Research from Xbox and YouGov has found that families are looking forward to gaming with their relatives over the 2022 festive season. Rather than being a solitary pursuit, gaming offers a chance to escape from real-world problems and pressures while also connecting with loved ones.

Hasbro is leaning into the family feuds synonymous with Monopoly in an OOH campaign. Featuring frustrated kids and big feelings, the adverts showcase how playing board games can aid emotional development rather than sugarcoating playtime as something that is always fun and light.

Femtech company Elvie is at the forefront of a surge in tech that aids parents’ busy lives; by supporting breastfeeding caregivers, it provides comfort and freedom via an innovative device and savvy marketing. How can brands participate in parents’ precious moments in thoughtful, smart ways?

Thanks to the reach provided by social media, fans can get closer to their idols than ever before. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Fan Yang, an assistant professor of communication at the University at Albany, about the implications of the resulting parakin relationships for stars and brands.