I have mentioned the National Toy Hall of Fame before. I am happy to report that there are some new inductees. This year’s class includes Jack-in-the-Box, Candy Land, and (drum roll please) the cardboard box.
I applaud the Hall of Fame for including the ubiquitous cardboard box, particularly despite its lack of brand name. Christopher Bensch, chief curator of the Strong Museum, says,
“I think every adult has had the disillusioning experience of picking what they think is a wonderful toy for a child, and then finding the kid playing with the box. It’s that empty box full of possibilities that the kids can sense and the adults don’t always see.”
Not adults with advanced cases of Adultitis, at least.
When it comes to versatility and longevity, no toy can hold a candle to the cardboard box. Indeed, the cardboard box has probably been the most utilized guest toy in the Kim & Jason comic strip, serving as a lemonade stand, candy trading post, and private aircraft. Kudos to Guy Medley of Cole Comics for sharing the news with me. Kudos to the committee at the National Toy Hall of Fame for really demonstrating a solid understanding of the spirit of childhood.
And kudos, to you, cardboard box. You deserve it.
My six year old son, eyeing a large box we received in the mail, was not as excited about what might be in it as he was at the prospect of turning it into a Mars probe.
I used to be a daycare teacher of 2-3 year olds, we always had some big boxes on hand- the instant save for a day rapidly going down hill!
This Thanksgiving I’m going to add “boxes” to my list of things to be thankful for!
When my wife Kim was a kindergarten teacher, she transformed a giant refrigerator box into a black and white “skunk house.” With some windows, pillows, and a handful of books, it was probably the most popular spot in the whole room.
Hey, thanks for the mention Jason. Every year I get to carve up, paint, cut windows out of, and just have a good time transforming huge refrigerator boxes into all kinds of things for my wife’s pre-school class. I’m not sure who has the most fun with them, the kids or myself!
Guy~