Hey Jonathan! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. To start off, Hacky Sack has seen a noticeable resurgence across social media and pop culture. What do you think is driving renewed interest in this classic playground pastime?

We recognized early on that consumers – and particularly teens and young adults – are gravitating toward activities that feel authentic, social, and low-pressure, especially in a world that’s increasingly digital. Hacky Sack naturally delivers on all of those needs, and we’ve intentionally leaned into this cultural shift to relaunch the brand and bring the game back into the spotlight both online and offline. It’s simple, accessible fun, and that’s resonating with people right now.

How has PlayMonster tapped into nostalgia while also making Hacky Sack relevant for a new generation of consumers?

Hacky Sack fits seamlessly into how today’s kids and young adults want to connect – through active, social, shared experiences. When we relaunched Hacky Sack this spring, we focused on modernizing how today’s consumers could discover and connect with the brand, while intentionally amplifying the community that already exists by engaging directly with fans on social media, celebrating skill-based content across social through featured or collab posts with PlayMonster channels, and supporting the growing fan culture surrounding the game. The beauty of Hacky Sack is that the core experience doesn’t need to change; it naturally fits the growing interest in casual social connection and active play.

What trends are you seeing among Gen Z and younger audiences when it comes to retro toys and games like Hacky Sack?

Gen Z is returning to in-person experiences that allow for real connection, including a desire for active, screen-free social interaction. The beloved Gen X pastime has found renewed cultural momentum with a new generation, fueled by word of mouth across college campuses, in high schools nationwide, and explosive social momentum across TikTok and Instagram. It’s amazing to watch a new generation experiencing products like Hacky Sack for the first time, even though it’s a legacy brand that’s been around for decades.

Have platforms like TikTok and Instagram played a role in bringing Hacky Sack back into the spotlight? If so, how?

Absolutely. TikTok and Instagram have been key drivers in accelerating Hacky Sack’s visibility because the activity is fun to play, fun to watch, and fun to share. Hacky Sack recently became the #1 most searched term on TikTok Shop, while our latest TikTok Shop product drop sold out in under three hours. Whether it’s trick videos, challenge-style content, team competitions, or creators showcasing nostalgic hobbies, social media is bringing Hacky Sack to new audiences while reigniting excitement among older generations who remember it from their childhood. We’ve been very intentional about fueling that momentum by actively engaging in conversations with fans online and supporting the broader Hacky Sack culture through tournaments and community events that naturally generate excitement and shareability in real life and on social media.

Looking ahead, how does PlayMonster plan to continue modernizing and reintroducing classic play patterns for today’s audiences?

We’re always looking for opportunities to connect timeless play experiences with current consumer behaviors and cultural trends. For us, that means continuing to lead with digital storytelling, creator collaborations, experiential moments, and retail innovation, while preserving the core simplicity and emotional connection that made these products successful in the first place.

What role does social media virality play in influencing product strategy and inventory planning for legacy play products like hacky sack?

We recognized immediately that Hacky Sack was perfectly suited for social media because it’s visual, skill-based, community-driven, and highly shareable, and that became a tentpole of how we launched the brand this year. In only a few weeks, Hacky Sack content has surpassed 100 million video views across TikTok and Instagram, with 2 million views across our owned channels, and has consistently remained the #1 most searched term on TikTok Shop. Because we’ve actively helped drive and sustain that momentum, the online community has given us immediate insight into how consumers are engaging with the brand, what types of content resonate most, and where opportunities exist to further support the growing Hacky Sack movement. This season is only the beginning, and with a look at how the brand is taking off, we’re already innovating for what’s next across product, marketing, and retail.

What lessons can the broader toy industry learn from the renewed popularity of a simple, decades-old product like Hacky Sack?

Simplicity still matters. Products don’t necessarily need advanced technology or complicated features to succeed. Consumers are responding to products that create memorable experiences, encourage connection, and feel authentic. Cultivating community engagement and connecting with and supporting consumers (whether longtime fans or emerging communities) can be a driving factor in helping classic play patterns feel fresh and relevant for new generations

In today’s crowded entertainment landscape, what gives timeless, accessible products like Hacky Sack a competitive edge?

Products like Hacky Sack succeed because they tap into a growing desire for simple, low-cost forms of physical entertainment that encourage people to unplug, get moving, and connect face-to-face with no expensive equipment, subscriptions, or screens required. The ability to naturally bring people together, whether that’s in a school courtyard, at a tournament, or through social conversations online, is what continues to make Hacky Sack stand out.

I’m an ‘80s kid and grew up during the height of Hacky Sack’s popularity. Reintroducing the brand is especially meaningful for me, not only to relive memories from my own childhood, but the opportunity for myself (and so many other ‘80s kids who grew up!) to share that same joy and experience Hacky Sack with our own kids.