What do the classic board game Risk, American Girl dolls, and sand have in common? In November, they became the latest toys inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame!
The Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Since it opened in 1998, more than 70 toys have been honored, including LEGO bricks, Candy Land, and rubber ducks.
Each year, the public lists their favorite toys online. A group of experts chooses the winners from that list.
Winning toys are chosen based on how long they’ve been around and how popular they are. Toys are also judged on how much they encourage kids to use their imaginations. This year, sand beat out classics like Cabbage Patch Kids and toy fire engines. Why? Experts at the Hall point out that sand is one of the most universal toys in the world. What else can you use to build a castle and (safely) bury your little brother?