Kicker: Famous toys

NICK EICHER, HOST: Well, it’s that time of year to vote in the coveted 2024 Voting Toy Hall of Fame! Tonight’s the deadline.

This year’s nominees include the Transformers:

ANNOUNCER: Create your own power links combination!

And ponies:

GIRL: I love you, My Little Pony.

Surprisingly, some nominees are oldies… but goodies. Like balloons!

The criteria for consideration in the Toy Hall of Fame includes icon status, longevity, discovery and innovation. And an unwritten criterion, chief curator Christopher Bensch at the Strong National Museum of Play on the No-Nonsense podcast last fall:

BENSCH: You need to be a toy or game that is safe for its intended audience.

So, no jarts, fun as they are.

STICK HORSE: (neighing)

Even the lowly stick horse is nominated this year!

It’s The World and Everything in It.

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