# Crocheted Produce Art Etsy's MapleApple Shop Specializes in Knitted Toys for Kids By Jana Pijak | Published 2016-02-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knitted-toys References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/02/knit-fruits-and-veggies-by-mapleapple-look-good-enough-to-eat/) & [etsy](https://www.etsy.com/shop/MapleApple?section_id=15979563&source=aw&awc=6073_1456427761_2dcb3e719c54938a0bd53425f06361af&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ca_location_buyer&utm_content=227305) [Etsy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamachineworks) MapleApple shop specializes in hand-knitted toys for kids and replaces traditional [stuffed animals and dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotional-baggage-by-solobo-toys) with realistic produce. The Latvia-based e-shop is founded by a mother and daughter with an appreciation for healthy food. Its most notable items include crocheted versions of carrots, lemons and turnips. These hand-crafted toys are soft and safe for kids of all ages and are a great way to teach small children about the importance of fresh food. Introducing toddlers to various vegetables and fruits, these knitted toys may seem quirky but are a smart way for parents to combat picky eating habits. Sold both individually and in larger sets, these toys are adorable, educational and are affordable to boot, shipping worldwide from Latvia. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Realistic Knitted Toys:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the market potential for realistic knitted toys beyond fruits and vegetables to appeal to a wider audience. - **Educational Toy Alternatives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop alternative educational toys that engage children in a fun and interactive way while teaching them about important concepts. - **Combating Picky Eating:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative products or services that help parents encourage healthy eating habits in young children and address picky eating challenges. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate hand-knitted or crocheted toys as a unique and eco-friendly option within the toy manufacturing industry. - **Educational Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop digital or interactive platforms that combine education and play to provide children with engaging learning experiences. - **Parenting and Nutrition:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build platforms or services that support parents in promoting healthy eating habits and addressing picky eating behaviors in their children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Diverse Hand-Knit Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hand-knit-dolls.md) - [Kid's Felt Building Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knop-knop.md) - [Playful Crochet Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crochet-collection.md) - [Supermarket-Inspired Slime Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zuru-slime-mart.md) - [Hand-Knit Finger Puppets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finger-puppet-mushrooms.md) - [Intricately Handcrafted Animal Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lulu-the-lamb.md) - [Baked Goods Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-goods-plushies.md) - [Avant-Garde Radish Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radish-hat.md) - [Plush Plant-Shaped Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amuseable-bonsai-tree.md)