I learned about the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2004, when my daughter, San, did a Social Sciences project on "What Do Children Learn From Toys?" We were surprised to learn we owned every item on this list by 2004 except one - the Barbie doll. San had previously donated all of the family Barbie dolls and paraphernalia to charity. My erector set was in the basement.
As part of her project, she nominated five toys for inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Four of them - the ball, baby doll, cardboard box, and doll house - have been admitted in the last nine years. The fifth, the busy box, has not been admitted.
Seriously? The Atari was added before the ball?
Notice the absence of the toy gun. My Mattel Fanner 50 weeps.
What would you add to the Toy Hall of Fame?
Where’s “Clue?”
Frisbee, Whamoo Airblaster, Slinkey, B-B gun
Bubbles
Pick-up-Sticks (always led to a fight)
Pocket knife
Whistle
Building Blocks
Easy Bake Oven
Remco’s Might Matilda aircraft carrier.
What? No one’s asked Laz what his favorite toys were growing up?
Maybe its best we don’t know.