My Little Ponies were introduced into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2024 for being a creative gateway for kids to combine their love for horses with their love of dolls playing. Alongside My Little Ponies, were Transformers action figures and the Phase 10 card game. 

My Little Pony was based on My Pretty Pony and came out in 1981. From there they became extremely popular, but around 1992 Hasbro discontinued the toys because they had already made over $1 billion from the ponies. In 2020-2021 they relaunched the dolls and continued to come out with new characters and “cutie-marks” for the small ponies. 

The Transformers action figures came along in the 1980s as well, first put into the world by a cartoon and loosely inspired by the Japanese toys that transformed from robots into recognizable cars or weapons. In 1984 Hasbro marketed the action figures with exciting backstories created by Marvel Comics. The toys were sold with it’s own diverse capabilities showcased on the Tec Spec Chart and Bio Cards packaged with each character. From then, the action figures continued to be sold and featured in films and movies. Merchandise included various items such as pajamas, posters, lunchboxes, and puzzles. 

The final inducted toy is the Phase 10 card game. Created in 1982 by Kenneth Johson, the game was not thought to be a success at first, due to Johnson’s first game not meeting sales requirements, but he was quick to prove them wrong. Within a year of being created and turned down, the game began to appear on shelves. The game was small enough to be transported easily and continues to be part of family game nights. 

To achieve the entrance of the National Toy Hall of Fame, the three toys had to rise in comparison to nine other finalists that the Strong National Museum of Play deemed honorable. The other finalists were: Apples to Apples, balloons, Pokémon Trading Card Game, the trampoline, and remote-controlled vehicles, according to the Strong National Museum of Play. 

There was plenty of excitement in the inductory of the three toys, but especially for My Little Pony. “These three very deserving toys showcase the wide range of how people play. 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,” Christopher Bensch, the vice president for the collection, said according to CBS News. 

The three toys now stand in the National Toy Hall of Fame alongside Baseball Cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, 7 Lite-Brite, and many other nostalgic playmates.