National Toy Hall of Fame Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Toy Hall of Fame?

The National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998, recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period. Each year, the prestigious hall inducts new honorees and showcases both new and historic versions of classic toys beloved by generations.

When did the National Toy Hall of Fame start?

The National Toy Hall of Fame began in 1998 at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon, but moved to The Strong National Museum of Play in 2002.

Where can I see the National Toy Hall of Fame?

The National Toy Hall of Fame is represented as part of the Toy Halls of Fame exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. The exhibit contains examples of many of the inducted toys, alongside interactive elements, including a Crayon piano, virtual bubble tower, and oversized Mr. Potato Head.

Who can nominate a toy?

Anyone can nominate a toy for the National Toy Hall of Fame! The hall accepts nominations year-round online: Nominate a Toy – The Strong National Museum of Play

What is the deadline for nominations?

For consideration in a particular year, nominations must be received by July 31 of that year. Any nominations received after that date will be considered for the following year.

What are the criteria for induction?

Inducted toys are selected based on the following criteria:

• 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. A toy may be inducted on the basis of this criterion without necessarily having met all of the first three.

Who chooses the finalists?

An internal committee of museum staff—including curators, historians, and educators—reviews the nominees each year. They choose the 12 finalists based on the criteria of icon-status, longevity, discovery, and innovation, and they also try to ensure that the finalists provide a range of toy types and blend of returning and first-time finalists.

When are the 12 finalists announced?

The 12 finalists are announced in the middle of September each year.

How many inductees are chosen?

The National Toy Hall of Fame typically inducts three toys each year. In honor of the National Toy Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary in 2023, the Hall inducted a special fourth toy from a list of long-time finalists dubbed The Forgotten Five.

Who chooses the inductees?

The inductees are chosen with the help of a National Selection Advisory Committee, who submit ranked ballots. The public may vote in a Player’s Choice ballot, too, counting collectively as one ballot.

What is the National Selection Advisory Committee?

The National Selection Advisory Committee is made up of about two dozen individuals from across the United States, including historians, scholars, educators, and pop culture experts.

When are the inductees announced?

The inductees are announced in early November each year.

How many toys have been inducted so far?

As of early 2026, there are 91 toys enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame.

What toys have been inducted so far?

The full list of inductees and biographies can be found at https://www.museumofplay.org/exhibits/toy-hall-of-fame/inducted-toys/