# Alternative Figurine Collectibles take on unusual, noteworthy designs to the delight of fans. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jul 4, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-figurine ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Alternative Figurine trend? **Alternative Figurine:** Injecting some excitement into the world of collectibles, brands and franchises are debuting action figures in fresh and sometimes bizarre new formats. Experimenting not only with design but with materials as well, these new iterations are redefining what constitutes a collectible, and are in some cases making them more accessible in terms of cost. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 9, 2014 to Mar 30, 2016 - Published: Jul 4, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Figurine trend ### Unusual Collectibles Brands are debuting action figures in fresh and bizarre new formats, redefining what constitutes a collectible. ### Traditional Playthings Nostalgia-inducing toys like nesting dolls and Lego bricks are given modern themes and characters to return to traditional forms of play. ### Pop Culture Pottery Pre-Columbian pottery designs and sitting Buddha figurines are applied to Star Wars characters and other popular franchises in the form of small statues and figures. ## What the Alternative Figurine trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Manufacturers have the opportunity to experiment with new materials and designs to create unique and exciting collectibles, toys, and playthings for consumers. ### For Collectibles Industry Traditional collectibles are being reimagined and infused with new elements to attract younger generations and invigorate established fanbases. ### For Pop Culture Industry Popular franchises and characters from TV shows, movies, and comic books provide a wealth of inspiration for brands and manufacturers to create unique and innovative merchandise and products. ## Workshop question How can your brand redefine its offerings in order to make them more accessible, as well as add value to the ways in which they can be enjoyed? ## Trend signals for Alternative Figurine Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Figurine trend 5 featured examples from Sep 9, 2014 to Mar 30, 2016. - [Godly Sci-Fi Statues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/budda-figurine): These Budda Figurines are Replaced with Heads of Popular Characters (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Potential growth in the market for licensed merchandise that combines pop culture icons with traditional decorative items. - [Adventurous Nesting Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adventure-time-toys): These Adventure Time Toys are Re-Imagined Matryoshka Wooden Dools (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity to create collectible toys for adults with a sense of humor. - [Superhero Nesting Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/justice-league-character): These Justice League Characters Fit Seamlessly Inside One Another (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The popularity of nesting dolls as nostalgic toys presents an opportunity for toy manufacturers to create and produce similar traditional playthings with a modern twist. - [Building Block Disney Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-lego): The Disney LEGO Turns the Classic Characters into Toy Figurines (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers can explore modular design for toys to allow customization and a new level of play for children. - [Sci-Fi Pottery Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/precolumbian-pottery): These Star Wars Figurines Resemble Pre-Columbian Pottery (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The art and design industry can capitalize on the Pre-Columbian Pottery Revival trend by creating and promoting modern interpretations of traditional pottery with a touch of sci-f… ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)