Interactive tech-based toys help distract and soothe children dealing with stress
Trend - The growing focus on mental wellbeing in North America, has extended to kid's toys, with some brands offering interactive experiences that help distract children from challenging emotions. These wellbeing-focused toys also help teach children productive coping skills for stress and anxiety.
Insight - The last few years have put a spotlight on mental health, especially as the pandemic caused an uptick in people's feelings of anxiety and sadness globally. In North America, this coincided with the already-existing "wellness" movement, where consumers began exploring stress-reduction through both traditional and "new age" means. This shift has impacted how consumers choose to raise their kids--they're now prioritizing their children's mental health as part of their overall development.
Insight - The last few years have put a spotlight on mental health, especially as the pandemic caused an uptick in people's feelings of anxiety and sadness globally. In North America, this coincided with the already-existing "wellness" movement, where consumers began exploring stress-reduction through both traditional and "new age" means. This shift has impacted how consumers choose to raise their kids--they're now prioritizing their children's mental health as part of their overall development.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better evolve with its customers' changing values and priorities?
Trend Themes
1. Mental Health-focused Toys - Brands are offering interactive experiences that help distract children from challenging emotions and teach them productive coping skills for stress and anxiety.
2. Sensory Play - Interactive toys with tactile elements that support calming elements, such as ASMR recording cubes.
3. AI-based Companions - Innovative technology with artificial intelligence utilized in products to help minimize medical-related anxiety and reduce loneliness for children.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - The toy industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to address mental health and sensory play in an interactive and educational way.
2. Medical Industry - The medical industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to utilize technology, such AI-based companions, to improve children's experiences with medical procedures and treatment.
3. Education Industry - The education industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to utilize sensory play in educational settings to foster emotional and cognitive support.
5 Featured, 43 Examples:
145,693 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Aug 22 — Jan 24
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:
