# Encouraging Plush Companions Slumberkins' Let's Grow Summer Series Encourages a Growth Mindset By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-06-13 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lets-grow-summer-series References: [slumberkins](https://slumberkins.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/lets-grow-summer-series-coral-pink-ocean-blue-narwhal-kins-with-books?variant=49461757280394)  A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and resilience—is one of the most powerful gifts that can be instilled in kids, and [Slumberkins'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slumberkins) new Let's Grow Summer Series helps to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and confidence. This upcoming release from the brand known for its plushes that help to nurture emotional well-being in kids introduces Coral Pink and Ocean Blue Narwhal Kins to inspire perseverance, grit and [positive self-talk](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pause-with-panda). The Special Edition Narwhal Kin Duo, paired with a Growth Mindset Parenting Guide, specifically supports children navigating new challenges and frustrations, while offering practical, family-centered support for navigating life's tough moments, encouraging effort and building little ones' confidence. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 77% - 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) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Growth-mindset Toys:** Plush characters paired with resilience-building content create space for toys that support confidence, perseverance and positive self-talk during everyday childhood challenges. - **Emotional Learning Companions:** Child-friendly objects that blend comfort, storytelling and social-emotional guidance signal demand for products that make mental wellness tangible at home. - **Parent-guided Play:** Family-centered guides bundled with play products reflect a shift toward hybrid tools that support caregivers while extending educational value beyond the toy itself. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Industry:** The category is expanding from entertainment into developmental support, where collectible plush products can differentiate through emotional wellness and learning outcomes. - **Early Childhood Education:** Growth mindset resources embedded in play formats introduce new ways for educational concepts to reach children before formal classroom intervention is needed. - **Family Wellness:** Practical emotional support products for children and caregivers point to a growing market for accessible mental health tools designed around daily family routines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Co-Branded Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-pigeon-company.md) - [Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therapeutic-games.md) - [Sensory Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensory-retail-experiences.md) - [Mental Health Toy Curations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dose-of-play.md) - [Telemetric Narrative EdTech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-narrative-resilience.md) - [Refurbished Neurodiverse Student Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/student-hub.md) - [Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crayola-creativity-weeks.md) - [Plush-Inspired Children's Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kabu-series.md) - [Cheeky Valentine's Day Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotter-than-my-ex.md)