My Little Pony has finally galloped into the winner’s circle. After years as an also-ran, these pastel-colored equines were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Tuesday, alongside the iconic Transformers action figures and the popular Phase 10 card game.
The honorees were selected by a blend of public voting and expert panel decisions from a pool of 12 finalists. This year’s contenders included the party game Apples to Apples, balloons, “Choose Your Own Adventure” gamebooks, Hess Toy Trucks, Pokémon Trading Card Game, remote-controlled vehicles, Sequence, stick horses, and trampolines.
“These are three very deserving toys that showcase the wide range of how people play,” remarked Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator, in a statement. “But for My Little Pony in particular, this year is extra validating. The beloved toy was a finalist seven times before finally crossing the finish line!”
Hasbro’s mini-horses, famous for their distinctive “cutie marks” on their haunches, were initially introduced in the 1980s and returned to stores in 2003, even outselling Barbie for several years. These collectibles have been celebrated for encouraging creativity and storytelling — foundational qualities required for Hall of Fame inductees — and for maintaining popularity over time.
“The My Little Pony line has endured for decades because it combines several traditional forms of doll play with children’s fascination with horses,” explained Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, curator of dolls and toys. “The variety of figures promotes collecting as a pastime, too.”
Phase 10 was launched by inventor and entrepreneur Ken Johnson in 1982. Now sold by Mattel, the card game moves 2 million decks annually across 30 countries and over 20 languages, making it one of the best-selling card games globally, according to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, home to the Toy Hall of Fame. The rummy-style game challenges players to complete 10 phases in sequential order before their opponents, combining strategy and luck in a universally appealing format.
“Whether played in its original form or in one of its variations, Phase 10 has become an iconic game title that continues to encourage multigenerational social and competitive play,” said Mirek Stolee, the museum’s curator of board games and puzzles.
Transformers burst onto the scene in the 1980s when Hasbro acquired rights to several Japanese toy lines featuring transforming robots. Initially marketed with a cartoon series, Transformers have evolved into a successful series of live-action films, maintaining a vigorous presence online. Social media platforms buzz with debates over must-have figures and demonstrations of the intricate transformations from robot to vehicle or alternate forms.
Regularly released new characters keep collectors engaged, noted Bensch, “but the toys are also popular because they are so suited to the ways kids play. The toy line feeds kids’ imaginations and fantasy play.”
Anyone can nominate a toy for the Hall of Fame, and museum staff narrows the field to 12 finalists each year. Fans cast votes online, with results combined with ballots from a national advisory committee of historians, educators, and industry experts.
