10 fascinating true origin stories of America's favorite toys

Dominoes and Star Wars action figures are joining Monopoly and Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Hall of Fame. Do you know the real stories behind these popular playthings?

Star Wars action figures Darth Vader (right) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (left), have finally been admitted into The National Toy Hall of Fame.
(Image credit: AP Photo/ Victoria Arocho)

Rejoice, children and children at heart! The National Toy Hall of Fame — which is, indeed, a real place in Rochester, New York — has announced this year's inductees: Dominoes and Star Wars action figures. The latest entrants into the Hall of Fame, which were selected from a list of nominees that included Lite-Brite, the Magic 8 Ball, the tea set, and Twister, will join many other beloved toys that have been inducted over the past 15 years. Though the ubiquity of the nation's favorite toys may make kids feel like they've been around forever, the real stories behind these popular playthings is often both surprising and illuminating. Here, 10 of the most fascinating origin stories in the National Toy Hall of Fame:

1. Play-Doh (inducted 1998)

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