National Toy Hall of Fame to induct new class; 12 finalists up for spot in Rochester hall

(Photo from KidSpace Stuff website)

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The National Toy Hall of Fame is ready to welcome a new class of classics.

Three toys will be inducted into the hall inside The Strong museum in Rochester Thursday. They were chosen from among 12 finalists: the spinning top, coloring book, Wiffle Ball, puppet, American Girl dolls, Battleship, Jenga, PLAYMOBIL, the scooter, Super Soaker, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Twister.

Toys are honoured for their longevity and ability to foster learning, creativity or discovery through play.

Anyone can nominate a toy. The list of finalists is chosen by historians and curators at The Strong and a national panel chooses the winners.

Last year, little green Army men, the Rubik’s Cube and bubbles took their place in the hall, joining 53 other old favourites, including Barbie, the Frisbee and View-Master.