05/14/2025
ToyFest concluded its 63rd exhibition and 12th tradeshow in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy and gift stores from 40 states and 13 international countries attended the show.
“What a week! ToyFest 2025 had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all ofToyFest’s special events and products from so many vendors,” said ToyFest President Sandy Lepire. “The buyers that came were serious about order writing. I can’t wait for 2026 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.”
The show kicked off February 19 with the Morning Masterpieces Kit Session. The session provided breakfast and was filled with 14 vendors and various crafting activities. Buyers had the opportunity to see and learn about new, creative kits and crafts on the market.
ToyFest Game Night welcomed nearly 140 attendees and a sold-out room with 18 game sponsors. ToyFest raffled $400 as an extra perk for attending. Dinner and drinks were served, creating a fun-filled night with fantastic new games learned by all.
ToyFest focused one seminar dedicated to AI for retailers. The speakers were Matt Jantz, owner of Craez Marketing, and Tim Scanlan, owner of three brick-and-mortar skateboard stores, three skateboard online stores, and distribution company, 7V Distribution. Thrive in 2025 with AI dealt with valuable information such as using AI to analyze customer data, optimize inventory, dynamic pricing, improve marketing campaigns and more.
The ToyFest Party was held at Resorts World, Lily Ballroom on Thursday evening. Lepire and Bill St. John kicked off the awards portion with an introduction of the volunteer WTHRA Board of Directors and ToyFest Slate of Officers. Industry peers who passed away in 2024 were recognized with a moment of silence including Mike Banducci from R&M Distributors, Marcy Fowler from Fedco and Levin & Schneider, and Karen Beels from Unicorn Gifts & Toys / Lolly& Co. Mike Banducci / R& M Distributors, Stew Rosenberg / Artist Point Giftwrap and Mike Whitham with Golden Sales were inducted into the Western Toy & Hobby Hall of Fame. Snapdoodle Toys & Games in Washington State took home the Retailer of the Year award. The toy industry enjoyed socializing with friends and colleagues, creating a captivating evening.
Best of ToyFest showcased new vendors on Tuesday morning. The sit-down round table breakfast recognized the following manufactures:
- Arts & Crafts: Ooly with Kathleen Milne Collection
- Building & Construction: Educa/Floral Art by Hansen Company with Golden Sales
- Dolls / Action Figures: Joeydolls
- Games & Puzzles: Tied between Happy Camper and The Cactus Card Game
- Infant: PJM Distributions’ Cloud-b with Sunshine Sales
- Novelty: Mushi with Sunshine Sales
- Outdoor: Deep Shot Games
- Pre-School: tonies
- Science: Stem/Steam: Cra-Z-Art’s Dissect It with Sunshine Sales
ToyFest raffled off more than $2,400 in products to buyers all three days in the ToyFest Daily Raffle. For every order written, buyers received a raffle ticket to win.
ToyFest’s 2026 show dates will be announced in the coming months. “ToyFest 2025 once again provided a great show for customers, reps and vendors in a relaxed and fun environment,” said John Hansen III, WTHRA’s incoming Chairman of the Board. “WTHRA looks forward to providing everyone with another great show in 2026.”
ToyFest’s Game Days are set for August 25 in Portland, OR and August 27 in Albany, CA. For more information, visit toyfestus.com.
