Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Dual-Purpose
Play
Modern toys become multi-functional items kids can accessorize with.
4.8
Trend score
Trend
What is the Dual-Purpose Play trend?
Dual-Purpose Play: Offering more than a game or activity, modern toys are doubling as unique accessories for increased functionality. From stuffed animals that transform into clothing accessories to toys that you can wear around your wrist, these examples not only speak to the need for more practical sources of play, but also to how brands are seeking to become much more ingrained in the lifestyle and routine of their consumers.
Trend themes
Themes within the Dual-Purpose Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Dual-Purpose Toys
Modern brands are creating dual-purpose toys such as wearable plush pets and expressive toy wearables to become more ingrained in the lifestyle and routine of younger consumers.
02
Haptic Gaming Wearables
The use of wearable haptic technology in gaming and toys, as seen in products like the Pokemon Z-Power Ring Set, is becoming increasingly popular and could lead to new disruptive innovation opportunities in the industry.
03
Cartoon-Inspired Collectibles
Collaborations such as the Kidrobot and Sanrio partnership, which resulted in adorable cartoon-inspired collectibles, are becoming more common as brands look for new and unique ways to attract younger consumers.
Industry implications
What the Dual-Purpose Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Industry
The toy industry can use the trends of dual-purpose toys, haptic gaming wearables, and cartoon-inspired collectibles to create innovative products that cater to younger consumers and enhance their play experiences.
For
Gaming Industry
The gaming industry can explore the trend of haptic gaming wearables to create immersive experiences for players that go beyond traditional controllers or keyboards.
For
Fashion Industry
The fashion industry can look to dual-purpose toys, such as wearable plush pets, to identify new opportunities for collaboration and integration with technology that will appeal to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Workshop question
What unexpected features can you add to your products or services to surprise and delight your consumer?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Dual-Purpose Play
Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 68%, freshness 8%.
Popularity67%
Activity68%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z (not a primary audience)
- Millennial (not a primary audience)
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Evidence
Examples of the Dual-Purpose Play trend
6 featured examples from Feb 17, 2017 to Feb 5, 2019CategoryLife-Stages
Expressive Toy Wearables
Hasbro's Hanazuki Toy Range Helps to Connect Kids with Their Emotions
Toy manufacturers can explore the development of emotion-tracking wearables and interactive toy experiences to engage with children in new and innovative ways.
CategoryLife-Stages
Wearable Plush Pets
Skyrocket's 'Pomsies' are Fuzzy, Portable and Interactive
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technology into traditional toy manufacturing to create engaging and interactive products.
CategoryFashion
Water Gun-Inspired Basketball Shoes
These Russell Westbrook Shoes are Informed by the Super Soaker
The footwear industry can tap into nostalgic-inspired designs and playful packaging to create standout products that resonate with consumers.
CategoryLife-Stages
Finger-Sized Monkey Toys
Fingerlings Baby Monkeys Know When They are Being Touched or Talked To
Toy manufacturers can capitalize on the interactive toy trend by developing more products that respond to touch and voice commands.
CategoryLife-Stages
Haptic Gaming Wearables
Tomy's Pokemon Z-Power Ring Set Provides Feedback During Gameplay
Creating tactile gaming wearables for a competitive edge and an immersive gameplay experience.
CategoryPop Culture
Cartoon Fast Food Charms
Kidrobot and Sanrio Team Up on a Line of Adorable Limited Collectibles
The collaboration between Kidrobot and Sanrio in creating collectibles and plushies showcases disruptive innovation opportunities for toy manufacturing companies to create limited…
