# Sensatory Play Consumers provide kids with tactile toys that emphasize creativity. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 18, 2016 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensatory-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 11, 2015 to Apr 14, 2016 - Published: Apr 18, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Sensatory Play trend ### Simplistic Toy Design Parents interested in providing children with resources that stimulate development and imagination are opting for simplistic, unbranded toys. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Sensatory Play trend means for industry ### For 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 for Sensatory Play Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Sensatory Play trend 5 featured examples from Dec 11, 2015 to Apr 14, 2016. - [Wooden Camera Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handmade-toy): These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can explore opportunities in creating more retro and handmade toys to cater to the demand for screen-free play experiences. - [Robotic Toy Horses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-horse): The Monroe Workshop Herd of Mini Toy Stallions with a Modular Design (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can explore modular design and upcycled materials to create innovative and sustainable products. - [DIY Archery Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archery-kit): Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating DIY toy kits that allow children to personalize and craft their own toys. - [Paper Puppet Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-puppet): These Eco-Friendly Toys are a Modern Take on a Retro Design (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities: Incorporate sustainable and recycled materials into toy production to reduce environmental impact. - [Sailing Ship Kites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-toy): This Nostalgic Toy is Designed for a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: There is an opportunity for toy companies to produce nostalgia-inspiring products that will pique kids’ curiosity and get them excited about outdoor activities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [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 Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)