# DIY Excavator Toy Kits The Maisto Assembly Line Lets Kids Build Their Own Construction Models By Meghan Young | Published 2015-01-15 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maisto-assembly-line References: [amazon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IEAIM44/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?tag=trenhunt0f-20) The Maisto Assembly Line Power Builds provides a fun loophole for children who want to play with expensive construction vehicle toys and parents who don't want to fork over the cash to indulge them. The Backhoe Excavator Model Kit is priced at under $20 and encourages children to channel their inner maker by [building the toy themselves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits). Although Maisto Assembly Line Power Builds model is made with older children in mind, the pieces are easy to snap together and don't require extra tools to assemble. As is written on [Amazon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magna-tiles), "Snap it together, power it up, apply the labels and you're ready to roll. Combine the satisfaction of assembling a [model kit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cada-audi-r8) with the fun of playing with a powered vehicle." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 - **DIY Toy Kits:** Toy companies can capitalize on the trend of children wanting to be makers by creating more model kits that encourage construction and hands-on problem solving. - **Affordable Toy Options:** Companies can disrupt the high-end toy market by creating affordable alternatives that still provide a fun and engaging experience for children. - **Educational Play:** Toy companies can align with the trend of parents seeking educational play opportunities and create toys that engage children in STEM concepts from a young age. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can introduce more hands-on construction and problem solving opportunities for children, tapping into the DIY trend and potentially disrupting the high-end toy market. - **STEM Education:** STEM education industries can partner with toy companies to create educational toys that help children learn through play and develop an early interest in STEM fields. - **Ecommerce:** Ecommerce industries can market affordable toy options such as DIY model kits, targeting parents who are seeking fun and engaging yet cost-effective toy options for their children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [STEM Excavation Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jurassic-world-dinosaur-dig.md) - [Autonomous Vehicle Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-vehicle-kit.md) - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Learning-Focused Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robots-in-motion.md) - [Gravity-Powered Building Block Rollercoasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-loop-coaster.md) - [Dinosaur Tile STEAM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dino-adventure-pack.md)