Tickle Me Elmo, Bingo Among Finalists for National Toy Hall of Fame
The National Toy Hall of Fame announced its 12 finalists for the Class of 2026, including classic toys and games that have shaped generations.
Tickle Me Elmo dolls, the game of chance Bingo, and the playground slide are among the 12 finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026. The lineup also includes Care Bears, the dice game Yahtzee, the ancient game Mahjong, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The Hall announced its finalists on Wednesday, opening voting to the public and a panel of judges who will determine the inductees in November. The public can cast their votes between September 16 and September 23.
Other nominees include the handheld electronic game Bop It!, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, and the board games Mouse Trap and Sorry!.
"It’s debating season, and this year’s finalists give everyone plenty to talk about — from classic games to plush icons and other toys that have shaped generations of play," Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, senior curator at the museum, said in a statement. "The debate is part of the fun because every toy sparks different memories and makes its own case for why it matters."
To be considered for the Hall of Fame, toys must be icons that have engaged multiple generations, fostered creativity, or significantly changed play or toy design. The three winners will join the existing 90 toys already enshrined, such as Cabbage Patch Kids, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, Frisbee, G.I. Joe, and Mr. Potato Head.
Some of this year's nominees, including Tickle Me Elmo, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and Mahjong, have been finalists for the Hall of Fame in previous years.