Toys

Implications - As the Millennial consumer ages, they fall victim to stress due to adult responsibilities and political unrest. This creates dual needs: a method of escape, and a way to connect with others over shared beliefs. Collectibles that reference social good satisfy both needs by encouraging escapism via adult play, and a chance to physically manifest political beliefs. [More]

Implications - The nature of fandom and the idea of deeply loving, and connecting with others, over a niche interest has clear social motivations in that it encourages a sense of belonging. This practice has shifted from niche to elite, appealing to adult consumers who bond over insider knowledge within a specific behavioral tribe. This reinforces the idea that consumers are looking to bond over deeper connections than surface commonalities. [More]

Implications - With parents looking to spend more time with their children, toy brands look for ways to appeal to both children and adults alike to foster bonding through joint interest. Taking an artistic approach to toy design, brands are producing eye-catching games that double as collectible décor, enticing parents to splurge a little more on a toy that also doubles as an aesthetic element to their home. [More]

Implications - Using virtual, emotional and tactile cues, children’s narratives are leaping out of the 2D page and engaging young readers in completely new ways. New parents keen to develop the emotional intelligence of their offspring through sensorial experience, are finding innovative formats to engage short attention spans, spark curiosity and promote intellectual development. [More]

Implications - Giving children a chance to have some flexibility and control of the narrative presented to them in character-driven stories sends a powerful message to young Gen Zs that their decisions have implications and make an impact on the story's final outcome. This not only fosters critical thinking and confident decision making early on, it also encourages young minds to become more invested in the narratives that they’ve contributed to. [More]

Implications - Consumers continue to be interested in creating and designing products for themselves, seeking out DIY experiences to create everything from clothing to home decor. Inspired by this shift, toy brands are offering up products that allows players to put their creativity to use by creating their own face-to-face games. Adding an entirely new element to game products, this shift is reflective of an increasing desire for extreme personalization and an opportunity to collaborate on products. [More]

Implications - The accessibility of resources like Kickstarter have made the toy market a crowded one. In response to this, both larger companies as well as more entrepreneurial teams are releasing board games focused around highly unusual concepts more likely to go viral than their more traditional counterparts. This appeals to consumers in search of more unique products to reflect their individualism, while tapping into a sense of nostalgia via analog play. [More]

Implications -In the social media age, consumers view their personalities more as personal brands, making them acutely aware of how the products they consume fit into their image of self. Combine this with the rise of the Experience Economy -- the idea that memorable experiences are more valuable than material goods -- and a boost in self-aware, social media-friendly play can be seen. Board games that boast a bit of novelty satisfy both needs by providing a group experience that is friendly for social media sharing. [More]

Implications - Catering to the cultural identity of the Millennial generation, designers are creating collectible dolls that reference historical figures for added educational allure. With the rise of modern aesthetic movements where consumers are selecting items more purposefully, purchasing decisions are being considered more carefully with a shift in preference towards action figures and toys that exhibit a deeper cultural meaning. [More]

Implications - Drawing directly from action adventure movies, toy brands are enticing children to go outside and get some exercise through adventure-inspired toys. This increased preference towards outdoor play indicates a parental desire to encourage children to step away from the screen and increase social interaction through physically engaging imaginative play. [More]