Tickle Me Elmo: a Tyco plush toy that giggles when squeezed, a staple of Sesame Street-era play and a perennial contender for toy-history honors.
The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced 12 finalists for the Class of 2026. Public voting runs Sept. 16-23, with a panel of judges set to decide the inductees in November. Nominees include Bop It!, Polly Pocket, Monster High dolls, Mouse Trap and Sorry!, among others. Some past contenders like Tickle Me Elmo, Mahjong and the Pokémon Trading Card Game have previously been nominated.