# Economical Play A desire for cost-effective rewards prompts more customized gifts for kids. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 10, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/economical-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Economical Play trend? **Economical Play:** As demand for materialistic rewards increases, the cost of satisfying such demands can be overwhelming, prompting parents to look for cost-effective alternatives. Seeking substitute methods to the accessible store-bought products, parents are turning to customized playsets that combine youthful activities with budget-friendly, DIY approaches. Made-from-scratch toys illustrate a turn towards more economical methods of youthful enticement. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 10, 2012 to Mar 28, 2014 - Published: Apr 10, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Economical Play trend ### DIY Crafts Parents looking for cost-effective alternatives for store-bought products are turning to DIY playsets and toys. ### Budget-Friendly Toys Demand for materialistic rewards prompts the need for more economical methods of youthful enticement. ### Recycled Materials DIY cardboard and paper playsets and toys are appealing to environmentally conscious parents. ## What the Economical Play trend means for industry ### For Crafting Supplies Businesses can target parents looking for crafting supplies, including cardboard, paper, and fabric. ### For Toy Industry The toy industry can create budget-friendly alternatives to store-bought toys. ### For E-Commerce Retailers E-commerce retailers can offer printable templates for DIY playsets and toys. ## Trend signals for Economical Play Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Economical Play trend 6 featured examples from Dec 10, 2012 to Mar 28, 2014. - [DIY Arctic Cardboard Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-cardboard-toys): Mr. Printables' Templates Make Cute Recycled Cardboard Toys (Category: Eco) Implication: Creating eco-friendly and interactive toy playsets for children. - [DIY Paper Produce Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-fruit-by-mr-printables): Play Fruit by Mr Printables Lets People Create Their Own Fruit Decor (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The arts and crafts industry can capitalize on the trend of printable templates and educational crafts by offering tools and resources to consumers to create their own DIY project… - [DIY Pom-Pom Village Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-pom-pom): These DIY Pom Pom Toys Are Cute and Easy to Make (Category: Life-Stages) - [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 - [DIY Paper Box Puppets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-box-puppets): Turn an Ordinary Pasta Box into a Fun Children's Toy with This Tutorial (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: There is potential for brands to create and market sustainable and eco-friendly crafting materials for people to make their own toys, such as these paper box puppets. - [Playful Paper Animal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-toy-kits): Unleash the Kid Inside with the Brave Paper Face Paper Toy Kits (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The paper toy kit trend offers opportunities for toy manufacturers to innovate and create unique and eco-friendly playthings. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)