How to Start a Holiday Toy Drive: A Guide to Giving Back and Buying Wholesale

There’s something powerful about bringing joy to others—especially during the holidays. Starting your own toy drive is not just an opportunity to make a real impact in your community, but also a chance to step up as a leader and organizer. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or community-minded visionary, this guide will walk you through how to launch a toy drive and source affordable, quality toys through wholesale channels.

Why Start a Toy Drive?

Toy drives don’t just provide gifts for children in need—they inspire generosity, community building, and meaningful connections. As someone building a brand, business, or legacy, leading a toy drive can align with your values, mission, or personal brand, while making a difference.

Step 1: Set a Clear Goal

Before collecting toys, be clear about:

- Your mission – Who are you helping? Local schools, shelters, hospitals, or nonprofit orgs?

- Your target – How many toys or kids do you want to reach?

- Your timeline – Will you run it for a few weeks or the whole season?

- Drop-off or event-based? – Will donors bring toys to a central location, or will you host a giveaway?

Step 2: Secure Partnerships

You don’t have to do this alone. Team up with:

- Local businesses (barbershops, boutiques, gyms)

- Churches and schools

- Nonprofit organizations already serving kids and families

- Media outlets or social media influencers for promotion

Tip: Offer partners visibility in your marketing to sweeten the deal.

Step 3: Source Toys Affordably Through Wholesale

Here’s how to find toys at scale without breaking the bank:

Where to Buy Wholesale Toys:

1. EE Distribution – Known for action figures, collectibles, and trending toys in bulk. (Great for quality and variety.)

2. DollarDays – Perfect for affordable toy bundles for children of all ages.

3. Alibaba & AliExpress – International options, but order early due to longer shipping times.

4. Faire or Abound – Wholesale platforms that connect you with U.S.-based toy makers and sellers.

5. ToyWholesale.com – U.S.-based supplier with case-pack deals on all kinds of toys.

What to Look For:

- Age-appropriate variety (infant, toddler, school-age, etc.)

- Durable, safe, and non-branded options

- Toys that don’t require batteries (to simplify giving)

- Small stuffed animals, board games, building blocks, etc.

Pro tip: Always factor in shipping time and costs—especially if you’re working with international vendors.

Step 4: Promote the Toy Drive

Use the power of digital tools:

- Create a flyer or digital banner with Canva or Adobe Express

- Post on Facebook Groups, Instagram, and community boards

- Use platforms like Eventbrite or Linktree to manage collection dates and details

-  Add a press release to local newspapers and news stations

Don’t forget: A compelling story drives donations. Let people know why this toy drive matters.

Step 5: Host the Giveaway or Drop-Off

Make the experience joyful and organized. Whether it’s a full event or simple pickup location:

- Decorate the space to feel festive

- Play music, offer hot chocolate, or give out snacks

- Invite volunteers to help manage gifts and crowd

- Take photos and videos (with permission) to document the event and celebrate impact

Final Tip: Stay Transparent

Share how many toys you collected and where they went. Post updates, tag donors and supporters, and let people see the outcome of their generosity. Transparency builds trust—and momentum for next year.

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At 🧠ThinkwithAD - PULSE, we don’t just teach business—we champion bold ideas and community-centered impact. Whether you’re giving back or building something for yourself, our content is here to help you take action. Follow for more strategies, insights, and playbooks made for future-minded leaders and creatives.

⚠️Disclaimer: The content provided by ThinkwithAD is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making business, financial, or charitable decisions.