# Upcycled Play A demand for economical toys sees products crafted from recycled goods rise. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 21, 2015 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Upcycled Play trend? **Upcycled Play:** Children tend to become bored of toys quickly, which has prompted the development of playthings crafted from upcycled goods to help reduce both cost and waste. This shift sees eco-friendly consumers instilling positive lessons in children earlier, which can, in turn, expand the industry trend from niche to more mainstream. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 6, 2015 to Apr 21, 2016 - Published: Jan 21, 2015 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Upcycled Play trend ### Eco-Friendly Toys The increase in demand for sustainable products will encourage more manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly features which can attract more consumers. ### Upcycled Play Crafting toys from recycled materials promotes waste reduction and instills positive values in children, increasing demand for these products. ### DIY Toys The popularity of do-it-yourself toy kits and templates provide an opportunity for parents and children to express creativity and imagination while being cost-effective. ## What the Upcycled Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing As eco-friendly and upcycling practices continue to gain popularity, companies in the toy manufacturing industry can invest in sustainable materials and incorporate eco-friendly features in their products. ### For Retail By providing eco-friendly toy options and do-it-yourself kits, retailers can attract consumers who prioritize sustainability while also promoting creativity and affordability. ### For Parenting and Childcare With the growing demand for eco-friendly, upcycled, and do-it-yourself toys, parents can emphasize the importance of sustainability and creativity to their children by choosing these types of products. ## Trend signals for Upcycled Play Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upcycled Play trend 5 featured examples from Jan 6, 2015 to Apr 21, 2016. - [DIY Cardboard Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-toy): MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes into toy production. - [DIY Yoyo Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoyo-kit): The Modernized Sling-Slang Yoyo is a Fun Homemade Project (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore incorporating DIY elements into their product lines, allowing consumers to personalize and customize their toys. - [Eco Rattle Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-rattle): Re-Think It's Organic Cotton Rattle Encourages Sustainability (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The eco-consciousness trend among parents is disrupting the baby product industry, opening doors for innovative and sustainable product offerings. - [Sustainable Rubber Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecofriendly-toy): Whole Foods is Selling these Eco-Friendly Toys Just in Time for Christmas (Category: Eco) Implication: The toy industry can adapt to changing consumer preferences by incorporating more eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials into toy production. - [Eco Flat-Pack Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheap-lego): BrikBilt's Toys Serve as a Cheap LEGO Playset Alternative (Category: Eco) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can explore the potential of flat-pack playsets as a cost-effective and customizable toy solution. ## 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 Eco - [Backpack-Sized Folding Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizwheel-f05) - [Aftermarket Cyclist Motor Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-oxiis-e250g1) - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Sustainability-Focused Brand Progress Reports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-summary) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)