ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Fisher-Price Corn Popper has been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame alongside baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, and NERF foam toys. The announcement was made on Friday, with the push toy for babies finally making it to the Hall of Fame after being a perennial finalist.
Fans were given the opportunity to vote for one of five toys that had been finalists more than once but hadn’t been chosen for induction. The Fisher-Price Corn Popper was the fan choice for induction. The other finalists, known as the “Forgotten Five,” included the pogo stick, My Little Pony, PEZ dispensers, and Transformers.
In addition to the fan-chosen inductee, baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, and NERF toys were also voted in from a field of 12 finalists with input from a panel of experts. Among the finalists was Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, who didn’t make the cut despite increased visibility from the recent “Barbie” movie.
Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator, expressed satisfaction with the selection, stating, “These four deserving inductees represent a great blend of types of play for people of all ages.”
The National Toy Hall of Fame, located inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has a permanent display for the inducted toys. Since 1998, the Hall of Fame has inducted dozens of toys, ranging from humble items like the cardboard box to ancient games like chess and influential pop culture toys like the Barbie doll.
Last year’s inductees were the spinning top, Masters of the Universe action figures, and the Lite-Brite.
To make it into the Hall of Fame, a toy must have inspired creative play and enjoyed long-lasting popularity. The process allows anyone to nominate a toy for consideration.
Explaining the selection of the inductees, Bensch said, “Baseball cards encourage lifelong playing and collection. Cabbage Patch Kids continue to encourage imagination and storytelling for kids. Fisher-Price Corn Popper, which is a forgotten finalist no longer, is a great activity for toddlers. NERF toys are designed for indoor and outdoor activity and often bring kids and grownups together in play.”
Among this year’s other finalists were: Battleship, bingo, Bop It, Choose Your Own Adventure books, Connect 4, the Little Tykes Cozy Coupe, slime, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
