# Playful Separation Brands offer more frivolous solutions for the mundane aspects of self-isolation. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 31, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/playful-separation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Playful Separation trend? **Playful Separation:** In the last couple weeks, the government-mandated isolation and quarantine of people around the world have had both micro and macro impacts on individuals and societies. For some of the more personal, frivolous concerns that consumers have, brands are responding by offering small, playful products that can be enjoyed in isolation. ## The consumer insight behind the Playful Separation trend Though most understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn't underscore the human need to play, socialize or enjoy the smaller things in life. Consumers in isolation are craving entertainment in many different forms, and seek out brands that are able to help them pass the time, or enjoy it, in a way that's playful and lighthearted. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20 to Apr 10, 2020 - Published: Mar 31, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Playful Separation trend ### Frivolous Self-Isolation Products Brands offer playful solutions for consumers seeking entertainment during self-isolation. ### At-Home Entertainment Services Businesses provide consumers with entertainment options and play packs for the home-based workforce and students. ### Pen Pal and Postal Services Brands offer fun pen pal and postal campaigns to keep people in touch without the use of online platforms. ## What the Playful Separation trend means for industry ### For Entertainment Industry Businesses in the entertainment industry focus on providing consumers with innovative entertainment options for self-isolation ### For Toy Industry Companies offer curated play packs designed to occupy families during home-based work and school closures. ### For Postal and Delivery Services In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, some companies are offering curbside, postal, and home delivery services for consumers. ## Workshop question How is your brand supporting its customers or employees and this time? ## Trend signals for Playful Separation Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 85%, activity 76%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 85% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Playful Separation trend 5 featured examples from Mar 20 to Apr 10, 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. - [Self-Isolation Dance Parties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfisolation-dance-parties): 'Stevie' is a New Short Dance Film Examining the Mind of a Teen (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in the entertainment industry for creating new forms of immersive and interactive content. - [Confection Isolation Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-isolation-kit): COCO's Chocolate Isolation Kit Boasts Bestsellers from the Brand (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As consumers seek out comforting treats during times of uncertainty, there is an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to create unique and indulgent products that cater… - [Design-Friendly Easter Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-golden-hen-eggs): These COCO Golden Hen Eggs in Milk Chocolate Boast Emer Tumilty Art (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can capitalize on creating unique and design-focused treats for special occasions like Easter. - [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… ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)