Trends to watch: Bespoke customization

Trend: "Customize It!"

The trend toward customization is playful, fun and anyone can do it. Today, consumers can customize almost anything and everything, from t-shirts, bandages, stamps, Kleenex boxes and sneakers.

But, taking customization a step further brings us to the spirit of bespoke goods. A term traditionally used to refer to tailored clothing, these items of specialization are made to the buyer's specifications and now cover anything for chocolates to online experiences.

Here are a few of our favorite brands that get customization right:

M&M's: Who would have thought a candy that's been around since 1941 could be so trend leaning. But M&M's is having some fun. Its online tool allows you to personalize your own M&M's by choosing your own color, message and even photo.

Bespoke Chocolates: While even evoking the spirit of customization in their name, the made-to-order Bespoke Chocolates are made by hand, in small batches, with customized recipes to best feature the flavors of each chocolate.

Cookthink: Bespoke even extends itself beyond customized-made-for-you and into "what am I craving right now?" Cookthink, an online recipe and cooking tips site, allows consumers to search for recipes by any combination of ingredients, cuisines, dish types and moods to help answer your craving questions. Let's face it, sometimes your in the mood for something a little sweet, the next you're a little salty. Now there's a tool to help you create your craving!

My Cuppa: And then there's the My Cuppa mug, which adds a bit of whimsy and playfulness to the everyday task of customizing the daily hot beverage. Available in both tea or coffee styles, the mug helps mix your favorite brew just how you like it by matching the color guide on the inside for your perfect-every-time milky concoction. So, find out if you like it "Classic British," "Builders Brew" or "Just Tea."

What does this mean?
In many ways, this really is the next wave of luxury. And with this trend we'll see larger brands becoming customizable in effort to appeal to consumers' growing desire for playful, personalized luxury.