Aquapets are collectable interactive toys that were introduced in the US in 2004 by Wild Planet. The first three characters (Kiko, Puku and Tu) were sold exclusively at Toys R Us stores nationwide starting in the spring of 2004. By September of that year, the initial three figures were joined by three new characters (Kadet, Bunni and Stinga) to complete "Wave 1" which was available in mass and specialty stores across the country.

In November of 2004, six brand new characters were released ("Wave 2" consisted of: Lugi, Fanga, Bebe, Pizzazz, Tabi and Blotto).

Each floating three-dimensional, thumb-sized figure has its own look, sounds and songs. A microchip, microphone and speaker housed in the toy’s base enable Aquapets to register and respond to sound, sounds made by kids or by other Aquapets. Each character replies with movement and melody.

The more you play with your Aquapets, the more songs they will perform and the livelier they’ll become.

Aquapets were named one of the top Tech Toys of the year in the 2004 Toy Wishes magazine and were finalists in the same category on the nationally televised Ultimate Toy Awards show.

Aquapets were featured in National Geographic Kids Magazine in “5 Smart Toys – the Science Behind This Season’s Coolest Toys” in December, 2004.

U.S. News & World Report covered Aquapets twice in 2004 – once in a “Best New Toys” story, and once in “Smart Chart.”

Chicago Tribune recommended Aquapets as a stocking stuffer for parents to buy for their kids in the “Make sure your stocking has the right stuff” story in December, 2004.

Disney Adventures Magazine called Aquapets “the perfect gift” and included the toy in its “All Wrapped Up” gift guide in December, 2004.

In 2004, Aquapets were featured on TV news programs across the country in “Top Toys” and “Holiday Gifts for Kids” segments, including: CNN Headline News, CBS News This Morning, CBS Early Show, CNBC Closing Bell, WB Morning News, NY1 News All Weekend, FOX Evening News, Tech TV Fresh Gear, Tech TV Screen Savers, CNBC Wake Up Call, NBC Evening News, NBC News Today, Telemundo Ahora and more.

In 2005, Aquapets received the prestigious “Best Toy Award” Gold Seal from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (a respected and trusted independent guide to children’s media).

Various "Waves" of Aquapets were released multiple times a year from 2004 until 2007, at which time all Aquapets went into early retirement.

In March 2011, Wild Planet releases the New Aquapets, redesigned and reprogrammed versions of eight popular characters from previous Waves (Bebe, Bertie, Bunni, Fizzie, Fretta, Harf, Puku and Squirt). The New Aquapets live in tear-drop shaped cases and play three new interactive games: • Memory Moov (a memory-building sequence game) • Aqua Speed (a fast-paced reflex challenge) • Bubble Boogie (a fun and silly way to make your mini marionette dance)

The New Aqupets are for ages 6+ and are available worldwide in 2011.

Categories: Toys of the 2000s