# Nostalgic Bonding Brands present retro products designed for children of Millennial parents. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published May 2, 2019 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/nostalgic-bonding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Nostalgic Bonding trend? **Nostalgic Bonding:** Brands reinvent 90’s toys and experiences as a way for Millennial parents to bond with their children and reminisce about their own childhood hobbies. From My Little Pony-themed cafes to tech-embedded Doodle Bears, brands are able to provide both products and experiences that will resonate with kids and adults alike. ## The consumer insight behind the Nostalgic Bonding trend Millennial parents are often more liberal and carefree than previous generations, and their distinct differences in preferences and lifestyle habits include how they parent. Whether it be around social media, use of technology or even cultural references, modern parents are looking for more accessible ways to bond and reconnect with their kids on a deeper level. The use of nostalgic references that both child and parent can relate to helps create a unique experience that those individuals can share and relate back to. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 26, 2018 to Feb 19, 2019 - Published: May 2, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Nostalgic Bonding trend ### Nostalgia Marketing Brands recreate 90's toys & experiences for Millennial parents to bond with their children and resonate with both kids and adults. ### Digital Play Integration Nostalgic toys like Doodle Bears reinvent themselves by integrating aspects of digital play, bridging the gap between digital and dimensional play. ### Thematic Pop-Ups Themed pop-ups in ice cream shops like My Little Pony Friendship Magic Shop attract Gen-Z consumers while resonating nostalgic vibes with their Millennial parents. ## What the Nostalgic Bonding trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry The toy industry can adapt to the nostalgia trend by reviving 90's toys with a modern touch and integrating digital play features. ### For Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry can cater to Millennial parents and their kids by offering nostalgic bonding experiences like tea parties and thematic pop-ups. ### For Fashion Industry The fashion industry can create nostalgic products through retro branding and reinventing iconic designs for a new generation. ## Workshop question How can your brand create an inclusively bonding experience for your consumers? ## Trend signals for Nostalgic Bonding Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Nostalgic Bonding trend 5 featured examples from Mar 26, 2018 to Feb 19, 2019. - [Digital Doodling Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doodle-bear): The Revived Doodle Bear Introduces an App Experience for a New Generation (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can innovate by embracing the integration of digital technologies into their products, offering new play experiences for children. - [Toy-Themed Ice Cream Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haagen-dazs-and-my-little-pony): Shanghai's The Place Featured a Haagen-Dazs and My Little Pony Pop-Up (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for ice cream shops, cafes, and dessert establishments to collaborate with toy brands and offer themed experiences. - [Comforting Hotel Tea Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waldorf-astoria-and-hamleys): The Waldorf Astoria and Hamlets Offer a Unique Tea Experience (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The hospitality industry can provide unique and memorable experiences by combining different elements to attract a wider consumer base. - [Retro Neon Baby Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-max-95): Nike's Little Max 95 is a Mini Version of the Classic Air Max (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Athletic wear companies can capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality and stylish children's sneakers, creating a new market segment. - [Space Arcade Pizza Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-story-pizza-planet): Disneyland is Opening a Real-Life Toy Story Pizza Planet (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Theme parks can capitalize on the success of films and popular culture by creating immersive dining experiences that attract visitors and differentiate their offerings. ## 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)