December is a month when things are merry. Or at least, it should be. After all, it’s the season of giving. It’s a time when a lot of us are finally receiving their well-deserved bonus for working hard and surviving harder this year.

As the year winds down, this month feels like an invitation to slow down before welcoming the new year. Whether that means revisiting old hobbies, and remembering why we fell in love with collecting things, or celebrating the small things that spark joy in our lives.

Of course, it’s also a dangerous time for our pockets, especially when that bonus begins to whisper, “You deserve a little treat.” Or several.

So when I attended the Christmas Toyfair for the very first time, I hoped (and possibly sang prayers) to Aegis gods that my bonus would remain intact by the end.

Spoiler alert: It didn’t.

Christmas Toyfair at a Glance 

From December 12 to 14, 2025, the Christmas Toyfair took over Megatrade Halls 1-3 at SM Megamall. Organized by Toycon PH and co-presented by Pop Life, this longest-running Christmas Toy Event is now celebrating its 18th year.

Stepping into Megatrade Halls felt more like a trip down memory lane than just attending an event. I grew up going to anime conventions in this venue back in my senior year, back when it served as a common ground for events before SMX in SM Mall of Asia became the go-to location. So even as a first-timer at the Christmas Toyfair, the space itself felt oddly familiar.

With over 350 booths, including 100 artists showcasing their work, there’s no denying that this was a toyfair in every sense of the word. You’ll see booths at every turn, offering everything from old video game consoles to rare Zoid kits or Batman memorabilia. It’s the kind of event made for people searching far and wide for a piece of their collection or just showcase them to fellow collectors.

Admittedly, it took me a moment to find my rhythm, but once I did, the halls felt less like a maze and more like a playground for collectors and creatives alike.

Beyond the Hauls

One thing that immediately stood out to me was the stage placement. Usually, event stages are set in the middle of the hall or venue, drawing crowds toward panels and discussions. Here, however, the stage was tucked into the innermost corner of Megatrade Hall 3. 

It may be bold of me to say but for me, it showed how much the organizers understood their attendees, knowing that most people would want to secure their hauls first before settling down for panels. That said, it didn’t mean that the stage was lacking in highlights.

Apparently, Christmas Toyfair’s long-running tradition is their Charity Auction. From plushies to rare collectibles, the proceeds went to supporting charities and communities affected by the recent typhoons, keeping the spirit of giving alive. It was because of this that I ended up winning a Shiba Inu plushie that unsurprisingly, left a dent in my bonus. I would say I cried but honestly? No regrets, especially when it’s for a good cause.

Another highlight was the official launch of ProjEx CC, a platform aimed at bringing cosplayers, creators and fans together for a more connected fandom experience. The panel on Day 1 was spearheaded by cosplayers Nyaaawmeeow, Khay TRC and Tinapay, with nine cosplayers currently part of the collective.

Adding to the excitement was the reveal of Soul of Chokogin Voltes V: Legacy. For the fans of the Philippine live-action adaptation, it was a feast for the eyes to see the robot in all its glory. Soul of Chokogin is Bandai’s premium and most popular line with its high-quality engineering and die-cast metal builds. 

While the model isn’t fully complete yet, attendees were shown how it could disassemble into five vehicles, just like in the animation and the live-action series. Pre-orders have also opened ahead of its official launch in the second week of March 2026, sparking excitement throughout the crowd.

Small Observations from The Halls

For a first-time goer of Christmas Toyfair, the event felt both exciting and welcoming. Beyond the overall experience, there were few things I couldn’t help but notice while walking through the halls.

One was the increasing presence of card-related booth. While toys still made up a large portion of the events, card games were noticeably more prevalent, ranging from Cookie Run card game to several booths selling Final Fantasy MTG Commander decks within the venue. I do hope the Toyfair doesn’t evolve into a full-fledged card convention, though only time will tell.

Interestingly, there were also plenty of Jolibee and Luchee collectibles on display, alongside works from notable artists such as Pol Medina Jr., Quiccs and Harvey Tolibao, making the event feel distinctly local in the best way possible.

A Lighter Wallet, Fuller Heart

Attending the Christmas Toyfair burned through my bonus, but seeing events like this continue to thrive brought a different kind of joy. The collectibles on display offered glimpses into the past, while the creators and fans filled the space with energy and shared passion.

In the middle of holiday chaos and carmaggedon in the streets, the Christmas Toyfair was a gentle reminder of why we hold onto things that spark joy. And sometimes, listening to that “you deserve a treat” voice that comes from within isn’t such a bad thing after all.