# Paper Play Looking to instill a sense of awareness, parents turn to papercraft toys. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 25, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/paper-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Paper Play trend? **Paper Play:** As youths continue to depend on technological devices for entertainment, the reliance on materialistic goods often prevents exposure to more diverse, and thought-provoking concepts. Seeking to add a sense of intellectual engagement to sources of play, parents are turning to papercraft toys to expand the environmental awareness of children, while simultaneously utilizing cost-effective techniques. Paper-made toys reflects a turn away from digitally distracting gadgets, toward more enlightening, and customized methods of enjoyment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 13, 2013 to Dec 9, 2015 - Published: Apr 25, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Paper Play trend ### Eco-friendly and Cost-effective Toys There is an opportunity to develop sustainable and affordable toys made from biodegradable and eco-friendly materials that are both fun and educational for children. ### Interactive Printable Crafts This trend could lead to the creation of personalized and printable crafts that promote creative play in children. ### Low-Tech Gameplay There is an opportunity to develop new and engaging low-tech toys that encourage physical play and imaginative exploration. ## What the Paper Play trend means for industry ### For Sustainability Businesses in this industry can take advantage of this trend by exploring and investing in the creation of biodegradable and eco-friendly toys made from sustainable materials. ### For Printing Industry Companies in this industry can focus on creating custom and interactive printable crafts for kids. ### For Toy Industry Toy companies can integrate low-tech gameplay into their products, taking advantage of kids' needs to physically play, explore their imagination and engage in creative activities. ## Trend signals for Paper Play Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Paper Play trend 7 featured examples from Jul 13, 2013 to Dec 9, 2015. - [Paper Ice Cream Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-ice-cream): Mr. Printables' No-Mess Paper Popsicle & Ice Cream Toys Won't Melt (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative materials and templates for craft enthusiasts. - [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. - [DIY Christmas Tree Dollhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-christmas-toy): Mr. Printables' DIY Christmas Toy Dollhouse is Made from Cardboard (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The craft and hobby industry can explore new product lines and materials to cater to the DIY dollhouse trend. - [Wintry Papercraft Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-doll-craft): This Festive DIY Doll Craft Creates Cone-Shaped Playtoys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Creating artistic and easy-to-follow templates for papercrafts can revolutionize the industry by attracting and engaging DIY enthusiasts. - [8-Bit Block Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-toy): This Paper Minecraft Toy Set Takes the Game's Best Elements Offline (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Creating and producing paper versions of popular digital games for kids. - [Playful Magnet Wallpaper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-wallpaper): The Magnetic Wallpaper by Sian Zeng Allows Kids to Customize Their Room (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The design industry can explore the development of new customizable and playful products to enhance interior spaces. - [Illusory 2D Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperbrick): These Paper-Bricks Make Impossible Escher-Esque Stacks That Remain Flat (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Explore new possibilities in toy manufacturing by incorporating illusionary 3D structures that are visually appealing and offer stability without glue or hardware. ## Recent trend clusters - 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