FuturistU > Demographics > Forecasting Micro-Generational Desire > Module 5 / 5

Forecasting Gen Z Desires

Instructor: Armida Ascano
Toys
Download the Toys Trend Report
The final module in our course on Forecasting Micro-Generational Desire is dedicated to the youth generations. Combined, Z-Tribe and Z-Alpha comprise what's traditionally known as Generation Z. Although they are the newest generations in the realm of generational study, they are the largest globally.

The world is moving faster than ever, meaning the differences between micro-generations will only become more pronounced. What's most commonly known about these generations is that they are tech-savvy, highly diverse, and politically aware -- but what does that mean for their future? How does it impact what they want, and what they ultimately will change about the world in adulthood?
Related Trend Report: Toys
Workshop Questions:
1. How could you better listen to, or collaborate with, members of Generation Z?
2. What are you doing to prepare for Generation Z gaining buying power, or entering the workforce?
Attend Future Festival

Featured Insights

EQ Education
Early childhood education integrates emotional development to speak to modern needs
Trend - Now that Pro-Millennials have reached parenting age, expectations for the education system are shifting. Millennial parents are particularly interested in the emotional development of their children. Changes to the education system take time, but businesses are developing services to provide children with opportunities to foster self-awareness, and psychological well-being.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better provide emotional growth for your customer?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Self-Care Barbie Dolls
Self-Care Barbie Dolls
The Barbie Wellness Dolls Introduce Kids to Self-Care Practices
Mattel and meditation app Headspace partnered on Barbie Wellness, a range of seven dolls that are designed to introduce kids to various self-care practices. While Barbie has been portrayed with many... MORE
play_circle_filledKid-Friendly Guided Meditations
Kid-Friendly Guided Meditations
Barbie and Headspace Teamed Up to Share a Meditation for Kids
In partnership with the meditation app Headspace, Mattel launched a series of wellness-focused Barbie dolls and a guided meditation for kids on Barbie’s vlog channel on YouTube. Barbie talks... MORE
play_circle_filledSchool-Friendly Yoga Classes
School-Friendly Yoga Classes
'Alo Gives' Brings Yoga and Meditation for Kids in School
Apparel company Alo Yoga created Alo Gives as a nonprofit foundation that devotes itself to sharing yoga and meditation for kids. As the powerful mind-body practices of meditation and yoga can help... MORE
play_circle_filledTween Mindfulness Activities
Tween Mindfulness Activities
Nebulous Stars Shares Calming, Positive, Skill-Building Activities
In a world where it is easy to become overstimulated, a growing number of screen-free toys are being created to help kids learn valuable skills and calmly navigate the world through mindfulness... MORE
Teen Payment
Teen and youth-focused payment platforms are on the rise
Trend - Teen and youth payment platforms are on the rise as businesses recognize the buying power of Gen Z consumers. For the generation itself, these platforms appeal by catering to their preference for empowerment and independence in the purchase decisions they make, along with the convenience that comes with streamlined programs.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better cater to Gen Z consumers?
2.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Teen-Targeted Banking Solutions
Teen-Targeted Banking Solutions
'Walrus' Banking Helps Teens Harness Their Spending Power and More
Teenagers today have an immense amount of spending power yet are often overlooked in the banking world, so ‘Walrus’ banking is positioned to help change this. Developed for teens in India,... MORE
Simplified Hospitality Payment Systems
Simplified Hospitality Payment Systems
CheckMate Streamlines Payments for Customers at Restaurants
CheckMate is a simplified hospitality payment system that streamlines the process for both consumers and service staff. The system was created by Ohio-based entrepreneur Mitchell Vargo who was... MORE
play_circle_filledYouth-Friendly Mobile Payment Systems
Youth-Friendly Mobile Payment Systems
'Jassby' Helps Kids Digitally Manage Their Money
‘Jassby’ is a newly launched mobile payment system that’s been specifically developed for kids, teens and the needs of the modern family living in the digital age. As today’s... MORE
play_circle_filledParent-Assisted Payment Services
Parent-Assisted Payment Services
Teen Skincare Brand MDacne's AskToPay Helps Teen Online Shopping
While many marketers are focused on serving Millennial consumers, teen online shopping and the spending power of this younger demographic have yet to be fully realized. MDacne is a teen skincare... MORE
Authentic Connectivity
North American consumers increasingly engage with global cultural trends
Implications - North American consumers, particularly those among Millennial and Gen Z demographics, are less culturally insular than the generations that preceded them, and are increasingly seeking authentic cultural connections and entertainment from abroad. Despite obstacles that include differing cultural norms and language barriers, the increasingly two-sided nature of cultural influence allows brands more diversity and flexibility in their process of appealing to a range of global entertainment and lifestyle rituals.
Workshop Question - Consider how your brand could prioritize cultural authenticity?
2.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Vietnam-Set Streetwear Lookbooks
Vietnam-Set Streetwear Lookbooks
MYGE Travels to Ho Chi Minh To Capture Its SS19 Collection
Streetwear imprint MYGE introduces its latest collection for the Spring/Summer 2019 season with an editorial shot in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The range features graphic-heavy pieces that explore a... MORE
Exclusive Cross-Culture Cookies
Exclusive Cross-Culture Cookies
Oreo is Bringing Its 'China Six Flavors Series' to America
Some snack food flavors are only introduced for consumers in a specific part of the world and Oreo is now giving Americans the chance to get a taste of the China Six Flavors series. For four years,... MORE
Equality-Promoting Soccer Ads
Equality-Promoting Soccer Ads
The Women's World Cup Ad by Nike Spotlights a Young Talent
Unequal gender representation in sports is not a new thing, however, brands and organizations are addressing that this year through empowering Women’s World Cup ads. The series of soccer... MORE
play_circle_filledMulti-Experiential Anime Festivals
Multi-Experiential Anime Festivals
Otafest is an Engaging All-Ages Festival in Calgary, Alberta
Otafest is an all-ages festival that brings together music, games, screenings, community panels, cosplay contests, interactive demos and more. The anime-inspired event welcomes rappers, K-pop and J-... MORE
play_circle_filledK-Beauty Music Videos
K-Beauty Music Videos
Kaja Teamed Up with (G)I-DLE for Its K-Pop Single 'Senorita'
K-beauty brand Kaja teamed up with South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE for the first K-pop single on its new EP. The music video for ‘Senorita’ combines the influence of both K-beauty with K-... MORE
Taught Masculinity
Brands present healthy interpretations of masculinity to young men and boys
Trend - The absence of healthy notions of masculinity can be harmful on the mental and emotional development of young boys, and brands are now taking it upon themselves to be part of the process that teaches the younger generation that masculinity doesn't only encompass the sometimes-restrictive perceptions that their predecessors were raised with.
Workshop Question - How could your brand present healthy ideals to its customer?
4.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Socially Inspiring Grooming Campaigns
Socially Inspiring Grooming Campaigns
Gillette's Campaign Film Speaks to Its Young Male Audience
In a time where the fight for equality has reached a global level, men’s grooming brand Gillette takes a moment to engage with its young male audience through a truly inspiring short film.... MORE
Male Body-Positive Photography
Male Body-Positive Photography
The Everyman Project Empowers All Men to Feel Confident
Many people instinctually believe that the body-positive movement applies more to women, but the Everyman Project hopes to change this perception and empower men to feel great about themselves.... MORE
play_circle_filledStereotype-Fighting Ads
Stereotype-Fighting Ads
Harry's 'A Man Like You' Ad Questions What Constitutes Masculinity
Harry’s ‘A Man Like You’ ad is gaining a lot of attention, as it fights gender stereotypes in a humorous and emotional way. The ad was in done in partnership with The... MORE
play_circle_filledMindful Male-Targeted Lifestyle Campaigns
Mindful Male-Targeted Lifestyle Campaigns
Lululemon Targets Men with Its 'Strength to Be' Campaign
Lululemon’s Strength to Be campaign serves as the lifestyle brand’s first male-targeted initiative. The campaign extended the brand’s philosophy of mindful living to encourage men... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Occasion Commerce
Beauty brands tie temporary retail moments to parties and social gatherings

Trend - Beauty retailers are tying retail to the high-energy moments people already gather for, like parties and festivals, so that shoppers can see products in action and buy them before the excitement fades. These setups naturally support impulse discovery and capture the interests of shoppers when they’re in an exploratory mindset.

Workshop Question - How could your brand design temporary formats that borrow the energy of community spaces without needing a full store buildout?
8.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Immersive Beauty Gifting Pop-Ups
Immersive Beauty Gifting Pop-Ups
LOOKFANTASTIC Turns Holiday Shopping into Beauty Discovery
LOOKFANTASTIC is turning holiday beauty shopping into an immersive experience with its World of Unexpected Gifting pop-up in London. Running September 29 and 30, the two-day event features themed... MORE
House Party Pop-Ups
House Party Pop-Ups
The Boots Beauty House Party Takes Guests Through a Beauty Routine
This month, Boots is opening the doors to a three-day Boots Beauty House Party pop-up in London that will immerse visitors in a multisensory, house party-themed experience of the different stages... MORE
Concert-Ready Beauty Sets
Concert-Ready Beauty Sets
TirTir's BTS The City New York Perfect Setting Duo Keeps Fans Fresh
BTS' ARIRANG World Tour is coming to the New York area for two stadium shows and to tap into the excitement, K-beauty brand TirTir teamed up with BTS to drop a BTS The City New York Perfect Setting... MORE
Experiential Skincare Boutiques
Experiential Skincare Boutiques
Kiehl's Pairs a Brew Bar with London's First Content Studio
Kiehl's is opening a two-floor London flagship that makes skincare shopping more hands-on. The 1,300 sq ft space at 43 Carnaby Street pairs the brand's apothecary roots with a content studio,... MORE
Festival Beauty Activations
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Festival beauty activations are reshaping how skincare brands engage consumers by turning large cultural events into immersive product environments. Medicube’s Coachella activation demonstrates... MORE
Participatory Retail
Stores are becoming hands-on learning environments for shoppers

Trend - The brick-and-mortar retail environment is being redesigned around hands-on participation add-ons rather than solely display-led browsing. Stores are organizing workshops, DIY stations, community events, and other types of activations that align with their branding, industry, and product offerings. This shift gives shoppers a reason to physically show up in stores, beyond their need for a purchase.

Workshop Question - How could your brand turn product discovery into a guided activity that helps customers learn, test, or create something for themselves?
7.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Creative Retail Competitions
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Creative retail competitions are transforming stores into destinations where consumers can actively participate rather than simply shop. Bricks & Minifigs and Santoki are encouraging LEGO fans to... MORE
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Yepoda Opens an Immersive Flagship Store in Seoul
Experiential K-beauty retail is reshaping beauty shopping by turning physical stores into immersive brand destinations. Yepoda’s first Seoul location is designed to introduce visitors to Korean... MORE
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
GARAGE Builds an Immersive Flagship in New York's Flatiron District
Content-driven flagship retail is reshaping fashion by turning stores into immersive brand destinations that encourage shopping, social sharing, and community engagement. GARAGE's upcoming flagship... MORE
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Lowe's Turns MrBeast Fandom Into Kids Workshops
Creator-led DIY experiences are helping brands transform digital audiences into active, real-world communities. Lowe's is expanding its Kids Club program through a partnership with MrBeast,... MORE
Immersive DIY Events
Immersive DIY Events
DIY CON Brings Hands-On Workshops and Creator-Led Experiences
Immersive DIY events are transforming traditional trade shows into hands-on experiences where attendees actively build, learn and connect with creators and brands. DIY CON brings together... MORE
Junior Skincare
Personal care brands are introducing gentler routines and formats for children

Trend - Personal care companies are creating targeted facial and body care assortments for Gen Alpha, providing an age-appropriate product category between babies and adults. Beyond basic hygiene, gentle junior skincare formulas extend into moisturization and sun care with fun, easy rituals that reframe daily upkeep.

Workshop Question - How could your brand build caregiver trust when expanding into products meant for younger users?
8.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Kid-Focused Personal Care Expansions
Kid-Focused Personal Care Expansions
Frida Kids Personal Care is a Comprehensive Capsule
Frida, a brand widely recognized for its practical and often unconventional solutions to parenting challenges, has introduced Frida Kids Personal Care. This comprehensive collection boasts 32 body,... MORE
Toy-Inspired Self-Care Sets
Toy-Inspired Self-Care Sets
evereden Launched a Limited-Edition Polly Pocket Kids Self-Care Set
Speaking straight to the hearts of Millennial and Gen Z parents, and their Gen Alpha kids, evereden launched a limited-edition Polly Pocket Kids Self-Care Set to share a complete skin and hair... MORE
Kid-Safe Skincare Partnerships
Kid-Safe Skincare Partnerships
Rini x FACE FOUNDRIÉ Brings a Kid-First Korean Brand to Retail
rini, the kid-first Korean skincare brand co-founded by Shay Mitchell, Esther Song, and Matte Babel, is teaming up with a leading focused facial bar franchise to debut the rini x FACE FOUNDRIÉ... MORE
Sensitive Goat Milk Skincare
Sensitive Goat Milk Skincare
Dionis Baby Shares Goat Milk-Based Products for Young, Delicate Skin
For decades, Dionis Goat Milk Skincare has shared clean-ingredient products powered by goat milk, and Dionis Baby is the brand's first collection designed specifically for the delicate, sensitive... MORE
Branded Drama
Brands are leveraging reality-drama and telenovela-style content
Trend - While reality TV and telenovelas remain staples of entertainment, brands are increasingly adopting their emotional or exaggerated intensity, heightened storytelling, and episodic suspense to power product launches and campaigns that aim to sustain attention and build anticipation.
Workshop Question - How can your product feel like a natural part of entertainment rather than an ad break?
7.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
play_circle_filledTelenovela-Inspired Safety Videos
Telenovela-Inspired Safety Videos
Philippine Airlines Unveiled 'Care That Comes From The Heart’
Philippine Airlines (PAL), in collaboration with BBDO Guerrero, revitalized a routine in-flight requirement by transforming its safety video into an engaging narrative experience inspired by... MORE
play_circle_filledTelenovela-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Telenovela-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
e.l.f. Cosmetics' Big Game Ad Airs Ahead of Halftime
Spanish-language rap artist Bad Bunny will perform the halftime show at the Super Bowl in 2026, inspiring brands to weave cultural resonance and representation into their campaigns—as seen in the... MORE
Telenovela-Inspired Makeup Campaigns
Telenovela-Inspired Makeup Campaigns
The 'Descubre e.l.f.ecto' Campaign is Launching in Mexico
The 'Descubre e.l.f.ecto' campaign is making its debut in Mexico from e.l.f. Cosmetics as a new telenovela-inspired campaign that aims to captivate audiences with a series of drama-filled... MORE
play_circle_filledFaux Reality Drama Campaigns
Faux Reality Drama Campaigns
Maybelline New York's Primer Donnas Stars Ariana Madix
Maybelline New York's Grippy Serum Primer and Poreless Jelly Primer are the focus of the beauty brand's new Primer Donnas campaign featuring reality star Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules. This... MORE
Youth Arts
AI companies are creating tools that enhance youth creativity and skills
Trend - AI companies are unveiling creativity platforms for children from text-to-image art generators to story-writing assistants and adaptive reading tutors. Using generative models and tailored feedback, they aim to nurture imagination, literacy and creative confidence in both the home and the classroom.
Workshop Question - How can we develop innovative tools or experiences that enhance and support youth creativity, literacy, and emotional growth?
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
play_circle_filledAI-Generated Storybooks
AI-Generated Storybooks
Gemini Storybook Creates Customized, Fully Illustrated Tales
With a single prompt, doodle or photo, Google's new Gemini Storybook generates a fully illustrated, 10-page digital storybook for a customized bedtime experience. Traditional children’s stories... MORE
Creative Story Platforms
Creative Story Platforms
Imagine Tales Sparks Creativity In Kids With Safe AI Storytelling Tools
Imagine Tales is a digital platform designed to support creativity and storytelling in children while providing parental oversight. The app allows young users to create, share, and explore stories... MORE
Personalized AI Coloring Pages
Personalized AI Coloring Pages
Happy Pages AI Lets Parents Create Coloring Pages for their Kids
Happy Pages AI is reimagining how children engage with creativity by combining the power of artificial intelligence with the timeless appeal of coloring. This innovative platform allows parents,... MORE
Creative Kid's Drawings
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Joyful Outlines is a creative drawing app that is simply designed specifically for children. Featuring themes such as Space, Animals, and Food, the app encourages kids to explore their imagination... MORE
Children's Smartwatch
Tech wearable brands are creating smartwatches with youth safety features
Trend - Brands are rolling out child-focused smartwatches with built-in GPS tracking, geofencing, SOS alerts, secure voice/text messaging, activity monitoring and preloaded educational games—delivering age-appropriate connectivity, safety and cognitive engagement without full internet access.
Workshop Question - How can we design a product that balances safety features and limited connectivity, appealing to both parents' concerns and children's desire for independence and engagement?
6.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Child-Friendly Fitness Trackers
Child-Friendly Fitness Trackers
Fitbit Released the 'Ace LTE' as a Premium Watch for Kids
The Fitbit Ace LTE is a smartwatch specifically designed for children aged 7 and up. It combines fitness tracking features with communication capabilities, making it an ideal choice for parents who... MORE
Kid-Safe AI Smartwatches
Kid-Safe AI Smartwatches
The Pinwheel Watch Offers a Parent-Monitored PinwheelGPT Chat App
Pinwheel, known for creating smartphones for children and teens, introduced its first children's smartwatch, the Pinwheel Watch, for parents who want to stay connected to their kids without giving... MORE
Child-Friendly Safety Smartwatches
Child-Friendly Safety Smartwatches
The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure Connects Kids to Parents
The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure smartwatch is a new wearable from the telecom brand targeted towards parents and guardians alike as a way to help them keep an eye on kids at all times. The... MORE
Kid-Inspired Safety Gadgets
Kid-Inspired Safety Gadgets
Ticktalk5 is a Smartwatch Phone for Kids' Safety
Ticktalk5 is a smartwatch phone for kids’ safety for children who are too young for phones. The gadget includes smart features aimed at keeping a child safe and communicating. The TickTalk5... MORE
Interactive Character Smartwatches
Interactive Character Smartwatches
NickWatch Helps Kids Learn and Play with Nickelodeon Favorites
NickWatch, the kid-safe smartwatch made by Watchinu under a license agreement with Nickelodeon, is a device for kids ages five to 10 and it shares everything from motion-based games to fun ways to... MORE
Screen-Free Play
Tech-savvy parents seek screen-free alternatives for child development
Trend - Children's toys boast screen-free designs that maintain the engaging aspects of modern technology while encouraging imagination and active play. These products combine the appeal of contemporary gadgets with traditional play patterns, offering interactive features without the drawbacks of screen time. The category spans everything from meditation devices to storytelling tools and educational toys.
Workshop Question - How can your brand innovate within children's products while supporting healthy development?
4.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Interactive Early Education Toys
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
The Tokidos PlayCubes are an interactive, screen-free education accessory for children aged three to eight that will help them to enjoy a more intuitive experience when spending time playing. The... MORE
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences
Plush Toy 'MediTATE' Promotes Kids' Mindfulness
‘mediTATE’ by miindfully is the world’s first meditation plush toy for kids, blending comfort with innovation to create a multi-sensory mindfulness experience. This award-winning... MORE
Forest-Inspired Screenless Toys
Forest-Inspired Screenless Toys
Boogie Board Launched the Sketch Pals Forest Friends Line
In the digital era, many parents are looking for screenless toys and unplugged entertainment options for their children. This genre of play carries a range of benefits, some of which include... MORE
Transformative Bedtime Storytelling
Transformative Bedtime Storytelling
Zuzu Offers Customizable, Screen-Free Bedtime Stories
ZuZu offers a transformative approach to bedtime stories, harnessing the timeless power of storytelling to engage young minds and foster peaceful sleep. In a digital age dominated by screens, ZuZu... MORE