Category
Art & Design
Oven Aesthetics
Trend cluster
Category
Sophisticated
Toy
Nostalgic children's toys are being converted to cater to adult demographics.
5.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the Sophisticated Toy trend?
Sophisticated Toy: Familiar products like puzzles, LEGO, toy cars and toy blocks were once specific to younger demographics, but are now being reformatted to cater to adults through upgrades in purpose, design or their educational elements. This shift works to open up the consumer base for brands that specialize in toys, while serving adult consumers' desire for products that develop their skills, and simultaneously cater to their interest in nostalgic forms of play.
Trend themes
Themes within the Sophisticated Toy trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Nostalgic Play
Toys are being reformatted to appeal to adults through upgrades in purpose, design or educational elements, catering to the growing desire for products that develop skills and offer nostalgic forms of play.
02
Minimalistic Design
Toy manufacturers are adopting minimalistic designs in their products to appeal to both adult collectors and children to foster creative and imaginative forms of play without relying on technological integration.
03
Adult Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are now more acceptable for adults to use and play with, which has led to newly designed luxurious puzzles and building blocks that cater to the need for fidgeting and stress relief in the modern office space.
Industry implications
What the Sophisticated Toy trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Manufacturing Industry
Toy manufacturers can reformulate their products to appeal to a growing demographic of adults who seek the thrill of nostalgic play and skill development.
For
Luxury Collectibles Industry
Manufacturers can produce luxurious toys for adults that have unique designs and functions, doubling as home or office decor.
For
Office Supplies Industry
Toy manufacturers can innovate office toys and fidget toys that are both functional and stylish, catering to the growing need for stress relief and play in the modern office space.
Workshop question
How can your brand incorporate elements of nostalgic play into its products/services or campaigns?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Sophisticated Toy
Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 76%, freshness 8%.
Popularity73%
Activity76%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Sophisticated Toy trend
4 featured examples from Jul 4 to Oct 5, 2017CategoryLife-Stages
Designer Adult Puzzle Toys
The Craighill Solid Brass Jack Puzzle is Both Artistic and Useful
Toy manufacturers can explore the production of premium fidget toys to cater to the adult market and capitalize on the rising popularity of adult play.
CategoryPop Culture
Mature Adult Building Blocks
The 'School of Hard Blocks' Alphabet Blocks are Humorous
Toy makers can expand their product line to include adult toys for stress relief in response to the growing market demand.
CategoryLife-Stages
Minimalist Designer Toy Cars
The Ikonic Toys Wood Toy Cars are Intentionally Kept Simple
The toy manufacturing industry can take advantage of the minimalist toy design trend to create innovative toys that cater to the desire for simplicity and promote imaginative play.
CategoryTech
Digital LEGO Cameras
This Functioning Camera is Made from Bright Building Blocks
Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the photography industry by incorporating LEGO design into digital cameras.
