Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon cards and the classic playground slide make it into the Toy Hall of Fame
NEW YORK (AP) — Bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the humble playground slide have all made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame, taking their place alongside classics like Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe.
Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon cards, and the classic playground slide have all been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, joining other iconic toys like Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe. The winners were chosen from a field of 12 finalists, which also included Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee, and the board games Sorry! and Mouse Trap.
Bingo, which has its roots in an Italian lottery from the 1500s, is now played globally and has gained popularity among young adults, with public games being held in bars and nightclubs. Care Bears received a boost in their bid for the Hall of Fame by garnering nearly 1 million social media followers, while Pokémon trading cards benefited from their support from anime enthusiasts and manga readers.
The Hall of Fame emphasizes that the slide aids in children's motor skill development and encourages exploration. Jeremy Saucier, vice president for collections, notes that people of all ages cherish the simple, satisfying, and energizing experience of sliding down. Any toy can be nominated, but those inducted must be considered icons, have crossed multiple generations, stimulate creativity, or have greatly impacted play or toy design.
The 2026 inductees will join 90 other toys already honored in the National Toy Hall of Fame, which includes Cabbage Patch Kids, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, and Frisbee.
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