Ken Fashion Toys. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Fans have pushed the Fisher-Price Corn Popper into the National Toy Hall of Fame, along with baseball cards, Cabbage Patch kids and NERF foam toys, from a permanent finalist to a 2023 inductee, the hall announced Friday.
But Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend?
Despite having a big year and a hit song, she left because she was portrayed by Ryan Gosling in the summer blockbuster „Barbie.”
The Fisher-Price Popper, a push toy that encourages children to walk, was voted one of five toys chosen by fans to celebrate the Toy Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary and was a multiple-time finalist. Passed by. The rest is called „The Forgotten Five” Includes Poco Stick, My Little Pony, PEZ Dispensers and Transformers.
Baseball cards, Cabbage Patch kits, and NERF toys were routinely voted for. A field of 12 finalistswith input from a panel of experts.
„These four worthy acquisitions represent an excellent mix of play genres for all ages,” Christopher Bensch, vice president and chief curator for collections, said in a statement.
Winners are on permanent display in the National Toy Hall of Fame, located inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Since 1998, dozens of toys have been introduced, including things as humble as a cardboard box, as primitive as chess, and as influential in pop culture as the Barbie doll.
Last year’s debuts included Spinning Top, Masters of the Universe action figures, and Light-Bright.
Anyone can nominate a toy, but to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, they must have inspired creative play and enjoyed long-lasting popularity.
“Baseball cards encourage a lifetime of playing and collecting. Cabbage Patch Kids continues to inspire children’s imagination and storytelling. The Fisher-Price Corn Popper is no longer the forgotten finale, it’s a great activity for kids,” said Bench. „NERF toys are designed for both indoor and outdoor activities and can often be seen playing together with kids and adults.”
Other finalists this year: Battleship, Bingo, Pop It, Choose Your Own Adventure books, Connect 4, Little Dikes Cozy Coupe, Slim and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Also, Ken sings in Greta Gerwig’s „Barbie,” saying, „No matter what I do. I’m always number two.”