The April 2016 youth trends reveal a major shift in the way parents and brands are thinking about playtime. Not only is there a push for more creative and unconventional forms of play, but there is also an effort to ensure these activities are more inclusive.
The push for creative play has largely been a reaction to the issue of over-parenting and the hyper-monitored lives that many children are forced to lead. As a result, there is a push for more unconventional activities for children. For instance, New York City is now home to an adventure park that is free from traditional playground equipment. Additionally, activities previously reserved for adults such as high tea are now being tailored to accommodate children as well.
Beyond the emphasis on creativity, the April 2016 youth trends also reveal a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity. Indeed, brands are increasingly shifting away from rigid gender-specific marketing and looking at products that will appeal to all children. These types of products can range from high-tech devices such as unisex coding programs to more basic toys such as gender-neutral playhouses.
Top 40 Youth Ideas in April
From Kid-Friendly Tea Parties to Gender-Neutral Playhouses:
Katherine Pendrill — Apr 24, 2016 — Life-Stages
40
Two-in-One Juvenile Wheelbarrows
The 'Nest' Draws Inspiration from a Garden Wheelbarrow
39
Customizable Jungle Gym Beds
The 'Playbed' is a Child's Bedroom Furniture Dream Come True
38
Creativity-Promoting Playgrounds
This Adventure Playground in New York Promotes Imaginative Play
37
Kids Coding Toys
The 'Cubetto' Enables Children to Learn Programming in a Fun Way
36
Interchangeable Collector Figures
'My Mini Mixie Q's' Toy Figures Can be Customized by Kids
35
DIY Computer Kits
The 'Kano Computer Kit' Teaches Children How to Build a Computer from Scratch
34
Night Light Toys
The LeeLuu Collection is Controlled by Touch
33
Melted Plastic Perches
Recycled Bottle Chairs Create Fantasy From Ethical Manufacturing
32
Snapchat-Only Ad Agencies
Naritiv is the World's First Snapchat-Specific Advertising Agency
31
Realistically Proportioned Male Dolls
The Male Lammily Doll Boasts Realistic Body Proportions
30
Supportive Portable Perches
A Portable Stool Guarantees a Seat for Students of Rural Schools
29
Chopstick-Teaching Toys
The Manners Fish Chopstick Training Toy Teaches Children to Eat Well
28
Growth-Accommodating Toys
The 'Friendimal' Riding Toy Expands in Size to Accommodate Growing Kids
27
Kid-Friendly Hand Scrubbers
These Brushes Help Children Keep Their Hands Clean
26
Chocolate Egg-Decorating Kits
This Easter Craft Helps Kids Personalize Egg-Shaped Chocolates
25
Affordable Mini Quadcopters
The Seresroad CX-10 is a Small Quadcopter Available for Under $20
24
Kid-Friendly Pressed Juices
This Line of Pressed Juice is Designed for Children
23
Infant-Targeted Robots
These Mechanical Toys are Designed to Help Children Relate to Robots
22
Microwave Jelly Sandwiches
Dr. Praeger's Frozen Sandwiches are Quick to Heat and Eat
21
Banana-Flavored Milks
Sir Bananas Drinks are Enhanced with Banana Puree
20
Literacy-Promoting Workshops
The World Book Day 2016 Event Includes School Workshops
19
Rocket Launch Bedroom Furniture
The Lifetime Discovery Space Rocket Kids Bed is Imaginative
18
Curated Adventure Travel Apps
The Lucky Trip App Curates Adventurous Last Minute Vacations
17
Fortified Fruit Purees
Fruit Me Up! BOOST is a Fruit Snack for Kids Enriched with Benefits
16
Gender-Neutral Playhouses
Smoby's 'Friends House' Includes Boys in Home-Centered Imaginary Play
15
Kid-Friendly Vegetable Bites
Dr. Praeger's Launched New Healthy Snacks for Kids at Expo West
14
Kid-Friendly Search Engines
'Kiddle' is a Family-Friendly Visual Search Engine
13
Vegetable-Based Snack Bars
The Rawr Bar Line is Designed to Help Children Eat More Veggies
12
Interactive Audio Tables
HELLO WORLD! is a Magic Table That Brings Inanimate Objects to Life
11
Scented Keychain Collectibles
The New Whiffer Sniffers Collectible Toys are Deliciously Themed
10
Spicy Mango Milks
Emmi Energy Milk Now Comes in a Limited Edition 'Daredevil' Flavor
9
Marshmallow-Filled Candy Bars
Dylan's Easter Chocolate Bar Includes Creamy Marshmallow Fluff
8
Kid-Friendly Tea Parties
The Omni King Edward Hotel is Extending Its Afternoon Tea Service to Kids
7
Child-Proof Phone Cases
This Kid Lid Phone Case Keeps Tykes from Switching Apps
6
Mousse-Filled Chocolate Eggs
This Cadbury Easter Egg Product Comes with a Small Spoon for Scooping
5
Artistic Teen Campaigns
Autumn de Forest Stars in this Empowering Nordstrom Kids Commercial
4
Vibrant Family Activity Centers
The Family Lab at the Groninger Museum is Designed for Events
3
Fruit Puree Pouches
'Fruit Me Up!' Fruit Purees Contain No More Than Four Ingredients
2
Talking Toy Buttons
'Pechat' Turns Playthings into Interactive Talking Toys
1
Postal Smartphone Apps
'POSTIE' Helps Smartphone Users Deliver Handwritten Messages
Related Ideas
DIY Augmented Reality Books
This Augmented Reality Book Requires No Apps or Special Glasses to Use
Inclusive Student Micro Dwellings
The 'Nano Studio' Micro Apartment Design is 140-Square-Feet
Two-in-One Juvenile Wheelbarrows
The 'Nest' Draws Inspiration from a Garden Wheelbarrow
Single Sheet Stools
This Wooden Seat Design is Made Using One Sheet of Folded Plywood
Customizable Jungle Gym Beds
The 'Playbed' is a Child's Bedroom Furniture Dream Come True
Chic Austere Lodgings
NYC's Sago Hotel Offers Stylish Affordability on the Lower East Side
Fictional Gorilla Milks
The Plight of Gorillas is Addressed in Bananas' Promotional Campaign
Kids Coding Toys
The 'Cubetto' Enables Children to Learn Programming in a Fun Way
Disorienting Museum Interiors
This Installation Takes Museum Guests Through a Mirrored Maze
Suburban Seaside Hotels
This Indonesian Hotel is Situated Within a Busy Seaside Area
Easter-Inspired Sneakers
The PUMA Easter Pack is Honoring the Spring Holiday with Style
Versatile Sleeper Mattresses
The Leesa Foam Bed is Designed to Suit All Sleepers and Body Types
Cute Family-Friendly Robots
The 'XIBOT' Smart Home Assistant Provides an Intuitive Experience
Snapchat-Only Ad Agencies
Naritiv is the World's First Snapchat-Specific Advertising Agency
Wooden IoT Toys
'Dendama' Transforms Traditional Kendama Toys with the Internet of Things
Social Fast Food Geofilters
McSnaps Were Special Geofilters Accessible Only at McDonald's Stores
Rewarding Canine Toys
The Wobble Ball 2.0 Dispenses Treats Upon Task Completion
Architectural LEGO Exhibits
'The Art of Architecture' Exhibit Features Landmarks Made Out of LEGO
Multi-Sensory App Activations
The Candy Crush Castle is a Scented Bouncy Castle for Adults
Easter-Themed Donut Menus
The Spring 2016 Donut Line-Up from Krispy Kreme Features Easter Treats
Fast Casual Snapchat Filters
An IHOP Snapchat Partnership Will See In-Restaurant Geofilters
Viral Style Clips
Advertisements and Pop Culture are Embracing the 'Damn, Daniel' Meme
Gender-Inclusive Kitchen Sets
KidKraft's Retro Kitchen Toy Targets Aspiring Young Chefs
Flexible Toy Car Tracks
Lionel's Mega Tracks Create Courses for Cars That Defy Gravity
Sketched Superhero Figurines
The Jim Lee Blueline Superman is Styled Like a 3D Drawing
Cleansing Chlorophyll Water
Verday's Healthy Water Drinks Come in Light Fruit Flavors
Code-Teaching Toy Robots
The Kamibot Robot Makes it Easier to Teach Kids to Code
Global Vegetarian Burgers
Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burger Patties Capture Diverse Flavors
Robotic Educational Kits
The Sony Global Education 'KOOV' Kit Focuses on Teach Kids STEM
Pocket-Sized Dart Guns
The N-Strike Elite Pocketstrike Can Be Concealed Until It's Time to Strike
Edible Bunny Masks
This Bunny Chocolate on a Stick Doubles as an Easter Mask
Whiskey Snapchat Campaigns
Jameson is the First Alcohol Brand to Use the Age-Gated Tool Nationally
Bite-Sized Ice Cream Sandwiches
These Low-Calorie Ice Cream Treats are Made for Kids and Adults
Frozen Alcoholic Slushies
'Ice & Easy' Frozen Alcoholic Drinks are Meant to Be Enjoyed Chilled
Motorcycling Superheroine Toys
This DC Superhero Action Figure is the 'Deluxe Batgirl of Burnside'
Throwable Paintball Toys
The 'Goblies' Paint Toy Teaches Kids to Make Biodegradable Paint Balls
Immersive Museum Playrooms
The ZOOM Children's Museum Features Themed Play Areas
Filtered Photography Makeup Tutorials
The Drag Snapchat Filter is Recreated With Cosmetic Products
Gender-Neutral Science Kits
This Educational Toy Introduces Kids to Science at a Young Age
Chopstick-Teaching Toys
The Manners Fish Chopstick Training Toy Teaches Children to Eat Well
Multi-Sensory Candy Events
The LCO Performed Cadbury Dairy Milk's 'The Sound of Flavourites'
Rejuvenating Vitamin Teas
The Oshee Vitamin Tea Range is Made With Natural Graviola Ingredients
Easter Chocolate Pizzas
This Creme Egg Pizza is Available In Time for Easter at a UK Pizza Parlour
Transparent Baby Food Pouches
Happy Family's Clearly Crafted Purees Enhance Food Transparency
Millennial Hotel Concepts
Marriot International's New Moxy Hotels Brand Image Targets Millennials
Superfood Protein Teas
Blu Dot's Nutritious Beverages are Filled With Natural Flavors and Vitamins
Chocolate Egg-Decorating Kits
This Easter Craft Helps Kids Personalize Egg-Shaped Chocolates
Boy-Specific Dollhouses
This Dollhouse for Boys Boasts a Neutral Design Aesthetic
Gargantuan Marine Ceiling Sculptures
Huang Yong Ping's Works Comment on Human Effects on the Sea
Powerful Protein Teas
Isopure's Signature Teas are an Ideal Pre-Workout Supplement
Customizable Social Media Filters
This App is Now Letting Users Create Their Own Geofilters
Encouraging Female Bravery
Reshma Saujani’s Talk About Bravery Focuses on Female Empowerment
Youth-Focused Furniture Ads
This RH Teen Commercial Promotes the Brand's Newest Product Range
Preserved Vitamin Teas
Tea of a Kind's Flavored Tea Beverages are Enriched with C Vitamins
Toy-Inspired Face Cleaners
The Hello Kitty Facial Cleansing Brush Offers Four Modes for Cleaning
Fried Chicken Breakfast Sandwiches
The Chicken McGriddle Combines Fried Chicken with Pancakes
Meatless Sandwich Menus
Arby's Leap Day Menu is a Tongue in Cheek Approach to Vegetarianism
Blended Breakfast Pouches
The 'Good Morning' Breakfast Drinks Come Portable Formats
Toy Marketplace Apps
KidsTrade is a Toy App That Allows Children to Swap Games and Goods Safely
Easter Egg Snapchat Lenses
Cadbury Creme Egg Unveiled a Sponsored Snapchat Lens in the UK
Infant-Targeted Robots
These Mechanical Toys are Designed to Help Children Relate to Robots
Green Olive Snack Packs
These Organic Olives Come in a Convenient Pouch for On-The-Go Snacking
Comunicative Plush Toys
'Talkies' Allow Kids to Receive and Send Voice Messages
Meaty Breakfast Sandwiches
The New Supreme Breakfast Sandwich is Loaded with Hearty Toppings
DIY Toy Robot Kits
The 'Tio' Robotic Building Block System Lets Kids Create Complex Toys
Flower-Adorned Easter Eggs
This Imperial Chocolate Egg from Bettys is a Luxe Holiday Offering
Expressive Dog Collars
INUPATHY Makes Dog Emotions Visible as LED Lights on a Pet's Collar
Digitized Check-In Kiosks
These Self-Service Hotel Kiosks Replace Concierge Staff
Amethyst-Inspired Chocolate Eggs
The Geode Chocolate Rock Egg is a Stunning Upscale Easter Gift
Hands-On Museum Workshops
The Maker Club Teaches Children and Parents to Work with Their Hands
Deceptive Cheesecake Eggs
This Breakfast-Resembling Dessert is Made of Cheesecake and Shortbread
Teen Culture Platforms
'MTV Voices' is a Platform with Youth-Targeted Pop Culture Content
Electrolyte-Enriched Teas
Titan Tea's Beverage Range Rejuvenates and Detoxifies
Medieval Architecture Puzzles
The Game of Thrones King's Landing 4D Puzzle is Ornately Detailed
Creative Movie Screenings
This Outdoor Movie Night Features Arts and Crafts Pre-Show
Kid-Friendly Vegetable Bites
Dr. Praeger's Launched New Healthy Snacks for Kids at Expo West
Soft Brand Hotel Chains
Hyatt Hotels' The Unbound Collection is Geared to Social Media Consumers
Adoptive Museum Programs
The Aquadopt Initiative Teaches Children About Wildlife Conservation
Energizing Canned Teas
This Go Girl Peach Tea Boosts Energy Without Artificial Sweeteners
Hoverboard Barbie Toys
Mattel's Star Light Adventure RC Toy Takes Barbie to New Heights
Virtual Golf Apps
The 'Dell Play Through' App Lets Users Play a Course Through the City of Austin
Pregnancy Train Passes
Virgin Trains Brings Ease to Both Travel and Pregnancy with 'Mum Passes'
Indian Batter Pouches
Eastern Condiments' Dosa Batter Comes in a Ready-to-Pour Package
Superheroine Toy Sets
The 'Girls Night Out 5-Pack' Features DC Superheroines and Villainesses
Whimsical Literary Museums
The Roald Dahl Museum Features Fun Interactive Exhibits for Kids
Family-Friendly Museum Tours
The Guggenheim Offers Special Activity Kits for Children
Boozy Easter Eggs
Elizabeth Shaw's Chocolate Easter Egg is Paired with Liqueur Chocolates
Interactive Audio Tables
HELLO WORLD! is a Magic Table That Brings Inanimate Objects to Life
Coconut Chocolate Eggs
This Easter Egg from Tesco Mashes Up Coconuts and Chocolate
Quirky Candy Ads
Janes Harden Stars in a Mind-Bending New Ad from Trolli
Scented Keychain Collectibles
The New Whiffer Sniffers Collectible Toys are Deliciously Themed
Spicy Mango Milks
Emmi Energy Milk Now Comes in a Limited Edition 'Daredevil' Flavor
Toy-Themed Tea Tastings
Hamleys and St James's Hotel & Club are Running a VIP Family Experience
Immunity-Boosting Teas
Vit Hit's Nutritious Tea Range is Enriched with Vital Vitamins
TV Puppet Collectibles
These Muppets Action Figures Celebrate the Iconic Comedy Characters
Lifelike LCD Dolls
This Lifelike Doll Features LCD Screen Eyes For Added Expression
Energizing Teatox Kits
Beach Babe Tea Offers Organic and Fat-Burning Detox Products
Cake-Flavored Candy Bars
These Chocolate Candy Bars Take Inspiration from Dessert Flavors
Mousse-Filled Chocolate Eggs
This Cadbury Easter Egg Product Comes with a Small Spoon for Scooping
Interactive Booking Experiences
Jumeirah Inside Allows Users to Experience Hotels While Booking
Dynamic Data-Driven Clocks
PLAN-NET is a Next-Generation IoT Table Clock
Miniature Sprinkler Sets
This Kid-Friendly Sprinkler Helps Children Stay Cool in the Summer
Fruit Puree Pouches
'Fruit Me Up!' Fruit Purees Contain No More Than Four Ingredients
Smartphone Hiking Systems
TREK TRACK is a Smart System That Improves Hiker Safety
Talking Toy Buttons
'Pechat' Turns Playthings into Interactive Talking Toys
Egg Carton Chocolates
Luxury's Easter Chocolate Eggs are Shaped to Look Like a Decadent Carton
Celebratory Museum Exhibits
This Museum is Celebrating Black History Month with Special Events
Easter Popcorn Snacks
This Sweet Popcorn Snack from Butterkist Tastes Like Hot Cross Buns
Dessert-Inspired Chocolate Eggs
These Chocolate Easter Eggs Taste Like Brownies, Meringue & Pie
Postal Smartphone Apps
'POSTIE' Helps Smartphone Users Deliver Handwritten Messages
Children's Cooking Programs
The Chef Upstairs Offers Kid-Friendly Food Workshops for All Ages
Political Marshmallow Campaigns
This Digital Campaign Pits Peeps Candy Against the Groundhog
Pink Guava Purees
This Puree Will Enable Bartenders to Create Spectacular Cocktails
Gamified Shoveling Apps
Dig-Log Turns Snow Shoveling from Labor to a Fun Activity
Digital Literacy Conferences
The LINC Conference Addresses the Importance of Tech Education