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# Rival Toys
The -Minus and +Plus Bears from Lab81 are Adorably Evil

By Tisah Tucknott | Published 2009-07-20 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minus-plus-bears-lab81
References: [notcot](http://www.notcot.com/archives/2008/08/lab81s_minusplu.php) & [lab81](http://www.lab81.com/)

These adorable [bear toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears) are made by Lab81 and come complete with their arch nemesis. The little -Minus bear and his angelic sidekick +Plus bear can either be lit up, or placed as decoration around the house as is.

The slanted eyes of the -Minus bear are perfectly contrasted to the +Plus bear, who has an innocent, wide-eyed look.

Check out the pictures of these [opposing toy bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repair-bear).

**Implications** - A combination of [childlike designs with adult imagery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-dark-valentines-day-collection) continues to be a popular theme amongst product designers. Adults who are the primary audience of such designs appreciate the opportunity to embrace a time in their lives that they cherish, known as childhood.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.7/10
- Popularity: 7% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Childlike-adult Designs:** Designers are embracing the combination of childlike designs with adult imagery, catering to adults who appreciate the nostalgia of childhood.
- **Opposing Toy Characters:** Toys featuring opposing characters, such as -Minus and +Plus bears, create a unique play experience for children and appeal to collectors.
- **Decorative Toy Accessories:** Toy accessories, like the lit-up -Minus and +Plus bears, are becoming popular home decorations, adding a touch of whimsy to interiors.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Product Design:** Product designers have an opportunity to capitalize on the demand for childlike-adult designs, creating unique and nostalgic products.
- **Toy Manufacturing:** The toy industry can explore the creation of toy lines that feature opposing characters, appealing to both children and collectors.
- **Home Decor:** Incorporating decorative toy accessories, like the lit-up -Minus and +Plus bears, can open up new design possibilities for home decor products.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Playful Collectible Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zsiga-care-bears.md)
- [Witchy Plush Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wicked-themed-care-bears.md)
- [Adult-Focused Plush Toy Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-dark1.md)
- [Gummy Bear Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squeezable-toy.md)
- [Theater-Inspired Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/care-bears-wicked-collection.md)
- [Interactive Holiday Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearlieve-bear.md)
- [Expressive Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood-bears-sainsburys.md)
- [Kidult Cougar Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-dark-valentines-day-collection.md)
- [Charming Creepy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears.md)
