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Pokémon, Care Bears among newest inductees of Toy Hall of Fame

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2026 Toy Hall of Fame finalists Pokémon Trading Card Game is among the inductees of the Toy Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026. (Martin of Sweden/Martin of Sweden - stock.adobe.com)

The Strong National Museum of Play has announced which toys will be part of the Toy Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

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Four toys and games are being enshrined in the Hall of Fame. They are: Pokémon Trading Card Game, Care Bears, Bingo, and a slide.

The announcement was made during the “Today” show on Nov. 5.

The 12 finalists were (inductees in bold):

  • Bingo
  • Bop It!
  • Care Bears
  • Mahjong
  • Monster High dolls
  • Mouse Trap
  • Pokémon Trading Card Game
  • Polly Pocket
  • Slide
  • Sorry!
  • Tickle Me Elmo
  • Yahtzee

Toy aficionados were able to cast their vote for what should have been inducted as part of a “Player’s Choice” ballot, with the three top vote-getters joining the top three submissions of the National Selection Advisory Committee, with the public representing one member of the 23-member committee.

“The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have engaged and delighted multiple generations. Criteria for induction include: Icon-status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); Longevity (the toy is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity over multiple generations); Discovery (the toy fosters learning, creativity, or discovery through play); and Innovation (the toy profoundly changed play or toy design),” museum officials said in a news release in September.

The four new toys will be added to the 90 toys that were already inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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