What do sand, the board game Risk, and American Girl dolls have in common? All three were recently 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 the museum started its A-list rankings of toys in 1998, more than 70 playthings have been honored, including skateboards, Silly Putty, and rubber ducks.
Anyone can nominate toys for the Hall of Fame. Historians, educators, and other experts help select the winners each year based on popularity, how long the toys have been around, and whether they inspire creativity.
And what’s more creative than sand? You can use it to build a castle and (safely) bury your little brother!