# Custom Collectible Consumers turn to collectible items that offer personalized features. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 9, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/custom-collectible ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Custom Collectible trend? **Custom Collectible:** No longer satisfied with the typical off-the-shelf product, consumers are turning to custom, easy-to-alter toys that offer a greater sense of personalization. Redesigning action figures and building blocks with interchangeable elements and printed designs, brands are using elements of customization to not only add a personal touch, but also transform traditionally lifeless collectibles into products that are more engaging and immersive in nature. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 23, 2014 to Feb 22, 2017 - Published: Mar 9, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Custom Collectible trend ### Customizable Collectibles Consumers desire to own unique collectibles that can be customized and personalized to express their individuality. ### User-generated content Consumers are increasingly participating in the creative process of product design and customization, immersing them in the brand and increasing engagement. ### Digital Fabrication Advancements in 3D printing and other digital fabrication technologies are democratizing product design and manufacture, allowing for greater customization and personalization. ## What the Custom Collectible trend means for industry ### For Manufacturing Manufacturers can take advantage of digital fabrication technologies to offer customizable and precision-manufactured products. ### For Toy and Games Toy and game companies can increase engagement and sales by offering customizable and interactive products. ### For E-commerce E-commerce platforms can offer personalized product customization options, driving customer engagement and increasing sales. ## Workshop question To add value to your product, what is one way to offer personalization? ## Trend signals for Custom Collectible Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Custom Collectible trend 6 featured examples from Dec 23, 2014 to Feb 22, 2017. - [Customized LEGO Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-minifig): Funky 3D Faces Enables Users to Create a Custom LEGO Minifig (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The custom LEGO minifigs market created by Funky 3D Faces opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for toy manufacturing companies to offer customizable options in their produ… - [Customizable Toy Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-figurine): The Disney Princess Little Kingdom Royal Sparkle Collection is Petite (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating customizable features into toy manufacturing processes to offer unique and personalized products. - [3D-Printed Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-action): This Company Turns Selfies into 3D-Printed Figurines (Category: Tech) Implication: The 3D-printing industry has an opportunity to cater to a wide range of customers from healthcare to gaming enthusiasts and beyond, creating all sorts of custom-printed products. - [Custom Superheroine Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herome): HeroMe Helps Kids Build Their Own Super Female Action Figures (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The development of a customizable female superhero action figure line shows the potential growth in the toy industry for increased diversity and representation. - [Personalized Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-lego): This LEGO Store Produces Custom Lego Kits in a Child's Likeness (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The personalized building block kits trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to tap into the demand for customized play experiences and increase c… - [Customizable Superhero Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/action-figure): The DIY 6" Action Figure Kits Encourage Kids to Personalize Their Toys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry has the opportunity to disrupt the market by offering customizable superhero action figures that allow kids to personalize their toys. ## 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)