Bingo and Tickle Me Elmo nominated for Toy Hall of Fame. Will Care Bears also make it this year?, tell me about this news in (https://www.wral.com/news/ap/36240-bingo-and-tickle-me-elmo-nominated-for-toy-hall-of-fame-will-care-bears-also-make-it-this-year/)
16-09-2026
This news report covers the announcement of the 12 finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. WZIDKey details from the report include:
- Nominees: The diverse group of 12 finalists competing this year includes Tickle Me Elmo, Bingo, Care Bears, the playground slide, the handheld electronic game Bop It!, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Mahjong, and the classic board games Mouse Trap and Sorry!. The Independent
- Repeat Contenders: Several nominees are back on the ballot after previous nominations, notably Tickle Me Elmo, Bingo, Care Bears, Mahjong, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, which have been vying for a spot for years. The Independent
- Public Voting: A public “Player’s Choice” vote opens from September 16 to September 23. The top three toys voted on by the public will be submitted on a single ballot alongside those from a national selection committee of historians, educators, and other toy experts.
- Induction Criteria: To be enshrined, toys must meet key standards: iconic status (widely recognized and remembered), longevity (enduring popularity across multiple generations), discovery (fostering learning, creativity, or discovery), and innovation (profoundly changing play or toy design). The Independent
- Final Reveal: Only three finalists will make the cut to join the more than 90 playthings already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, with the official winners announced in November. The Independent