The National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York announced the 12 finalists that will be on its ballot this year and, as always, it's a mix of classic toys from lots of different eras. And one weird, modern item that feels like it doesn't belong.
This year's 12 finalists are: Care Bears . . . coloring books . . . the Fisher-Price Corn Popper . . . Jenga . . . Magic the Gathering cards . . . He-Man . . . Matchbox cars . . . My Little Pony . . . Nerf guns . . . Risk . . . the top . . . and the smartphone.
That's right: The smartphone. Yeah, you can play games on it, but is it really a TOY?
Around two or three toys usually wind up getting voted in every year. Last year, the three toys that made it were the Magic 8 Ball, the pinball machine, and Uno.
The Fisher-Price Corn Popper and He-Man were both finalists last year as well, but didn't get the votes to make it in.
A committee of 23 experts vote on the toys, but this year, for the first time, they're letting the public vote as the "24th member." You can vote atToyHallOfFame.orgthis week for your favorite of those 12 toys.