American Girl dolls, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and puppets vying for a spot in the Toy Hall of Fame

The 12 finalists for entry into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year range from the classic (puppet) to the newfangled (Super Soaker) to the primitive (spinning top).

The other contenders include the Wiffle Ball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the coloring book, American Girl dolls, Battleship, Jenga, Playmobil, the scooter, and Twister. Every year, people nominate their favorite toy for inclusion in the Hall of Fame, located at The Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, and the two winners this year will be inducted Nov. 5. The criteria is simple: The item has to have lasted for more than one generation; is widely known; and encourages creativity, learning, or discovery through play.

Finalists are selected by curators and historians at the museum, and the ultimate winners are picked by a panel of inventors, educators, and psychologists, The Associated Press reports. Last year, bubbles, little green Army men, and the Rubik's Cube were the chosen ones, joining Hall of Famers Barbie, G.I. Joe, and the Easy-Bake Oven.

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