Economic impact of the U.S. toy industry 2015-2022

In 2022, the direct economic impact of the industry stood at roughly 39 and a half billion U.S. dollars. The toy industry's annual total economic impact in the United States had reached over 100 billion U.S. dollars.

The American toy industry

Toys come in many shapes and sizes with many uses, all sharing the common goal of inciting fun. While primarily marketed at children, certain toys, such as action figures and role playing materials, are also sought after by adult players and collectors. According to the retail sales revenue in the toy industry in the United States by category, "outdoor sports and toys" was the highest earning product segment.

Despite increasing competition for children’s attention, overall toy retail sales had reached close to 30 billion U.S. dollars, the highest sales seen in the past few years. On average, American households spent roughly 160 U.S. dollars on toys (and related goods) per year.

Toy recalls

If future sales revenues are to be safeguarded, the industry may look to reduce the amount of toys needing to be recalled by manufacturers in the United States. Products, especially those for children, are recalled when they pose some sort of hazard (e.g., a choking hazard). Products that bring the proposed safety of children’s toys into disrepute do not sit well with the parental consumers making the purchases, which is why they are normally returned to the seller or manufacturer quickly.