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For more than a century, The Toy Association™ has led the growth, health, and innovation of the toy industry. Founded on June 9, 1916 as the Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc., our organization now represents more than 900 companies whose products and services fuel the $42 billion U.S. toy market and contribute to an annual U.S. economic impact of $155.7 billion. From advocating in Washington, DC and advancing toy safety, to creating world-class experiences for the industry and championing play, The Toy Association is the unifying force for the toy community.

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What We Stand For

Play

We are the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play, promoting its positive impact on childhood development to consumers, educators, and the media through our Genius of Play™ initiative.

Safety

For nearly 50 years, we have led the global conversation on toy safety. We helped develop the first toy safety standard and remain committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing safety programs and outreach, including PlaySafe.org and Toy Safety Awareness Month each November.

Services

The Toy Association powerfully and effectively advocates on behalf of members’ businesses in North America and in markets spanning every continent. We produce the world-renowned Toy Fair® (aka the North American International Toy Fair®), offer year-round showroom space at The Toy Building in El Segundo, and reach consumers with People of Play’s Chicago Toy & Game Fair™ (CHITAG). Our members have access to programs, products, actionable research, and events to help grow their businesses globally.

Philanthropy

We proudly support non-profit organizations that serve children and youth, including our charitable arm, The Toy Foundation™, as well as The Strong National Museum of Play, the Fashion Institute of Technology Toy Design Program, and the Otis College of Art and Design Toy Design Program, among other 501(c)3 organizations.

Global Leaders

As a global leader, we sustain the Canadian Toy Association, act as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries, and chair the subcommittee that reviews and revises the U.S. ASTM F963 toy safety standard — one of the most respected and strictest toy safety standards in the world.

A Commitment to All People

As a team serving a creative industry, we believe diversity leads to better outcomes, improved strategy, and more creative thinking. The growth and success of our employees drives a high-performing workplace culture dedicated to being a unifying force in service of our members’ creativity, responsibility, and global success. We continually strive to provide an environment focused on equality, inclusion, empowerment, and respect. We seek to attract, develop, and advance the most talented individuals regardless of their race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, ability status, or any other dimension of diversity.

The Toy Association is headquartered in the heart of Manhattan. It is a 501(c)6 business trade association with an annual budget of approximately $20 million. Read our 2024 Impact Report here or view our bylaws here

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1903

The first Toy Fair launched in February 1903, which featured less than ten toy companies.

1954

The Association helps to create a float promoting U.S. toys in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Toy Building

2025

The Toy Association opened the Toy Building in El Segundo's "Toy District" (101 Continental Boulevard).


our mission
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The Toy Association’s mission is to be a unifying force in service of members’ creativity, responsibility, and global success, advocating for their needs and championing the benefits of play.

Read Our Full Mission Statement