# Customized Play Brands are developing toys that allow children to flex their creative muscle. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published May 25, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/paintable-keepsake ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Customized Play trend? **Customized Play:** The maker culture movement may be just beginning to flourish for adult consumers, but DIY has always been an area of interest for children. Brands are capitalizing upon young consumers' desire to create by offering them full opportunity to customize products. Rather than making throw-away art, children enjoy the opportunity to create something they can put into use later. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 6, 2014 to May 25, 2015 - Published: May 25, 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: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Customized Play trend ### Customization Brands are allowing children to customize their toys and get creative. ### DIY Activity Kits DIY activity kits are focusing on creativity and imagination among children. ### Anti-Tech Toys Retailers are recognizing the power of anti-tech toys that encourage creativity and imagination. ## What the Customized Play trend means for industry ### For Toy The toy industry can leverage customization to target children with unique toys and DIY activity kits. ### For Craft The craft industry can develop DIY activity kits that focus on creativity and imagination among children. ### For Retail Retail can create a market for anti-tech toys that promote creativity and problem-solving among children. ## Workshop question Is there a new way that you could present your product or service utilizing an aspect of maker culture? ## Trend signals for Customized Play Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Customized Play trend 6 featured examples from Dec 6, 2014 to May 25, 2015. - [DIY Yoyo Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoyo-kit): The Modernized Sling-Slang Yoyo is a Fun Homemade Project (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore incorporating DIY elements into their product lines, allowing consumers to personalize and customize their toys. - [Paintable DIY Rain Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-rain-boots): These Rubber Boots Are a Perfect Blank Canvas for Young Artists (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The children's retail industry can incorporate paintable DIY rain boots and other customizable rain gear into their product lines. - [DIY Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-transformers): Hasbro Adds 3D Printed Transformers to Shapeway's SuperFanArt Category (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers can harness cutting-edge technology like 3D printing to provide greater autonomy for the customer in the creative process and offer a more personalized product, maki… - [Birdhouse Design Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-kit): Hobbycraft's Craft Set Lets Paint Their Own Bird Box (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Retailers in the craft and hobby industry can capitalize on the growing demand for DIY craft kits by offering a variety of options for consumers to choose from. - [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. - [Spin Art Activity Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spin-art): Toys R Us' Creates an Imaginative Toy for Hands-On Play (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Retailers can tap into the demand for DIY craft kits and anti-tech toys by incorporating innovative options like the spin art activity kit into their product offerings. ## 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)