The Short List - 2016 Toy Hall Of Fame Finalists

Tuesday morning the National Toy Hall Of Fame announced its short list of finalists to be considered for induction this year.  

In order to be considered by the hall who's past inductees include The Nintendo Gameboy, The Atari 2600, LEGO, The Skateboard, The Bicycle, and The Game Of Life, a toy must meet the following criteria\:

- The toy must be recognized & respected.

- The toy has enjoyed popularity over multiple generations.

- The toy fosters learning, creativity and discovery through play.

Although twelve toys have been selected as finalist, only two or three will be inducted, so this week we're counting down in order our list of toys we would love to see succeed:

1.  Dungeons & Dragons:

If ever a game required you to use your imagination then Dungeons & Dragons is that game! Developed during the 1970's, players are placed within worlds of monsters and magic and are asked to role play as a means of moving their adventures forward.  Over the years D&D's influence on modern society cannot be overstated, from early text based video games such as Zork  up to current blockbusters such as Star Wars: The Old Republic and The Elder Scrolls Online, Dungeons & Dragons started a movement of play that has endured for well over 30 years. 

2.  Pinball:

Pinball is most likely one of the oldest possible inductees on this years list, tracing its roots back to an 18th century French parlor game known as Bagatelle.  Modern day Pinball machines provide a fast-paced game requiring players to have decent eye/hand coordination in order to maneuver a table filled with ramps and other obstructions.

3.  Transformers:

The Transformers were first introduced by Hasbro Inc. in the 1980's as a series of toys that could change their shapes from robot to vehicle,  Over the years through the use of an extensive backstory The Transformers brand has spawned a series of comics, movies, and video games, as well as consumer merchandise.

4.  Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots:

Brought to market in 1965 by Louis Marx & Company, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots invites players to take control of two robots within a boxing ring.  Through the use of levers players control their individual fighter with the objective of knocking the opposing players block off to win the game.

5.  Clue:

Originally developed during World War II and marketed at Cluedo, Clue is one of the best selling games of all time.  The randomized game play presents players with the challenge of solving the murder of the unfortunate Mr. Body  

6.  Nerf:

Developed in the 1960's, NERF started out by marketing a foam ball that was safe to be used indoors, over the years NERF  has expanded their product lines to include a line of guns that fire foam projectiles, foam swords and now the NERF Super Soaker water guns.

7.  UNO:

Released in the 1970's, UNO which is both Italian and Spanish for "One" is a easy to learn card game with a fixed rule system.  In UNO players strive to dispose of all the cards in their hand before their opponents in order to secure victory.

8.  Care Bears:

Originally created as a line of greeting cards in the early 1980's, The Care Bears quickly developed into a brand featuring both plush bears and dolls.  The purpose was to teach children to display feels of kindness and compassion.  Over the years The Care Bears have stared in both television and movies, and have had a series of video games and books.

9.  Fisher-Price Little People:

As a child who didn't go on amazing adventures with The Little People? Developed in the late 1950's, Fisher Price offered its wooden little people in a safety school bus. Over the years this brand has expanded to include The Zoo, The Farm, and The Service Station.  The Little People toys are fashioned for small hands with big imaginations,

10. Bubble Wrap:

Created by accident in 1957 by two engineers who where trying to create a new type of wallpaper, it was soon discovered that the clear plastic could be used both for packaging of breakable materials AND as a source of eminence entertainment for children of all ages.

11.  The Coloring Book:

Invented by a New York printing company, The Coloring Book is a staple of most everyone`s childhood.  Educators use them to teach a variety of subjects including math and geography, and in recent years more complex books targeting adults have begun to appear.

12.  The Swing:

A staple of playgrounds throughout the years, The Swing can trace its base origins back to ancient times having been depicted in cave drawings, ceramic vases and carved figures.  

This years final inductees will be announced on November 10th and personally we`re really pulling for Dungeons & Dragons, Pinball, and The Transformers.  To see a list of previous winners Click Here and head over to the CanGeek Community Page and share your thoughts with us.

Thanks for reading.