History's Best Selling Toys of 2016

Make way for the hits of 2016! 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 Hatchimals shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Princess Pring and Fidget Spinner. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Spin Master and Mirage Entertainment, 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. Hatchimals

   Released in 2016 by Spin Master

   Hatchimals burst onto the toy scene in 2016, instantly becoming the undisputed must-have item for the holiday season. This innovative electronic pet, with its unique hatching mechanism, captivated children and adults alike, leading to unprecedented demand and widespread retail shortages. It wasn't just another toy; it was a cultural phenomenon, sparking a frenzy of excitement and a desperate hunt for parents trying to secure one before Christmas. The element of surprise, combined with the nurturing play experience, positioned Hatchimals as a revolutionary addition to the interactive toy market, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable and sought-after toys of the decade. The anticipation surrounding its "birth" created an emotional connection unlike many toys before it.

2. Princess Pring

   Released in 2016 by Mirage Entertainment

   Princess Pring burst onto the scene in 2016 as the titular character of a charming South Korean animated television series, quickly captivating young audiences with her delightful adventures. Created by Mirage Entertainment, the show became an instant hit, especially among preschoolers, due to its whimsical setting and heartwarming themes. This immediate popularity paved the way for a flourishing line of toys and merchandise, transforming Princess Pring from a screen character into a tangible playmate for children. The toy line, reflecting the show's vibrant aesthetic, offered fans a chance to extend the magic of the animated world into their own homes, solidifying Princess Pring's status as a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon within its primary markets.

3. Fidget Spinner

   Released in 2016 by None, Catherine Hettinger

   The Fidget Spinner, despite its seemingly simple design, erupted onto the global stage in 2017, transforming from an obscure invention into an omnipresent cultural phenomenon within a matter of months. This humble, bearing-based toy captivated millions, from schoolchildren to office workers, dominating toy aisles, social media feeds, and school classrooms alike. Its sudden surge in popularity was unprecedented, making it one of the decade's most talked-about and rapidly adopted fads. The Fidget Spinner’s appeal lay in its hypnotic rotation and tactile satisfaction, providing a discrete outlet for nervous energy and an engaging visual distraction, cementing its place as an iconic, albeit transient, piece of modern toy history.

4. Santorini

   Released in 2016 by Roxley Games, Gordon Hamilton

   Santorini burst onto the board game scene in 2016, quickly captivating players with its stunning aesthetics and deceptively simple yet profound gameplay. Far from the '1985' suggested, its modern commercial incarnation, masterfully published by Roxley Games, began with an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign. This immediate popularity was a testament to its unique blend of accessibility and strategic depth, quickly establishing it as a must-have title for both casual players and seasoned strategists. Santorini wasn't just another game; it was a vibrant, three-dimensional experience that brought the mythical Greek island to life on the tabletop, inviting players into a world of architectural challenge and tactical maneuvering.

5. Tak

   Released in 2016 by Cheapass Games, James Ernest Patrick Rothfuss

   The board game 'Tak' made its highly anticipated debut in 2016, emerging from the pages of Patrick Rothfuss's beloved fantasy novel, 'The Wise Man's Fear.' This unique origin story instantly captivated fans of the 'Kingkiller Chronicle' series, who eagerly awaited the chance to play the 'beautiful game' described within the books. Its launch was not just a commercial success but a cultural phenomenon, fueled by a massively successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $1.3 million. Tak quickly established itself as more than just a tie-in product, earning praise for its elegant design and profound strategic depth, becoming a standout in the abstract strategy genre.