Toys R Us’ (TRU) birthday at Macy’s is an annual event in October. During this time the toy purveyor blows out their candles in honor of TRU mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe. In 2023 they celebrated with seven days of kid-friendly activities and events between Oct. 13 – 22 at select Macy’s locations. (Note that there were no events on Oct. 16, 18, and 19.) There were deals and giveaways, too. C’mon, who doesn’t love a birthday freebie?
Toys R Us closed all of its stores in 2018. However, now there are mini versions in 451 Macy’s locations. And, yes, the Toys R Us Holiday Toy List is also back in play.
In 2023 we saw deals on Magic Mixies, Polly Pocket, Barbie, LEGO, Play-Doh, and more at up to 60% off throughout the event. Plus, customers were eligible for for a bonus offer to purchase a Holiday Elmo Plush for $10 when you spent $50 or more on toys at Macy’s.
If you missed out on this event, Macy’s and Toys R Us typically hold another weeklong kids celebration right around Easter. In 2023, each day included similar themes as to the birthday party week, and we expect to see it return in March 2024.
If you want more on how to save money on toys, download the KCL app for info on all of the best deals.
The Toys R Us Birthday event at Macy's is a 10-day event with freebies and activities for kids.
Along with free toys, the Toys R Us birthday event includes a variety of fun activities such as face painting, interactive games, and storytime sessions. Children can enjoy complimentary birthday hats and balloons, while special discounts are available on popular toys.
KCL predicts the next Toys R Us birthday event will begin on Oct. 12, 2024.
Based on last year, we think you'll see events for the birthday bash begin on Oct. 12, 2024. They kick things off on a Friday and have activities through the weekend — and after a brief hiatus mid-week — they're back again the following weekend with more freebies and activities.
2023 Toys R Us Birthday Schedule: Oct 13 – 22
As previously mentioned, Toys R Us and Geoffrey celebrate their birthday every October. In 2023, the in-store events at Macy’s ran from Oct. 13 – 22. Each day featured a different theme, with activities, giveaways, and surprises to match it.
Here’s the rundown for 2023:
Friday, Oct. 13, 4 – 6pm: Mini Brands Trade & Play Day
If your kid (or you, no judgment) is on the Mini Brands toy bandwagon, this day was made for you. Attendees received a Mini Brands collectible capsule (while supplies lasted) to either take home or trade in-store for any missing Mini Brands pieces they hoped to get their hands on. The kick-off event ran from 4 – 6 pm in select Macy’s stores with TRU departments on Oct. 13.
Saturday, Oct. 14, 12 – 2pm: Pokemon Trade & Play Day
If you gotta catch ’em all, then you may as well have hit up Pokemon Trade & Play Day from 12 – 2pm on Oct. 14. Kids picked up Pokémon Trade & Play activity packs (no purchase necessary) during the event. But be mindful: quantities were limited.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 12 – 2pm: Marvel Day
All of the newest Marvel toys were be on display but, better than that, kids could make their own comic books (again, no purchase necessary and while supplies lasted). The Oct. 15 event ran from 12 – 2pm.
If you attended this event, take a picture of your free toy and tag us in your Instagram story @thekrazycouponlady.
Monday, Oct. 16: No events scheduled
Wait, what? Yeah, apparently Geoffrey and the TRU crew needed the day off from celebrations. After three consecutive days of partying, the big guy needed a rest. Who can blame him?
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 4-6pm: Geoffrey’s Birthday
Ah, yes, it’s the piece de resistance. Happy Birthday, Geoffrey! Toy brand Melissa & Doug were in on the party, with attendees receiving one of their mini puzzle and sticker packs (while supplies lasted — are you tired of us saying that yet?).
Wednesday & Thursday, Oct. 18 – 19: No events scheduled
It was another break for Geoffrey, Toys R Us, and the Macy’s folks.
Friday, Oct. 20, 4 – 6pm: Make It Real Craft Day
Kids received a free bracelet making kit (quantities limited) to either craft in-store or take home with them for some low-key jewelry making later. This activity will ran from 4 – 6pm on Oct. 20.
RELATED: The Macy’s Toys R Us Holiday Toy List 2023 Is Here!
Saturday, Oct. 21, 12 – 2pm: Fisher-Price & Hot Wheels Day
On Fisher-Price and Hot Wheels Day, Oct. 21 from 12 – 2pm, kids colored themed activity sheets. They were also be eligible for giveaways.
Sunday, Oct. 22, 12 – 2pm: L.O.L. Surprise! Day
All of the L.O.L fanatics wanted to get in on this one. There were coloring activity sheets and drawings for L.O.L. Surprise giveaways.
Get to your participating Macy’s location early to snag the freebies.
Macy’s is very transparent that quantities are limited when it comes to the freebies. With that in mind, get to an event your kid is super interested in early to increase your chances of scoring whatever is up for grabs.
Macy's and Toys R Us Easter Week Celebration predicted for April 10, 2025.
If this event returns in 2025, we expect that it will likely take place in mid-April. Easter falls on April 20, 2025, so we expect this event will likely happen closer to the mid way point of the month. Keep an eye out for registration the week of April 7, with the event possibly beginning on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
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