# Interpersonal Play Consumers invest in kids toys that teach interaction and bonding. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 18, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/exuberant-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Interpersonal Play trend? **Interpersonal Play:** As modern parents explore all avenues to supporting the social development of their children, many are embracing tech-integrated toys that transform playtime into a crash-course in language development and interpersonal skills. In addition to highlighting the relationship between cognitive development and the ability to form interpersonal relationships, this shift also demonstrates the importance of providing children with resources that support all aspects of skill growth through play. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 5, 2015 to Jan 19, 2016 - Published: Apr 18, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Interpersonal Play trend 5 featured examples from Feb 5, 2015 to Jan 19, 2016. - [Smart Dinosaur Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talking-toy): The CogniToys Dino Talking Toy Learns and Grows Alongside a Child (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to disrupt the market by developing smart toys that offer interactive and personalized experiences for children. - [Talking Sheep Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ohanas): Takara-Tomy's OHaNAS Omnibot is an Intelligent Robot Companion (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The robotics industry can leverage the development of intelligent companion robots, like OHaNAS, to create innovative solutions that cater to consumers' need for companionship and… - [Conversational Smart Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fisherprice-smart-toy): The Fisher-Price Smart Toy Panda Features Voice Recognition Technology (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Companies in the toy industry can incorporate voice recognition technology and integration of flashcards in their products to create educational toys. - [Internet-Connected Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-friend-cayla): My Friend Cayla is a Toy That Has Smart Conversations with Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies have the opportunity to incorporate interactive technologies and create dynamic, internet-ready toys that engage children in new ways. - [Tech-Integrated Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powered-by-artificial-intelligence): This Stuffed Animal is Powered by Artificial Intelligence (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers in the toy industry can explore the production of high-tech toys with AI capabilities to meet the growing demand for interactive play experiences. **Workshop question:** As consumers increasingly become isolated via technology, how are you encouraging socialization and bonding? ## Themes within the Interpersonal Play trend ### Tech-Integrated Toys The trend of enhancing traditional toys with technology continued its momentum as it offers numerous possibilities for teaching new skills and entertaining children. ### Conversational Smart Toys Smart toys that can hold conversations and interact with children using voice recognition technology became more common as parents seek out engaging and educational ways to stimulate learning in their children. ### Artificial Intelligence in Toys The integration of artificial intelligence in toys advanced as it allows for more personalized and interactive play experiences that can adapt and grow alongside a child. ## What the Interpersonal Play trend means for industry ### For Education Educational institutions and ed tech companies can explore the incorporation of tech-integrated toys into the classroom or learning environment to enhance language development, cognitive development, and interpersonal skills. ### For Toy Industry Toy manufacturers and retailers can embrace the trend and produce a wide range of smart, tech-integrated toys by leveraging artificial intelligence and voice recognition technology as the demand grows. ### For Consumer Electronics Consumer electronics companies can invest in the research and development of voice-activated toys and contribute to the expansion of the conversational smart toys market. ## Trend signals for Interpersonal Play Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 68%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Structured Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-ready-software) (Tech) - [Routine Indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-breakfast-flavors) (Lifestyle) - [Intentional Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/emotion-based-travel) (World) - [Collaged Uppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mixed-material-sneakers) (Fashion) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Oversized Dragon Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-chillet-plush) - [Hand-Drawn Animation Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hand-drawn-animation-kits) - [Concert-Themed LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concert-themed-lego-sets) - [Toy-Branded Kids Toothbrush Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-branded-kids-toothbrush-kits) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)