Interactive tech-based toys help distract and soothe children dealing with stress
Trend - The growing focus on mental wellbeing in North America, has extended to kid's toys, with some brands offering interactive experiences that help distract children from challenging emotions. These wellbeing-focused toys also help teach children productive coping skills for stress and anxiety.
Insight - The last few years have put a spotlight on mental health, especially as the pandemic caused an uptick in people's feelings of anxiety and sadness globally. In North America, this coincided with the already-existing "wellness" movement, where consumers began exploring stress-reduction through both traditional and "new age" means. This shift has impacted how consumers choose to raise their kids--they're now prioritizing their children's mental health as part of their overall development.
Insight - The last few years have put a spotlight on mental health, especially as the pandemic caused an uptick in people's feelings of anxiety and sadness globally. In North America, this coincided with the already-existing "wellness" movement, where consumers began exploring stress-reduction through both traditional and "new age" means. This shift has impacted how consumers choose to raise their kids--they're now prioritizing their children's mental health as part of their overall development.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better evolve with its customers' changing values and priorities?
Trend Themes
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Mental Health-focused Toys — Brands are offering interactive experiences that help distract children from challenging emotions and teach them productive coping skills for stress and anxiety.
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Sensory Play — Interactive toys with tactile elements that support calming elements, such as ASMR recording cubes.
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AI-based Companions — Innovative technology with artificial intelligence utilized in products to help minimize medical-related anxiety and reduce loneliness for children.
Industry Implications
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Toy Industry — The toy industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to address mental health and sensory play in an interactive and educational way.
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Medical Industry — The medical industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to utilize technology, such AI-based companions, to improve children's experiences with medical procedures and treatment.
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Education Industry — The education industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to utilize sensory play in educational settings to foster emotional and cognitive support.
5 Featured, 43 Examples:
158,222 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Aug 22 — Jan 24
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:
