# Retro-Inspired Action Figures Generation Grit by Laura Hale Encourages Empathy & Kindness in Boys By Meghan Young | Published 2014-06-27 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/generation-grit References: [moms.popsugar](http://moms.popsugar.com/New-Action-Figure-Boys-35068883) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1882390019/generation-grit) 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](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iamelemental-action-figures) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Emotional Well-Being Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartfuls.md) - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md) - [Angry Customer Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/namespace.md) - [Diverse Hand-Knit Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hand-knit-dolls.md) - [Experiment-Based Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beast-lab.md) - [Two-Sided Paper Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megadolls.md) - [Next-Gen 90s Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/groovy-girls.md) - [Hero-Inspired Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jada-toys.md) - [Heroic Female Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-borinquena.md)