by RACHELE HARMUTH, Head of ThinkFun, Ravensburger North America
MESH stands for Mental, Emotional, Social Health.
MESH is a new initiative founded by ThinkFun and launched at MESHhelps.org in 2022.
Experts and parents agree that kids are struggling due to the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but evidence suggests that the issues run deeper, pre-dating the pandemic and poised to continue long past it.
To better understand what is happening for kids and families, ThinkFun collaborated with resilience expert Deborah Gilboa, MD. Together, we published our research in a white paper and launched MESHhelps.org, inviting members of the greater toy and game industries to participate in enacting change on a larger scale.
We found that most of us assume products like fidget toys and stuffed animals are toys that help kids with their mental health. While these provide comfort in times of mental distress, they don’t build the skills that make children stronger and more resilient. We learned that we could make a real difference by building specific MESH skills that make kids more resilient for the next time they face changes and challenges in their lives.
With the eight MESH skills culled from the research, ThinkFun looked for play patterns that intentionally built these MESH skills. The team identified four main play patterns that collectively build these skills. They are problem solving, storytelling, increasing challenge throughout the duration of play, and products that draw kids and their adults together.
We realized this idea was far bigger than just one company and would be far more impactful if we launched this concept with the entire toy industry.
This year, ThinkFun focused on a goal to spread the word and build a multi-stakeholder task force to bring this project to the industry.
In 2024, MESHhelps.org will become a nonprofit organization with the mission of building kids’ resiliency through play. Additionally, MESHhelps.org will launch a product certification program to help retailers and consumers identify products that build MESH skills.
As we saw the growing mental health issues in our youth population, we learned that we — the toy industry — have an opportunity to make a real impact on kids’ lives and be part of the solution. We’re inviting everyone to join us in the MESH effort!
Learn more at MESHhelps.org.
MESH Products Showcase:
Retailers: Looking to stock products that support MESH concepts? The Toy Book team curated a selection of a few ideas to get you started.
BUMPAS STRETCH
This soft, comfortable, and squishy plush doll has expandable and retractable long arms and legs that can extend to approximately 2 feet in length. Kids can enjoy satisfying crunching and snapping sensory sounds, and Bumpas Stretch’s arms and legs can connect to give kids a hug.
Buy Now
PENN & TELLER MAGIC LAB VR
Kids can use the included virtual reality (VR) goggles to watch Penn & Teller perform 28 tricks, then explain how to perform them. The included 50-page book has step-by-step instructions to go along with the 75-piece magic kit to help kids put on an amazing show.
Buy Now
HOUSE OF EMOTIONS
Kids can discover, create, and celebrate the colorful spectrum of emotions with this craft kit. Little ones can customize their feelings playhouse through interactivity, surprises, and stickers designed to spark creativity, foster self-reflection, and promote emotional intelligence. Available first-to-market at Target with a wide release slated for August 2024.
Buy Now
SLIME CHARMERS
This collection of themed, DIY-inspired slimes features delightful scents and textures for squishy, stretchy, satisfying fun. Each slime includes themed charms and textured mixers to swirl, pull, squeeze, and fold into the slimy mix.
Buy Now
NOCKLES
Nockles is a collection of soft, bendable, “funstruction” and fidget toys that snap together and morph into amazing shapes. Kids can expand ‘em, collapse ‘em, snap ‘em, pull ‘em, flip ‘em, bend ‘em, and pop ‘em.
Buy Now
Available: May 2024
BRIGHT EXPLORER — EDUCATIONAL LIGHT BOX PLAYSET
Kids can learn basic math skills while embracing imagination and creativity with this 79-piece, color-changing light-up board. It has a sensory bin, fine motor tools, translucent shapes and bugs, pattern cards, a play guide, and more.
Buy Now
GIGAPETS
The classic virtual pets have been upgraded with enhanced, handheld, on-the-go gaming features. Kids can learn to playfully practice emotional and social skills while interacting with new characters including VirtualUnicorn and Floppy Frog alongside reimagined versions of CompuKitty, PixelPuppy, and TechT-Rex. Additionally, Bigfoot, Nessie, and Mothman join the lineup this fall as the mysterious new…
Buy Now
PLANTING THE SEEDS: POSITIVE ENERGY CARDS
Created by Jill Sylvester, a licensed mental health therapist, this set of 24 creatively illustrated Positive Energy Cards is designed to encourage meaningful conversations between kids and their caregivers.
Buy Now
ROLL WITH IT: THE DICE THAT HELP YOU COPE
Kids can boost their emotional intelligence by learning coping strategies for different emotions through this unique foam dice set designed by psychologists.
Buy Now
FURRY FRIEND TANGLE
Kids can attach these soft, bendable, and tactile furry friends to their backpacks, handlebars, bed-posts, and more to keep them close. They are available in two sizes and in assorted colors, patterns, eye colors, and animal themes including Monkey, Bird, Unicorn, and more.
Buy Now
A version of this feature was originally published in the 2023 Innovation & STEAM issue of The Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
