The September 2020 life stages trends are dominated by back-to-school examples and understandably so. From virtual school orientations to optimistic pandemic-prompted school campaigns, it is no secret that the marketing tactics for the season look quite different than last year.
While in 2019, retailers like Macy's blasted the message of getting back-to-school with enthusiasm, beckoning many kids and their parents to flock to its stores, this year, the company is taking on a gentle and encouraging tone that just states 'Let's Be Ready.' The commercial focuses and acknowledges the "new normal."
Other retailers featured in the September 2020 life stages are also trying to adapt their business model amid the pandemic disruptions. PREIT, for example, has launched stylist-curated back-to-school supply packs, marking the first such venture of a mall operator.
Top 85 Life Stages Trends in September
85
Game-Inspired Furniture Catalogs
IKEA Taiwan Recreated Its Furniture Catalog with Animal Crossing
84
Youth Activist Campaigns
BE THE FUTURE GapKids Amplifies the Voices of Young American Activists
83
QR-Connected Paper Toys
Lovepop Play is an Interactive Line of Pop-Up Paper Toys & Cards
82
Empowering POC-Specific School Supplies
EPIC EVERYDAY Boasts a Chic Back-to-School Collection
81
Playful All-in-One Bedroom Units
This Kid's Bedroom Furniture Unit from YODEZEEN is Interactive
80
Optimistic Pandemic-Prompted School Campaigns
Target Launched a New Back to School Campaign
79
Coconut Fiber-Infused Cribs
The Charlie Crane 'Kumi' Crib Has a Hypoallergenic Build
78
Two-Sided Architectural Puzzles
The Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater Double-Sided Puzzle is Iconic
77
Anxiety Management Playing Cards
SUNCards Help to Support Pre-Teens with Anxiety
76
Tween-Targeted Jewelry Lines
Claire's Brings on Olympian Sky Brown in New Jewelry Collaboration
75
Engaging Children's Art Books
PHAIDON's Artist Profile Books by Fausto Gilberti are Educational
74
Advanced Robotics Coding Toys
The iRobot Root rt0 Coding Robot Has 20 Reactive Sensors and More
73
Folding Travel-Friendly Car Seats
The 'Taxie' Child Car Seat Offers Impressive Protection
72
Virtual Dorm Furniture Shops
College from Home Helps Students Prep Bedrooms for Remote Learning
71
Nutty Baby Food Pouches
Happy Baby Organics Nutty Blends Support Early Allergen Introduction
70
Efficient Two-in-One Baby Carriers
The Smart Infant Carrier from ZAAFDesign Enhances Safety
69
Healthy Back-to-School Snacks
Sun-Maid Launched the 'Childhood is Always in Session' Campaign
68
Interactive Hashtag-Branded Campaigns
Bomb Pop Targets Tweens in New 'Not One Thing' Campaign
67
Aerial Trick Fidget Spinners
The 'FlyNova' Flying Fidget Spinner Elevates the Classic Toy
66
User-Friendly Content Players
The Conceptual 'DVDISC' Helps Seniors Enjoy Their Favorite Content
65
Daycare Activity Timepieces
The Conceptual 'Daycare-at-Home' Watch is Designed for Children
64
Arcade-Inspired Board Games
The Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man Board Game Comes with a Mini Arcade Game
63
STEM Education Building Blocks
The Kontu STEM Blocks are for Kids Aged Three to Eight
62
Quarantine-Themed Card Games
The Surviving Quarantine Board Game Was Created by a Family of Six
61
Building Game Cereals
Kellogg's Minecraft Creeper Crunch Cereal Shares Special In-Game Codes
60
Tracking Toothbrush Devices
Truthbrush Helps Families Monitor Their Toothbrushing Habits
59
Senior-Focused Exercising Parks
This Senior Exercise Park Was the Result of Community Engagement
58
Inaugural Back-to-School Tween Collections
Old Navy Partners with Popsugar for a Clothing Capsule
57
Outdoor Drive-In Movie Theatres
Cadillac Fairview is Unveiling Charitable Outdoor Movie Events
56
3D Platform Party Games
The 'War Pong®' Tabletop Party Game Can be Used for a Variety of Pastimes
55
At-Home Recess Boxes
Snack Sized Adventures: Recess Edition Supports Families During a Pandemic
54
Magic-Inspired Kid Fashion
The New Mini Boden Collection Features Mythical Creatures
53
Playful Worry Animals
Lost+Found Boasts Three Types of Worry Animals by KidEssence
52
Kid-Friendly Speed Eating Challenges
Fruit by the Foot Launched a YouTube Live Challenge for Teens
51
Handcrafted Vegetable-Inspired Toys
The Sebra Wooden Veggies Set Encourages Imaginative Play
50
Kid-Friendly Custom Water Bottles
These Vibrant Water Bottles Can Be Personalized with a Name
49
Vitamin-Powered Hyperpigmentation Remedies
Hyper Clear Boasts a Formula with Vitamin E & Vitamin C
48
DIY Microscope Kits
Build Your Own's Kit Creates a Mess-Free, Eco-Friendly Microscope
47
Soothing Teething Sticks
Gerber's Soothe 'n' Chew Teething Sticks are Grain-Based
46
Back-to-School Snack Kits
'Love in Case of' Kits Share Rice Krispies Treats with Writable Wrappers
45
Sci-Fi Statue Speakers
The Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Speaker Has a Rechargeable Battery
44
Youth-Focused Creative Agencies
The ADOLESCENT Agency Helps Brands Connect with Gen Z Consumers
43
Gen Z-Created Beauty Brands
TikTok Star Addison Rae is Launching a Clean Brand Called ITEM Beauty
42
Personalized Cereal Box Promotions
Kellogg's is Offering a Special Service for Back-to-School
41
Social Recommendation Platforms
Bingie Emphasizes Word-of-mouth Recommendations for Movie & Shows
40
Wizardly Figurine Advent Calendars
The Harry Potter Funko Pop Advent Calendar is New for 2020
39
High-Quality Coloring Utensils
The BIC Kids Coloring Products Include Three New Options
38
Kid-Friendly Plant-Based Yogurts
Little Bandits is a Plant-Based Yogurt Alternative for Kids
37
Student Textbook Subscriptions
Cengage's Subscription Option Supports Students for Back-to-School
36
Personalized Embroidered Lunch Bags
My 1st Year Lets parents Personalize Lunch Boxes with Names
35
Work-from-Home Playsets
Fisher-Price's My Home Office Toy Set is a Pandemic-Inspired Toy
34
Wildlife-Inspired Shoe Racks
Yamazaki Home's Kids Shoe Rack Features Cute Rabbit Motifs
33
Naturally Formulated Baby Cosmetics
The Lafe’s Natural BodyCare Baby Care Line is Organic
32
Gamified Action Sports Apps
The HomeCourt App Brings Action Sports to Your Home with AI
31
Kid-Friendly Plant-Based Pastas
Tolerant is Introducing Organic, Legume-Based Pastas for Kids
30
Virtual School Orientations
The First-Ever 'Teen Vogue Orientation' is Set to Debut August 14
29
Interactive Skincare Challenges
The Neutrogena® Rapid Clear 2-Hour Challenge Shows Visible Results
28
Minimalist Gen Z Makeup
Morphe 2 is Launching with Two TikTok Stars as Brand Ambassadors
27
Medical Sci-Fi Board Games
The Star Wars Chewbacca Operation Game is for Players Six and Up
26
Museum Thief Card Games
The 'Where Are My Treasures' Social Card Game Has a Plot-Focused Setup
25
Extra Long Overnight Pads
Rael's Extra Long Overnight Pads are Four Inches Longer Than the Average
24
Tech Job Picture Books
The 'TECHy' Picture Book Includes 15 Prominent Roles in the Tech World
23
Sticker-Inspired Mini Collectibles
Wacky Packages Minis are Based on Classic Topps Stickers
22
Free-From Kid-Friendly Bars
Kids MacroBars Boast Kid-Pleasing Flavors & Clean Ingredients
21
Phone Positivity Campaigns
Billie Eilish x Telekom Highlights Gen Z as Change-Makers
20
Green Screen Animation Toys
KlikBots are Posable Heroes & Villains for Creating Stop-Motion Films
19
Playful Personalized Pencil Cases
These Bright Pencil Cases Offer Four Bright and Colorful Designs
18
Distancing Dating Guides
AXE is Helping Teens Feel "Smell Ready" for Dating
17
Virtual Private High Schools
The Ontario Virtual School Offer Online High School Credits
16
Curated Back-to-School Shopping Programs
PREIT's Small Surprises Features Stylist-Picked Goods
15
Ultra-Soft Training Underwear
Pull-Ups New Leaf Features Plant-Based Ingredients
14
French Toast-Inspired Cookies
Girl Scouts' Toast-Yay Cookie is a Comforting New Cookie Treat
13
Popcorn-Like Toddler Snacks
Gerber Organic BabyPops Help Young Ones Learn to Self-Feed
12
Affordable Kids' Glasses
The Coco + Breezy X Zenni Collaboration Will Support Black Communities
11
Building Block Deckchairs
The Lego Wooden Deckchair by Pedro Sequeira Has a Realistic Design
10
Effective Women-Targeted Supplements
Movita Boasts Wellness-Centric Multivitamins for Women
9
Adventurous 80s Film Games
The Monopoly: The Goonies Board Game is Detailed
8
Conscious Home Retailer Ads
Pottery Barn Teen's Latest Commercial Speaks to Gen Z Values
7
Sew-On Name Labels
The Woven Sew-on Name Tapes Ensure Your Child's School Supplies Aren't Shared
6
Film-Inspired Race Car Sets
The Micro Scalextric James Bond No Time to Die Set is Detailed
5
Pizza-Themed Party Games
P for Pizza by Big Potato Challenges Players to Gather Many Slices
4
Miniaturized Shopping Brand Toys
These 'Zuru' Collectibles Bring Brand Nostalgia to the Playroom
3
Encouraging Back-to-School Ads
Macy's Takes a Positive and Encouraging Tone in Its Commercial
2
Dual Back-to-School Shopping Campaigns
Walmart Launches Ads for Both Elementary Schools & Colleges
1
Girl Group Clothing Collaborations
Justice, the Tween Retailer, Partnered with Kid-Focused Band
Related Ideas
Curated Back-To-School Campaigns
JD Debuts the New Start Fresh Back-To-School Campaign
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Spooky Infant Essentials
Hello Bello and Beetlejuice Collaborate on Limited-Edition Diaper Designs
Summer-Centric Lifestyle Fashion
UNIQLO U Presents its New Collection for the SS24 Season
Curated Denim Capsules
Silver Jeans Launched its Fall 24' Collection in Time for Back-to-School
Halloween-Inspired Pretzel Campaigns
Snyder’s of Hanover Debuts the 'Pretzelface' Campaign
Back-To-School Disney-Inspired Fashion Lines
The Forever 21 x Disney Capsule is Highly Anticipated
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Nostalgic 80s-Inspired Expressive Footwear
Clarks and Netflix Launch a Stranger Things Collection
Autumn-Inspired Face Mask Collections
ESW Beauty Introduces the Autumn Glow Up Capsule
Reinvigorated 90s Fashion
The Old Navy '94 Reissue Collection Revives Nostalgic Style
Mental-Health Awareness QSR Packaging
McDonald's Alters Its Happy Meal Boxes for Mental Health
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Eco-Friendly Bath Essentials
Bebo Seeks to Reimagine the Packaging of Kid's Bath Products
Sensorial Autumn-Inspired Body Care
Native Debuts its Fall Market Collection
Fall Farmhouse Staples
Target Unveils a New Collaboration with Chip and Joanna Gaines
Fridge-Decorating Social Trends
Bed Bath & Beyond Participated in 'Fridgescaping' Trend
Pink-Themed Summer Pop-Ups
The LANEIGE Bounce Around the City Pop-Up Launches in Five U.S. Cities
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Next-Gen Hatching Toys
Spin Master is Reinventing Hatchimals with a Reimagined Egg
Global Handbag Campaigns
Coach's New 'Unlock Your Courage' Campaign Promotes Personal Expression
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Halloween-Inspired Snacks
Mars Has Released Its Halloween Lineup, Which Includes Seven Products
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Fall-Inspired Home Cleaning Collections
Grove Co. Debuts Its Limited-Edition Traditions Aglow Line
Multichannel Retail Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' 'Happy Lolidays' Campaign is Engaging
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Sensory Immersion Tools
Lifelines Activate the Body's Natural Stress Relivers
Snack-Themed Textbooks
FUNdamental Textbooks by Heinz Make Learning More Playful
Seasonal Autumn Treats
Target Launches a Fall-Themed Private Label Sweets Collection
Spooky Lunch Snack Ranges
These General Mills Halloween Products Come in New and Returning Options
Active Lifestyle-Supporting Campaigns
Kellogg's® Vector® Launches the Become Your Player Campaign
Pizza Box Resumes
Pizza Hut's "ResZAmes" Support Job Seekers During the September Surge
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Retro QSR Menus
The Taco Bell Decades Menu Revisits Favorites from Past Decades
Iconic Toy Retailer Expansions
Toys"R"Us Canada Amplifies Retail Presence Ahead of Holiday Season
Exclusive Social Shopping Snacks
Like Air is Launching Limited-Time Flavors on TikTok Shop
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Back-to-School Recycling Challenges
Takis and TerraCycle Teamed Up to Reward Recyclers
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Creativity-Driving Kids Apparel
Zara Announces a Collaboration with New York Label Sea
Fall-Ready Denim Campaigns
Pacsun Launched Its Interactive Better in Baggy Denim Campaign
Nostalgic Snack Ranges
Munchies Returns to Canada After a 20-Year Hiatus
Low-Cost Back-to-School Promotions
The Dollar General Back-to-School Campaign is Launching Now
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Lengthy Halloween-Inspired Events
Michaels Has Launched Its 100 Days to Halloween Campaign
Pre-Loved Shoppping Events
eBay's Recommerce Day Champions Sustainable Shopping
Back-to-School Countdown Kits
Post-it and Scotch Brands Partner with Actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Maturity-Inspired Fashion Campaigns
Kachorovska Recently Launched Its Fall/winter 2023-24 Campaign
Brand-Led Global Studies
The LEGO Group Conducted a Study That May Inform Market Decisions
Spooky Slider Packaging
White Castle Unleashed Limited-Edition Halloween Retail Packaging
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Post-Partum Meal QSR Campaigns
Burger King Captures a Special Moment with Bundles of Joy Campaign
Nature-Emphasizing Outdoor Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Spring/SSummer 2024 Collection
Family-Friendly Recipe Delivery Services
HelloFresh Family is Arriving for Back-to-School Season
Accessible Fashion Tours
The Walmart Style Tour Shares Personalized Color Analysis & Styling Tips
Provocative Pre-Fall Fashion
Natasha Zinko Unveils the BACK 2 CAMP Capsule for Pre-Fall
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Colorful Kid's Toy Lines
Battat and Walmart Introduce a Line of Preschool and Pretend Play Toys
Children's Food-Insecurity Campaigns
Subway's Never Miss A Lunch Campaign Is Set to Relaunch
Skincare Tailgate Tours
The Bubble Skincare Tailgate Tour Brings Premium Formulas to Gen Z
Affordable Back-to-School Campaigns
Staples Canada Embraces the Theme of '90s Throwback Pricing
Peeling Cheese Packaging Billboards
This Babybel Billboard is Inspired by the Product's Packaging
Autumnal Private Label Treats
These New Kroger Private Selection Products are Arriving for Fall
High School-Inspired Autumn Fashion
ERL Presents a Look at its FW24 Collection of Retro Themes
Premium Bundle Footwear Programs
Clarks' Back To School Collection Offers a Price Freezing Benefit
Cognitive Toy Subscriptions
Lovevery is a Subscription that Delivers Developmental Toys to Kids
Play-Inspired Global Holiday Campaigns
Toys"R"Us Has Introduced a New Global Holiday, Play Day
Mid-20th-Century Holiday Campaigns
Saks Fifth Avenue Unveiled its 'Gifts of Delight' Campaign
Retailer-Collaborative Fall Streetwear
Stüssy Presents Another Collection Alongside DSM London
Fall-Ready Sleek Wardrobe Staples
UNIQLO U Presents its New Collection for the FW23 Season
Squeezable Seasonal Snack Pouches
These GoGo squeeZ Snack Pouches are Limited-Edition
Familial Meal Kit Campaigns
HelloFresh, Hello Dinner Spotlights the Uniqueness of Households
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Revamped Private Label Ranges
The Target up&up Collection Has Been Expanded and Updated
Nostalgic Lip Balm Collections
Camp Burt Introduces its '84 Summer Merch Collection
Wholesome Accessible Kids Foods
Good & Gather Baby and Toddler Foods are Well-Priced
Back-to-School Shopping Services
Staples Teams Up with DoorDash to Release a New Delivery Service
Life-Size In-Store Countdowns
Toys R Us Asia and Craig & Karl Created an Advent Calendar for All
Minimal Seasonal Furniture Designs
Blu Dot Presents a New Collection for the Fall 2023 Season
Premium Autumnal Cafe Collections
Peet's Coffee Fall Menu Will Arrive in Late August
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Gen Z Slang Translators
Great Clips' Student Slang Translators Prepare Parents for Back-to-School
Seasonal Timeless Snack Lines
Hostess Boasts a Selection of Seasonal Snacks This Fall
Expansive Autumnal Coffee Ranges
This New Coffee Collection from The Fresh Market is Fall-Ready
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Candy-Inspired School-Centric Campaigns
Smarties® Debuts the Playful Smarties® U Campaign
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Allergy-Friendly Retailer Campaigns
FARE and CVS Pharmacy Partnered for the Teal Pumpkin Project
Active Lifestyle Retailer Ranges
The Sports Edit on M&S Now Features Reebok and Puma
Inspiring Entreprenurial Dolls
The American Girl 2025 Girl of the Year Speaks to Gen Alpha
QR-Equipped Fashion Collections
Nobody's Child Introduces QR Codes for its New Product Line
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Creativity-Celebrating Week-Long Campaigns
Crayola Education Will Kick Off Crayola Creativity Week
Expansive Seasonal Confectionery Collections
The Nestlé Christmas 2023 Range Has New and Old Faves
Retro Cartoon Back-to-school Capsules
Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake Present Unisex Styles
Halloween-Themed QSR Meal Containers
McDonald's Boo Buckets are Back in Several New Styles
Back-To-School Sporty Campaigns
JD's Start Fresh Campaign Celebrates Today's Youth Culture
Modern Baby Apparel Lines
Gerber Childrenswear Launches Modern Moments™ by Gerber® Lifestyle Brand
Early Literacy Campaigns
Leapfrog Launched the Everything Starts with Reading Campaign
Seasonal Grocery Collections
Kroger Co. Unveils the 14-Piece 'Harvest Apple' Autumn Collection
Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus
This New Taco Bell Menu Has Five Nostalgic Offerings
Stone-Like Supportive Toys
Play Maker Stapelstein Expands to the American Market
Accessible Seasonal Celebration Products
These Target Holiday Products are Priced at $5 or Less
Comprehensive Summer Lifestyle Capsules
Jakks Pacific is Unveiling a New Lifestyle Collection
Personalized Child Education Apps
Sandbox Group Launches the PlayKids+ Application for Ages 2-12
Frighteningly Festive Candy Products
These New Bazooka Candy Brands Halloween Products are Tasty
Tween-Targeted Weekly News Shows
Kelsey Russell is the Newest Co-Host of First Stop News
Revamped Cotton Swab Branding
Q-tips Packaging Has Been Updated for the Brand's 100th Anniversary
Summery Private Label Foods
Publix Summer Specials are Arriving to Help Consumers Celebrate
Creepy Autumnal Snack Packaging
Walkers Halloween Packs Transform Classic Snacks
Child-Friendly Good Habit Apps
Little Streaks Builds Healthy Habits in Kids
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Fall-Ready Footwear Collections
BEARPAW's Fall 2024 Collection Builds on Its Cozy Offerings
Updated Fresh Food Lines
One Stop Refreshes its Product Range to Offer Healthier and Fresher Items
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
Parenting Course Apps
Tiny Souls Media Debuts Zip and the Tiny Sprouts Alongside a Parenting Tool
Celebratory Autumnal Cafe Menus
The New Starbucks Fall Menu Marks 20 Years of PSLs
Comforting QSR Menu Promotions
Popeyes Sunday Scaries Menu Supports Students and Professionals
Educational Back-To-Cafeteria Campaigns
ASHA Offers Guidance to Families During Back-To-School
Whimsical Hygiene Expansions
Personal Care Brand Clean Age Launches at Walmart Stores
Streetstyle Flavor Campaigns
Old El Paso's Turn It Up Entices Gen Z to Try Its Street Vibes Range
Nostalgic School Supplies
The Staples Pep Rally Collection Features 90s-Inspired Accessories
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Private Label School Supplies
Meijer is Introducing a New Selection of Products for Back-to-School
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Tween-Oriented Content Series
Claire's Launches a New Media Partnership with Sony Pictures TV-Kids
Parent-Rewarding Burger Promotions
This Wayback Burgers Promotion Rewards September Baby Parents
Fall-Themed Burger Menus
These New Wayback Burgers Menu Items Come in Three Options
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Back-To-School Barbershop Initiatives
City Gear is Launching Its Sixth Annual Cutz 4 Kids Event
Viral Baby Hotel Partnerships
The Four Seasons Hotel Partners a Viral Baby for a Weekend