History's Best Selling Toys of 2012

Make way for the hits of 2012! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the turn-of-the-millennium pop explosion and the march of first-rate toys. Crowd-pleasers such as Lords of Waterdeep shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Lottie Dolls and essential classics. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Wizards of the Coast and Arklu, these trailblazing products dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Lords of Waterdeep

   Released in 2012 by Wizards of the Coast, Peter Lee, Rodney Thompson

   Lords of Waterdeep burst onto the board game scene in 2012, quickly establishing itself as a beloved modern classic. Published by Wizards of the Coast, it cleverly leveraged the rich lore of the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms setting, specifically the iconic city of Waterdeep, to create an approachable yet strategically deep worker-placement game. Its launch was met with widespread critical acclaim, captivating both seasoned Eurogame enthusiasts and D&D fans looking for a new way to engage with their favorite fantasy world. The game's elegant mechanics and immersive theme made it an instant cultural and commercial success, celebrated for its ability to introduce complex strategy in a remarkably intuitive package.

2. Lottie Dolls

   Released in 2012 by Arklu, Ian Harkin, Lucie Follett

   Lottie Dolls burst onto the toy scene in 2012, offering a refreshing and much-needed alternative to the prevalent fashion dolls of the era. Launched by the Irish toy company Arklu, Lottie quickly gained attention for its commitment to creating an age-appropriate doll that genuinely looked like a child. Far from the exaggerated proportions and mature aesthetics of many competitors, Lottie was designed with the body of a typical nine-year-old girl, devoid of makeup and high heels. This groundbreaking approach resonated immediately with parents and educators seeking toys that celebrated childhood, fostered healthy body image, and encouraged imaginative, skill-based play rather than just fashion.