Specialty retailers hunting for holiday inventory, fresh products, and show deals will have plenty to dig into at the North East Toy and Gift Show (NETS).

The event, held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, Aug. 30-Sept 1, puts buyers face-to-face with toy, game, gift, and lifestyle companies at a key point in the holiday ordering season. With a large concentration of specialty stores located within a three-hour drive, organizers expect the show to draw retailers from across the Northeast.

More than 60 exhibitors are confirmed, including Asmodee, Cra-Z-Art, Estes, Gamewright, Ravensburger, Scentco, Watchitude, Playmobil, Schleich, Skillmatics, Squishable, Waboba, Fun In Motion Toys, The Op Games, Tree Town Toys, and Relatable.

Hot categories will have a strong presence on the show floor. Retailers can check out squishies, slimes, fidgets, and sensory toys from J’Adore by Hape, The Toy Network, ArtCreativity, and Keycraft, along with Wigglitz, Lifelines, Crazy Aaron’s products through Continuum Games, and other items vying for space on holiday shelves. Exhibitors will also roll out show specials and buying incentives.

NETS goes beyond appointments and order writing. Monday night brings the fifth annual Game and Kit Event, featuring more than 20 game and activity kit manufacturers, dinner, and an open bar. Retailers are encouraged to bring store staff so the people selling the products can get some hands-on time, too.

An opening-night party on the rooftop of the Marriott adds outdoor games, dinner, and drinks to the mix.

For retailers in the Northeast, this is a chance to stock up one more time before the holiday rush. And for companies looking to connect with specialty, exhibitor space is still available.

Additionally, attendees can pick up a complimentary copy of The Toy Book‘s 2026 Action, Adventure, & Mystery Issue while supplies last.

Visit NEToyShow.com for additional info and details.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), New York Comic Con, Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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