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Do you own an Owala or Stanley water bottle? How about a Labubu? Any Jellycat plushies or bag charms, or squishy toys like NeeDohs?
If so, you’re a part of the “trinket trend.”
The trinket trend, which involves collecting or trading small items such as toys and accessories, has exploded over the past few years. And it’s hard to avoid.
I didn’t plan on joining. Yet these things keep showing up in my home anyway.
My 6-year-old and 3-year-old have accumulated roughly a thousand squishy toys from birthday parties, dentist visits and museum trips (OK, it’s probably closer to a dozen, but it feels like more). We’ve got dinosaurs, rabbits, cats, Hulk, you name it.
You might find, like I did, that these little objects can fill you with joy or regret. It’s a fine line.
What’s with all the trinkets?
Gen Z is a major force behind the trinket trend.
More than half of Gen Zers aren’t confident that the economy will improve this year, said MaryLeigh Bliss, chief content officer at the youth research organization YPulse. She spoke during the National Retail Federation’s State of Retail & the Consumer event in March.
With high living costs and a tough job market, it’s easy to understand why many people don’t feel optimistic.
“It’s not necessarily that huge splurge, but the more consistent purchases, that they can have that little dopamine hit to kind of get through the weeks,” she said.
Trinkets scratch that itch: They’re small and often affordable. Funko characters retail for about $15, and NeeDoh squeeze toys are around $5.
Trinket culture is popular among other generations, too. Sensory toys are especially big with Gen Alpha right now, and many adults find trinkets cute or satisfying.
More than 90,000 people search “NeeDoh” on Google monthly, and “squishies” and “sensory toy” searches are hitting new highs as people look for products.
This plays into the larger trend of “kidulting,” where adults engage in activities or collect toys that are traditionally designed for kids. It’s a way to feel comforted from the daily grind and pressures of adult life, says Kiki Jacobson, a licensed mental health counselor in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Fads and collectibles are nothing new. My fellow millennials might remember the craze surrounding Beanie Babies, troll dolls, Tamagotchis or jelly bracelets.
Products like Sonny Angels, Funko POP! figures and Trader Joe’s tote bags are just modern equivalents.
But TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms can make today’s trends feel more intense, says Jacobson, who specializes in financial therapy.
Algorithms amplify what captures attention, she says. Surprise reveals, unboxings and product “drops” create emotional hooks and a sense of scarcity.
The feel-good power of tiny treasures
While I have my grievances — we’ll get to those later — I can’t say that trinkets don’t spread joy.
My kids love them. I can’t help but smile when I catch my daughter tucking her squishy animal “babies” into blankets and kissing them goodnight, or when my son involves his figures in epic battles between heroes and villains.
But there’s more to these toys than entertainment.
Trinkets can serve as tools for identity and self-expression, Jacobson says. Squishy toys in particular can help relieve stress for anyone, and provide sensory regulation for people with ADHD or autism, she says.
Collecting trinkets can create a sense of community and belonging, too. I’ve seen it firsthand — trading keychains has become a bonding ritual for my son and his classmates.
It’s not all fun and games, though
While spending money on trinkets probably won’t keep you from buying a house, the costs can mount quickly. One purchase can easily turn into three or four.
Low prices aren’t always guaranteed, either. Demand for items like Labubu monsters, and more recently, NeeDoh toys, has sent them flying off shelves. Some of these hard-to-find trinkets have sold for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on the resale market.
Cost isn’t the only possible downside to the trinket trend. Here are some of my biggest grievances:
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Trinkets create clutter. Toy boxes, bookshelves and countertops are overflowing in my house. I’d much rather underconsume than fill my home with cheap junk that my kids don’t really need.
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They can cause stress. My kids fight over them, and I’m constantly reminding my toddler not to put them in her mouth.
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They’re easily lost and broken. Keychains fall off of backpacks. Tiny toys get stuffed into pockets only to be forgotten and destroyed in the laundry. My daughter popped a squeeze toy recently — water beads exploded all over the car. Cleanup was not fun.
How to do the trinket trend the right way
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Don’t rush into anything. When it comes to buying trinkets, it’s important to make choices that truly make you happy and align with your values. Instead of following trends blindly, take the time to consider what brings you joy and where you want your money to go.
Setting boundaries is key to responsible spending. Give yourself a spending limit to avoid getting carried away and overspending. Knowing your financial limitations can help you make more mindful purchasing decisions.
Avoid the temptation to spend money you don’t have by using buy now, pay later schemes or credit cards. It’s not worth going into debt for the latest trendy item. If you can’t afford something right now, save up for it instead of relying on credit.
Look for ways to participate in the trinket trend without breaking the bank. Consider buying off-brand items to save money or look for free or low-cost options in your community. Neighborhood or parent groups on social media may have free trinkets available, and you can also explore trinket trade boxes or events in your area.
By making thoughtful choices and setting boundaries, you can enjoy the trinket trend without compromising your financial well-being. Remember to prioritize what truly makes you happy and spend your money wisely.