Moscow may be famous for its grand cathedrals and cold winters, but the city is also home to a booming children’s industry. With a growing emphasis on domestic production and imports from friendly nations, the Russian toys and games market is experiencing a dynamic transformation.
For manufacturers, distributors, and retailers looking to tap into this lucrative sector, the Russian capital offers two major trade shows that serve as the industry’s heartbeat. Here is your guide to the premier toys and games industry events in Moscow.
1. Mir Detstva (The World of Childhood): The Autumn Colossus
The undisputed heavyweight of the Russian children’s goods calendar is Mir Detstva (Мир Детства) , which translates to “The World of Childhood.” This is the largest international exhibition for the children’s industry in Russia and the entire Eastern European region.
The Flagship Event (September 16-18, 2026)
The 2026 edition of Mir Detstva is scheduled for September 16-18 at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre. It is strategically positioned as the primary B2B platform where manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and marketplace representatives converge to set the trends for the upcoming business season.
The scale is impressive. The 2025 anniversary edition featured over 530 companies from Russia, China, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, attracting more than 14,500 professional visitors. With support from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, this is the event that matters.
What You Will Find
Mir Detstva covers the entire spectrum of childhood, from newborns to teenagers. The exhibition floor is a sprawling showcase that includes:
- Toys & Games: Everything from wooden and plush toys to electronic, educational, and radio-controlled models.
- Baby & Newborn Products: Strollers, car seats, feeding accessories, baby care cosmetics, and nursery furniture.
- Creative & Educational Supplies: Drawing sets, modeling clay, board games, puzzles, school stationery, and early learning tools.
- Licensed Products: A significant segment featuring merchandise tied to popular Russian and international animation brands.
- Sports & Outdoor Equipment: Bicycles, scooters, playground equipment, and children’s fitness gear.
- Holiday & Souvenir Items: Christmas decorations, carnival costumes, and gift items.
Beyond the Booths: The Business Program
Mir Detstva is not just a display window; it is a knowledge hub. The accompanying conference program typically includes over 40 events covering:
- Trends in consumer behavior and offline retail innovations.
- The licensing potential of Russian animation brands.
- Changes in safety requirements for children’s products.
- Business cybersecurity issues and logistics solutions.
2. IGRA MARKET (Toy Market): The Spring Edition
While Mir Detstva dominates the autumn season, IGRA MARKET (ИГРУШКА МАРКЕТ) , organized by the Mayer Group, serves as the leading spring gathering for the industry.
The Spring Strategy Session (March 17-19, 2026)
Scheduled for March 17-19, 2026, IGRA MARKET takes place at the same premier venue—Crocus Expo (Pavilion 2, Hall 10). This timing is critical for businesses looking to plan their inventory and product launches for the first half of the year.
A Focused B2B Environment
IGRA MARKET is a strictly B2B event, designed to connect exhibitors directly with high-level buyers, retailers (including major marketplaces), and licensing agents. The 2026 edition is set to host participants from Russia, China, Turkey, and Belarus.
The exhibition is organized into six major product groups:
- Children’s Toys and Games
- Education, Entertainment, and Sports
- Related Children’s Products
- Stationery and Office Supplies
- Hobbies, Creativity, and Design
- Licensed Products and Brands
Strong Industry Participation
IGRA MARKET has established credibility by attracting an impressive roster of industry players. Past exhibitors include major names such as:
- Mozabrick (a leading building block brand)
- Funberry Toys
- IQ Puzzle & Step Puzzle (puzzle specialists)
- Hobby World (board game publisher)
- Mideer
- Samson Group
The event is held concurrently with HouseHold Expo, creating unique cross-traffic of buyers from the home goods sector, further maximizing networking opportunities.
3. The “Native Toy” Initiative: A Government-Backed Push
Beyond the commercial trade shows, a significant state-driven initiative is reshaping the Russian toy landscape. The “Native Toy” (Родная игрушка) contest was launched by presidential decree to stimulate the development of games and toys based on Russian spiritual and moral values.
What It Means for the Industry
This initiative is more than a feel-good project; it has real economic teeth. At the end of the first season, 162,000 units of winning toys were produced. Winners receive concrete support:
- For Ideas: Mentorship to develop prototypes.
- For Prototypes: Support in launching the first production run.
- For Finished Products: Priority placement on store shelves and inclusion in Ministry of Education recommendations for equipping kindergartens and schools.
With 2026 declared the Year of Preschool Education in Russia, this focus on domestically produced educational toys is expected to intensify, creating new opportunities for manufacturers aligned with these standards.
The Takeaway
For industry professionals, Moscow offers a clear and strategic calendar:
- For a strategic spring launch and early-year buying: IGRA MARKET (March) is your target.
- For the largest event of the year and comprehensive industry insights: Mir Detstva (September) is non-negotiable.
Both events take place at Crocus Expo, the premier exhibition hub on the outskirts of Moscow. As Russia continues to develop its domestic production capacity while strengthening ties with suppliers from China, Turkey, and Central Asia, these trade shows have become essential gateways to the entire Eurasian children’s goods market.
Whether you are a manufacturer of wooden blocks, a distributor of licensed dolls, or a retailer of high-tech educational games, your pathway to the Russian consumer likely runs through a trade show floor in Moscow.