# Homemade Play DIY toys regain appeal due to their budget- and eco-friendly nature. By [Tisah Tucknott](https://www.trendhunter.com/tisah), Off-Duty Ninja | Published Jun 10, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/diy-toys-keeping-your-kids-entertained-the-eco-friendly-way ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Homemade Play trend? **Homemade Play:** Dampened moods among adults due to the recession are in direct relation to the increasing depression among children. Parents who recognize this are beginning to make conscious efforts to increase positive interactive with children, namely playing with them and engaging in creative crafts in budget-friendly ways. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 18 to Jun 3, 2009 - Published: Jun 10, 2009 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Homemade Play trend ### DIY Trend The budget-friendly nature of DIY projects due to the economic downturn has people uniting and learning how to create their own products with DIY projects.The effects of this trend should be considered by companies in their product design. ### Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products Trend As eco-conscious attitudes continue to grow among consumers, companies should consider more daring ways to design their products that stimulate excitement and deliver sustainable solutions. ### Creative Food Art and Fun Toys Trend Companies can attract a specific group of buyers by offering customized or specialized items that incorporate innovative design elements to popular products that inspire kids to play with them in physical and creative ways to stimulate excitement and provide them with hours of fun. ## What the Homemade Play trend means for industry ### For Craft and DIY Supplies The company can offer various eco-friendly and budget-friendly materials for DIY enthusiasts to create their own products to suit their needs. ### For Sustainable Toy Industries Companies can provide playful and unique toys and experiences for kids to enjoy that are eco-friendly in materials and innovative in design. ### For Food Service Industries Companies can offer customizable and creative eating experiences, such as lunch kits and kid-friendly food art that are both fun and healthy for children. ## Trend signals for Homemade Play Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Homemade Play trend 7 featured examples from May 18 to Jun 3, 2009. - [Credit Card Crafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/credit-card-crafts-10-uses-for-the-unwanted-plastic): 10 Uses for the Unwanted Plastic Bank Cards (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The art and crafts industry can leverage the trend of repurposing credit cards to create new and unique products. - [Recycled Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-robots-reclaim2fame): Reclaim2Fame Uses 80% Recycled Materials to Make Little Gadget Guys (Category: Eco) Implication: Robotics manufacturers can explore the use of recycled and reused materials for sustainable robot production. - [DIY Chalkboard Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chalkboard-fridges-smooth-running-kitchens): Food Diaries & Drawing Boards for Kids Allows Smooth Running Kitchens (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Appliance manufacturing companies can take advantage of the trend of chalkboard appliances by offering custom paint colors and built-in chalkboards in their products. - [Lunch Bag Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunch-bag-art-father-creates-unique-bags-for-kids-lunches): Because Brown Bags are for Boring People (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Developing new and creative ways to engage with children and strengthen the parent-child bond. - [Tiny Tree Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yo-yos-handcrafted-from-sustainable-harvested-woods): Yo-Yos Handcrafted From Sustainable Harvested Woods (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating handcrafted and sustainable designs in traditional toy products, appealing to consumers who prioritize eco-friendly options. - [Head-Eating Caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-budget-shark-attack-hats-for-kids): Low Budget Knit Shark Attack Hat for Aggression-Loving Kids (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Creating novelty knitwear products for kids. - [DIY Pinball Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-pinball-tables-seamster-uses-scraps-to-create-ultimate-arts-and-crafts): Seamster Uses Scraps to Create Ultimate Arts & Crafts Project (Category: Eco) Implication: The arts and crafts industry can capitalize on the rise of DIY projects and provide resources and tools for consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Borrowing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/soft-drink-flavor-mashups) (Lifestyle) - [Silent Triage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/passive-health-wearables) (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) - [Toy-Branded Kids Toothbrush Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-branded-kids-toothbrush-kits) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)