National Toy Hall of Fame inducts four new icons for 2026

The National Toy Hall of Fame, located at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has announced its Class of 2026. The four new inductees are bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the playground slide.

These winners were selected from a field of 12 finalists, which included items such as Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee, and the board games Sorry! and Mouse Trap. The selection process involves an advisory committee of scholars and experts who evaluate nominees based on icon status, longevity, discovery, and innovation.

Curators noted the diverse backgrounds of the winners: bingo has roots in a 1530s Italian lottery and has seen a resurgence among young adults in social settings; Care Bears have maintained a massive brand presence since the 1980s; Pokémon TCG has achieved global popularity through its connection to anime and manga; and the playground slide is recognized for aiding motor skill development in children.