Frankly Nerd News #1

Frankly Nerd News #1

The Trump Who Stole Christmas?

Tariffs and Toys: Let Suffer the Little Children

Hey Toyrats, Frank Hyden here.

I'm not here to get political. I want to make that very clear. I'm sure that all of you don't want to read a political screed and frankly (no pun intended), I don't want to write one. We’re here to talk about toys- and why this holiday season, your favorite collectibles might be harder to find, pricier than expected, or stuck in shipping limbo. The culprit? Tariffs. And while the title might sound like a Grinchy jab, this story is really about how trade policy trickles down to the toy aisle.

WHAT'S A TARIFF, AND WHY SHOULD COLLECTORS CARE?

A tariff is basically a tax on imported goods. When the U.S. government imposes tariffs on countries like China, it makes it more expensive for companies to bring in products—including toys. According to the Toy Association, over 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China. When tariffs are imposed on Chinese imports—as they were in 2025 under sweeping trade measures—those costs don’t vanish. They trickle down. Mattel, maker of Barbie, has already warned that toy prices will increase due to these tariffs. And with additional duties affecting imports from Mexico and Canada, even non-Chinese supply chains are feeling the squeeze. Toy companies either absorb the hit or pass it on to consumers.

 Spoiler alert: they’re passing it on.

HOW TARIFFS MESS WITH YOUR SHELF GOALS

The Harvard Business School Pricing Lab found that tariffs have raised prices by an average of 5% across 350,000 goods, with toys among the hardest hit (up to 36%, according to some sources). For families already navigating inflation and economic uncertainty, that extra $5 or $10 per toy can mean fewer gifts under the tree—or none at all.

This isn’t just about economics. It’s about access to joy. About the child who doesn’t understand trade policy but feels the absence of a long-promised gift. About the parent who must choose between groceries and a holiday wish.

Higher Prices: That $19.99 action figure? Now $24.99 or more. Multiply that across a collector’s wishlist and it adds up fast.

Fewer Releases: Smaller brands may delay launches or cancel lines entirely due to cost.

Shipping Chaos: Tariffs often come with supply chain disruptions. That means longer wait times, fewer restocks, and more “sold out” signs.

REAL TALK: WHO'S AFFECTED MOST?

It’s not just hardcore collectors. It’s parents trying to stretch budgets. It’s kids hoping for a plushie or playset. It’s indie creators trying to bring their characters to life. Tariffs don’t care if you’re buying a grail or a stocking stuffer—they raise the cost of joy.

And let’s be honest: toys are more than plastic and paint. They’re emotional anchors, creative sparks, and community connectors. I understand that to some this isn't true but to others, the joy of finding that last piece of the set you were missing or that cherished toy from your past...that's real.

COLLECTOR PSYCHOLOGY: WHEN SCARCITY HITS THE SHELF

Tariffs don’t just raise prices—they mess with our minds. When a toy becomes harder to find, it suddenly feels more valuable. Collectors start chasing “grails,” skipping meals for mint-in-box, or panic-buying before the next price hike. It’s not irrational—it’s human. And it’s why tariffs hit deeper than the wallet. They hit the heart of what it means to collect.

A friend of mine recently said that he's skipped two pre-orders this year. Not because he didn't want them, he just couldn't justify the price hike.

Everyone reacts differently. Some panic-buy, others wait and become much more discerning and picky about what they buy.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Support Local & Indie: Many creators are shifting to domestic production or crowdfunding. Back them if you can.

Trade & Share: Use apps like Nibble to connect with other collectors and swap instead of shop. Using Nibble is a great way to potentially find your grail, or maybe connect with someone because you have one of theirs? Sounds like a great way to make friends.

Stay Informed: Tariffs change fast. Knowing what’s affected helps you plan your purchases.

Speak Up: If you’re part of a toy community, share your experiences. The more we talk, the more we understand. Nibble's got a great community hint hint.

FINAL THOUGHT

Tariffs aren’t inherently good or bad—they’re tools. But when those tools start chipping away at childhood joy, creative freedom, and collector culture, it’s worth asking: Is the cost worth it? I suppose we'll all have our own answers to that.

This holiday season, let’s keep the spirit of collecting alive. Whether you’re building your nest, claiming your grails, or just gifting a smile—remember, the Toyrat community is here for you.

In that vein, I want to encourage all of you to go to the Toyrat website and check out the Make My Toy feature. There, you can commission custom collectibles from our network of talented artists!

Whether it's an action figure, a statue, model kit, or more, you can fulfill your dream of getting a truly custom collectible!

You choose the character/theme!

You describe your vision!

You choose the budget range!

You choose the timeline!

Already have your STL file? Upload it on the site!

From there, our team connects you with talented artists who can make your vision a reality!

Stay playful, — Frank Hyden, Chief Editor- Toy Rat Enterprises