# Miniature Soldier Skaters Jim Alfaro's Toy Boarders are Made for the Punk and Hip-Hop Scene By Meghan Young | Published 2011-11-28 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-boarders References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/green-army-men-skateboarders-mashup) & [toyboarders](http://www.toyboarders.com/store.htm) [Skate culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/united-through-skateboarding) has become such a big part of modern society, especially for the younger generations that these Toy Boarders seem like the perfect way to introduce the sport to little ones. Not to mention that grown men would probably collect them, and maybe even play with them too. Created by Jim Alfaro and his son, Toy Boarders are modeled after the iconic green [Toy Soldiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-polly-pocket) that have become a staple in many playrooms around the world. Yet in place of helmets and guns, these Toy Boarders sport [baseball caps and skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skate-story). According to My Modern Met, "Each of the eight riders represent real moves that are used by today's riders like tail grab and ollie." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Skate Culture Influenced Toys:** Opportunity to create more skate-inspired toys for young children, tapping into the popularity of skate culture. - **Collectible Miniature Figures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to design and produce small collectible figures that appeal to both children and adults. - **Iconic Toy Revival:** Opportunity to reimagine and revive classic toy designs with a modern twist, targeting nostalgia-loving consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can leverage the popularity of skate culture to create innovative and appealing products for children and collectors alike. - **Skateboarding Equipment:** Skateboarding equipment companies can explore collaborations or licensing opportunities to create branded products featuring miniature skater figures. - **Pop Culture Merchandise:** Companies in the pop culture merchandise industry can expand their product lines to include collectible miniature figures with a skateboarding theme. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible First-Time Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redo-skateboards.md) - [Artist-Designed Toy Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-toy-series.md) - [Iconic Pop Art Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skateroom-x-andy-warhol-foundation.md) - [Viral Video Content Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skibidi-toilet.md) - [NFT-Inspired Vinyl Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superbored-vinyl-art-toys.md) - [Two-Wheeled Surfing-Inspired Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-skateboard.md) - [Artful Collectible Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fisherprice-little-people-x-andre-saraiva.md) - [Upcycled Skateboard Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rpsd.md) - [Skateboard-Inspired Electric Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bustin-boards-skatex.md)