12 Finalists Announced for 2016 Toy Hall of Fame

some more unconventional than others

To be considered, toys must have lasted for generations, inspired learning or creativity through play and influenced the way toys are designed or played with. Only two or three of the following toys will be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame on November 10th.

1. Care Bears  

Care Bears started as a line of greeting cards in the early 1980s before evolving into mini-dolls and plush teddy bears and eventually storybooks, TV shows, movies, games and more.

2. Clue

Clue was developed during World War II and originally patented under the name “Cluedo”. It’s still one of the best-selling board games of all time.

3. Dungeons & Dragons

The role-play game was developed in the 70’s and required participants to rely on their imaginations. Dungeons & Dragons had heavy influence on the video game industry.

4. Colouring Books

The McLoughlin Brothers (A New York Printing Company) is credited as the colouring book’s inventor. Colouring Books are now used to teach everything from geography to geometry.

5. Fisher-Price Little People

Fisher-Price first released Little People in the 1959 Safety School Bus made of wood. During the 90’s the toys were given arms and legs.

6. Nerf

Nerf has been around since the 1960s with good reason. A ball soft enough to throw around inside the house without fear of breaking anything…it pretty much sells itself. It evolved from balls to blasters that shoot foam darts.

7. Pinball

Believe it or not, pinball originated in the 18th century as a French parlor table game. Over the last century, they evolved into the fast-paced, machines that became common in bars, amusement parks, and restaurants.

8. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Louis Marx & Company introduced Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots to the world in 1965. Players were able to control the robots’ arms to punch their opponent until they knocked their block off for the win.

9. Swing

Swings date back to ancient Greece, and were originally intended only for the wealthy. Obviously, they’ve evolved and have become a playground staple for kids.

10. Transformers

Hasbro, Inc. introduced Transformers to the world in the 1980s. The action figures that changed shape were supported by a Marvel comic book, a TV series, electronic games, cereal and of course movies.

11. Uno

Uno was created in 1971 and belongs to the family of card games where players try to get rid of the cards in their hands. It’s been a steady seller for 40 years.

12. Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap was initially invented in 1957 by two engineers trying to make a new type of 3-D wallpaper. It was soon discovered that it made great packing material, and subsequently, that it provided hours of entertainment in the form of popping the bubbles.