Every year, the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, honors the toys that have had lasting impacts on generations of children. Starting in the year 1998 the Toy Hall of Fame has inducted a diverse range of toys that have stood the test of time and inspired creativity across generations. While the more popular toys like Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, and Rubiks cube have all been nominated into the hall of fame, there are still many beloved toys that have yet to be inducted. Every year toy enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to hear which toys will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by The Strong National Museum of Play, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of play. The museum, which has been open since 1969, wanted to find a way to celebrate the toys that have left a lasting impact and become cultural icons. The Toy Hall of Fame was created to honor toys that not only maintained popularity throughout the decades but also had a significant impact on society. The first class of inductees in 1998 included toys like the Teddy Bear, the Jack-in-the-Box, and the Erector Set. They were chosen because the toys themselves had become icons and influenced generations.

Every year, the National Toy Hall of Fame inducts new toys based on several factors including longevity, cultural significance, innovation, and the ability to inspire learning or creativity. Nominees are selected by a group of toy experts, including museum curators, historians, and industry professionals. Once they are selected, they are then voted on by the public. And finally, a panel of select experts and museum officials decide who is inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.

Although the museum does their best to induct the most influential toys, there are still many deserving toys that have yet to make an appearance within the Hall of Fame. One of oldest board games to be left out of the Hall of Fame is chess. Despite being one of the most influential games of all time, it has yet to even be nominated for a chance at being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Another toy that has been left out is the pogo stick. The origins of the pogo stick can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first design was made out of wood and springs, which wasn’t durable and often broke while kids were jumping with it. However, in 1950, Richard McElroy redesigned the original concept of the pogo stick using steel rods and stronger springs to allow for a more kid friendly design. McElroy’s version was safer and easier for children to use. James Salvati, a junior at Ponte Vedra High School, stated that “I think the pogo stick deserves a spot in the toy hall of fame. I remember having fun with one when I was a kid.” There are many more toys that deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame, Alphabet blocks, Big Wheel, and scrabble just to name a few. The Toy Hall of Fame is more than just a collection of old toys, it is a reminder of childhood memories. Toys have always been a key part of childhood, from problem solving to helping kids with social skills toys have done it all. All the toys inducted into the Hall of Fame have had a lasting impact on how children interact with the world.