Happy Thanksgiving from Toy Tales!
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, announced the 2025 inductees to its National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 6. Three objects of play received the honour: Battleship, slime, and Trivial Pursuit.
Established in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong recognizes toys and games that have made a lasting impact on play and popular culture. Each year, a committee of historians, educators, and industry experts review a slate of finalists and selects new inductees. Twelve finalists were considered for 2025 induction, with those not selected remaining eligible for future consideration, including Catan, Connect 4, cornhole, Furby, scooter, snow, Spirograph, Star Wars Lightsaber, and Tickle Me Elmo.
“This year’s three inductees represent a great range in types of play—a strategy game, a game that tests your knowledge, and a toy that’s purely squishy fun,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator at The Strong. “Congratulations to Battleship, Trivial Pursuit, and slime on their well-deserved inductions.”
The newest additions to the National Toy Hall of Fame join past inductees such as Crayola Crayons (1998), Easy-Bake Oven (2006), Magic: The Gathering (2019), Fisher-Price Corn Popper (2023), and My Little Pony (2024).
Four major criteria guide the selection process: icon-status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); longevity (it is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity across generations); discovery (it fosters learning, creativity, or discovery through play); and innovation (it has profoundly changed play or toy design).
Browse all inducted toys and games and learn more about the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong.
