# Handcrafted Collectible Seeking an economic alternative, consumers make their own toys. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 14, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crafted-collectibles ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Handcrafted Collectible trend? **Handcrafted Collectible:** Seeking to maintain a sense of pop culture involvement, budget-conscious consumers are turning to handcrafted imitations of popular, franchise toys. Using easy-to-acquire materials like felt and yarn to create replicas of cartoon characters and movie icons, consumers are seeking to not only cut back on costs, but find a more accessible way to enjoy popular, mainstream products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 1, 2013 to Sep 4, 2014 - Published: Jan 14, 2015 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Handcrafted Collectible trend ### DIY Toy Making Creating toys on a budget and with accessible materials is a growing trend among budget-conscious consumers. ### Felt and Yarn Crafts Felt and yarn are emerging as alternative materials for creating replicas of popular characters and icons. ### Geek Culture DIY Crafting and DIY projects themed around popular franchises and geek culture are a growing trend. ## What the Handcrafted Collectible trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Business professionals in the toy industry can create affordable and accessible DIY kits for customers. ### For Arts and Crafts Industry The Arts and Crafts industry can supply materials and tools for consumers interested in DIY toy manufacturing. ### For Entertainment Industry The Entertainment Industry can collaborate with DIY and crafting culture in creating merchandise and memorabilia based on popular franchises. ## Trend signals for Handcrafted Collectible Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 37%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 37% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Handcrafted Collectible trend 4 featured examples from May 1, 2013 to Sep 4, 2014. - [DIY Dark Side Corks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champagne-corks): These DIY Darth Vader Champagne Corks Add Some Dark Side to Your Wine Bottles (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The crafting and DIY industry can capitalize on the trend of creating geeky projects by providing resources, materials, and inspiration for individuals to express their creativity. - [Crafty Thumb War Creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thumb-war): This DIY Mexican Thumb War Set is Definitely a Crowd Pleaser (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Incorporating consumers into the creation process of toys to create unique and personalized products - [Crafty Turtle Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lantern-decorations): The TMNT Paper Lantern Decorations are Perfect for Children's Parties (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for studios, networks or platform providers to leverage character-inspired crafts to extend the reach and monetization of their properties. - [DIY Disney Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-toy): These Felt Disney Toy Puppets are Enjoyable and Easy to Construct (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create DIY toy kits that empower children to participate in the creation process and enhance their play experience. ## 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)