---
title: Today, even the most functional products need personality
description: Today, even the most functional products need personality
---

[TrendWatching Daily | Trends & insights ](https://www.trendwatching.com/trends-and-insights)

# [Today, even the most functional products need personality](https://www.trendwatching.com/trends-and-insights/today-even-the-most-functional-products-need-personality)

 Written by [The TrendWatching Team](https://www.trendwatching.com/trends-and-insights/author/the-trendwatching-team) | Jul 14, 2026 6:26:44 PM

Increasingly, consumers expect even the most mundane products to carry an emotional, cultural or playful layer that reflects who they are or what they enjoy — something that used to be reserved for fashion, cars and consumer electronics.



[Pine-Sol](https://app.trendwatching.com/innovations/pine-sol-targets-gen-z-with-meme-themed-cleaners-on-tiktok-shop?queryId=db1251f372102e170adf626ef7402701) launched four limited-edition cleaning products inspired by internet memes and sold exclusively through TikTok Shop. Basically, a century-old household cleaner becoming a cultural collectible. 

[The Pokémon Company](https://app.trendwatching.com/innovations/pokemon-suitcase-features-a-clear-window-for-displaying-plush-toys?queryId=70ad81b075bc31cb1aaf4353cd75bf88) introduced a suitcase with a transparent compartment designed to display up to three plush toys while travelling. 



[Radius](https://app.trendwatching.com/innovations/a-fuzzy-cat-shaped-earbud-case-offers-audio-alerts-that-meow-and-purr?queryId=429858894b98496485beb260eb9c337b) released wireless earbuds in a furry charging case that meows, purrs and even offers a relaxation mode built around cat sounds. 



The pattern across these examples: products that are no longer expected to simply perform a task, but to communicate personality, taste and belonging.

Time to assess where in your portfolio function could become a canvas for self-expression?  



[View full post](https://www.trendwatching.com/trends-and-insights/today-even-the-most-functional-products-need-personality)

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