# Stone-Like Supportive Toys Play Maker Stapelstein Expands to the American Market By Amy Duong | Published 2023-09-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stapelstein References: [design-milk](https://design-milk.com/german-play-maker-stapelstein-makes-its-official-us-debut/) & [redirect.viglink](https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_169591314649011&key=6ab1d62aaf9dbafae96546ba3ca1b2ac&libId=ln3av12q0100x1tt000ULi4qsgnmo&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fdesign-milk.com%2Fgerman-play-maker-stapelstein-makes-its-official-us-debut%2F&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fstapelstein.com%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fdesign-milk.com%2F&title=German%20Play%20Maker%20Stapelstein%20Makes%20Its%20Official%20US%20Debut&txt=%3Cstrong%3EStapelstein%3C%2Fstrong%3E)  German-based play imprint Stapelstein branches out to the US market. It was started in 2016 by designers Stephan Schenk and Hannah König who were looking to create toys that supported a [child's health emotionally, physically, and mentally](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therapeutic-games). The name of the brand translates to 'stacking stones' and it is made up of two different components: the Originals, which is the [stacking element](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishmallows-x-bldr), and the Board, which is a balanced structure or base for stacking. All of the products are made with a sustainable mindset as they use climate-neutral production methods and all of the materials are made from [eco-friendly EPP foam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zinkeez) that relies on pure air and water vapor. It results in a lightweight stone that can be stood and walked on. Image Credit: Stapelstein ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 18% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Toy Manufacturing:** The German-based play imprint Stapelstein uses eco-friendly materials and climate-neutral production methods, creating opportunities for sustainable toy manufacturing in the industry. - **Holistic Child Development:** Stapelstein's toys are designed to support a child's health emotionally, physically, and mentally, suggesting opportunities for integrating holistic child development approaches into the toy industry. - **Innovative Toy Design:** Stapelstein's stacking element and balanced structure introduce a unique and innovative design to the toy market, opening up possibilities for disruptive toy design in the industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** The eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing methods utilized by Stapelstein set a precedent for environmentally conscious practices within the toy manufacturing industry. - **Child Development:** Stapelstein's focus on promoting holistic child development reflects a growing need for innovative approaches and products in the child development industry. - **Creative Play:** Stapelstein's unique and versatile toy design brings new possibilities for creative play, suggesting potential disruptions in the creative play industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Calming Stacking Stone Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-stacking-stones.md) - [Sustainable Sensorial Play Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stokke-playpad.md) - [Multifaceted Geometric Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stackable-stools.md) - [Multifunctional Education Stacking Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-button-stacking-toys.md) - [Play-Based Learning Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playbased-learning.md) - [Developmental Bath Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-toy-collection.md) - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md) - [Bright Colorful Structural Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fels.md) - [Colorful Kid's Toy Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretend-play-toys.md)