Many of the May 2021 life stages products take a targeted, nostalgia-enriched approach to business. The resurgence of popularity surrounding retro merchandise and the timeless spirit of family fun characterize many of these trends.
The 'Korona' card game brings these concepts together by combing the retro design of trading card games with the family friendly capacity of up to five players. Drawing influence from the ongoing pandemic, the zany card game reframes COVID-19 in a light-hearted way, having each player collect charmingly animated prevention cards to beat the virus.
Another example of these concepts in action is Hot Toys' collection of 'Television Masterpieces,' featuring the recent addition of Sam Wilson as Captain America. With the widespread success of the Marvel franchise, the retro action figure appeals to kids looking for an action-packed toy as well as fans looking to pick up a collectible.
Top 35 Life Stages Trends in May
From Dippable Gummy Sticks to Gen Z Adulthood Apps:
Josh Thompson-Persaud — May 29, 2021 — Life-Stages
34
Travel-Friendly Lightweight Cooler Bags
The Coolio is Made from Sustainable Materials
33
Eco-Friendly Edible Crayons
The Oyasai Crayon is Made from Vegetable Waste & By-Products
32
All-Natural Sensory Toys
Land of Dough's Play Dough Has Compostable Glitter & Calming Aromas
31
Kid-Friendly Influencer Kits
The Studio_Creator 2 Video Maker Kit Has a Ring Light & Green Screen
30
Kinetic Desktop Gaming Gadgets
'TWIDDLE SPIN' Packs a Number of Gaming Possibilities
29
Dippable Gummy Sticks
Bazooka's Juicy Drop Gummy Dip ‘N Stix Mix Flavors and Textures
28
Recycled Textile Children's Furniture
The UPPAREL 'FLIP UP' Sofa Can Be Recycled After Use
27
Gen Z Adulthood Apps
Realworld Secured $3.4M for Its App That Helps Gen Z Navigate Adulthood
26
Boomer-Targeted Dairy-Free Drinks
Perennial Crafts Plant-Based Beverages for Mature Adults
25
Hybrid Baby Bottles
Chicco's ChiccoDUO Shares the Benefits of Both Glass & Plastic
24
Mindful Screen-Free Speakers
The GoNoodle x tonies Mindfulness Starter Set Reduces Screen Time
23
Playful Cycling Apparel
The State Bicycle Co. x The Grateful Dead Jerseys Collection Just Launched
22
Interactive Kid-Friendly Podcasts
The 'Who Smarted?' Podcast Combines Fun with Facts
21
Sci-Fi Saga Helmet Collections
The LEGO x Star Wars Helmet Collection is Detailed
20
Child-Sized Electric Motorcycles
The Indian Motorcycle eFTR Jr Has a Top Speed of 15mph
19
Amusing Trivia Card Games
The 'Don’t Be Stupid' Card Game is for Two to 10 Players or More
18
Collectible Superhero Figures
Hot Toys Recently Unveiled a New Captain America™ Figure
17
Celebratory Droid Building Sets
The LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Set Celebrates Lucasfilm's Anniversary
16
Strategic Pandemic Card Games
The 'Korona' Card Game is for Two to Five Players
15
Pixel Pet Cameras
Tamagotchi Pix Has a Built-In Camera for Taking Pictures with a Virtual Pet
14
Dipped Snack Playful Mascots
Meiji's Yan Yan Snack Gets a Mascot Makeover Filter
13
Children's Edutainment Subscriptions
An Acquisition Leads to the Sandbox Kids Subscription Service
12
Sci-Fi Cartoon Collectibles
The Funko Pop! Star Wars: The Bad Batch Figures are Detailed
11
Nostalgic Aluminum Water Bottles
GEN Z Water is Disrupting the Bottled Water Industry
10
Child-Safe Web Browsers
Microsoft Edge Kids Mode Allows Parents to Customize Web Experiences
9
Weekly Sci-Fi Show Releases
Paramount+ Strategically Avoids the Binging Stream Model
8
Satisfying Peanut Butter Campaigns
SKIPPY Recently Debuted the 'Smoothly Satisfying' Campaign
7
Spring-Ready Compact Baby Strollers
Colugo Debuted the New Chambray Just in Time for Spring
6
Songstress Water Campaigns
evian Taps Singer Dua Lipa in 'Drink True' Campaign
5
QSR-Themed Collectible Figurines
The Funko Pop! White Castle Slider Figure is Coming Soon
4
Plastic-Free Doll Packaging
Zapf Creation Asked Its Young Fans' Input on Single-Use Plastic
3
Remixed Tile-Based Word Games
A Little Wordy is Fresh Take on Two-Player Tile-Unscrambling Games
2
Floral Children's Pajamas
Posh Peanut Debuts New Spring Collection Exclusively at Nordstrom
1
Handcrafted Quinceañera Gowns
Fifteen Roses is an Exclusive Quinceañera Label at David's Bridal
Related Ideas
Anniversary-Commemorating Toy Designs
Spin Master Introduced a New Line of Dora the Explorer Toys
Gaming-Themed Chocolate Partnerships
Kinder Joy and Nintendo Partnered on a Limited-Edition Range
Movie-Themed Kids Meals
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal Launches with Collectible Toys
Easter-Themed Seasonal Doll Collections
Battat's Our Generation Debuts the Keepsake Collection
Superhero Lifestyle Collections
Disney Drops Brand Collabs for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Nostalgic Gamer Streetwear Collections
The New Era x PlayStation Range Has Hats, Hoodies and More
Nostalgia-Driven Cereal Promotions
Kellogg’s Toy Story 5 Cereal Boxes Reintroduce In-Pack Toys
Expansive Cartoon Lifestyle Capsules
SHEIN Launches an Official SpongeBob SquarePants Collection
Sci-Fi Creature Collectibles
The Grogu Tiny But Mighty Series Figures Revsits On-Screen Looks
Gen X Beauty Campaigns
Bluemercury's Up Next Campaign Celebrates Women 40+
Swedish Candy Pop-Ups
BUBS' Sweeteasy Brings Indulgent Candy Traditions to US Consumers
Retro Gaming Controllers
Hyperkin Partners with ModRetro for M64-Compatible Designs
Collectible Pop Culture-Referencing Toys
Mattel Debuts Its 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Showcase
Candy-Inspired Sodas
Candy Lips Recreates Childhood Flavors Without Artificial Sweeteners
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Soccer Collectible Series
The Labubu FIFA World Cup Capsule Expands into Toys and Lifestyle Items
Miniature Collectible Pop-Ups
MGA Entertainment's World of Miniverse Brings Collectibles to Life
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Trend-Aligned Menu Launches
Jamba's New Summer Bundles are Inspired by Gen Z and Millenial Trends
Nostalgic Capsule Collections
The UNIQLO UT x Tamagotchi Range Marks 30 Years of the Digital Pet
Family-Friendly Tech Accessory Designs
CASETiFY x Toy Story is Whimsical and Vibrant
Gen Z-Led Swimwear Campaigns
Pacsun Taps Gen Z Influencers for Spring/Summer 2026 Swimwear Capsule
Anniversary QSR Toy Drops
Mcdonald’s Disneyland 70th Anniversary Toys Mark a Milestone
Animated Streetwear Capsules
The Simpsons x Family Mart Capsule Celebrates Playful Everyday Style
Fashion-Focused Novelty Collectibles
KIMMON Collectibles Combine Style with Self-Expression
Inclusive Beauty Games
e.l.f Beauty's Glow Up! Experience Celebrates Self-Expression & Diversity
Vintage Streetwear Pop-ups
Kronenbourg 1664 Launched a Three-Day Immersive Fashion Experience
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Pro-Aging Campaigns
Oura Challenges Cultural Perceptions with 'Give Us the Finger'
Commemorative Candy Brand Capsules
HI-CHEW Celebrates 50 Years with Limited-Edition Merchandise
Real-Life Mood-Board Transformations
Pinterest Launches the 'Bring My Pinterest to Life' Series
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Premium Youth Skincare
Kinside Supports Gen Alpha with Safe, Simple Skincare Made for Their Age
Solid Skincare Keychains
Purepeak Appeals to Gen Z's Love of Compact, Portable Cosmetic Keychains
Creator-Led Style Collabs
MAC Cosmetics and Depop are Reintroducing Gen Z Shoppers to Lipstick
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Next-Gen Jelly Bean Campaigns
Jelly Belly Bean Appétit Entices a New Generation of Fans
Brand Anniversary Capsule Collections
Hollister Reissues a Y2K Collection to Mark 25th Anniversary
Pop Culture-Themed Snack Branding
Fan Foods Co. and Poppowls Launch New Licensed Snack Capsule
Nostalgic Youth Culture Capsules
Coach Presented Its Fall 2026 Line During New York Fashion Week
Viral Satisfying ASMR Toys
MGA Entertainment's Slime Life Turns Digital Trends into Physical Play
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Anime Franchise-Inspired T-Shirts
Studio Ghibli Shines in the new GBL 2025 Spring/Summer Capsule
Anime-Inspired Limited Phone Accessories
CASETiFY and Dragon Ball Z Launch a New Collaboration
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Customizable Triple-Texture Candies
Gummi Popz Target Tweens and Teens
Festive Snack Packaging Designs
Kellanova Debuts Its Seasonal Assortment of Snacks
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 2026
Comprehensive Easter-Inspired Collaborations
Peeps' 2026 Spring Collaboration Lineup is Impressive
Takeout-Style Serum Sets
Glow Hub’s Skin Sips to Go are Packaged Like Cups in a Carrier
Crocheted Condiment Covers
Heinz's Grandma’s Darling Campaign Dresses Up Mayo Jars
Sensorial Beauty Pop-Ups
The Pinterest x NYX Gimme Gummy Bar Entices Gen Z with ASMR & More
Real-Life Doll Apparel
Barbie Debuts its First-Ever Fashion Collection with Edikted
Cross-Generational Hard Tea Campaigns
Lipton Hard Iced Tea Launches its 'Don’t Retire the Party'
Kids-First Personal Care Brands
Rayro Plans to Debut Creams and Balms in Toy-Like Formats
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Skater-Inspired Fashion Crossovers
Depop x Tony Hawk Launched an In-Game Styles & Exclusive Edits
Gaming-Inspired Streetwear Ranges
The Kith x Marvel x Capcom Collection is Retro-Inspired
Connection-Centered Bag Campaigns
Kate Spade's Spark Something Beautiful Stars Gen Z Icons
Cheeky Baking Apparel
Betty Crocker Turns Cake Mix Nostalgia Into Wearable Merchandise
Bold Beauty Campaigns
IPSY Reframes Beauty as a Hobby with the 'I Play Beauty' Campaign
Reimagined Doll-Inspired Capsules
The Polly Pocket x Cider Collection Features Playful Silhouettes
Youth-Safe Skincare Hubs
Cult Beauty's Gen A–Z Hub Educates and Empowers Gen Alpha and Gen Z
Sensory ASMR-Style Toys
Incredible Group's Squishi Toys Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Anniversary Doll Capsules
Spin Master Celebrates 25 Years of Dora with an All-New Toy Collection
Playful Collectible Figures
The Zsiga × Care Bears Series Transforms Nostalgic Icons into Toys
Heritage Lifestyle Collections
Canadian Tire Releases Hudson’s Bay Stripes into a Summer Lineup
Gen Z Soda Campaigns
Enjoy the Moment with a Coca‑Cola Targets a Generation That Wants to Unplug
Spring-Themed Mother's Day Capsules
Hallmark Expands Its Lacey Chabert Collection
Nostalgic Toy Brand Celebrations
Tamagotchi Marks Its 30th Anniversary at the New York Toy Fair
AI Kids Coloring Pages
Retro Launches Splat To Turn Family Photos Into Art
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Keyboard-Style Cap Collectibles
Clickeez Snap Together to Create Custom Fidget Keychains
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Extra-Vibrant Soda Packs
Poppi's VIBES Party Pack Gives Favorite Flavors a Limited-Edition Look
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Character-Led Fashion Capsule
Barbie Edikted Collection Features a 71-Piece Wardrobe
Gen X-Targeted Fashion Labels
REGALO Studios Launches a Brand Embracing Lives Lived and Living
Wind-Up Collectibles
Wind-Upz Revive Wind-Up Toys for a New Generation of Kids & Collectors
Digital Pet Collector Games
Find Tamagotchi Introduces Nostalgic IP to Gen Zalpha on Roblox
Convenience Store-Inspired Holiday Lines
7-Eleven Debuts the Holiday Capsule from 7Collection™
Symbolic Pop-Up Wellness Experiences
Hone Health Hosts Death of Midlife Pop-Up
Jelly-Coated Sheet Masks
Avatara Unveils Slushy Jelly Masks That Are Safe for Kids
Cultural Newsletter Subscriptions
American Eagle Launches Gen Z-Focused 'Off The Cuff' Publication
Collaborative Headwear Capsules
Kiko Kostadinov and New Era Join on a Headwear SS25 Collection
Y2K Mall Pop-Ups
Vita Coco's Nostalgia Mall Pop-Up Revives 2000s Mall Culture
Gaming-Inspired Apparel
Uniqlo Celebrates Honor of Kings’ 10th Anniversary with Graphic Tee Drop
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
Outdoor Lifestyle-Focused Gear Capsules
REI Co-Op Unveils Its Spring 2026 Line of Gear and Apparel
Game-Themed Beauty Pop-Ups
Benefit Cosmetics' Beneland Shares Playful, Giftable Product Sets
Divergent Chewing Gum Campaigns
Trident's TriDifferent Inspired Gen Z to Break Away from Sameness
Licensed Pop Culture Menswear
OppoSuits Launched a TRANSFORMERS Collaboration With Hasbro
Celebratory Midlife Campaigns
The Stripes Beauty Hotter Than Ever Destigmatizes Menopause
Nostalgic Cartoon Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Launches a 'Power Puff Girls' Collection
Culture Play Card Games
MONOPOLY Deal: KPop Demon Hunters Links Games and Fandom Through Netflix
Mom-Focused Mobile Game Events
Avia Debuts a First-Of-Its-Kind Mom's Week in Solitaire Clash
Designer Blind Box Figurines
Pop Top is a New Range of Collectibles for Kidults
AI-Powered Collectible Figurines
Personality-Packed HeyMates are Made for Modern Kidults
Infant Wellness Play Collections
Fisher-Price Introduces its Mini Me Moments Capsule for Babies
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Expansive Action Character Toys
Blokees Debuts Its Range in Toy Fair New York 2026
Child-Focused Handheld Games
The Game Boy-Inspired Kids Device is an Alternative to Tablets
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Supermarket-Inspired Slime Toys
Zuru Slime Mart Shares Baskets & Bags with Food-Like Sensory Toys
Drop-Culture Sport Campaigns
Easton and Dick's Launched Its Limited Edition Equipment Drop
Lifestage Support Supplements
These New Nature’s Bounty Supplements are Targeted
Supermarket Temporary Tattoos
Aldi's Specialbuy Temporary Tattoos Take After Favorite Items
Nostalgic Blind Toy Series
The Teletubbies Say Hello Series Nods to Childhood Icons for Collectors
Whimsical Miniature Toy Campaigns
LEGO Celebrates Star Wars Day 2025 with a Free Grogu Toy
90s-Era Snack Product Campaigns
The Pringles One You Pop Campaign Revives the Tagline for Gen Z
Vibrant Game Console Covers
Sony's New 'Hyperpop' PS5 Covers are Bright and Stylish
Seasonally Themed Magnetic Toys
MAGNA-TILES Introduces New Thematic Toys at Toy Fair 2026
Pop Culture Wedding Collections
A Dynamic Duo Inspired The Engagement Era Collection by The Knot
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Nostalgic Fashion Capsules
Selena Gomez's Throwback Collection Revisits Her Most Iconic Roles
Colorful Youth Fashion Collections
Joe Fresh and Life at Home™ Have Partnered with Crayola
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Cult-Favorite Animation-Inspired Stationery Collections
Sharpie and Elmer's Embrace Toy Story 5
Burger-Themed Slime Sets
The Slime Life Cheeseburger DIY Slime Kit Has Layers of Fun
Entertainment Venue-Branded Retro Merchandise
Dave & Buster's Debuts a Limited-Edition Capsule
Parental AI Insights Features
Meta Launches Its Insights Tab For Meta AI
Adorable Remixed Board Games
Tokidoki Edition Monopoly Turns Classic Strategy into Pastel Pop Art
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Updated Archival Kidswear
The OshKosh Reissued Collection Modernizes Styles from the Vault
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Cartoon-Inspired Card Games
Magic the Gathering x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arrives This Spring
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Skatewear-Inspired Kids Capsules
Zoo York and Zara Team Up for a New Kidswear Collection
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
RPG-Inspired Merchandise
Disney and Square Enix Launch the New Official Kingdom Hearts Merchandise
Customization-Forward Valentine's Day Gifts
Sugarwish Highlights Customizable Gift Preferences
Digital Storytelling Platforms
Times Of My Life Captures & Produces Personal Stories In Any Format
Narrative Retro Revivals
Truxton Extreme Adds Comic Storytelling to a Classic Arcade Game
Comic-Themed Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Introduces the Marvel Super Heroes VS Villains Capsule
Anniversary Retail Collection
Pokémon x Target Collection Spans Apparel, Home Goods, & Accessories
Delectable Career-Themed Ice Pops
Happy Pops Launches the Barbie Career Collection