By Jonathan Alexandratos
One of my favorite parts of Toy Fair is getting to connect with the toy news reporters I admire. Here’s a list of some I’ve known for years, and some I just met this Toy Fair. They’re all worth a follow, if you don’t follow them already, as are plenty of the ones I’ve unintentionally left off this list (apologies!). Also, I’ve included each’s Instagram handle, here, but most operate across multiple platforms. Their Instagrams will link you to ’em all!
Action Figure Insider – (@actionfigureinsider on Instagram) Daniel Pickett could teach a master class on how to cover toys. He’s been at Toy Fair since 1999, and has done an expert job of covering the event since Day 1.
Pixel Dan – (@pixeldan on Instagram, YouTube) We all know and love Pixel Dan, and his Toy Fair coverage this year was excellent. From well-produced videos to first-look content, make sure you have eyes on his brilliant work!
Secret Galaxy – (@ToyGalaxy on Instagram, Secret Galaxy on YouTube) Dan Larson has been providing expert toy analysis for years. His unique combination of smart history, accessible videos, and social justice make him a go-to source for all things toy.
TOYCOLLECTR – (@toycollectr on Instagram) Blake Wright created something amazing with TOYCOLLECTR. A pioneer in the world of preserving lost toys through his books, *The Toys that Time Forgot,* his print magazine is a must-subscribe periodical. You’ll catch me in some issues, but you’ll get solid toy writing in all of them! Use his Instagram (above) to get to the subscription link.
Nerd News Today – (@nerdnewstoday on Instagram, YouTube) Matt Kaplowitz is an old friend and expert toy historian. He is one of the hardest working people I know, covering every bit of Toy Fair. Find him on YouTube to see his toy reviews and coverage – you’ll be glad you did!
Toy Habits – (@toyhabitswebsite on Instagram) I met Toy Habits this year, and was blown away by their commitment to consistent, new content. They are clearly working their butts off, and are absolutely worth your time!
World Record Collector – (@worldrecordcollector on Instagram) Danii has the world record for largest Scooby Doo collection, and, if you follow her Instagram, you’ll see why. Beyond that, though, her coverage of all things cartoon can’t be beat. Give her a follow if this is your fandom, too!
Off the Cuff – (@offthecufftom on Instagram) Tom Craven became a friend the moment I met him this year. He has a knack for getting to the bottom of any toy story, and will absolutely provide you with regular, excellent toy content.
The Toy Book – (@thetoybook on Instagram) I totally embarrassed myself asking Editor-in-Chief James Zahn for a copy of The Toy Book this year (like an Editor-in-Chief doesn’t have anything better to do than give a random toy reporter a copy!), but he is truly one of the nicest and smartest in the biz. The Toy Book is THE industry trade publication, and it’s how we all stay on top of business trends.
If you think we’re all somehow in competition with each other, we aren’t. You deserve ALL the toy content, and we want to work together to bring you that. If it weren’t for the community, a lot of us would have bowed out years ago. I deeply respect all toy reporters, and am simply thrilled to be in their company. I’ll happily cheerlead their efforts!
As Toy Fair 2026 wraps up, I’ll miss a great deal about the show, primarily the people I see there. But I am already anticipating our reunion next year!