Toys Consumer Insights

Trend - The ASMR trends that have become so popular on various social media platforms are now being adapted into child-friendly formats. These forms of sensory play offer both developmental and psychological benefits for children.

Insight - Social media is increasingly driving everything from recreational to pop-culture trends, and its influence is particularly strong on Gen Z and Millennials. Now, brands across industries are increasingly turning to digital trends in order to inform their ideation processes.

Trend - Toy brands are releasing gender-neutral versions of toys that were once typically marketed to one gender or another--in response to changing social norms and understandings of gender in North America in-particular.

Insight - Millennials parents tend to be more progressive and socially aware than generations that preceded them, and they're imparting those values in their children as well. Things like rigid gender norms and roles are not longer as enforced as they once were, and more parents are giving children the flexibility to carve out their own identities.

Trend - Technology is enhancing the player experience during chess and other popular board game offerings. By integrating artificial intelligence into tabletop game designs, brands are able to also provide training to consumers.

Insight - Contemporary consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable and open to using technology in their daily and work routines, as well as for entertainment and in other facets of their lifestyle. As tech becomes more accessible to a larger portion of the population, individuals will look to satisfy their curiosity by testing out novelty tech-powered versions of products that they are familiar with.

Trend - Storytelling for children is becoming more interactive, with toys that offer creative forms of expression and methods of telling children stories. These items include everything from mixing physical toys with voice-controlled tech, to QR codes attached to toys that retell their backgrounds.

Insight - The use of smart or interactive tech in children's development remains popular, particularly among Millennial parents who see technology as an opportunity to develop children's technical and creative skills from a young age. Straying from more traditional approaches to child-rearing in this way helps give children the skills they'll need in a world that's dominated by tech in both work and play.

Trend - Brands that specialize in adult gaming platforms and products are offering new or revamped versions of their products as they try to encourage adults to stay inside, and keep them entertained while doing so.

Insight - As consumers around the world are now practicing physical distancing and spending the majority of their time at home, there is a higher demand for home-based entertainment like streaming platforms, games, and more. This comes as consumers try to cope with some of the more manageable consequences of physical distancing--boredom and a lack of stimulation.

Trend - The COVID-19 pandemic has forced social distancing measures on many communities and brands are responding to the need to stay at home with enhanced gaming experiences for consumers. Typically geared toward kids, these games and activities help pass time, often in ways that are educational.

Insight - The need to socially distance and stay at home can be especially hard on kids who have a tendency to be restless when they feel bored and under-stimulated. Since this may be distracting to working parents, solutions that can effectively entertain a child during the pandemic are being prioritized. Parent are seeking out offerings that are accessible and don't require much supervision, with an emphasis on activities that inform children on the importance of social distancing.

Trend - Brands are creating updated versions of the traditional plush toy to enhance the sleep routine of children. These new features are implemented either as interactive elements or as health trackers, allowing the tech-savvy innovations to bring something else to the table in addition to bedside companionship.

Insight - Millennial parents are open to technology when it comes to raising their children and as a result, many opt-in for a hybrid tactic that pairs traditional upbringings with tech-powered features. As a result, many parents and their children are enjoying an added benefit that extends to convenience, accessibility, cost, and even education.

Trend - The Montessori method is a research-backed educational approach that encourages early childhood development through self-directed, hands-on activities and collaborative play. Brands are combining this trusted method of education with tech-forward concepts to create a balanced learning experience that is also age-appropriate.

Insight - The modern digital age necessitates the development of new skills and parents are looking to give their children a head start with products that are educational and encourage creativity. This opens up space for innovations that balance the digital and the physical, allowing youth to experience both worlds simultaneously and to learn to differentiate between them from an early age—a tactic that will be useful for them later in their lives.

Trend - With both STEM-related and eco-friendly products targeted to kids being increasingly popular, these two trends are merging in the form of solar-powered children's toys. These products reduce the ecological impact of toys, while also giving children fundamental knowledge on how solar power works.

Insight - Even more than preceding generations, Gen Z will have to deal with the impacts of climate change–in both how it personally affects them and in the careers they choose to explore as they seek to counter environmental damage. This unfortunate fact has resulted in a growing push to teach children about sustainable solutions from a young age–imparting fundamental knowledge that could one day be crucial for the survival of future generations.

Trend - Toy brands are turning to DIY elements to make playtime more interactive and educational. Transforming traditional activities or games into experiences, brands are utilizing do-it-yourself elements to make games more challenging and teach kids about empowerment at the same time.

Insight - Millennial parents are exploring ways for their kids to practice creative expression to stimulate their minds in dynamic ways. Due to an increasingly diversified (and tech-driven) job market, Millennials see the value in helping their children build a strong creative skill set to prepare for future employment. Play that is interactive and expressive is thus seen as skill development.