A Big Furbstake

I think it can safely be said that I have an affinity for the Strong Museum of Play. Big fan. Love it.

But they really stepped in it this time.

From their website:

ROCHESTER, New York—It’s official! Today, the National Toy Hall of Fame inducted Battleship, Slime, and Trivial Pursuit into the class of 2025. The winners emerged from a field of 12 finalists that also included Catan, Connect Four, cornhole, Furby, scooter, snow, Spirograph, Star Wars lightsaber, and Tickle Me Elmo. The three inducted toys have been enshrined and are on view at The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Slime? Trivial Pursuit? Battleship?

Those are the winners?

Here’s my list of hall of fame inductees: Furby, Furby, Furby.

In case you are wondering if it is possible to vote for the same toy three times, I’m attaching a photo of a Furby delivering my ballot:

This is a travesty! This is an outrage! Sure, those toys are all classic. They might have deserved it on any other year. But slime? If you want to enshrine a toy that all parents can’t stand, Furby is the perfect pick.*

I fell in love with Furby later in life, in 2012, when I discovered their Facebook page. It is a truly insane place to be, and wouldn’t you know it? It’s all still there.

Look, I know you may be doubting me, but let me ask you this question. In 2012, did Trivial Pursuit have the wisdom and courage to share something like this?

What does that mean? Why would they post that? Does art get any more beautiful? Those are my questions.

I think it’s time for another.

You’re all on notice. This travesty can be remediated next year. I’m starting their campaign today (just pretend that it says 2026, please).

If I don’t see Furby’s name up there in lights next year, well I have this to say for the Strong Museum of Play and Toy “Hall of Fame” (Those are air quotes in case my derisive tone didn’t come across).

*I don’t think I can ever give any context to this that would make sense. If you are confused, so am I. The best explanation I can muster is this: I thought that Furby’s 2012/2013 Facebook page was inexplicably strange. I was not afraid to share that fact, and this happened to coincide with my time working as a pastor for children and youth. I received a Furby as a gift from the high schoolers as I was leaving. That Furby lived on my shelf without batteries for years. It now lives in my home with batteries. God help me.

Peace,

Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline

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Want to join in on the fun (and the occasional righteous outrage over toy rankings)? Come be part of our community this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a meaningful and joy-filled time of worship and togetherness. All are welcome—Furby fans included. Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road in Rochester, NY, in the heart of Brighton. We invite you to contact us by calling our office at 585-244-8585 or sending an email through our secure contact form.