Category
Art & Design
Oven Aesthetics
Trend cluster
Category
Sensatory
Play
Consumers provide kids with tactile toys that emphasize creativity.
3.8
Trend score
Trend
What is the Sensatory Play trend?
Sensatory Play: Parents interested in providing children with resources that stimulate development and imagination are opting for simplistic, unbranded toys that emphasize the cultivation of important physical and intellectual skills through the sensory process of the object. In addition to highlighting the interest in limiting creative restrictions for unbridled development, this progression demonstrates that the discerning consumer is primarily concerned with the educational value of a children's product, as well as its impact on health and budget.
Trend themes
Themes within the Sensatory Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Simplistic Toy Design
Parents interested in providing children with resources that stimulate development and imagination are opting for simplistic, unbranded toys.
02
Handmade and Nostalgic Toys
Parents are rebelling against technology by introducing their offspring to retro toys like paper puppets, wooden cameras, and archery kits which are designed to encourage imaginative play.
03
DIY and Maker-Based Toys
Seedling's archery kit and craft-focused product range encourages children to craft and personalize their own toys before playing with them and reflects a growing maker culture.
Industry implications
What the Sensatory Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Industry
The rise of simplistic, handmade, and DIY toys is disrupting the traditional toy market and offering new opportunities for innovation.
For
Craft Industry
The popularity of handmade and DIY toys can create opportunities for growth in the craft industry.
For
Education Industry
The trend towards toys that focus on educational value presents opportunities for businesses to create products catered towards specific learning goals.
Workshop question
In what new ways can your brand encourage consumers to think more creatively on a day-to-day basis?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Sensatory Play
Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 59%, freshness 8%.
Popularity45%
Activity59%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Sensatory Play trend
5 featured examples from Dec 11, 2015 to Apr 14, 2016CategoryLife-Stages
Wooden Camera Toys
These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play
The toy manufacturing industry can explore opportunities in creating more retro and handmade toys to cater to the demand for screen-free play experiences.
CategoryLife-Stages
Robotic Toy Horses
The Monroe Workshop Herd of Mini Toy Stallions with a Modular Design
The toy industry can explore modular design and upcycled materials to create innovative and sustainable products.
CategoryLife-Stages
DIY Archery Kits
Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow
Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating DIY toy kits that allow children to personalize and craft their own toys.
CategoryLife-Stages
Paper Puppet Kits
These Eco-Friendly Toys are a Modern Take on a Retro Design
Disruptive innovation opportunities: Incorporate sustainable and recycled materials into toy production to reduce environmental impact.
CategoryLife-Stages
Sailing Ship Kites
This Nostalgic Toy is Designed for a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
There is an opportunity for toy companies to produce nostalgia-inspiring products that will pique kids’ curiosity and get them excited about outdoor activities.
