. Roller Skates
  14. Teddy Bear
  15. Tinkertoy
  16. View-Master
  17. Duncan Yo-Yo

Class of 2000

  1. Bicycle
  2. Jacks
  3. Jump Rope
  4. Mr. Potato Head
  5. Slinky

Class of 2001

  1. Silly Putty
  2. Tonka Trucks

Class of 2002

  1. Jigsaw Puzzle
  2. Raggedy Ann

Class of 2003

  1. Alphabet Blocks
  2. Checkers

Class of 2004

  1. G.I. Joe
  2. Rocking Horse
  3. Scrabble

Class of 2005

  1. Candy Land
  2. Cardboard Box
  3. Jack-in-the-box

Class of 2006

  1. Easy Bake Oven
  2. Lionel Trains

Class of 2007

  1. Atari 2600
  2. Kite
  3. Raggedy Andy

Class of 2008

  1. Stick
  2. Baby Doll
  3. Skateboard

Do you have a favorite toy that should be included in The National Toy Hall of Fame?

Or other feedback.

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  • Reply
    Zion Dec 17, 2008 @ 12:08 pm | delete
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  • Reply
    Jim10 Nov 20, 2008 @ 6:07 pm | in reply to lisadh | delete
    Yah I know I was surprised by the recent addition of the stick. But, I do remember playing with both sticks and cardboard boxes while I was little so I guess they belong. I just need to find a way to convince my kids that Santa was great bringing them 2 of the toys from the Hall of Fame this year. I will put a few big sticks inside a large box and see how it goes.
  • Reply
    Mark-Nehs Nov 18, 2008 @ 11:21 pm | delete
    Great stuff. It is getting to be that time of year -- thanks for the toy suggestions.
  • Reply
    Jim10 Nov 14, 2008 @ 6:55 pm | in reply to Michelle_Claire | delete
    Thanks for the support. I'm glad you found some great toys for Christmas shopping. You would probably like my website http://3boystoys.com/ where I list my own sons favorite toys with descriptions. Thanks again.
  • Reply
    lisadh Nov 14, 2008 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    Cardboard box??? My kids love playing in them, but I'm not sure I'd put them in the Hall of Fame with Mr. Potato Head and Etch-a-Sketch.
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Jim10

Hello my name is Jim and I love the toys listed in The National Toy Hall of Fame. I recently made my first website. 3 Boys Toys. I started it in order... more »

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