# Emotional Exploration Plushes Emotional Baggage by Solobo Toys Helps Kids with Playful Expression By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-03-19 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotional-baggage-by-solobo-toys References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-toys-of-the-year-announced-at-the-25th-toy-of-the-year-awards-302389072.html) & [solobotoys](https://solobotoys.com/en-ca/collections/social-emotional-learning/products/emotional-baggage)  Parents are seeking toys that go beyond fun, and Emotional Baggage by Solobo Toys was created to help children understand and express their emotions. The set includes eight plush emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, silly, anxious, loved, and tired) that can be used at home and in classroom settings to encourage kids to explore their feelings and increase their capacity for empathy. These [soft plush toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/care-bears-caring-cuties) for kids ages three and up come in an embroidered canvas bag for storing and transporting the colorful characters. Portable and calming thanks to their sensory qualities, the plush spheres are made for squeezing and safe throwing. [Solobo Toys'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solobo-emotion-friends) Emotional Baggage won Plush Toy of the Year at the 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year Awards. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 37% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Emotion-focused Play:** Toys that encourage emotional intelligence are gaining popularity as parents seek tools to help children explore their feelings. - **Therapeutic Play Tools:** Play items that offer sensory and calming benefits are being recognized for their role in emotional and behavioral development. - **Integrated Play Education:** There is a rising demand for toys that merge fun with educational elements, particularly those promoting social-emotional learning. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Educational Toys:** The educational toys industry is innovating by incorporating emotional learning aspects into traditionally play-focused products. - **Mental Health & Wellness:** The wellness industry is expanding into child-focused products that support mental health through engaging and interactive experiences. - **Sensory Play Products:** The growing emphasis on products with sensory benefits presents new opportunities in the realm of therapeutic play. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expressive 3D-Printed Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solobo-emotion-friends.md) - [Mental Health Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-calmness-crew.md) - [Emotional Well-Being Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartfuls.md) - [Emotional Support Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotional-support-plushies.md) - [Emotional Development Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expression-blocks-wooden-blocks.md) - [Expressive Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood-bears-sainsburys.md) - [Anxiety Soothing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugimals-antianxiety-plushie.md) - [Emotional Regulation Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flip-out-hammerhead.md) - [Emotional Teaching Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icalm-tantrum-resolution-game.md)