At just 12 years old, Myles Gordon is already making waves in the world of toy reviews. What started as a missed brand deal has turned into a growing platform and a charitable mission that has collected more than 200 toys for children in need.
Myles’ journey into toy influencing began unexpectedly during a trip to Las Vegas with his mother, Anat Gordon. While she attended a work event, Myles — already a toy enthusiast — explored products on display. A toy company noticed his enthusiasm and asked him to record a 30-second video each month for a year.
But when the contract arrived, Anat said she was not comfortable with some of the terms and declined the offer. Instead of viewing it as a setback, she turned it into an opportunity.
“She told me to go downstairs to the basement and grab my favorite toy,” Myles said. “We just started recording.”
From that moment, they built their own platform on their own terms. Anat began reaching out to brands independently, and many responded to Myles’ enthusiasm. Soon after products began arriving.
For Myles, the best part of creating content is discovering new toys before they hit the market.
“Sometimes the toys haven’t even come out yet,” he said. “It’s really fun to learn how to use them and play with them.”
At school, classmates have been supportive, often asking about new packages he has received or borrowing toys during the day.
Despite maintaining an active Instagram page, Myles remains focused on school.
“If I get everything done, then my mom will say, ‘OK, let’s record,’” he said.
Myles and his mother also plan and record content in advance to maintain consistency during busy weeks.
Beyond reviews, Myles is using his platform to give back. Through Courage Cart, in collaboration with Go With Courage, a local nonprofit supporting children with cancer, he has collected more than 200 toys for donation.
The idea developed after Myles and Anat attended a Toy Fair in New York, where companies often have surplus inventory. Brands, including PMI, have contributed products to support the effort.
“If you have toys you don’t really use anymore, it’s nice to just donate,” Myles said. “It brings a warm feeling to your heart knowing other kids will smile when they see it.”
Looking ahead, Myles hopes to expand his platform and collaborate with major brands such as LEGO and Funko.
His advice to other young creators: “Bring a lot of excitement into your videos and never give up. Some companies might say no at first. But once your channel grows, they might come back.”
Myles is a seventh-grade student at Roslyn Middle School.
For more information, visit his Instagram page at @anat_gordon1.
