12 Toy Hall of Fame finalists announced including Tickle Me Elmo and Polly Pocket

A selection of childhood staples, ranging from Tickle Me Elmo to the humble playground slide, are among the finalists for this year's National Toy Hall of Fame.

The shortlist also includes Care Bears, the dice game Yahtzee, the ancient tile game Mahjong, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and Bingo.

The museum announced its 12 nominees for the Class of 2026 on Wednesday. Public voting runs from Sept. 16-23, joining a panel of judges who will select the inductees for an official announcement in November.

Completing the field of candidates are the handheld electronic game Bop It!, Monster High dolls, miniature Polly Pocket playsets, and the classic board games Mouse Trap and Sorry!

"It’s debating season, and this year’s finalists give everyone plenty to talk about — from classic games to plush icons and other toys that have shaped generations of play. The debate is part of the fun because every toy sparks different memories and makes its own case for why it matters," Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, senior curator at the museum, said in a statement.