The National Toy Hall of Fame has unveiled its latest inductees, celebrating toys that have fostered imaginative play and maintained enduring popularity. The distinguished honour, located at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has announced that the 2026 class includes the Care Bears, Bingo, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the slide, all of which will now be on exhibit at the museum.
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The selection of these toys was made from a notable shortlist featuring twelve contenders. Among those in the running were Mouse Trap, Polly Pocket, Bop It!, Mahjong, Monster High dolls, Sorry!, Tickle Me Elmo, and Yahtzee. Established in 1998, the Hall of Fame aims to highlight toys that have significantly contributed to childhood creativity and play. Nominations can be submitted by the public, while final decisions are guided by insights from historians, educators, and other experts in fields promoting learning and play.
The Care Bears, which originated as characters on greeting cards, first captivated audiences in the early 1980s. These brightly-coloured bears, each symbolising a distinct human emotion or virtue, evolved into a successful line of plush toys, ultimately spawning a franchise that encompasses books, television shows, films, games, and an array of merchandise. According to Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, chief curator of the museum, “The emotional architecture of the Care Bears has resonated with at least two generations.” Their significant online presence, with nearly a million followers on social media, further underscores their ongoing appeal across both children and adults.
Bingo, a game with roots tracing back to an Italian lottery from the 1530s, has transformed significantly over time. It morphed into a teaching tool known as lotto in France and Germany before reaching America in the 1800s, where it became associated with the carnival game beano. In the 1920s, a marketing twist on the name saw it reborn as Bingo, rapidly becoming a popular fixture at charity events and entertainment venues. Mirek Stolee, a museum curator, observed that while traditionally associated with older players, Bingo is now witnessing a resurgence among younger adults, particularly in social settings such as bars and clubs.
Slides have become iconic playground features over the centuries. The introduction of slides in public parks during the playground movement of the early 1900s marked a new era for outdoor play. Jeremy Saucier, the museum’s vice president of collections, acknowledged the universal joy derived from sliding, stating, “People of all ages fondly remember the simple, satisfying and energising experience of racing down a slide.” Many fairs and amusement parks have even created larger versions for thrill-seeking adults, further broadening the slide’s audience.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been a monumental force in the toy industry since its launch 30 years ago. With billions of cards produced, the game attracts a diverse fan base, including children, anime lovers, manga readers, and video gamers. The game’s success, according to Stolee, stems from its ability to adapt traditional card game concepts while maintaining accessibility and integrating its lovable Pokémon characters, thereby appealing to a global demographic.
This year’s induction follows last year’s notable entries, which included Trivial Pursuit, Slime, and Battleship. The Hall of Fame has a rich history of recognising influential toys, having previously inducted classics such as Lite Brite (2022), Big Wheel (2009), G.I. Joe (2004), Easy-Bake Oven (2006), Crayola Crayons (1998), and American Girl Dolls (2021).
The recognition afforded to these new inductees highlights the impact that toys have had on generations of children and their role in stimulating creativity and social interaction. As the National Toy Hall of Fame continues to celebrate these beloved playthings, it remains a tribute to the lasting joy and inspiration that toys can bring to people of all ages.
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