# Culinary Playtime Tactile culinary toys move away from outdated gender roles. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 15, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/culinary-playtime ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Culinary Playtime trend? **Culinary Playtime:** As brands look to meet evolving consumer expectations around the limitations of traditionally "gendered" toys, many parents are opting for educational activities and tools that put the emphasis on interacting with foods, rather than "playing house." Suitable for both young boys and girls, such efforts highlight the need for unisex toys that provide children with a less narrow view of domestic responsibility. This progression highlights the industry-spanning nature of the genderless movements and the ways in which this new type of thinking will affect how children are socialized. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 30, 2014 to Mar 1, 2016 - Published: Mar 15, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Culinary Playtime trend ### Gender-Neutral Toy Trends As brands move away from gendered toys, parents are opting for educational activities and tools that provide children with a less narrow view of domestic responsibility. ### Culinary Board Games Board games centered around food education and culinary enrichment are gaining popularity with kids and adults alike. ### Toy-Based Food Experiences Businesses are collaborating to create food-themed experiences that combine toy culture with tea tastings and other dining activities. ## What the Culinary Playtime trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Toy companies can capitalize on the demand for less gendered food-related playthings by creating innovative toys that encourage culinary exploration and education. ### For Food and Beverage Industry Culinary board games and toy-based food experiences present opportunities for food and beverage companies to educate consumers, promote products, and create unique culinary experiences. ### For Education and Childcare Educators and childcare professionals can use culinary board games and gender-neutral cooking toys to teach children about food, cooking, and cultures around the world. ## Workshop question What can your brand do to become an advocate for progress within a social good context? ## Trend signals for Culinary Playtime Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 54%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 54% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Culinary Playtime trend 7 featured examples from Oct 30, 2014 to Mar 1, 2016. - [Barbecue Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-game): This BBQ Game Challenges Kids to Expertly Handle Simulated Sizzling Food (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunities for toy developers to create board games that focus on themes centered around learning new skills and encourage family time. - [Creative Cooking Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-game): This Food Game Teaches Kids How to Prep Real World Meals (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Integrating interactive food games into educational technology platforms can revolutionize cooking education for both children and adults. - [Chopstick-Teaching Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/training-toy): The Manners Fish Chopstick Training Toy Teaches Children to Eat Well (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Manners Fish Chopstick Training Toy introduces an innovative and engaging product in the toy industry that promotes learning and development. - [Educational Culinary Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creative-kitchen-game): The Creative Kitchen Game is Based on Mystery Box Cooking Comps (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate educational and culinary themes into traditional board games to tap into new markets and attract diverse audiences. - [Plush Sushi Play Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pieces-of-sushi): These Colorful Pieces of Sushi are Made from Felt Materials (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can explore the creation of more plush toy sets that introduce children to different global cuisines and cultural practices. - [Toy-Themed Tea Tastings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-tasting): Hamleys and St James's Hotel & Club are Running a VIP Family Experience (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Hotels can generate additional revenue by offering unique and exclusive tea tasting experiences that are targeted at families and include themed activities like board games. - [Sandwich-Building Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandwich-building): The 'Sandwich Master' Game Brings Culinary Enrichment to Game Night (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive opportunity to create unique and engaging card games that appeal to a wide audience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)