The original Z-Cardz™ were developed in 1997 as promotional items to be included in food and other products as a free gift to consumers. The line continued to grow for the next 3 years. The first retail concept was designed in 2000 and was pre-released for sale to the U.S. specialty toy and gift markets in early 2001 exclusively by California Creations. Actual shipments began in May, 2001. Z-Cardz™ were an instant success in every store that showed sample constructions near their display. Through that first summer, consumers in specific regions around the country became very excited about collecting all of the Z-Cardz™ available. At that time, there were only six boxes with five designs in each. Throughout the fall of 2001 the line grew rapidly and California Creations created its first strategic alliance that helped make Z-Cardz™ a product sold in markets world-wide. This alliance was with Dennis Green LTD. to use one Z-Cardz™ in a package with gum. This combination has proved to be extremely successful. It is sold to confection buyers in stores throughout the United States. Today Z-Cardz™ are sold throughout the world including Europe, Asia, North America and Australia with unit sales totaling over 40,000,000 pieces. The line includes over 150 different designs in the Original size and 8 different larger Mega Z-Cardz™ designs. They are all currently being used by educators for geometry and engineering and as behavioral rewards. They are used for event promotions, product promotions and numerous other uses.