# Trinket Marketing Brands are using blind box collectibles as a way to market to Gen Z. By [Kanesa D](https://www.trendhunter.com/kanesadavid), Insights Content Producer | Published Jan 22, 2025 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/trinket-marketing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 7.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Trinket Marketing trend? **Trinket Marketing:** Social media has sparked a trinket-collecting craze among Gen Z, and food brands are leveraging the allure of these items by pairing their food and drink items with blind box collectibles. Spanning mini figurines to themed keepsakes, these collectibles aim to drive sales and encourage repeat visits. ## The consumer insight behind the Trinket Marketing trend Faced with societal pressures and environmental challenges, many younger consumers turn to spending as a coping mechanism, seeking the dopamine hit that micro purchases provide. In response, F&B brands are launching collectible collaborations to appeal to Gen Z's desire for personalization and social sharing while delivering a unique experience. By positioning themselves as unofficial suppliers, brands can foster deeper engagement and encourage repeat purchases of their themed or branded products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 19, 2024 to Jan 21, 2025 - Published: Jan 22, 2025 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Trinket Marketing trend ### Experiential Pop-Ups Brands are merging nostalgia and unique themes to create immersive pop-up experiences that captivate a broad audience. ### The Rise of Blind Box Collectibles The fusion of surprise elements and beloved characters in blind box collectibles offers brands an innovative way to engage consumers emotionally. ### Collaborative Merchandise Collaborations between food and toy brands are producing themed merchandise, enhancing customer experience through play and personalization. ## What the Trinket Marketing trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage Businesses are integrating collectible merchandise into their offerings, transforming traditional sales methods with creative promotions. ### For Retail & Merchandising Retailers are leveraging limited-edition collectibles and themed collaborations to boost engagement and drive foot traffic. ### For Entertainment & Media The sector is exploring partnerships with brands for the inclusion of themed experiences and collectibles in their campaigns. ## Workshop question How can your brand turn its core products and services into an immersive consumer experience? ## Trend signals for Trinket Marketing Trend score 7.1 out of 10, from popularity 89%, activity 88%, freshness 34%. - Popularity: 89% - Activity: 88% - Freshness: 34% ## Examples of the Trinket Marketing trend 4 featured examples from Jul 19, 2024 to Jan 21, 2025. - [Plush Monster Boba Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chatime): Chatime Canada Launches a LABUBU Giveaway Promotion for Patrons (Category: Marketing) - [Dish-Inspired Plushie Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellycats-fish-chips): Jellycat's 'Fish & Chips' Pop-Up is a Uniquely British Experience (Category: Marketing) Implication: The retail sector is increasingly focusing on experiential shopping to differentiate itself from online alternatives. - [Collaborative Bubble Tea Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gong-cha-australia): Gong cha Australia and POP MART Debut PINO JELLY Merchandise (Category: Marketing) Implication: The fusion of novel, collectible items with traditional F&B offerings taps into experiential branding, encouraging consumers to engage with products on a deeper level. - [QSR-Backed Collectible Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-china-1): KFC China Introduces a Blind Box Collaboration with POP MART's Dimoo (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains are increasingly turning to promotional partnerships to differentiate their offerings and enhance brand loyalty through unique customer experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Protein Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-personalization) (Lifestyle) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Countertop Craft](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/countertop-craft) (Lifestyle) - [Inclusive Formulas](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/inclusive-formulas) (Fashion) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)