• [Dailystar Icon]
• News
• Latest News
• Minecraft

Kids aren't the only people who like a 'Teddy Bears Picnics' - Gen Z are into them too

New study has found that more Gen Zs want to host teddy bear's picnics than children - and they're ditching the old-fashioned menu for something a little more modern

[Teddy Bears picnic's are back - but this time for adults]

Teddy Bears picnic's are back - but this time for adults

Teddy Bears' Picnics are no longer just for the little ones, they're now a hit with grown-ups too. More Gen Zs over the age of 25 are keen to host teddy bear's picnics than children (72% versus 69% of kids) says a new struggle.

Two parallel studies, one involving Gen Zs and another with 510 year olds, have unveiled a generational shift in this traditional nursery rhyme-inspired activity say online electricals retailer, AO.

A significant 26% of Gen Z admit to arranging their cuddly toys for a teddy bears' picnic, with top 'guests' being Jellycats (37%), Squishmallows (31%), Hello Kitty (31%) and Labubu (22%). A whopping 41% are inspired by social media and an impressive 85% have invited or would invite adult friends to their contemporary plushie picnic.

So why are fewer children than adults engaging in what has always been seen as a child's pastime?

The 69% of children who are hosting picnics for their toys have shared their menus and guestlists, and they're quite different from the adults.

[This is what a Teddy Bear's picnic could look like ]

This is what a Teddy Bear's picnic could look like (Image: AO)

Today's youngsters are serving up burgers (50%) and home-made pizzas (49%), with even sushi rolls (17%) making a surprise appearance. Moreover, modern gadgets such as pizza ovens (32%), air fryers (24%) and espresso machines (20%) are now considered essential kit.

The guest list has been expanded to be more "inclusive". While teddies still take the top spot, they're closely followed by Superhero toys, Minecraft, Pokemon and Peppa Pig toys, Barbie, Lilo and Stitch, Moana toy, Hello Kitty, Lego minifigures and Ninja Turtles.

In celebration of the modernisation of teddy bear's picnics, AO. has introduced a limited-edition, contemporary teddy picnic set. The set includes miniature versions of its bestselling double-drawer air fryer and semi-automatic espresso machine, meticulously hand-finished by prop artisans, adding a touch of realism (and a whole lot of whimsy) to the picnic blanket.

AO's own mascot, Bear, is the star of the launch campaign enjoying a picnic feast surrounded by soft toy friends, baby vegetables, reusable cups and a healthy dose of outdoor charm.

Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO, said: "Today's families are using small appliances in all sorts of creative ways, and it's great to see that even teddy bear picnics are being brought into the modern age. From air fryers to espresso machines, these gadgets are now part of everyday life so it felt only right to create scaled-down versions that reflect how families really eat, play, and spend time together."

• You could bag your very own contemporary teddy bear picnic kit by popping over to @ao on Instagram competition is live from July 18-25.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.