# Notched Block Toys The Totems Series One by Dino Sanchez is Made for All Ages By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-24 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totems-series-one References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/totems-wooden-building-blocks-by-dino-sanchez/) & [shop.dinosanchez](http://shop.dinosanchez.com/collections/frontpage/products/totems-series-one) The Totems Series One is a collection of [wooden block toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pelata-collection). Not the average [stackable blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torre-vases), they are modern and classic at the same time. Despite the simplicity of the design, each block has a slew of personality. This is due in large part to the notches marked into the surface of blocks. These 'notches' make each block look as though it has a face. Designed by Dino Sanchez, the Totems Series One is made with all ages in mind. Great for the playroom and the office, it will occupy men and women as well as boys and girls when they are in need of a distraction. Handmade in the United States, the Totems Series One is made out of [solid oak and walnut](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottega-veneta-jenga) with non-toxic finishes, so parents don't have to worry if kids put them in their mouths. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Wooden Block Toys:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new designs and functionalities for wooden block toys that appeal to both children and adults. - **Notch-based Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize notch-based design principles to create unique and engaging products in various industries. - **Handmade and Non-toxic:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the market for handmade and non-toxic products, catering to consumers' growing demand for eco-friendly and safe options. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink traditional toy manufacturing processes to create sustainable, safe, and visually appealing toy designs. - **Furniture Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate notch-based design principles into furniture to create visually interesting and functional pieces. - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce handmade and non-toxic home decor products with unique designs to cater to the growing eco-conscious consumer market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toy Block-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloc-collection.md) - [Architecture-Inspired Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockitecture-frank-lloyd-wright.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Stone-Like Supportive Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stapelstein.md) - [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.md) - [Calming Stacking Stone Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-stacking-stones.md) - [Magnetic Wooden Animal Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nini-amici-toy-set.md) - [Block Puzzle Modular Dollhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dollhouse-concept.md) - [Geometric Design Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-toy-by-eames-office.md)