# Subscription Play Parents turn to kid-focused subscriptions to ensure ongoing novelty. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Mar 24, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/subscription-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Subscription Play trend? **Subscription Play:** Growing wildly in popularity over the past few years, subscription services have expanded to niche industries to provide consumers with more targeted products. Parents are one of these groups responding to the subscription model, and are drawn to the ongoing novelty these companies provide as well as the sometimes very specialized offerings. Providing consumers the ease of e-commerce mixed with customized goods, the popularity of these services come as no surprise. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 12, 2014 to Mar 13, 2015 - Published: Mar 24, 2015 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Subscription Play trend ### Niche Subscription Services The rise of subscription services has paved the way for niche industries that offer more targeted products. ### Educational Play Parents are drawn to subscription services that provide ongoing novelty and specialized offerings that also foster education. ### Gender Neutral Activities Subscription services that offer gender neutral activities for both parent and child can be an effective way to promote bonding and learning without extensive activity planning. ## What the Subscription Play trend means for industry ### For E-Commerce The ease of e-commerce mixed with customized goods make subscription services a popular option for busy parents. ### For Educational Toys Subscription services that provide educational toys are an effective solution for keeping kids engaged with age and skill appropriate toys. ### For Sustainability Subscription services that promote a focus on natural, non-toxic and fully recyclable materials in their products appeal to parents who are conscious of waste and environmental impact. ## Trend signals for Subscription Play Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 54%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 54% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Subscription Play trend 4 featured examples from Dec 12, 2014 to Mar 13, 2015. - [Educational Craft Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/activity-boxes): Green Kid Crafts' Activity Boxes Gift Smarts & Sustainability (Category: Eco) Implication: Online retailers can explore the niche market of educational craft subscription boxes, offering a convenient way for parents to engage their children in creative and educational a… - [Educational Toy Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-box): Spark Box Toys' Rental Service Entertains and Educates (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy rental services like Spark Box Toys are poised to challenge traditional toy retail, and present new revenue streams. - [Fatherly Playtime Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dad-and-kid-activities): The Cooper Kit Supplies Monthly Dad and Kid Activities (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: There is an opportunity for companies to create gender-neutral subscription boxes that promote bonding and learning for fathers and kids. - [Kiddie Coding Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-coding): Bitsbox Teaches Kids Coding Through Monthly Subscriptions (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The rise of subscription-based coding education platforms like Bitsbox is revolutionizing the way coding skills are taught and learned, providing new opportunities in the edtech i… ## 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)