History's Best Selling Toys of 2000

Revisiting 2000 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Blokus, Disney Princess merchandise, and Poo-Chi took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Mattel and The Walt Disney Company led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Blokus

   Released in 2000 by Mattel, Bernard Tavitian

   Blokus burst onto the board game scene in 2000, quickly captivating players with its deceptively simple rules and profound strategic depth. Hailed as a modern abstract classic, it garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards almost immediately after its release, including the prestigious Mensa Select award. Its unique gameplay, centered around fitting polyomino pieces onto a grid, offered a fresh and engaging challenge that appealed to a wide demographic, from casual family gamers to seasoned strategists. This immediate success established Blokus as a cultural phenomenon, redefining how players approached spatial puzzle games and solidifying its place as a staple in many game collections worldwide.

2. Disney Princess merchandise

   Released in 2000 by The Walt Disney Company, Andy Mooney

   The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment for Disney and children's consumer products with the official launch of the Disney Princess franchise. Prior to this, individual princess characters like Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle existed in their respective film universes, but their merchandise was often disjointed. The strategic decision to group these beloved heroines under a unified brand instantly created a cultural phenomenon, transforming how children, particularly young girls, engaged with Disney. This innovative marketing approach didn't just sell toys; it sold a dream, a lifestyle, and a connection to a world of magic and adventure, making Disney Princess merchandise an immediate sensation and a dominant force in toy aisles worldwide.

3. Poo-Chi

   Released in 2000 by Sega Toys, Tiger Electronics

   Poo-Chi burst onto the toy scene in 2000, quickly becoming one of the decade's must-have electronic pets. This innovative robotic dog, a collaboration between Sega Toys and Tiger Electronics, capitalized on the burgeoning trend of virtual and interactive companions, following the success of toys like Furby and Tamagotchi. Poo-Chi distinguished itself with its charming barks, LED-animated eyes, and responsive nature, offering a more tactile and visually engaging experience than its predecessors. Its introduction marked a significant moment in the evolution of robotic toys, making advanced technology accessible and fun for millions of children worldwide and solidifying its place as a true cultural phenomenon of the early 21st century.

4. ZÈRTZ

   Released in 2000 by Rio Grande Games, Kris Burm

   ZÈRTZ burst onto the board game scene in 2000 as the third installment in Kris Burm's highly acclaimed GIPF Project, immediately capturing the attention of abstract strategy enthusiasts worldwide. Unlike many traditional board games with static setups, ZÈRTZ presented a refreshingly dynamic and challenging experience that pushed the boundaries of what a two-player abstract game could be. Its innovative "shrinking board" mechanic and elegant marble-capturing gameplay quickly solidified its reputation, making it a cultural touchstone within the abstract gaming community and a commercial success for its publishers, including Rio Grande Games. It was heralded for its purity and strategic depth right from its debut.