Investigating Mental & Emotional Well-Being: New Trend Hunter Report

trend-hunter-mental-health-report September 23, 2019 | Interested in learning how your brand can tap into growing consumer interest in self-care and mental health? Learn all about it in TrendHunter.com’s latest monthly report, free to Toy Association members.

“As conversations surrounding mental and emotional health move further into the mainstream, they are creating new opportunities for businesses to offer products and differentiating brand experiences that support consumers on their journey to be more mindful and self-empowered,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “This report includes thought-provoking questions and examples to inspire toy and games companies in product development and ideation.”

This report explores the following topics and much more:

  • Adolescent Awareness – As more adults seek out tools to support their own mindfulness and meditation practices, child-targeted versions of these offerings are also increasing in popularity. This can range from integrating yoga classes and kindness-focused programming into school curriculum to incorporating anxiety-addressing and meditation apps into a child’s daily routine. Medical VR Solution, for example, created an anxiety-reducing VR game for kids facing surgery.
  • Amplified Self-Care – Consumers have become more willing to invest their time and money into their well-being. This has led to an influx of products and services to help facilitate goal- and progress-tracking, such as the hiMo app for mental health which lets users record their happiness daily.
  • Podcast Empowerment – Moving beyond simply entertainment or educational resources, brands are focusing online content toward more motivational, uplifting segments. Tackling subject matters such as self-esteem, empowerment, and diversity, brands, along with consumers, are using specific platforms like podcasts to support and boost others in the community. While Pinna’s Anytime Art boosts creativity in kids, Dope Black Dads is a podcast that explores the male parenting experience.
  • Brain Gym—Brands are creating fitness spaces that service the body as well as the mind through programs that cater to niche audiences through enhanced health and wellness customizable offerings. For instance, the Toronto-based MINDSET Brain Gym offers exercises for the mind, ASICS promoted mindful sport practices during Global Running Day, and SmartFit gamified training activities to work the brain and body.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and beyond youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies may click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

Members are encouraged to send topic suggestions for future trend reports to The Toy Association’s Anne McConnell .

TrendHunter.com has accumulated nearly 3 billion views from more than 100 million visitors. The data research company helps clients “Dive Deeper,” “Work Smarter,” and “Save Effort” in order to increase the overall success of their companies and brands.