If you’ve ever planned a birthday party, organized a classroom event, or simply needed a massive bag of googly eyes delivered to your door in 48 hours, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Oriental Trading. For nearly a century, this Omaha-based company has been the quiet giant behind countless celebrations, craft projects, and moments of spontaneous fun across the United States.
But Oriental Trading is far more than just a catalog company that survived the internet age. It is a fascinating business story—one that involves a Japanese American immigrant, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, and a mission that boils down to something refreshingly simple: making life more fun. Whether you are a budget-conscious parent, a teacher stocking up on classroom rewards, or a small business owner looking for promotional giveaways, understanding what Oriental Trading offers (and how to shop it wisely) can save you money and spark serious creativity.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Oriental Trading. We’ll explore its rich history, its massive product catalog, how it compares to other retailers, and the tips and tricks that seasoned shoppers use to maximize their hauls. We’ll also address some customer service nuances and help you decide if the Oriental Trading “Fun Rewards” program is worth it. Get ready to discover why this company has managed to stay relevant for over 85 years in the fast-changing retail landscape.
The Storied History of Oriental Trading
From Carnival Novelties to a Berkshire Hathaway Gem
The story of Oriental Trading begins in 1932, right in the heart of the Great Depression. Harry Watanabe, a Japanese American entrepreneur, founded the company in Omaha, Nebraska. Initially, the business focused on being one of the nation’s first wholesale providers of novelties and gifts. The name “Oriental Trading” was chosen not to reflect the origin of the products, but rather to signify the geographic trading routes and the exotic nature of the souvenirs and trinkets popular at the time .
Throughout the 1950s, Oriental Trading found its niche as a major supplier to the U.S. carnival trade. If you ever won a stuffed animal at a fair or bought a glow stick at a parade, there’s a decent chance it came from their distribution network. The company grew steadily through the decades, evolving with the times. The 1970s brought the era of catalogs and direct marketing, allowing families in rural America to access party goods that were previously hard to find. By the 1980s, the introduction of a toll-free number made ordering even easier, cementing their reputation for accessibility .
The digital revolution of the late 1990s could have spelled disaster for a legacy catalog company, but Oriental Trading pivoted brilliantly. They launched their website in 1999, transitioning from a direct-mail giant to an e-commerce powerhouse. This move expanded their reach exponentially and introduced the brand to a younger generation of digital-native shoppers . The biggest turning point came in 2012 when Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway acquired the company. Buffett saw the immense value in Oriental Trading’s supply chain, brand loyalty, and economies of scale. Since then, the company has only expanded its portfolio, acquiring brands like MindWare (brainy toys for kids) and SmileMakers (patient giveaways for dentists and doctors) .
The Mission: More Than Just Merchandise
What sets Oriental Trading apart from a generic retailer is its mission statement. According to their official site, their goal is simple: “to make life more fun” . They cater to individuals, nonprofits, churches, and schools. This focus on “value-priced” fun means they aren’t trying to be a luxury brand; they are trying to be the reliable friend who always has the supplies to get the party started without breaking the bank. Their history is deeply intertwined with American culture, from church basement potlucks to massive corporate events, and that legacy of reliability continues to define their identity today.
What Does Oriental Trading Sell? A Deep Dive into the Catalog
Party Supplies for Every Theme Imaginable
If you can dream up a theme, Oriental Trading likely sells the decorations for it. They are arguably the largest online party supply store in the United States, boasting over 60,000 unique items . The party supply section is where they truly shine. Whether you are planning a “Tiki Luau,” a unicorn birthday bash, or a sophisticated black-and-gold New Year’s Eve gala, you will find coordinated tableware, balloons, backdrops, and accessories.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping for party supplies at Oriental Trading is the bulk pricing and “party kits.” Instead of buying plates, napkins, cups, and decorations separately, you can often purchase a bundle that includes everything you need for a specific number of guests. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures that the colors and patterns match perfectly. Their seasonal collections are also top-notch. From Christmas and Halloween to Fourth of July and Easter, Oriental Trading updates its inventory to reflect the latest trends in holiday decor .
Arts, Crafts, and Classroom Supplies
Educators are some of the most loyal customers of Oriental Trading. The company is a go-to resource for teachers looking to stock their classrooms with affordable supplies. You can find everything from bulk construction paper and glue sticks to elaborate craft kits that allow 30 students to make the same project simultaneously.
Beyond the classroom, the craft section is a haven for DIY enthusiasts. They offer a staggering variety of supplies, including bulk sand for sand art, foam shapes, jewelry-making kits, and painting supplies . For parents, these kits are a lifesaver for rainy days or birthday party activities. Oriental Trading simplifies the process by offering kits that include all the necessary components, reducing the need to hunt for supplies at multiple stores.
Toys, Novelties, and Fundraising Products
When you think of Oriental Trading, you might picture the classic “novelty” items—the squishy toys, the slap bracelets, the fake mustaches, and the tiny rubber ducks. These novelties remain a core part of their business. They are perfect for goody bags, carnival prizes, and corporate giveaways.
Additionally, Oriental Trading is a leading provider of fundraising products. Schools and nonprofit organizations can purchase items like wrapping paper, candy, and trinkets at wholesale prices to resell for fundraising campaigns. This B2B aspect of the business is massive and often overlooked by casual shoppers. They also cater to specific markets through their subsidiaries, such as SmileMakers, which supplies toothbrushes and small toys for pediatric dental offices .
The Shopping Experience: Navigating the Website and Catalogs
The E-Commerce Engine
The Oriental Trading website is designed with one thing in mind: helping you find what you need fast. With over 60,000 items, it can feel overwhelming, but the search and filter functions are robust. You can filter by theme, color, price, and even by “customer rating” to see what has worked well for others.
One of the most useful features is the “Fun365” section. Oriental Trading created Fun365 in 2017 as an inspiration destination. It is essentially a blog and idea gallery where users can find craft tutorials, party planning tips, and decoration ideas. What makes Fun365 particularly clever is that every project listed includes a digital shopping list linked directly back to Oriental Trading products . If you see a balloon garland you love, the site tells you exactly which balloons to buy and provides a direct link to add them to your cart. It’s a seamless integration of content and commerce that enhances the user experience significantly.
The Legacy of the Catalog
Despite being a massive e-commerce player, Oriental Trading has not abandoned its roots. They still publish physical catalogs that arrive in mailboxes across the country. For many, flipping through the glossy pages of the Oriental Trading catalog is a nostalgic experience akin to looking at the Sears Wish Book during the holidays. These catalogs are organized by theme (e.g., “Under the Sea,” “Western,” “Classroom Rewards”) and often feature exclusive deals not found online. You can request a catalog via their website or by calling their customer service line, which remains a hallmark of their commitment to accessibility .
Quality and Value: Is It Worth the Price?
Understanding the “Value-Priced” Model
Oriental Trading operates on a “value-priced” model. This means they aim to be the lowest-cost provider in the party and craft space. For the most part, they succeed. Prices are significantly lower than what you would find at a boutique party store or even big-box retailers like Target for similar items.
However, it is important to understand that “value-priced” sometimes means a trade-off in durability. A Oriental Trading paper plate is meant to hold cake for an hour, not to survive a dishwasher. Their toys are generally designed for novelty and short-term fun rather than heirloom quality. For the average consumer planning a one-day event, this is perfectly acceptable. Why spend $10 on a sturdy plastic centerpiece that will sit in your attic for years when you can buy a disposable one for $1.50? The key is aligning your expectations with the price point.
Bulk Buying Advantages
The real value at Oriental Trading lies in bulk purchases. If you are buying for a class of 25 students or a party of 50 people, the per-unit cost drops dramatically. They specialize in “bulk” quantities—buying 144 pieces of a specific item is common. This is why they are so popular with churches, schools, and nonprofits. The “Mega Bulk” section of their website offers items in industrial-sized quantities, like 25-pound bags of sand or 500-count packs of favors . For large-scale events, this scale of purchasing is hard to beat.
Shipping, Returns, and Customer Service Insights
Shipping Speeds and Policies
Oriental Trading ships from U.S.-based warehouses, which generally results in fast delivery times. Standard shipping is reliable, and they often offer expedited shipping options for last-minute planners. They are known for a 110% lowest price guarantee, meaning if you find a lower price on a qualifying item from a competitor, they will match it and beat it by 10% .
However, like any large retailer handling fragile items, there are occasional hiccups. Some customer feedback highlights issues with packaging, particularly when breakable items like candy canes are shipped in the same box as heavier, non-breakable items without sufficient padding . While the company typically resolves these issues with refunds, it is a good practice to inspect your order immediately upon arrival, especially if you ordered fragile seasonal items.
The “Fun Rewards+” Program: Pros and Cons
Oriental Trading offers a subscription program called Fun Rewards+. For a monthly fee, members receive perks like 10% cash back on Oriental Trading purchases, free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and discounts at other retail partners. However, this program has been a source of confusion and complaints over the years.
The primary issue stems from how the program is marketed at checkout. Some customers have reported being enrolled in the program after accepting a “free shipping” offer, believing they were simply redeeming a one-time promotion . While Oriental Trading maintains that enrollment requires explicit verification (typing in an email and accepting charges), the complaints on the Better Business Bureau profile indicate that the sign-up process can feel ambiguous to the average user . If you are considering joining Fun Rewards+, pay close attention to the checkout screen. If you prefer to avoid recurring charges, simply decline the offer and use standard shipping. It is also worth noting that the subscription is managed through a third-party portal, so cancellation requires contacting a separate customer service number.
Oriental Trading vs. The Competition
Amazon, Party City, and Dollar Stores
How does Oriental Trading stack up against the competition? The landscape for party supplies is crowded.
- Amazon: While Amazon offers convenience and Prime shipping, finding coordinated party themes can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Oriental Trading offers a curated experience. If you want a specific theme (like “Taco Tuesday” or “Mermaid”), you can find everything in one place without sifting through thousands of third-party sellers.
- Party City: Party City is the biggest brick-and-mortar competitor. While they offer the advantage of seeing the product in person, their prices are generally higher than Oriental Trading, especially for bulk items. Oriental Trading often has a wider variety of niche themes and better bulk pricing for large groups.
- Dollar Stores: For small, simple items, dollar stores are competitive. However, Oriental Trading wins on selection and the ability to buy 50 identical items. You cannot walk into a dollar store and buy 50 matching superhero capes or 100 custom rubber ducks.
Unique Selling Proposition
What makes Oriental Trading unique is its combination of scale, legacy, and vertical integration. By owning their supply chain and operating under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella, they have cost advantages that smaller retailers cannot match. They also have the ability to create exclusive products and kits that you simply cannot find elsewhere.
Tips for Shopping at Oriental Trading
Plan Ahead for Bulk Deals
Because shipping costs can sometimes offset the savings on small orders, the best strategy is to consolidate your orders. If you have a birthday party coming up and you know you will need supplies for a school event next month, order it all at once to hit the free shipping threshold. Also, keep an eye on their “Clearance” section. Oriental Trading cycles through inventory quickly, and you can snag incredible deals on seasonal items immediately after a holiday ends.
Use Fun365 for Inspiration
Don’t just browse the products—browse the Fun365 blog first. It is a massive resource for DIY ideas. If you are feeling uncreative, typing “Backyard Carnival” into Fun365 will give you a blueprint for setting up games, making signs, and picking out the exact products you need. It turns the overwhelming 60,000-item catalog into a manageable shopping list.
Check Your Cart for Auto-Enrollment
To avoid the Fun Rewards+ confusion mentioned earlier, double-check your cart and checkout flow. Ensure you are not clicking on “Free Shipping” buttons that might be tied to a trial subscription unless you actually want the subscription. A careful review before clicking “Place Order” can save you the headache of having to call customer service later to reverse charges.
The Future of Oriental Trading
Market Trends and Growth
The global party supplies market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a CAGR of around 8.5% to 9.5% over the next decade . Oriental Trading is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. With the backing of Berkshire Hathaway, they have the financial stability to weather economic downturns and invest in e-commerce technology.
In 2021, they acquired Morris Costumes, further expanding their reach into the Halloween and costume industry . This acquisition strategy suggests that Oriental Trading is not content to just sell novelties; they are building a comprehensive event and celebration empire. They are also focusing on digital experiences, with Fun365 acting as a growing hub for content marketing that attracts new customers.
Adapting to Consumer Demands
Today’s consumers expect personalization and sustainability. Oriental Trading has made efforts to highlight their environmental commitment, partnering with paper mills that promote reforestation and recycling tons of cardboard and paper annually . As the company moves forward, balancing their low-cost, disposable goods model with increasing consumer demand for sustainability will be a key challenge. However, given their history of adapting from carnival trade to catalogs to e-commerce, they have proven their ability to evolve with the times.
Conclusion
From a small novelty wholesaler in Omaha to a multi-billion-dollar subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Oriental Trading has earned its place as a staple of American celebration. It is the secret weapon of teachers, the stress-reliever for parents planning birthday parties, and the go-to source for anyone who believes that fun shouldn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
While navigating the website requires a bit of strategy—particularly regarding the Fun Rewards+ program and bulk ordering—the value proposition is undeniable. With over 60,000 products, a user-friendly e-commerce platform, and a rich history of customer service, Oriental Trading continues to deliver on its mission to make life more fun, one party favor at a time. Whether you are planning a grand wedding or just need 500 pieces of candy for a parade float, Oriental Trading likely has exactly what you need in stock and ready to ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oriental Trading Company best known for?
Oriental Trading is best known for being the nation’s largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, toys, crafts, and novelties. They are particularly famous for their bulk buying options, making them a favorite among teachers, churches, and event planners. With over 60,000 unique items, they specialize in helping customers throw themed parties and complete craft projects affordably .
Who owns Oriental Trading?
Oriental Trading has been owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett, since 2012. The acquisition provided the company with significant financial stability and allowed it to expand by acquiring other brands like MindWare, SmileMakers, and Morris Costumes .
How can I get free shipping from Oriental Trading?
Oriental Trading frequently offers free shipping promotions for orders over a certain dollar amount. However, customers should be cautious about offers that appear during checkout. Sometimes, “free shipping” is offered in conjunction with a sign-up for the Fun Rewards+ subscription program. To get free shipping without a subscription, look for standard promotional codes on the website’s banner or wait for site-wide sales events that do not require enrollment in a recurring membership .
What is the Fun Rewards+ program?
Fun Rewards+ is a subscription-based loyalty program offered by Oriental Trading. Members pay a monthly fee in exchange for benefits such as 10% cash back on qualifying purchases, free shipping on orders over a specific amount, and discounts at external partner stores. While the program offers value for frequent shoppers, it has received complaints from customers who felt they were unknowingly signed up during the checkout process. It is essential to read the checkout prompts carefully before confirming your order .
Does Oriental Trading offer products for small businesses?
Yes, Oriental Trading has a dedicated B2B section for businesses. Small business owners can purchase items like giveaways, retail packaging, and promotional products in bulk. They also cater to specific industries through their subsidiaries; for example, SmileMakers serves the dental and healthcare markets with patient rewards, and their main site offers fundraising products for schools and nonprofits .
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska |
| Founder | Harry Watanabe |
| Parent Company | Berkshire Hathaway (since 2012) |
| Product Count | Over 60,000 unique items |
| Key Categories | Party Supplies, Crafts, Toys, Novelties, Fundraising |
| Subsidiaries | MindWare, SmileMakers, Morris Costumes |
| Digital Platform | Fun365 (inspiration & DIY ideas) |
“We’re in the business of making smiles — and that starts with our employees!” — Oriental Trading Company Mission Statement
