Four Playthings Join National Toy Hall of Fame

Bingo, the Care Bears plush line, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the standard playground slide were named to the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday. The four selections join 90 previous inductees at The Strong National Museum of Play in New York.

The museum's selection process evaluated 12 finalists. Other contenders included Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee, and the board games Sorry! and Mouse Trap. The Hall requires that inductees be recognized as icons that have engaged multiple generations or significantly influenced toy design.

Mirek Stolee, a curator at the museum, noted that bingo has been played virtually worldwide. He stated that while the game is often associated with older audiences, it has gained popularity among young adults. Stolee explained that public bingo games have moved beyond fundraising events into bars and nightclubs.

The Care Bears earned induction after amassing nearly one million social media followers. The Pokémon Trading Card Game was supported by a global community of anime enthusiasts and manga readers. Jeremy Saucier, the museum's vice president for collections, cited the playground slide for its role in developing motor skills. He described the experience of using the slide as simple, satisfying, and energizing for people of all ages.

The National Toy Hall of Fame lists other classic toys such as Mr. Potato Head, G.I. Joe, Cabbage Patch Kids, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, and Frisbee. The 2026 class brings the total number of enshrined items to 94.