The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, has selected three new toys for induction into its hall: My Little Pony, Transformers and Phase 10.
“These three highly worthy toys illustrate the wide range of ways people play,” said Christopher Bensch, vice president of collections and chief curator. “But this year is particularly meaningful for My Little Pony. This beloved toy has been a finalist seven times and finally crossed the finish line!”
First launched in the 1980s and relaunched in 2003, My Little Pony has been a must-have in the toy box for years. These mini horses allow children to engage in many forms of play, including fantasy, grooming and collecting.
“The My Little Pony collection has endured for decades because it combines several traditional forms of doll play with children’s fascination with horses,” said Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, Curator of Dolls and Toys (Michelle Parnett-Dwyer) said. “The variety of characters also promotes collecting as a pastime. The continued popularity of the series is proof that the brand – pardon the pun – has strength.
Phase 10 was founded in 1982 by Ken Johnson, a black inventor and entrepreneur.
“Today, Mattel reportedly sells 2 million Phase 10 decks annually in 30 countries and in more than 20 languages,” said Mirek Stolee, Curator of Board Games and Puzzles. “Whether in its original form or its variants, Stage 10 has become an iconic game that continues to encourage social and competitive play across multiple generations.”
In a year that celebrates the toy brand’s 40th anniversary, Transformers will also be immortalized in the National Toy Hall of Fame. With movies, TV shows, comic books, video games and more, the Transformers’ popularity has spanned decades.
“Transformers are so popular in part because Hasbro uses proven marketing techniques—using multimedia venues to showcase shows, books, and movies related to the toy; related consumer products; and regularly adding new variants and role to keep toys in front of American kids,” Bench said. “But these toys are also popular because they are perfectly suited to the way children play. The toy line feeds children’s imagination and fantasy play.
The three toys were selected from a shortlist of 12, including Apples to Apples, Balloons, Choose Your Own Adventure Game Book, Hess Toy Truck, Pokémon Trading Card Game, RC Car, Sequence, and Stick Horse and trampolines. My Little Pony, Stage 10 and Transformers are now on display at the Strong National Museum of Play.
