# Updated Plush Brands are launching plush toys with tech features to enhance the sleep routine. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Mar 12, 2020 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/updated-plush ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Updated Plush trend? **Updated Plush:** Brands are creating updated versions of the traditional plush toy to enhance the sleep routine of children. These new features are implemented either as interactive elements or as health trackers, allowing the tech-savvy innovations to bring something else to the table in addition to bedside companionship. ## The consumer insight behind the Updated Plush trend Millennial parents are open to technology when it comes to raising their children and as a result, many opt-in for a hybrid tactic that pairs traditional upbringings with tech-powered features. As a result, many parents and their children are enjoying an added benefit that extends to convenience, accessibility, cost, and even education. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 11, 2018 to Aug 15, 2022 - Published: Mar 12, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Updated Plush trend ### Tech-Enhanced Plush Toys Brands are leveraging technology to enhance traditional plush toys, offering interactive or health tracking features. ### Multimedia Comforting Toys Plush toys with built-in multimedia features to provide audio and visual comfort to kids, especially in new or scary environments. ### Robotic Stress-Relieving Toys Toys that combine robotic functions with soft, plush designs to help reduce stress and anxiety in children. ## What the Updated Plush trend means for industry ### For Toys and Games These trends offer opportunities for toy companies to disrupt the traditional plush toy market with technology, multimedia features, or robotic functions. ### For Wearables and Health Tech These trends offer opportunities for the integration of health tracking features into devices specifically designed for children. ### For Media and Entertainment These trends offer opportunities to create engaging multimedia content that can be paired with plush toys for added value and comfort. ## Workshop question How might your brand balance the traditional and the digital in your product/service? ## Trend signals for Updated Plush Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 68%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 68% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Updated Plush trend 7 featured examples from Jul 11, 2018 to Aug 15, 2022. - [Robotic Stress-Relieving Cats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amagami-ham-ham): The Amagami Ham Ham Has Interactive Stress-Reducing Capabilities (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for robotics companies to expand their product lines with stress-relief robots. - [Toothless Monster Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-toothless-monster): 'The Toothless Monster' Plush Updates Tooth Fairy Traditions (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: A disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to develop interactive and imaginative toys that enhance traditional play experiences and capture children's interest. - [Comforting Plush Toy Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugphones): The 'HugPhones' Help Kids Feel Safer in New Environments (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The 'HugPhones' present an opportunity for the children's product industry to create more comforting and innovative solutions for kids. - [Safety-Enhancing Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unicorn-toy): The 'StArY' Unicorn Toy Features a Light-Up Horn for Added Security (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry has an opportunity to develop new products that enhance children's bedtime routines and promote feelings of safety and comfort. - [Juvenile Vital Sign Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/health-wearable): The 'MARY' Health Wearable is for Kids Aged 0 to 10 (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Introduce innovative wearable devices for monitoring children's health, catering to the needs and concerns of parents. - [Interactive Plush Bear Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furreal-cubby): The FurReal Cubby is Interactive with Changing Day and Night Modes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in the toy industry to create more interactive and versatile plush toys. - [Heroic Bedtime Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bedtime-defenderz): The Bedtime Defenderz Plush Toys Help Kids Feel Protected at Night (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The increasing need for toys that promote children's safety while also providing comfort, like Bedtime Defenderz, can encourage innovation in the toy industry. ## 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)