October 30, 2025 — Leads & Copy — People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ will be held at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG). Attendees will have the chance to create holiday “wishlists” and start holiday shopping on-site.
CHITAG, North America’s largest public toy & game fair, will feature events & activities for all ages. Celebrate the 20th annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship as kids ages 6 to 18 pitch their original inventions to toy & game companies, industry leaders, media & the public and winners are announced on-site.
The Toy of The Year Awards (TOTY) finalists—representing the top toys and games of 2025—will be revealed live on-site. Rosemont’s Mayor Bradley Stephens will cut the official Fair ribbon at 10:00 AM November 8th joined by Chicago mascots Benny the Bull and Skates, plus 501st Legion Star Wars Characters, the Chicago JEDI, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & North West Indiana.
Gabby’s Dollhouse activities will be hosted by the Girl Scouts. There will be a Root Beer Float Challenge by A&W & The Duncan Yo-Yo & Sweets Kendama Championships! Scouting America will showcase a 40’ Pinewood Derby Racetrack where consumers can build their own car. There will also be a Pudgy Penguin claw machine and Miko’s AI-Powered Robot will come to life.
Interactive booths will feature holiday toys & games from Goliath, Just Play, LEGO, Plus-Plus, Scentco, Smart Toys & Games, TOMY, Wigglitz & more. Attendees can build XOIOX Magnetic cubes with E-Blox, play and win a Giant Jenga. Meet THE Aaron from Crazy Aaron’s & Dan Klitsner, Inventor of BopIt & many other inventors and get FREE Flip 7 card games from The Op.
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois will host the event on Saturday, November 8th (10 AM – 6 PM) and Sunday, November 9th (10 AM – 5 PM).
Amy Friedland, amy@carvecomms.com 973-809-1052, Emily Auriemma, emilya@carvecomms.com 856-723-3055
Source: People of Play
