# Macho Playtime Dads turn to activities that encourage bonding and engagement with kids. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 19, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/targeted-playtime ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Macho Playtime trend? **Macho Playtime:** Seeking to establish a relationship with their kids, anxious parents, like new dads, are turning to activities that specifically promote father-child interaction. Allowing dads to play and interact with their kids through typically male-centric activities, such as grooming, these products help father figures take a more prominent parental role through experiences they can easily identify with. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 6, 2014 to Mar 13, 2015 - Published: May 19, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Macho Playtime trend ### Father-Child Interaction As new dads seek to establish a relationship with their kids, activities and products that promote father-child interaction have become popular. ### Hands-On Learning for Kids Parents are turning to products and services that offer hands-on learning experiences for their kids. ### Monthly Subscription Boxes Monthly subscription boxes are becoming more popular for both dads and kids, offering a variety of gender-neutral activities and experiences. ## What the Macho Playtime trend means for industry ### For Parenting and Family Business professionals in parenting and family industries can develop products and services that encourage father-child interaction and hands-on learning for kids. ### For Subscription Boxes Business professionals in the subscription box industry can focus on creating unique and engaging boxes that offer a variety of activities and learning experiences for both kids and dads. ### For Toy and Game Manufacturing Toy and game manufacturers can incorporate father-child activities into their product lines, encouraging bonding and interaction between dads and their kids. ## Workshop question Does your product or service emphasize socialization or bonding? How could you change your offering to include these aspects? ## Trend signals for Macho Playtime Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Macho Playtime trend 4 featured examples from May 6, 2014 to Mar 13, 2015. - [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. - [Shoulder-Mounted Kiddie Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/child-carrier): The SaddleBaby Child Carrier Keeps Kids in Birds Eye View (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The childcare products industry can explore the production of innovative shoulder-mounted carriers to cater to the needs of parents. - [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… - [Fatherly Bonding Shaving Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaving-kit): This Father & Son Shaving Set Makes Time for Father and Son (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for personal care product companies to design products tailored toward new grooming routines for young children. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)