# Significant Other Substitutes Grow a Boyfriend/Girlfriend For Valentine's Day By Meghan Young | Published 2011-01-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grow-a-boyfriend-girlfriend References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/01/27/grow-a-boyfriend-and-girlfriend/) & [neatoshop](http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Grow-A-Boyfriend) [Valentine's Day](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-selection-box) is coming up fast, and for some that might not be a good thing, unless, of course, they had the Grow a Boyfriend/Girlfriend. These [significant other substitutes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squeezeaway) may not be able to cuddle or take you out for a romantic, candlelit dinner, but at least they'll keep you company. Available online at the Neatoshop, the Grow a Boyfriend/Girlfriend toys are priced at an [affordable $1.95](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-in-this-economy), unlike real dates. Simply dunk them in some water and watch them grow. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Romance](https://www.trendhunter.com/romance) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Significant-other Substitutes:** Opportunity for creating innovative and personalized companionship products that offer emotional support and companionship without the complexities of a real relationship. - **Virtual Companions:** Opportunity to develop virtual companionship platforms, such as AI-powered chatbots or virtual avatars, that provide emotional support and simulate real relationships. - **Emotional Wellness Products:** Opportunity to create products and services that promote emotional well-being and self-care, catering to individuals seeking companionship alternatives. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Opportunity to create and sell innovative toys that offer companionship and emotional support, targeting individuals looking for alternative relationship experiences. - **Technology and Artificial Intelligence:** Opportunity for developing advanced AI and virtual reality technologies to create virtual companionship platforms and personalized relationship experiences. - **Wellness and Self-care:** Opportunity for wellness companies to expand their product offerings by creating emotional support and companionship products that cater to individuals seeking alternative relationship experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Breakup Gardening Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/break-up-gift-box.md) - [Herbaceous Edible Bouquets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woolworths-fresh-bouquet.md) - [Unconventional Valentine Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-disingenuous-romance-day-valentine-card.md) - [Valentines-Thmes Game Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-night-in-a-box.md) - [Seductive Valentine’s Day Bouquets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-squatch-x-trojan.md) - [Anti-Valentine's Dinner Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sour-hearts-social-club.md) - [Practical Valentine’s Day Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-card-bath-bar.md) - [Pickle-Packed Valentine's Bouquets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grillos-pickles-1.md) - [Make-your-Own Pickle Bouquet Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickles-pickle-bouquet.md)