Oriental Trading Company: Bringing Affordable Novelty & Party Items Since 1932

The History of Oriental Trading Company

Oriental Trading Company began humbly in 1932, when Jewish immigrant Harry Watanabe opened a novelty shop in Omaha, Nebraska. As a recent immigrant, Harry recognized the demand for hard-to-find novelties and toys that reminded people of faraway places. His shop, originally named Harry L. Watanabe & Company and nicknamed "The Oriental Trading Company," carried an eclectic mix of imported toys, novelties, and decorations.

Expanding the Product Catalog

In the 1950s and 60s, Oriental Trading continued expanding its exotic product line. They carried everything from intricate Japanese origami paper to Mexican papier-mâché piñatas. Their catalog grew from a dozen black and white pages to an 80-page full color catalog. Oriental Trading became known nationwide as the place to find quirky, affordable party supplies, toys, and teaching aids with an international flair.

A Mail-Order Company

During the 1970s, Oriental Trading made the strategic decision to transition to a mail-order company. This allowed them to serve all 50 states efficiently at a time when novelty shops were declining. Their first one hundred page mail-order catalog was published in 1975. It included festive party supplies, arts and crafts, teaching materials, and affordable toys aimed at teachers, parents, crafters, and party hosts.

Oriental Trading Today

Now based out of Omaha, Nebraska, Oriental Trading Company serves millions of customers with over 40,000 products. They specialize in providing uniqueness, variety, affordability, and convenience. Their eclectic product line includes decorations, toys, arts and crafts supplies, educational materials, party supplies, and more.

Party Supplies Galore

From baby showers to retirement parties, Oriental Trading has all the party supplies you need. Their party section includes tableware, decorations, favors, piñatas, invitations, and aussies. They offer thousands of themed party packs and coordinated collections. Planning your child's next birthday party or an elegant wedding reception? Oriental Trading has the affordable party goods in every theme imaginable.

Fun & Games

The toy and game section features affordable novelty toys that promote learning and laughter. Populate your prize box, carnival booth, or arcade with squishy animals, bouncy balls, finger traps, playing cards, and more! Oriental Trading's affordable toys and games make perfect goodie bag fillers, birthday party favors, or Sunday school rewards.

Bringing Smiles Since 1932

For over 90 years, Oriental Trading Company has delivered smiles, memories, and a bit of international intrigue. Their continued success lies in providing unique, affordable products you really can't find anywhere else. With excellent customer service and thousands of items under $5, you'll keep coming back to Oriental Trading for all your party decorating, game playing, crafting, teaching, and celebrating needs!

FAQs

What kinds of products does Oriental Trading Company sell?

Oriental Trading Company sells party supplies, decorations, toys, novelties, arts and crafts, teaching supplies, and more. They specialize in quirky, affordable products often with an international flair.

How long has Oriental Trading Company been around?

Oriental Trading Company first opened in 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska. So they have been delivering smiles for over 90 years and counting!

Does Oriental Trading Company have retail locations?

No, Oriental Trading Company is exclusively a mail-order and online company. They do not have any brick-and-mortar retail locations.

What makes Oriental Trading Company unique?

Oriental Trading Company offers extremely unique products you really can't find anywhere else. Everything they offer also comes at a very affordable price point.

Does Oriental Trading Company ship internationally?

While Oriental Trading Company is based in the United States, they do ship some products internationally. However, their international shipping options are limited.