# Abstract Lego-Like Toys The Balancing Blocks are Made Up of Unusual Shapes By Meghan Young | Published 2012-08-01 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balancing-blocks References: [itsnicethat](http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/fort-standard) & [fortstandard](http://fortstandard.com/balancing-blocks) [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks) may be the choice toy of the past, but the Balancing Blocks are sure to be toy of the future. While the concept behind each [building block](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits) may be similar, the details are completely their own. While LEGO pieces connect together to form rather rigid creations, the Balancing Blocks can be manipulated in more abstract ways. More than that, they come together in such a way that [balance becomes the key](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-maze) to each shape. Created by product designers Gregory Buntain and Ian Collings of Fort Standard, the Balancing Blocks come in packages of 10. Finished in non-toxic white or primary colors, the Balancing Blocks have a vintage look that is nostalgic while allowing children to focus on the blocks themselves instead of any fancy gadgetry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Abstract Building Blocks:** Opportunity for designing building sets that allow for more abstract and imaginative creations. - **Balance-based Construction Toys:** Potential for developing toys that require balance to create different shapes and structures. - **Nostalgic Toy Design:** Demand for toys with a vintage aesthetic to counter the reliance on technology. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Innovative toy companies can explore creating abstract building sets that enhance creativity and motor skills. - **Educational Toys:** Opportunity for educational toy manufacturers to incorporate balance-based construction into their products to promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. - **Home Decor:** Manufacturers can tap into the trend of nostalgic toy design to create home decor items that add a retro charm to living spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.md) - [Toy Block-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloc-collection.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Abstract Art Block-Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/31210-modern-art-set.md) - [Towering Wooden Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capsule-tower.md) - [Contemporary Art Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-art-building-set.md) - [Human-Shaped Puzzle Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/souper-connect.md) - [Architecture-Inspired Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockitecture-frank-lloyd-wright.md) - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md)