# Constructive Play Infant building blocks encourages play in a more stable manner. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 13, 2014, updated Mar 17, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/stationary-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Constructive Play trend? **Constructive Play:** While toys serve to provide a fun and engaging way for children to spend their time, the possible dangers that can occur from such interactions can be quite overwhelming for new parents. Attempting to make playtime more harmonious, consumers are turning to toys that encourage creativity, such as building blocks, but still encourage stationary play. This acknowledges the importance of constructive creativity even in the youngest children, speaking to evolving consumer desires to educate children in controlled settings. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 22, 2012 to Jul 4, 2013 - Published: Mar 13, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Constructive Play trend ### Constructive Play Parents are turning to toys that encourage creativity such as building blocks, but still encourage stationary play, acknowledging the importance of constructive creativity even in the youngest children. ### Sensory Stimulation Toys like the Brinca Dada Burgo Blocks help fine-tune touch and sight by using features in the small wooden game, highlighting the importance of sensory stimulation for young children's development. ### Architecture-Inspired Building Toys Building toys like the Eames House Blocks offer the perfect alternative to traditional building block toys and instill an appreciation for architecture at a young age. ## What the Constructive Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Creating more innovative and educational toys like the Bitblox and Mokurokku Wooden LEGO Set that use sustainable materials and promote sensory stimulation. ### For Gift Industry Using creative and unique gift containers like the LEGO Mini Box 4 to enhance the gifting experience for any occasion. ### For Design Industry Incorporating design and creativity into household items, like building blocks, to enrich the user's experience and utilize sustainable materials. ## Trend signals for Constructive Play Trend score 2.2 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 27%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 30% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Constructive Play trend 6 featured examples from Nov 22, 2012 to Jul 4, 2013. - [Timber Toy Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mokurokku-wooden-lego-set): The Mokurokku Wooden LEGO Set Puts Natural Materials Back into Your Hands (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Exploring the potential for using natural materials in toy manufacturing processes. - [Building Block Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-mini-box-4): The LEGO Mini Box 4 is Great for Gift Giving and Keepsakes (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The innovative design of the LEGO Mini Box 4 presents a disruptive opportunity in the gift packaging industry by introducing a playful and interactive element to gift-giving. - [Architecture-Inspired Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eames-house-blocks): The Case Study House No. 8 Inspires the Eames House Blocks (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create innovative building toys inspired by famous architectural landmarks - [Motor Skill-Developing Tactile Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brinca-dada-burgo): Brinca Dada Burgo Blocks Incorporate Touch and Sight in Play (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Brinca Dada Burgo blocks contribute to the educational toy industry by promoting sensory and cognitive development. - [Pixel-Inspired Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-building-blocks): The Bitblox Toy Building Blocks are Add Retro Computing to Playtime (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Innovation in the toy industry should incorporate more tech-savvy designs, like pixelated characters and retro styles, as seen in the Bitblox set. - [Critter Puzzle Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-stackers): Children Learn to Play Together with Interactive Animal Stackers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy companies to innovate and create gender-inclusive and collaborative play products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [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 Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)