# Whimsical Gifting Mythical gift-giving references the power of Internet culture. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Dec 4, 2015 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/whimsical-gifting ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Whimsical Gifting trend? **Whimsical Gifting:** In an effort to align with the fantasy of the holiday season in an unexpected way, retailers and manufacturers are offering whimsical products that engage consumers' sense of play. Products that reference mythical creatures and folkloric concepts tie into a sense of nostalgia that's been largely accelerated by fast-growing digital culture, and indicate the strength of Internet fandoms in real-world contexts. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 10 to Dec 1, 2015 - Published: Dec 4, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Whimsical Gifting trend ### Whimsical and Nostalgic Products Manufacturers are offering whimsical products that reference mythical creatures and evoke a sense of nostalgia for consumers, embracing internet fandoms in the real world. ### Handcrafted Tech-Free Toys As technology permeates every aspect of our lives, wooden toys made without high-tech features are becoming increasingly popular, providing lucrative opportunities for manufacturers of handcrafted, tech-free toys. ### Playful Novelties Manufacturers are exploring quirky and fun items, such as unicorn-themed cosmetics, in order to appeal to a younger audience looking for playful and unique novelties. ## What the Whimsical Gifting trend means for industry ### For Toys and Games The whimsical and nostalgic trend in product design opens a window for innovative manufacturers to make unique, tech-free toys and gain traction. ### For Fashion and Personal Care The playful and quirky persona has inspired designers to make unique non-conforming items in this particular sector, expanding to cosmetics, hair and body care products. ### For Giftware Consumers are now willing to pay a premium for fun and playful novelties and giftware, opening up new business opportunities for retailers to provide personalized and creative options. ## Workshop question What can your brand offer to leverage the purchasing power of online "fandoms."? ## Trend signals for Whimsical Gifting Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 40%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 40% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Whimsical Gifting trend 5 featured examples from Mar 10 to Dec 1, 2015. - [Mythical Cereal Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cute-bowl): This Cute Bowl from UncommonGoods is Shaped to Look Like a Rotund Unicorn (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The home decor industry can tap into the trend of mythical-inspired products to create a range of whimsical and imaginative pieces, such as home accessories and furnishings adorne… - [Sparkly Unicorn Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glitter-gel): This Somewhat Crassly Branded Glitter Gel is Dubbed 'Unicorn Snot' (Category: Fashion) Implication: Cosmetic companies can create novelty products that appeal to their target audiences at specific events and occasions. - [Mythical Wooden Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-character): This Decorative Wooden Character is Designed to Resemble Bigfoot (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Scope for toy manufacturers to tap into the demand for tech-free and creatively designed wooden toys. - [Fantasy Cat Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whimsical-cat): This Whimsical Cat Calendar Features Magically Winged Felines (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for pet companies to create unique and creative pet calendars inspired by fantasy animals. - [Mythical Writing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unicorn-pen): This Adorable Unicorn Pen Gives Your Stationery Collection a Magical Touch (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The stationery industry could benefit from developing imaginative designs for writing tools and other products that appeal to unicorn enthusiasts and collectors. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)