# Toy Invitations Michael Lau Forgoes Stationary in Place of Toys By Christina Butty | Published 2009-09-18 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-lau-invitations References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2009/09/gardener-tenth-michael-lau-vip-invitations/) & [michaellau-art](http://www.michaellau-art.com/) To invite people out to Michael Lau's latest [exhibition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cj-hendry-1), paper was not the medium of choice for invitations. Instead of picking out appropriate stationary, Michael Lau gifted [collectible toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-top) to select VIP personalities in Los Angeles to invite them to his show. The Tenth show will appear in De La Barracuda in Los Angeles. There are 100 of each wood grain design available. Which one is your favorite? **Implications** - Now that the economic downturn has come and gone, consumers are feeling less anxious about their financial well-being. Recently employed 20 and early 30 somethings are looking to retain their youth through frivolous decision making. Companies should draw on these two factors and offer this group [niche products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimmon-collectibles). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Toy Invitations:** Artists creating unique and personalized invitations through the use of collectible toys instead of traditional paper-based invitations. - **Frivolous Decision Making:** Consumers are making more impulsive purchases and indulging in experiences that make them feel young and carefree. - **Niche Products for Millennials:** Companies should offer unique, specialized, and limited edition products for the recently employed 20-30 somethings. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** Artists and exhibition organizers creating unique experiences that incorporate collectible toys as part of their marketing and branding strategy. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Companies who manufacture collectible and limited edition toys catering to the needs of niche demographics. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Agencies creating unique and creative strategies to promote products that will speak to the younger generations and evoke nostalgia. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Life-Size In-Store Countdowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-asia.md) - [Artist-Designed Toy Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-toy-series.md) - [Designer Toy Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monsters-by-monsters-now-and-then.md) - [Toy Collectible Conventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designercon.md) - [Playful Toy-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellycat-caf.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md) - [Plushie-Inspired Art Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brent-estabrook-smiles.md) - [Designer Pop Culture Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kkplus.md) - [Playtime-Encouraging Toy Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-of-play.md)