# Entrepreneurial Play Enhancing socialization skills, parents turn to mature methods of play. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 27, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sophisticated-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Entrepreneurial Play trend? **Entrepreneurial Play:** As the "American Dream" seems more attainable with crowdfunding and micro-lending, millennial parents are leaning towards toys that put their kids in charge of their own (fictional) businesses. Offering methods of personal development through social, grown-up activities, parents are turning to adult endeavors that allow youths to playfully imitate activities that promote socialization and accountability. This reflects a shift in youthful engagement toward more cultivated, yet equally entertaining methods of interaction. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 10, 2013 to Nov 17, 2015 - Published: May 27, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [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, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Entrepreneurial Play trend ### Entrepreneurial Play As the "American Dream" seems more attainable with crowdfunding and micro-lending, millennial parents are leaning towards toys that put their kids in charge of their own (fictional) businesses. ### STEM Education Many of the examples listed encourage children to explore careers in technology and related fields, and promote STEM education. ### DIY Toys and Activities DIY and prefabricated toys and activities are a growing trend in the toy industry, encouraging children to be creative and hands-on in their play. ## What the Entrepreneurial Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Industry professionals can look to toy makers and innovative toy designs to stay ahead of the curve in providing engaging and educational play experiences for children. ### For STEM Education Educators and professionals in the STEM fields can utilize these toys and activities to promote education and inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers. ### For DIY and Craft Industries The DIY and craft industries can collaborate with toy and activity makers to provide materials and resources for children to engage in creative and hands-on play. ## Trend signals for Entrepreneurial Play Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 50%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 50% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Entrepreneurial Play trend 9 featured examples from Apr 10, 2013 to Nov 17, 2015. - [Mini Cupcake Shop Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-playset): The Sprinkles Cupcakes Mini Playset is a Tiny Replica of the Sweet Shop (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can leverage the trend of miniature playsets and interactive toy apps to create innovative and engaging products that appeal to children and their p… - [Kid-Made Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-scrubs): The First-Graders at Elm Street Elementary School Make and Sell Sugar Scrubs (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Empowering kids to run their own businesses in school can disrupt traditional educational models and foster creativity, entrepreneurship skills, and real-world application of know… - [Education-Encouraging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/careers-in-technology): This App Encourages Students to Explore Careers in Technology (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating interactive apps and digital tools into educational platforms to enhance STEM learning experiences. - [Empowering Engineering Toy Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-for-girls): This Ad for Goldiblox' Toys for Girls Shows Your Brain on Princess (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Transforming the traditional toy industry to become more inclusive and empowering for young girls. - [Prefab Lemonade Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylta-childrens-market-stand): The SKYLTA Children's Market Stand Encourages Social Skill Development (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Education industry can leverage prefab lemonade stands to enhance learning through creative and interactive play experiences. - [DIY Toy Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-toy-airplane): This DIY Airplane Teaches Kids About Solar-Powered Flight (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can integrate renewable energy concepts into their products to promote learning and encourage kids to think about sustainability. - [Kid-Friendly Coding Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidfriendly): 'The Everything Machine' Platform Lets Kids Create Their Own Apps (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies should consider creating educational apps that have a focus on creativity and interactive learning experiences. - [Toddler Culinary Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oto-food-truck): Kids Can Run Their Own Business from the OTO Food Truck (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Innovations in the toy industry that involve integrating commerce-based themes with an educational component like the OTO Food Truck. - [Kid-Friendly Fashion Classes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-classes): This Design Class Allows Children to Explore the World of Fashion (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Educational institutions can consider integrating STEM-based fashion classes as a part of their curriculum to diversify the skill set of their students. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)