With new products such as cooperation-promoting board games and inclusive male dolls, the May 2016 kids trends reveal a new emphasis on friendship and inclusivity. It seems that brands are not only emphasizing the importance of social interaction, but they are also trying to make sure that children of all races, genders and abilities feel included.
When it comes to promoting friendship, the May 2016 kids trends reveal an emphasis on toys and games that involve working together to reach a common goal. For instance, Seedling's box kite kit gives children an opportunity to work together on a creative DIY project. Similarly, a number of companies are producing board games that emphasize cooperation instead of competition, in order to promote friendships rather than rivalries.
As part of the focus on friendship, brands are also making a significant effort to create products that are more inclusive. For example, Melanites is an innovative toy company that creates dolls for boys of color. On a more broad scale, the cast of the Sesame Street Muppets recently expanded to include a character from Afghanistan who espouses strong feminist ideals. Both examples demonstrate the move towards greater diversity when it comes to products and content aimed at children.
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Gen Alpha (primary audience)
