# Cartoon Meme Collectibles The 'Masterpiece Memes' SpongeBob Toys Take Cues from Viral Content By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-02-14 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongebob-toys References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alpha-group-celebrates-spongebob-squarepants-20th-anniversary-with-fresh-line-of-imaginative-unique-toys-300795835.html) & [alphatoys](http://www.alphatoys.com/) In celebration of the 20th anniversary of [SpongeBob SquarePants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-x-spongebob-squarepants), [Alpha Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisa-off-duty) is launching an all-new line of collectible SpongeBob toys based on the animated series that appeals to the franchise's multi-generational fan base of kids, tweens, teens and Millennials who love to look back on nostalgic content. Countless SpongeBob SquarePants toys have been introduced over the past few decades yet this new one taps into how consumers have given the show a life of its own on the Internet via memes and viral content. The 'Masterpiece Memes' introduces eight-inch collectible vinyl figures based on 'Handsome Squidward,' 'Imaginaaation SpongeBob,' 'Surprised Patrick' and more. The new line of collectible anniversary toys also includes smaller SpongePop CulturePants figures, Spongesicles that resemble ice pops, the first-ever [Nickelodeon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spinnaker) Slime, new plush toys and much more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Humor](https://www.trendhunter.com/humor) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nostalgia-inspired Collectibles:** Opportunity to create collectible merchandise for popular shows or movies with a nostalgic fanbase using viral trends and internet memes - **Viral-inspired Toys:** Opportunity to create merchandise that is based on popular memes and viral trends within communities of modern internet culture - **Multi-generational Products:** Opportunity to create collectibles that appeal to a fanbase with various ages, as well as consumers who enjoy nostalgic products ### Where This Applies - **Toy Industry:** Opportunity to create new lines of collectible and viral-inspired toys that utilizes digital marketing to expand to a wider audience - **Entertainment Industry:** Entertainment companies can create new opportunities for merchandise, as well as further engage with their audiences by utilizing popular memes and internet content - **Marketing Industry:** Marketing companies can increase viral interest for new products by drawing inspiration from popular trends, using social media, and working with internet influencers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Meme-Themed Cartoon Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spider-man-no-way-home.md) - [Sleek Cartoon-Themed Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spinnaker.md) - [Vibrant Nautical-Themed Cartoon Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-x-spongebob-squarepants.md) - [Cartoon Anniversary Soap Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nautical-nonsense.md) - [Viral Video Content Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skibidi-toilet.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Frozen Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongebob-squarepants-pops.md) - [Vibrant Cartoon-Themed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heydude-x-spongebob.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Apparel Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongebob-squarepants-capsule.md) - [Cartoon-Branded Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spinnaker-hass-automatic-spongebob-squarepants.md)