# Monster Playtime Toy brands favor gender-neutral products for heightened communication. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Mar 17, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/monster-playtime ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Monster Playtime trend? **Monster Playtime:** Monsters and other similar, supernatural forms are replacing conventionally male and female toys as the push for gender neutrality continues. These toys are especially significant because they allow children to create and communicate with each other without the barriers of gendered expressions or standards influencing their behavior. This progression speaks to the way that gender-neutral products have the capacity to foster more genuine interpersonal connection. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 12, 2015 to Mar 9, 2016 - Published: Mar 17, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Monster Playtime trend ### Gender-neutral products Businesses can create gender-neutral products in the toy industry to foster more genuine interpersonal connection among children. ### 3D printing Companies can take advantage of 3D printing in the toy industry to produce creative designs that appeal to both kids and adults. ### Voice technology Incorporating voice technology into plush toys and other children's products can enhance communication with parents and caregivers. ## What the Monster Playtime trend means for industry ### For Toy industry The toy industry can benefit from creating more gender-neutral products, utilizing 3D printing, and incorporating voice technology into products. ### For Technology industry The technology industry can collaborate with the toy industry to develop innovative toys that utilize voice technology and 3D printing. ### For Child development industry The child development industry can benefit from providing toys and products that promote gender neutrality and encourage creativity and communication skills. ## Workshop question What are the longest-standing standards of your industry that may no longer resonate with your next consumer? ## Trend signals for Monster Playtime Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Monster Playtime trend 4 featured examples from Aug 12, 2015 to Mar 9, 2016. - [Realized Imaginary Friend Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stuffed-plaything): AMV BBDO Turns Children's Drawings into Stuffed Playthings (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can benefit from this trend by producing personalized and unique toys that cater to a child's imagination and creativity. - [Concrete Monster Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-toy): The Collectible United Monsters are a Line of Art Toys for Adults (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Art toy makers and established toy companies can incorporate new designs and materials to attract and engage adult collectors and expand the market beyond traditional toy buyers. - [Comunicative Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voice-messages): 'Talkies' Allow Kids to Receive and Send Voice Messages (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toymail's 'Talkies' show that even in an increasingly digital world, there are opportunities to innovate within the traditional toy industry. - [Monster-Shaped Crayons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crayons-for-kids): These 3D-Printed Crayons for Kids Benefit Abused & Neglected Children (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate 3D printing technology into toy manufacturing processes to create unique and interactive toys for children. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [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) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)