Category
Lifestyle
Gentle Diagnostics
5.4
Trend score
What's Happening
What is the Social Sensory trend?
Social Sensory: The ASMR trends that have become so popular on various social media platforms are now being adapted into child-friendly formats. These forms of sensory play offer both developmental and psychological benefits for children.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Social Sensory trend
Social media is increasingly driving everything from recreational to pop-culture trends, and its influence is particularly strong on Gen Z and Millennials. Now, brands across industries are increasingly turning to digital trends in order to inform their ideation processes.
Trend themes
Themes within the Social Sensory trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Child-friendly ASMR-inspired toys
Brands are adapting the popular ASMR trend into sensory toys designed specifically for children, creating opportunities for the toy industry to incorporate digital trends into their design processes.
02
Eco-friendly sensory toys
An increasing number of toy brands are incorporating eco-friendly and sustainability concerns into the manufacturing of sensory toys, presenting opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of the toy industry.
03
Smart and wearable fidget toys
Smart and wearable fidget toys have benefited consumers of all ages, creating opportunities for the toy industry to incorporate technology and promote health benefits for a wider demographic.
Industry implications
What the Social Sensory trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy industry
The toy industry can take inspiration from digital trends and incorporate eco-friendly and technology-driven designs for a wider demographic.
For
Health and wellness industry
The promotion of mental wellness and stress relief through fidget toys represents potential innovation opportunities for the health and wellness industry.
For
Education industry
Sensory toys that aid in the development of motor skills and sensory play have significant potential for use in early childhood education and in helping children with learning disabilities.
Workshop question
How is your brand capitalizing off of social media trends?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Social Sensory
Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 78%, freshness 11%.
Popularity74%
Activity78%
Freshness11%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Social Sensory trend
11 featured examples from Dec 7, 2019 to Feb 18, 2023CategoryLife-Stages
Poppable Sensory Toys
Dimpl Pops Deluxe Bubbles Can Be Pushed, Poked and Popped
The success of Dimpl Pops Deluxe and its recognition as a TOTY Award finalist highlights a growing market for unique and innovative toys that promote sensory learning.
CategoryEco
All-Natural Sensory Toys
Land of Dough's Play Dough Has Compostable Glitter & Calming Aromas
Toy manufacturers can capitalize on the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly sensory play products by developing new product lines that utilize natural materials and sustainab…
CategoryLifestyle
Sensory Stimulation Strips
'Calm Strips' Allow for Fidgeting and Restlessness to Be Released
Incorporating fidget aids within health and wellness products to promote relaxation and stress reduction
CategoryEco
Eco Tactile Sand Toys
Rainbow Eco Products' Slinky Sand is Like Slime But Without the Goo
There is an opportunity for toy manufacturers to explore the dry sensory toy market to create a new product line.
CategoryLife-Stages
Traditional Wooden Stacking Stones
The Tumi Ishi Wood Rocks Have a Natural, Handmade Design
The toy industry can develop new sensory play sets and traditional toys in unique designs, colors and materials that will keep customers coming back for more.
CategoryLife-Stages
ASMR Recording Cubes
The ASMR Recorder Cube Records Soothing Sounds for Multi-Sensory Play
Developing toys with sensory elements that support mental health and emotional regulation.
CategoryLife-Stages
Wearable Fidget Toy Bracelets
The Infinity Flip Mobius Fidget Band Toy is Relaxing
The wearable aspect of these fidget toys makes them an enticing opportunity for the fashion and accessories industry to develop new innovative designs and products.
CategoryTech
Smart Fidget Toys
TapTap is for Ages Five to 105 and It Offers Benefits for All
The toy industry has an opportunity to create and market interactive, educational toys for both kids and adults.
CategoryLife-Stages
Impossible Iridescent Puzzle Cubes
The Rubik's Impossible Puzzle Cube Increases the Difficulty
Companies can explore creating more complex and challenging toy puzzles to cater to both children and adults.
CategoryLife-Stages
Multi-Sensory Sand Toys
The So Sand DIY Sand Studio Promises "100% ASMR"
Toy manufacturers can invest in creating multi-sensory toys that incorporate tactile and auditory experiences or personalized experiences for children, as seen in the So Sand DIY…
CategoryMarketing
ASMR Building Block Albums
The LEGO® White Noise Spotify Album Offers Hours of Sensory Sounds
Innovation opportunities for toy companies to explore ASMR experiences that complement their product offerings and enhance the overall brand experience.
