The top 2015 youth trends reveal an effort to turn playtime into an educational activity. For children of all ages, playtime is important for building social skills and encouraging creative thinking. However, playtime can also serve as an opportunity to develop specific skills such as reasoning and logic.
Indeed, the past year has seen toys take on an increasingly educational focus. More specifically, these toys aim to teach skills that are increasingly in demand such as coding and robotics. Popular examples include educational board games, smart dinosaur toys and child coding playsets.
The top 2015 youth trends also reveal that these kinds of educational activities are not just limited to young children. Indeed, tweens and even teenagers are also interested in products that encourage learning in a tactile and interactive way.
To dive deeper into changing youth trends, check out Trend Hunter's 2015 Trend Report.
Top 100 Youth Trends of 2015
From Girl-Targeted Science Kits to Augmented Reality Blocks:
Katherine Pendrill — Jan 30, 2016 — Life-Stages
99
Embracing Cartoon Beds
This Minion Mattress Cover Lets Gru's Loyal Underlings Give You Hugs
98
Loch Ness Ladles
This Cute Nessie Spoon was Made in the Image of the Fabled Scottish Monster
97
Surreal Childhood Portraits
This Photographer Captures His Sons in Imaginative Fictional Fantasies
96
Smart Dinosaur Toys
The CogniToys Dino Talking Toy Learns and Grows Alongside a Child
95
Hilarious Adulthood Drawings
These Graphs About the Realities of Adulthood are Simple and Direct
94
Uplifting Animal Illustrations
These Drawings Reaffirm Through Simple Inspirational Quotes
93
Authentic Female Fitness Ads
Sport England's This Girl Can Campaign Embraces All Body Types
92
Taunting Interactive Illustrations
Inkteraction Art by Alex Solis Brings 2D Drawings Off the Page
91
Stress-Relieving Rage Rooms
Toronto's 'Rage Room' Provides a Novelty Experience in Smashing Things
90
Ornamental Campus Facades
This Stunning Building is Part of the U of Southern Denmark Campus
89
Eco Garden Kits
The Vive Planting Set Prepares Kids for Easily Growing Greenery in Their Backyards
88
Tiny Drone Toys
SKEYE Nano Drone Buzzes Like an Electronic Insect, Navigating Nooks and Crannies
87
Urban Youngster Fashion
Heart N Soul Offers Spunky Clothing and Accessories for Little Ones
86
Imprinted Bodily Photography
Justin Bartels Created IMPRESSION After Dating Women in College
85
Playground Sofa Sets
Marvin Reber's Fun Furniture Design Can Be Dismantled for Play
84
Ingenious Play Areas
CplusC Architectural Workshop Creates a Futuristic Space for Children
83
Crafty Marker Scissors
The ColorCutter ShapeShark Transforms Doodles into Creative Cutouts
82
Multifunctional Baby Rockers
Rokii's Baby Chair Doubles as a Rocker and Toy
81
Color Pencil Packaging
Julia Karwasz Designs a Reusable Cardboard Case for Art Tools
80
3D-Printing Pens
The 3DSimo Mini Facilitates the Manual Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Creations
79
Book Spine Locker Art
These Lockers Feature Hand-Painted Novel Spines to Encourage Reading
78
Youthful Summer Fashion
Chloe Grace Moretz's Latest Role is as Vogue Girl Korea's Cover Girl
77
Plush Family Restaurants
This Bangkok Restaurant Has a Teddy Bear Factory Theme
76
Children's Design Festivals
The Kids Design Week in Milan is the First of Its Kind for Young Ones
75
Student-Designed Backpacks
Staples' Student Backpack Features a Detachable Bottom Compartment
74
Reinterpreted Kids' Drawings
Artists in 'The Monster Project' Turns Kids' Art into Masterpieces
73
Paper-Made Kid's Furniture
These Animal-Mimicking Chairs Use Recycled Materials and Zero Toxins
72
DIY Desk Lamps
This Plywood Light Was Designed to Be Assembled by the User
71
Educational Packaging Toys
IDEO.org Creates Eco-Friendly Packaging that Doubles as Playthings
70
Stackable Storage Stools
Colorful Seating Objects Improve Classroom Comfort and Organization
69
Subterranean School Facilities
BIG Has Designed an Art Building Underneath This School Field
68
Kids' Programmable Pendants
Linkitz are Wearable Hi-Tech Puzzle Pieces That Respond to Commands
67
Overcomplicated Kids Toys
The 13 x 13 x 13 Rubik's Cube by YJ MoYu is Impossibly Difficult
66
Eco Popsicle Packaging
Vegetable and Fruit Treats are Wrapped in Green, Recyclable Sleeves
65
Designer Youth Sportswear
The adidas StellaSport Collection is Bolder and More Affordable
64
Cardboard Play Panels
These Cardboard Dividers by Enzo Mari Protect Play Spaces
63
Cardboard Kids' Desks
Flatpacked Furnishings Teach Youngsters the Process and Logic of Assembly
62
Irregular Rocky Ottomans
Geometric Stools Create Comfortable and Customized Landscapes for Sitting
61
Eccentric Surfing Ensembles
This 'Surf Suits' Collection for Women is Stylish and Skin-Protecting
60
Dr Seuss Seating
This Rainbow Abstract Chair is Sweet Enough to Furnish a Candy Store
59
Inclusive Disability Dolls
The Toy Like Me Campaign Spurs The Makies to Create More Diverse Dolls
58
Knitted Fin Blankets
This Crochet Mermaid Tail is a Cozy Bundle Inspired by Fantasy Sea Creatures
57
Shipping Container Children's Centers
This Industrial Children's Activity Center is in Australia
56
Squeezable Ice Cream Packaging
d'Ice Has Two Vibrantly Branded Children's Ice Pop Treats
55
Intelligent Creativity Campaigns
The Play-Doh Ad Campaign Shows How the Toy 'Makes Smart Kids'
54
Wooden Teepee Beds
The Teepee Cabin Bed is Perfect for a Any Miniature Cowboy or Cowgirl
53
Maze-Like Child Boutiques
The 'Kindo' Store Combines a Sense of Play with High-End Clothing
52
Interracial Sibling Photography
These Photos Capture Two Daughters' Bond Beautifully
51
Haunting Ice Cream Portraits
Michael Massaia Captures Melting Children's Treats in a Dark Manner
50
Retractable Bed Designs
The 'BedUp' Pulls Up to the Ceiling, as Opposed to Folding into a Wall
49
Ultimate Urban Playgrounds
The City Museum was Formerly a Converted Shoe Factory
48
Autonomous Dinosaur Toys
WowWee's Robot Dinosaur Takes Cues from Beacon Technology
47
Motorized Toy Attachments
RC Bricks Enhance a LEGO Toy with Electronic Attachments
46
Toy Inventor Apps
Make Toys with Autodesk's 3D-Printing Tinkerplay App
45
Educational Board Games
The Hubo Cubo Offers Learning Opportunities in a Sustainable Package
44
Brain Freeze Campaigns
Freddo Ice Cream Shows That Even in Pain, This Treat is Delicious
43
Recommending Toy Campaigns
These Play-Doh Toys Show the Role Imagination Plays in Children's Lives
42
Interlocking Eco Toys
Tobo Toys' Eco-Friendly Toys for Kids Join with Other Track Playsets
41
Transformer Bed-Chairs
The Girella Can Transform Into a Chair Or Bed and is Ideal For Children
40
Augmented Reality Blocks
LEGO Connect Gives Kids 3D Virtual Visuals of Unbuilt Toy Brick Sets
39
Teddy Puzzle Toys
Ozobear Challenges Kids with Twisting 3D-Printed Blocks
38
Child Coding Playsets
Cubetto Introduces Programming Basics to Kids with a Robot
37
Adorable Dog Lights
Luminose Lamp Will Sit and Stand to Your Command for Directional Illumination
36
Educational Craft Subscriptions
Green Kid Crafts' Activity Boxes Gift Smarts & Sustainability
35
Eccentric Door Designs
Nendo's Seven Doors Become Hybrid Home Features with Whimsical Charm
34
Insect-Examining Toys
Hi-Tech Bug Viewer Encourages Curiosity and Education with Handheld Device
33
Educational Toy Subscriptions
Spark Box Toys' Rental Service Entertains and Educates
32
Girl Power Art Projects
Photographer Kate Parker Has Created the Series 'Strong is the New Pretty'
31
Light-Up Bike Accessories
These Neon Handlebars Illuminate Your Pushbike with Style and Safety
30
Playful Slotted Carpetscapes
Pocket Rug Lets You Stash Toys and Create Unique Settings for Games
29
Gumball Wall Pegs
Piff Wall Hooks Are Playful Home Accents That Encourage Organization
28
Animalistic Orange Packaging
NOMsters Boxes Feature Engaging Imagery of Fruit-Eating Beasts
27
Plaited Paper Packaging
Hybrid Crayon Candles are Tucked into Slots and Folds a an Eco Container
26
Fatherly Playtime Kits
The Cooper Kit Supplies Monthly Dad and Kid Activities
25
DIY Rainbow Putty
This Kid-Friendly Craft is Made Using Simple Household Ingredients
24
Illuminating Doll Boxes
This Toy Box Packaging for a Doll Doubles as a Lamp
23
Adorable Animated Packages
Kinder Toothpaste Packaging Has an Interactive Illustrated Element
22
Undercover Distress Devices
This Location Tracker Informs Loved Ones of Your Unsafe Circumstances
21
Personalized Pixel Art
Pixelhobby Turns Photographs into Artful 8-Bit Creations
20
Cereal-Inspired Shoes
The Nike KYRIE 1 Cereal Celebrates Kyrie Irving's Favorite Childhood Snack
19
Responsible Kite Packaging
Lily Li's Versatile Design Can be Repurposed as Storage and Supplies
18
Pop-Out Sticker Boxes
This Fun Sticker Box Design Features an Excited Easter Bunny
17
Kid-Safe 3D Printers
Bonsai Labs' 3D Printer for Kids Operates at a Lower Temperature
16
Boxy Snack Packaging
Exotic Edibles for Kids Are Contained Within Bird-Themed, Beveled-Lid Cartons
15
Personified Popcorn Packaging
Paulina Arzillier Creates Fun Snack Packaging for Kid Consumers
14
Hypnotic Fish Packaging
A 'Tuna for Kids' Product is Labeled with a Mesmerizing Scaly Illustration
13
Playful Programming Games
Code Kingdom Teaches Coding for Children Through Play
12
LED Building Blocks
Builds Upon are Light Up Bricks That Work with LEGO Pieces
11
Immaculate Beverage Marketing
Innocent Juices Were Rebranded with Decluttered and Haloed Fruits
10
Entertaining Cereal Boxes
The Backs of Kix Cereal Boxes Contain Cutouts for Playtime
9
Superhero Wearable Technology
Disney Playmation Lets Children Immerse Themselves as Favorite Heros
8
Youthful Sport Shoes
The Nike Hypervenom Youth Collection Targets Young Athletes
7
Squeezable Yogurt Packaging
The Cheerpack Yogurt and Dairy Packages are Convenient For Children
6
Yogurt Cap Containers
This Yogurt Cup Concept Imagines Containers as Tiny Hats
5
Educational Robot Toys
Codie Takes a Simple Gaming Approach to Teaching Coding to Children
4
Girl-Targeted Science Kits
Yellow Scope Produces Creative and Rigorous Science Kits for Girls
3
Exotic Snack Boxes
Exotic Snacks' Packaging Makes Superfoods for Kids Appealing and Fun
2
Grotesque Snack Packaging
These Illustrated Monster Wrappers Depict Consumers When They're Hungry
1
Hi-Tech Cartoon Toys
Disney Dream Play Uses Augmented Reality to Bring Figurines to Life
Related Ideas
Surreally Photorealistic Paintings
This Photographic Art Depicts Haunting, Impossible Scenes
Space-Saving Folding Shelves
Lake and Wells Designs a Storage Unit with Small Spaces in Mind
Layered 70s Fashion
Behati Prinsloo Showcases Retro Fall Looks in Vogue China
Ceiling-Suspended Beds
This Hanging Bed is a Great Way to Save Space in a Small Home
Bohemian Folk Fashion
Marie Claire Turkey's Latest Editorial Exclusive Doesn't Skip Out on Print
Doubly Photographic Photoshoots
The L'Officiel Turkey Ahmet Unver Editorial is Artistically Minded
Mind-Bending Fashion Editorials
The Ones 2 Watch 'Inside Out' Editorial Features Surreal Imagery
LEGO Bottle Caps
Clever Caps Link Up with LEGO for Useful Bottle Cap Recycling
Paper-Made Kid's Furniture
These Animal-Mimicking Chairs Use Recycled Materials and Zero Toxins
Whimsical Public Art Displays
This Art Installation Features Larger Than Life Spinning Tops
Hand-Lettered Life Lessons
Stephanie Wiehle Creates Delicate Quotes that are Brutally Honest
Branded Festival Pop-Up Motels
Fosters and Airbnb Created a Pop-up Motel at Finland's Provinssi
Subterranean School Facilities
BIG Has Designed an Art Building Underneath This School Field
Magical Poster Series
The Typographic Prints Display Drawings Inspired by Harry Potter Quotes
Kids' Programmable Pendants
Linkitz are Wearable Hi-Tech Puzzle Pieces That Respond to Commands
Adulthood Storybooks
Ladybird Books is Now Publishing Adult Book Titles for Grown-Ups
Origami Playground Canopies
This Brightly Colored Thin Metal Canopy Protects a Playground in Spain
Sporty Swimwear Editorials
Josephine Skriver Embraces an Urban Beach Look for Vanity Fair Italia
Clever Kiwi Branding
These Kiwi Snack Packs Include Personified and Animated Graphics
Landscape-Mimicking Rooftops
The China Pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015 Resembles a Mountain Range
Beauty Store Ads
The L'Officiel III Campaign Shows How Beauty is Stronger Than the Beast
Swiss Knife-Inspired Apartments
This Madrid Apartment Features Flexible Folding Furniture
Interactive Tech Retail
The Intel Ultra Store is an Immersive Retail Experience in Beijing
Surreal Photography Collages
Ng Weijiang Uses Instagram Grids to Create Striking Optical Illusions
Gravity-Defying Photography
This Surreal Photo Series is Inspired by Skateboarding
Nordic-Inspired Flagship Stores
The OCE Flagship Boutique in China is Nordic-Inspired Minimalism
Half-Submerged Portraits
These Images Show Eerie Scenes Below the Surface of Water
Children's Grocery Stores
This Kid's Supermarket in Moscow is Designed for Children
Neon Makeup Portraits
Sonia Gzik Dons Candy-Colored Cosmetics in 'Electric Feel'
Brain Freeze Campaigns
Freddo Ice Cream Shows That Even in Pain, This Treat is Delicious
Vibrant Pop-Up Vodka Bars
The Ciroc 'London Riviera' Pop-Up Will Be Open for Five Months
Exotic Couture Portraits
The Ones 2 Watch 'Endangered' Editorial Boasts Daring Wardrobe Picks
Sweater-Clad Celebrity Photoshoots
The Emma Stone WSJ. Magazine Editorial is Stylishly Rustic
Remote-Controlled Pterodactyls
The Flying Pterodactyl Realistically Flaps Its Wings and Screeches
Flower Bomb Campaigns
The Activia Ad Confirms that "Yes, She Goes Too"
Furniture Sweet Shops
IKEA Canada Will Soon Feature 'Pick and Mix' Candy Shop Stations
Internet-Inspired Installations
The Peyton Fulford Abandoned Love Series is Based on E-messages
Talking Sheep Robots
Takara-Tomy's OHaNAS Omnibot is an Intelligent Robot Companion
Retro Sitcom Toys
Samuel Hatmaker Pitches a Golden Girls LEGO Set to Be Produced
Maternal Rocking Chairs
A Spanish Design Firm Has Crafted the Perfect Breastfeeding Chair
Transparent Mountainside Museums
The Aspen Art Museum Boasts a Stunning Timber Facade
Lawn Bowling Bars
Toronto's Track & Field Venue Fuses Lawn Sports and Liquor
Pop-Up Seaside Dealerships
Tesla's Temporary Car Store Travels to Luxurious Summer Resorts
Child Humanist Campaigns
The Amnesty International Ad Shows Activism Can Start from Any Age
Momochromatic Street Portraits
This Street Artist Designs Imposing Photorealistic Paintings
Charming Wedding Confections
The Knot Shop's Conversation Hearts are a Romantic Wedding Favor
Texting Toothpaste Ads
These Ads Show How a Simple Smile Changes a Whole Story
Handmade Nautilus Bookshelves
This Modern Shelf Design is Shaped Like a Delicate Curved Seashell
Electronic Restaurant Menus
The Ziosk E-Menu Lets You Make Orders Without Having to Wait
Body Positive Children’s Cartoons
This Inspirational Cartoon Encourages Self-Confidence
Durable Rubber Adhesives
This Reusable Adhesive is Perfect for Fixing All Kinds of Items
Personified Popcorn Packaging
Paulina Arzillier Creates Fun Snack Packaging for Kid Consumers
Experiential Pop-Up Stores
This Dyson Pop-Up Store Lets You Test Out Vacuum Cleaners
Religious Wall Decals
Etsy Shop WeAreVinylDesigns Creates Modern Bible Decor for the Home
Plush Sheep Rockers
This Plush Animal Rocker is Inspired by Wooly Wildlife
Daring Beauty Editorials
The Ones 2 Watch 'Heartbreaker' Story Experiments With Eyebrow Piercings
Bio 3D Printer Concepts
Growduce is Meant to Grow Bacterial-Sourced Leather-Like Objects
Tree-Mimicking Shelves
The 'Easy Tree' is a Unique Multi-Purpose Storage Unit for Kids
Playful Programming Games
Code Kingdom Teaches Coding for Children Through Play
Multicolor 3D Printing Attachments
The Diamond Hotend Can Print Many Colors From One Nozzle
Spherical Paint Photography
Fabian Oefner's Black Hole Image Series Boasts Vibrant Hues
Transformative Activity Tables
The 'Extracurricular Play Table' Doubles as a Desk and Coffee Table
Garden-Shrouded Student Residences
A Project at a Swiss University Will Have Plenty of Greenery
Social Shopping List Tools
Target Teams Up With Web Influencers for a Custom Shopping Platform
Playoff Beard-Embracing Ads
This McDonald's Beard Ad Supports the the NHL 2015 Season
All-In-One School Folders
Staples' Student Folder Includes a Pencil Sharpener, Note Pads and More
Surreal Alzheimer Ads
The Peruvian Association of Alzheimer's Disease Visualizes Memory Loss
Pixelated Ceramic Installation
"Unexpected Hill" is a Creative Ceramic Sculpture in London
Gamer Lunch Boxes
This Bento Lunch Box is the Perfect Geeky Accessory for Back to School
Shredding Billboard Campaigns
Act Responsible Promotes Its 'Great Ads for Good Causes' Exhibit
Silent Meditation Retreats
Silent Stay Gives Guests a Beautiful Setting Surrounded by Nature
Gesture-Controlled Padlocks
Master Lock's Rollerball Lock Opens with Directional Movements
Educational Robot Toys
Codie Takes a Simple Gaming Approach to Teaching Coding to Children
Historic Castle Escapes
'Casa Loma' Recently Became the New Backdrop for an Escape Room Adventure
Satirical Celebration Balloons
These Pessimistic Black Balloons Reveal Discouraging Phrases
Bootylicious Maternal Greetings
This Mother's Day Greeting Card Pays Tribute to Kim Kardashian
Gender-Neutral Store Branding
Target Redesigned its Store Layouts to Decrease Gender Stereotyping
Diagonal Locker Dividers
Staples' Student-Designed Locker Organizer Creates Floating Shelves
Dual-Beam Bike Lights
The Ding Light Keeps Cyclists Visible at Night
Wearable Programming Toys
The DynePods Can Be Used To Create Interactive Programs For Toys
Active Gaming Wristbands
The PowaBand Encourages Kids to Earn Points from Real-Life Exercise
Kids' K-Pop Shows
Nickelodeon's 'Make It Pop' Show Brings Korean Style and Music to the West
Screw-Made Portraits
Artist Andrew Myers Creates Portraits Built From Screws
Hot Sauce-Themed Restaurants
This Fiery New Restaurant is the Perfect Option for Spice Fans
3D Fabric Printers
The Elecroloom is the First 3D Printer to Make Clothing
Biblical Graphic Tees
This Line of Christian T-Shirts References a Hillsong Sermon Series
Accessible Educational Facilities
This Danish Public School Campus Increases Urban Activity
Automotive Printing Filaments
Refil Turns Plastic Volvo Audi Dashboards into 3D Printer Filaments
Circus-Themed Fashion Events
The Power Ball Party Supplied Quirky Activities for Celebrity Guests
Boozy Bellini Popsicles
Pops Launches a Frozen Dessert Inspired by Bellini Cocktails
Half-Moon Pod Chairs
The 'Hideaway' Chair Provides Kids at a Cozy Seat and Place to Escape
Meta Pencil Cases
This Practical Pencil Case Doubles as a Highlighter, Eraser and Pencil Sharpener
Bustling Traditional Establishments
This Tokyo Restaurant Marries Tradition with Effortless Style
Orchestral Yoga Classes
'Moga' is a New Yoga Concept That Pairs Practice with a Live Orchestra
Continental Retail Cafes
The Rozove Cafe and Store is a Pink-Hued Paradise
Cheap 3D Printers
The Lewihe Play is Impressively Priced at Approximately $77
Anxiety-Alleviating Robots
'Huggable' is a Robot Teddy That Helps Comfort Hospitalized Children
Shadow-Hand Shaving Ads
The Barber Spa Campaign Focuses on 'The Art of Shaving'
Prismatic Wedding Chapels
This Stunning Rainbow Chapel is in the Shanghai Museum of Glass
Scholarly Standing Desks
This Standing School Desk Aims to Change the Way Kids Think About Work
Intelligent Personal Robots
Musio is an AI Robot with Interchangeable 'Brains' for Different Tasks
Child-Focused Thermal Packaging
Malygina Marina Designs Interactive Branding for Kid's Yogurt
Object-Propping Pencil Cases
Staples' Student Pencil Case Doubles as a Stand for Mobile Devices
Skill-Building Toy Shops
Amazon Launched a Store for Featuring Educational and Fun STEM Toys
Crunchy Yogurt Kits
Alpina's Portable Snack Containers Combine Cereal and Yogurt
Sandwich-Themed Porridge
This Strawberry and Peanut Butter Oatmeal Features Homemade Compote
Entertaining Toy Shops
Hamleys Toy Shop in Moscow Displays Toys Like Amusements in a Theme Park
Wholesome Doll-Themed Hotels
This Hotel Offers a Package Deal for Children and Their Dolls
Revolutionary Music Commercials
The Apple Music Ad Campaign Puts Its App on a Historic Level
Anti-Tech Nature Retreats
Digital Detox Offers Countless Programs for Unplugged Individuals
Playground-Inspired Clothing Racks
This Miniature Playground is Built for Fun and Practical Use
Galactic Novelty Beds
Celebrate Force Friday with a Sci-0Bed Lets You Sleep in a Millennium Falcon
Outdoor Tetris Furniture
These Playground-Oriented Furniture Pieces are Fun for Kids and Adults
Interactive Children's TV
My Nick Jr. Has Been Especially Created for the Watching Habits of Kids
Collaborative Culture Photography
The Images by Thinkhouse & Kevein Goss-Ross Use Surreal Elements
Whimsical Fragrance Branding
The Chanel Chance Eau Vive Campaign Brings a Fantasy to Life
Literacy-Encouraging Kites
Stories in the Sky Uses Kites Printed with Stories to Entice Kids
Alleyway-Inspired Eateries
This Shanghai Restaurant is Part of the Hutong Brand's Expansion
Disguised Vegetable Crackers
Funley's Healthy Crackers are Branded with Fun Flavors Instead
Manly Cleaning Campaigns
#SwifferDad Shows the Changing Relationship Between Men and Cleaning
Heat-Proof Ice Cream
These Researchers Have Produced an Ice Cream That is Incapable of Melting
Blended Produce Pouches
Fruigees' Natural Fruit Snacks Eliminate the Need to Wash and Peel
Kid-Focused Yoga Games
This Playing Card Deck Features Yoga Poses for Kids
Millennial Yoga Programs
'EmpowerU' is Tailored Program That Teaches Yoga for Young Adults
Playful Robotic Apps
The Robot Factory by Tinybop Helps Kids Virtually Build and Test Machines
Stacking Furniture Sets
This Flat Furniture Set Can be Stacked, Stored and Displayed for Guests
Architectural Paper Collages
These Collages Recreate Modernist Mid-20th Century Architecture
Plush Texbook Toys
This Project Wants to End Book-Hating with Textbook-Themed Pillows