# DIY Mechanical Playthings The Strawbees Toy Kit Targets Aspiring Architects and Engineers By Meghan Young | Published 2014-02-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawbees-toy-kit References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3025711/wanted/a-toy-kit-for-little-architects-and-engineers) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1624049406/strawbees-dream-big-build-bigger) The Strawbees Toy Kit is based around a [do-it-yourself prototyping project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick) that exercises children's ability to build simple objects. By flexing these particular skills, it can result in bringing up the next Zaha Hadid or Fazlur Khan. Of course, the Strawbees Toy Kit serves a more practical purpose than molding the minds of the young, it also provides an [affordable plaything](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits). Instead of buying the latest Transformer or Twilight action figure, it allows children to use their imagination to build whatever they want to have in a cost effective manner. It is basically made up of joints that connect straws and cardboard into various objects. Designed by Erik Thorstensson of CREATABLES, a studio based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Strawbees Toy Kit is endlessly entertaining. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **DIY Prototyping:** DIY prototyping projects are becoming popular in the toy industry, offering children the opportunity to exercise their building and creative skills. - **Imagination-based Play:** Toys that encourage imaginative play and allow children to build whatever they want are on the rise, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional action figures. - **Affordable Entertainment:** Affordable playthings, like the Strawbees Toy Kit, are gaining traction in the market, providing children with endless entertainment at an accessible price point. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can tap into the DIY prototyping trend by developing kits and playsets that encourage creative and hands-on learning experiences. - **Educational Technology:** The rise of imagination-based play presents opportunities for educational technology companies to create interactive toys that promote learning and critical thinking skills. - **Craft and Hobby Supplies:** Craft and hobby suppliers can expand their product offerings by stocking affordable playthings like the Strawbees Toy Kit, catering to customers looking for creative and cost-effective entertainment options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [3-in-1 STEM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiral-spring-science-kit.md) - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md) - [Kid's Felt Building Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knop-knop.md) - [Buildable Paper Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/castle-playset.md) - [Green Community Building Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arckit-greenscape-village.md) - [Magnetic 3D Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-building-kit.md) - [Playful Oral Care Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabrush-starter.md)