# Pandemic Toy Toy brands release products that help normalize the ongoing pandemic for children. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 28, 2020 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pandemic-toy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Pandemic Toy trend? **Pandemic Toy:** Brands that create children's toys are developing products that are inspired by the ongoing pandemic. These items aim to normalize the current way of life for children, whether that's by celebrating essential workers or imitating life working from home. ## The consumer insight behind the Pandemic Toy trend For parents who are working from home with young children, or children who are in virtual school, keeping a "normal" routine within the home, and maintaining mental health among children can be a struggle. Between the stress of new responsibilities and the uncertainty around when they'll end, parents seek out ways to keep their children occupied while framing the current climate with a sense of normalcy. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 25 to Aug 19, 2020 - Published: Oct 28, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Pandemic Toy trend ### Pandemic-inspired toys Brands are developing toys inspired by the ongoing pandemic to help normalize the current way of life for children. ### Virtual/remote play experiences Companies are curating virtual or remote play experiences for kids to keep them entertained while at home due to COVID-19. ### Thanking essential workers Brands are releasing products that pay homage to first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## What the Pandemic Toy trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry The toy industry is adapting to the current pandemic landscape by creating toys that help normalize current events, bring joy, and keep kids entertained. ### For Education Industry The education industry is shifting focus towards virtual or remote learning experiences to keep children engaged while learning from home. ### For Healthcare Industry The healthcare industry has seen an increase in support from various brands that have created products to honor and thank essential workers. ## Workshop question How could your brand prioritize pandemic education or establishing a sense of normalcy for children? ## Trend signals for Pandemic Toy Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 62%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Pandemic Toy trend 4 featured examples from Mar 25 to Aug 19, 2020. - [At-Home Play Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-packs): Toyr"R"Us Canada Created Entertaining 'R' Stay-at-Home Play Packs (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating curated play packs as a new offering in the toy retail industry to cater to the needs of families staying at home. - [Pen Pal Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pen-pal-campaign): L.O.L. Surprise! is Helping Kids Connect While Social Distancing (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies can disrupt the traditional play experience by combining physical and digital elements to create innovative and interactive products that appeal to modern kids and p… - [First Responder Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-edition-action-figures): Mattel Releases Special Edition Action Figures—#ThankYouHeroes (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can create special edition action figures that honor and support first responders and essential workers. - [Work-from-Home Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-home-office-toy): Fisher-Price's My Home Office Toy Set is a Pandemic-Inspired Toy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies have an opportunity to create innovative and engaging toys that reflect current societal shifts, like Fisher-Price did with the My Home Office playset. ## 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)