# Playful Practicality Fun meets function with adult products bearing childlike aesthetics. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 24, 2011, updated Feb 1, 2011 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/playful-practicality ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 10 ## What is the Playful Practicality trend? **Playful Practicality:** Products that are both fun and functional allow adult consumers to maintain a sophisticated lifestyle while at the same time, indulge in playful sentiment. Practical, everyday products that have toy-like characteristics provide a balance between adult needs and childhood desires, pleasing any consumer who loves a bit of nostalgia. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 10 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 14, 2010 to Jan 20, 2011 - Published: Jan 24, 2011 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Playful Practicality trend ### Playful Aesthetics The trend of creating practical adult products with toy-like aesthetics provides a playful balance between nostalgia and functionality. ### LEGO-inspired Products Incorporating LEGO design elements into various products such as watches, medical tools, chargers and video cameras create a fun, unique and nostalgic appeal for consumers. ### Pop Culture-inspired Accessories The trend of creating pop culture-inspired accessories such as Barbie and Hello Kitty sunglasses and superhero-themed makeup collections appeals to customers who enjoy incorporating color and vibrancy into their everyday look. ## What the Playful Practicality trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics Consumer electronics companies can incorporate playful and nostalgic design elements into their products to create unique and appealing gadgets for their customers. ### For Fashion Fashion businesses can create accessories inspired by popular culture icons and toy-like aesthetics to attract a wider range of customers with varying interests in fashion and design. ### For Medical Devices Medical device manufacturers can incorporate fun and playful design elements into their products to ease patients' anxiety and create a positive treatment environment. ## Trend signals for Playful Practicality Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 65%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 65% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Playful Practicality trend 10 featured examples from Jul 14, 2010 to Jan 20, 2011. - [Bedazzled Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-and-hello-kitty): The Jaesyn Burke Barbie & Hello Kitty Eyewear Series is Divalicious (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for fashion companies to create more bedazzled and embellished eyewear designs. - [Building Block Camcorders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-stop-animation-video): The LEGO Stop Animation Video Camera is not a Toy (Category: Tech) Implication: The toy industry can leverage the trend of toy-like gadgets and explore new markets for fun and functional technology. - [Superhero Comic Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-wonder-woman-collection): The MAC Wonder Woman Collection is Here to Rescue (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for cosmetic companies to innovate and create superhero-themed makeup collections that cater to fans and collectors, offering a unique and differentiated product line. - [LEGO Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-hours-watch1): The Pop Hours Watch Pops with Time and Colors (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity to incorporate playful technology into watches and other fashion accessories, attracting younger consumers who value both style and functionality. - [LEGO Lipstick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dee-ricky-chanel-brooch): Dee & Ricky Channel Chanel in Their Latest Limited-Edition Brooch (Category: Luxury) Implication: Existing fashion accessory brands should consider partnering with designers that have a unique perspective on consumer wants, like the Toy-Inspired accessories created by Dee & Ri… - [Toy Brick Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-iphone-ipod-dock): This LEGO iPhone iPod Dock Brings Back Retro Gaming Ways (Category: Tech) Implication: Integrating iconic toy brands into smartphone and gaming accessories. - [Girly Gadget Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-iphone-4-and-ipad-cases): The Barbie iPhone 4 and iPad Cases Love Feminine Hues (Category: Tech) Implication: Tech accessory companies can benefit from creating a wider variety of customized options to appeal to individual customers. - [Petit Plaything Mancessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smiley-helmet-cufflinks): Smiley Helmet Cufflinks Will Light Up Your Day (Category: Fashion) Implication: In the fashion industry, there is an opportunity for niche, custom-made accessories that cater to consumers looking for unique and quirky pieces. - [Nerdy Night Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamp-in-a-box): The 'Lamp in a Box' Light Fixtures Show Your Grown-Up Geekiness (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The home decor industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating pop culture and geeky themes into their products. - [Toy Brick Medical Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-syringe): The LEGO Syringe Makes Med School Seem like Fun (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the manufacturing of medical equipment by exploring unconventional materials such as toy bricks. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)