September signals more than just the end of summer. For toy retailers and gift shop owners, it is the start of a powerful sales window fueled by back-to-school shopping, cozy-weather habits, and early holiday planning. Families are returning to routines and refreshing everything from backpacks to playrooms. That makes this the perfect time to update your inventory with licensed toys that kids recognize and parents trust.
We offer a curated selection of trending toys and collectibles that move fast, offer great margins, and come with merchandising support to help your displays pop. Stocking now means you will be ready before the holiday demand peaks.
Why September Is a Key Sales Month for Toy Retailers
Retailers often see a noticeable shift in consumer behavior at the start of fall. Parents are shopping for small rewards to motivate kids during the new school year. Gift buyers begin hunting for early birthday presents and stocking stuffers. Children start comparing lunchbox accessories and backpack charms with classmates. All of these trends make September a perfect time to introduce timely new toys and best-sellers into your assortment.
Try promoting “Fall Favorites” or “September Picks” on social media and in-store displays to highlight new arrivals. Retailers who test themed bundles now can gain insights for stronger Q4 promotions.
Spotlight: This Month’s Top-Selling Licensed Toy Categories
Mini Collectibles and Backpack Hangers
Small toys pack a big punch when it comes to fall sales. Licensed backpack hangers and mini collectibles are top-sellers because they are affordable, tradeable, and classroom-friendly. Kids love personalizing their school gear, and parents appreciate toys that are fun, low-cost, and portable.
Best-selling options:
- Minecraft Charms Backpack Hangers
- Sonic the Hedgehog™ Mystery Backpack Hangers
- Bluey™ Series 13 Surprise Mini Figures
- Five Nights at Freddy’s Scented Figures
Display these items near registers or create “backpack personalization” stations in-store. Wholesale options from License 2 Play often come in ready-to-display cases, making setup simple and profitable.
Licensed Plush Toys for the Cozy Season
As the temperatures cool, plush toys become even more desirable. Kids and gift buyers are drawn to soft, snuggly characters that offer comfort and nostalgia. This is a great time to introduce licensed plush in cozy colors or fall-themed editions.
Top sellers include:
- Poonicorn Fuzzy Flips Reversible Plush
- Deddy Bears® Clip-On Plush Mystery Bag
- Pop Soft Plush™ Sea Turtle 4 Inch Mini Plush
- Ka-Poof™ Cuties LOPSY DIY Plush
Merchandise these plush toys with cozy visual elements like soft fabrics, mini pumpkins, or hay bales. Consider bundling with books, stickers, or themed gift bags.
Action Figures and Gaming-Inspired Toys
As indoor play increases during the fall months, so does the demand for action figures and gaming-based characters. These items are especially popular among boys ages 6 to 12 and toy collectors.
Fan favorites this season:
- Total Anime 6.5 Inch Action
- World's Smallest Micro Figures Masters of the Universe™
- Heroes of Goo Jit Zu™ Galaxy Blast Hero Pack
- Sonic the Hedgehog™ 2.5 Inch Mystery Backpack Hangers
Place these items at eye-level in your display areas and consider pairing them with posters or collectible cards. Limited-edition figures also drive urgency among collectors and early holiday shoppers.
Retail Display Tips for Fall Toy Merchandising
Well-executed merchandising can dramatically increase toy sales. For fall, lean into themes that evoke warmth, comfort, and excitement. Start by updating your shelves with seasonal colors and natural textures, then use signage that highlights new arrivals or best-sellers.
Try these display strategies:
- Use colors like orange, gold, and burgundy as your display base
- Arrange plush toys in baskets or crates with fall leaves and cozy blankets
- Hang backpack clips from mini trees or wooden ladders
- Create a “September Spotlight” shelf and refresh it weekly
Displays that feel interactive and inviting encourage browsing, which leads to higher conversion rates.
Digital Marketing Ideas to Promote Fall’s Best Sellers
Social media and email marketing are powerful tools for spotlighting seasonal toy arrivals. Keeping your customers informed creates anticipation and drives them to shop in-store or online.
Digital ideas to implement this month:
- Post a weekly “Toy of the Week” featuring licensed favorites
- Host a social media poll asking followers to vote on their favorite fall plush
- Send a promotional email titled “September’s Cutest Toy Drops”
- Share unboxing videos or influencer clips with trending toys
- Offer limited-time bundles like “3 for $15” mini collectibles
Use captions with keywords like “fall toy gifts,” “licensed toy bundles,” and “September toy arrivals” to help your posts get discovered.
Partner with Wholesalers for Early Access and Stock Security
One of the best ways to stay ahead this fall is by working closely with your wholesale partner. License 2 Play offers exclusive access to many of the top licensed toys and makes it easy to order what you need, when you need it.
Smart wholesale tips:
- Pre-order trending items now before they sell out
- Ask your rep about seasonal marketing materials and signage
- Use product images and descriptions provided by License 2 Play for digital listings
- Set up recurring orders or standing inventory refreshes for fast-moving toys
Staying connected with your wholesaler ensures you are always stocked with in-demand items while competitors are still playing catch-up.
Stock Smart, Sell Fast This Fall
September is one of the most valuable months to refresh your toy inventory and prepare for the fourth-quarter rush. Focus on licensed products that are in high demand, easy to merchandise, and aligned with seasonal themes. Whether it is backpack hangers, plush toys, or viral collectibles, fall is the perfect time to attract new customers and increase basket size.
Ready to make the most of the season? Register with License 2 Play today to reserve your September best sellers and secure inventory before demand peaks.