ToyFest concluded its 63rd exhibition and 12th trade show in Las Vegas, held Feb. 19-21 at World Market Center. Toy and gift stores from across the U.S. attended the show, including stores from 40 states and 13 countries.
“ToyFest 2025 had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all of ToyFest’s special events and products from so many vendors. 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,” said Sandy Lepire, president of ToyFest.
A Morning Masterpieces Kit Session was sponsored by Connetix Tiles and filled with 14 different vendors, breakfast and crafting to kick off the show for buyers on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Buyers had the opportunity to see and learn in a hands-on fashion about new, creative kits and crafts on the market from brands including Bright Stripes, Connetix Tiles, Djeco, EyeConnect Crafts, Fun in Motion Toys, Moto Sign and Media Corp., Ooly, Orb Toys, Outset Media, Ravensburger, Safari Ltd., Schylling Inc., Thames and Kosmos and TPG Creations.
ToyFest Game Night featured nearly 140 attendees as well as a sold-out room with 18 game sponsors, including Czech Games Edition that sponsored the event, Amigo Games, Bene World, Djeco, Epic Cat Games, Fat Brain, Fun In Motion Toys, Gamewright/Buffalo Games, Happy Camper LLC, Hootenanny Games, Kids Table BG, Mukikim, MW Wholesale, Ravensburger, SD Toyz, Smart Toyz and Games, The Cactus Card Game and The Op Games.
Additionally, ToyFest provided a seminar dedicated to AI for retailers. Speakers were Matt Jantz, owner of Craez Marketing, and Tim Scanlan, owner of three brick-and-mortar skateboard stores and a distribution company called 7V Distribution. Attendees learned about how AI can offer valuable information such as analyzing consumer data, optimizing inventory, pricing, marketing and more.
A ToyFest Party at the Resorts World Lily Ballroom included an awards ceremony, with introductions of the ToyFest slate of officers and Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association board of directors. 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.
Individuals inducted into the Western Toy & Hobby Hall of Fame were Mike Banducci / R&M Distributors, Stew Rosenberg / Artist Point Giftwrap, and Mike Whitham of Golden Sales. Snapdoodle Toys & Games took home the Retailer of the Year award.
Best of ToyFest showcased some new vendors as well. The following manufacturers received Best of ToyFest Awards:
- Arts & Crafts: Ooly with Kathleen Milne Collection
- Building & Construction: Educa / Floral Art by Hansen Company with Golden Sales
- Dolls / Action Figures: Joeydolls
- Games & Puzzles: Happy Camper and The Cactus Card Game (tie)
- Infant: PJM Distributions' Cloud-b with Sunshine Sales
- Novelty: Mushi with Sunshine Sales
- Outdoor: Deep Shot Games
- Preschool: tonies
- Science / STEM / STEAM: Cra-Z-Art's Dissect It with Sunshine Sales
“ToyFest 2025 once again provided a great show for customers, reps and vendors in a relaxed, fun environment. The Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association looks forward to providing everyone with another great show in 2026,” shared John Hansen III, WTHRA incoming chairman of the board.
ToyFest 2026 dates will be announced in the coming months. The organization’s Game Days will take place Aug. 25 in Portland, Oregon, and Aug. 27 in Albany, California.
