Parents are becoming more and more interested in relaying to their children traits revered in more male and female genders, hence the Generation Grit action figures. They are toys for boys that encourage them to "show their strength through traits like empathy, kindness, resourcefulness, curiosity, and grit," as written on its Kickstarter page. Like the IAmElemental action figure for girls, Generation Grit flies in the face of social expectations and norms.
Designed by Laura Hale, a designer based in Menlo Park, California, Generation Grit will be made up of different retro-inspired characters, the first of which is Mac Mason, an adventurous fourteen-year-old boy from 1943 who loves ciphers, camping, and baseball. Each action figure comes with a book and accessories to fit their historical persona.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Gender-inclusive Toys
- Creating action figures that challenge gender stereotypes and encourage positive traits in children.
- Retro-inspired Playthings
- Designing toys with a nostalgic look and feel to appeal to both children and adults.
- Character-driven Storytelling
- Integrating books and accessories with action figures to enhance imaginative play and storytelling.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Toy Manufacturing
- Exploring new opportunities to diversify product offerings and cater to changing societal values.
- Children's Education
- Developing educational toys that promote emotional intelligence and character development.
- Publishing
- Creating storybooks and related content to accompany action figures and foster imaginative play.
