# Maker Play Toy shops integrate customization features to increase involvement. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 23, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/maker-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Maker Play trend? **Maker Play:** Seeking to add a level of interactivity to the buying process, brands targeting younger audiences are turning to store enhancements that encourage participation. Allowing kids to customize, alter and interact with goods, brands are providing a laid-back atmosphere that allows consumers to become involved with the products they purchase in a hands-on way. Such examples reflect a shift toward more inclusive buying methods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 28, 2015 to Jun 20, 2016 - Published: Jun 23, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Maker Play trend ### Customization Toy brands are using store enhancements that promote consumer participation in the buying process, such as customizing and personalizing toys. ### Experiential Retail Retail stores are transforming into interactive experiences that entertain and educate customers. ### STEM Toys There's an increasing focus on science, technology, engineering, and math toys that help kids develop new skills in a fun, meaningful way. ## What the Maker Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Retail Toy retailers can leverage customization and experiential retail to boost sales by providing consumers with a more personalized buying experience. ### For 3D Printing The rise of 3D printing kiosks provides opportunities for retailers to disrupt traditional manufacturing methods and offer personalized goods on-demand. ### For Education The emphasis on STEM toys presents opportunities for educators to use fun, interactive tools to help kids learn important skills. ## Trend signals for Maker Play Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Maker Play trend 6 featured examples from Jan 28, 2015 to Jun 20, 2016. - [DIY Toy Store Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-action-figures): The 3DplusMe Kiosks Allow Consumers to Create Personalized Action Figures (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can benefit from incorporating 3D printing technology to provide interactive and personalized experiences for customers. - [Interactive Doll Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-girl-new-york): The American Girl New York Shop is Dubbed "The Store of the Future" (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation can be achieved through interactive and customizable toy offerings. - [Toy-Creating Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-booth): PieceMaker's 3D Printing Booth Dispenses Tiny Customized Toys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can leverage 3D printing booths to offer customized and interactive toy experiences, attracting young consumers. - [Skill-Building Toy Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stem-toys): Amazon Launched a Store for Featuring Educational and Fun STEM Toys (Category: Business) Implication: The increased need for curated online shopping experiences for niche products presents opportunities for online retailers to provide customers with specialized and tailored servic… - [Entertaining Toy Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamleys-toy-shop): Hamleys Toy Shop in Moscow Displays Toys Like Amusements in a Theme Park (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Innovating the way toy stores are designed and creating interactive retail experiences. - [DIY Fashion Design Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-girl): American Girl's Truly Me Signature Studio Lets Users Customize Dolls (Category: Marketing) Implication: Incorporating customizable options and interactive features in toy design could revolutionize the industry and attract a new generation of young consumers. ## 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)