The April 2016 youth trends reveal a major shift in the way parents and brands are thinking about playtime. Not only is there a push for more creative and unconventional forms of play, but there is also an effort to ensure these activities are more inclusive.
The push for creative play has largely been a reaction to the issue of over-parenting and the hyper-monitored lives that many children are forced to lead. As a result, there is a push for more unconventional activities for children. For instance, New York City is now home to an adventure park that is free from traditional playground equipment. Additionally, activities previously reserved for adults such as high tea are now being tailored to accommodate children as well.
Beyond the emphasis on creativity, the April 2016 youth trends also reveal a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity. Indeed, brands are increasingly shifting away from rigid gender-specific marketing and looking at products that will appeal to all children. These types of products can range from high-tech devices such as unisex coding programs to more basic toys such as gender-neutral playhouses.
Top 40 Youth Ideas in April
From Kid-Friendly Tea Parties to Gender-Neutral Playhouses:
Katherine Pendrill — Apr 24, 2016 — Life-Stages
40
Two-in-One Juvenile Wheelbarrows
The 'Nest' Draws Inspiration from a Garden Wheelbarrow
39
Customizable Jungle Gym Beds
The 'Playbed' is a Child's Bedroom Furniture Dream Come True
38
Creativity-Promoting Playgrounds
This Adventure Playground in New York Promotes Imaginative Play
37
Kids Coding Toys
The 'Cubetto' Enables Children to Learn Programming in a Fun Way
36
Interchangeable Collector Figures
'My Mini Mixie Q's' Toy Figures Can be Customized by Kids
35
DIY Computer Kits
The 'Kano Computer Kit' Teaches Children How to Build a Computer from Scratch
34
Night Light Toys
The LeeLuu Collection is Controlled by Touch
33
Melted Plastic Perches
Recycled Bottle Chairs Create Fantasy From Ethical Manufacturing
32
Snapchat-Only Ad Agencies
Naritiv is the World's First Snapchat-Specific Advertising Agency
31
Realistically Proportioned Male Dolls
The Male Lammily Doll Boasts Realistic Body Proportions
30
Supportive Portable Perches
A Portable Stool Guarantees a Seat for Students of Rural Schools
29
Chopstick-Teaching Toys
The Manners Fish Chopstick Training Toy Teaches Children to Eat Well
28
Growth-Accommodating Toys
The 'Friendimal' Riding Toy Expands in Size to Accommodate Growing Kids
27
Kid-Friendly Hand Scrubbers
These Brushes Help Children Keep Their Hands Clean
26
Chocolate Egg-Decorating Kits
This Easter Craft Helps Kids Personalize Egg-Shaped Chocolates
25
Affordable Mini Quadcopters
The Seresroad CX-10 is a Small Quadcopter Available for Under $20
24
Kid-Friendly Pressed Juices
This Line of Pressed Juice is Designed for Children
23
Infant-Targeted Robots
These Mechanical Toys are Designed to Help Children Relate to Robots
22
Microwave Jelly Sandwiches
Dr. Praeger's Frozen Sandwiches are Quick to Heat and Eat
21
Banana-Flavored Milks
Sir Bananas Drinks are Enhanced with Banana Puree
20
Literacy-Promoting Workshops
The World Book Day 2016 Event Includes School Workshops
19
Rocket Launch Bedroom Furniture
The Lifetime Discovery Space Rocket Kids Bed is Imaginative
18
Curated Adventure Travel Apps
The Lucky Trip App Curates Adventurous Last Minute Vacations
17
Fortified Fruit Purees
Fruit Me Up! BOOST is a Fruit Snack for Kids Enriched with Benefits
16
Gender-Neutral Playhouses
Smoby's 'Friends House' Includes Boys in Home-Centered Imaginary Play
15
Kid-Friendly Vegetable Bites
Dr. Praeger's Launched New Healthy Snacks for Kids at Expo West
14
Kid-Friendly Search Engines
'Kiddle' is a Family-Friendly Visual Search Engine
13
Vegetable-Based Snack Bars
The Rawr Bar Line is Designed to Help Children Eat More Veggies
12
Interactive Audio Tables
HELLO WORLD! is a Magic Table That Brings Inanimate Objects to Life
11
Scented Keychain Collectibles
The New Whiffer Sniffers Collectible Toys are Deliciously Themed
10
Spicy Mango Milks
Emmi Energy Milk Now Comes in a Limited Edition 'Daredevil' Flavor
9
Marshmallow-Filled Candy Bars
Dylan's Easter Chocolate Bar Includes Creamy Marshmallow Fluff
8
Kid-Friendly Tea Parties
The Omni King Edward Hotel is Extending Its Afternoon Tea Service to Kids
7
Child-Proof Phone Cases
This Kid Lid Phone Case Keeps Tykes from Switching Apps
6
Mousse-Filled Chocolate Eggs
This Cadbury Easter Egg Product Comes with a Small Spoon for Scooping
5
Artistic Teen Campaigns
Autumn de Forest Stars in this Empowering Nordstrom Kids Commercial
4
Vibrant Family Activity Centers
The Family Lab at the Groninger Museum is Designed for Events
3
Fruit Puree Pouches
'Fruit Me Up!' Fruit Purees Contain No More Than Four Ingredients
2
Talking Toy Buttons
'Pechat' Turns Playthings into Interactive Talking Toys
1
Postal Smartphone Apps
'POSTIE' Helps Smartphone Users Deliver Handwritten Messages
Related Ideas
Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys
McDonald's Japan Unveils New Functional Sanrio Happy Meal Toys
Anniversary-Celebrating Toy Collections
The LEGO® Group & Hasbro Unveil LEGO DUPLO® PEPPA PIG Sets
Anti-Consumption Natural Ads
The 'Girls Just Wanna Grow Plants' Ad Aims to Reducing Consumption
Playful Cosmic Displays
The LEGO Group's Unidentified Playing Objects Speak to Curious Gen Alpha
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Neurodiverse Inclusion Initiatives
LEGO® Group is Championing Inclusivity With 3 New Initiatives
Sober October Campaigns
Kit NA Brewing Launched 'Under Your Own Influence Sober October'
Educational Climate Change Toys
The 'Habitat' Educational Toy Brick Sets Come in Two Options
Gen Alpha Barbie Launches
Barbie Announces New Doll Lineup Targeted Towards Older Fans
Mental-Health Awareness QSR Packaging
McDonald's Alters Its Happy Meal Boxes for Mental Health
Illustrative 420 Campaigns
Vizie Unveils His Latest Work for Grassroots' 420 Campaign
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
Eco-Friendly Bath Essentials
Bebo Seeks to Reimagine the Packaging of Kid's Bath Products
Age-Appropriate Skincare Campaigns
Dove's #TheFaceof10 Addresses Unsafe Gen Alpha Skincare
Refreshing Streetwear Collabs
Lipton Iced Tea x Cruel Pancake Dropped 90s-Inspired Summer Styles
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Fridge-Decorating Social Trends
Bed Bath & Beyond Participated in 'Fridgescaping' Trend
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Kid-Safe Makeup Kits
Jovy Makes EWG VERIFIED Makeup with Plant-Based Ingredients for Play
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Interior Design Concept Guides
IKEA Unveils its Inaugural Style Guide on Home Design
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Streetwear Experimental Kids Capsules
The Ksubi 'Kids' Collection Arrives Ahead of the Holidays
Crowdfunded Circular Childrens Toys
Tiny Earth Toys is Launching a Kickstarter for 'Tiny Spaces'
Space-Exploring STEAM Toys
LeapFrog's Magic Adventures™ Line Arrives for Kids Five and Up
Travel-Inspired Toy Catalogs
The Tennessee Playcation Catalog Shares the Joy of Travel
Juice-Branded Summer Campaigns
Revl Fruits' 'Grow Up Never' Campaign Lets a Fan be a Waterpark VP
Family-Friendly Interactive Museums
LEGO's Superpower Studios is Devoted to Hands-On Play
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
Kid-Friendly Beauty Events
Beauty Explorer Day Sparks Kids' Interest in the Beauty Industry
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Multisensory Toy Boxes
The Janod Boxes Stimulate Sight, Touch, Hearing and More
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Targeted Gen Alpha Skincare
Hi!papa Makes Personal Care for Kids Ages Three to 12 in China
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Vibrant Inclusive Playground Exhibitions
Wade and Leta Presents the Falling Into Place Exhibition
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
Kids' Entertainment Initiatives
Yoto x CF Shopping Centers will Offer Summer Programming for Kids
Modern Parenting Solutions
KeaBabies is Sustainable Solutions for Modern Parenting Challenges
Expansive Easter Product Ranges
The Mars Wrigley Easter 2024 Range Has Eight New Products
Spring-Ready Pastel Outdoor Collections
Clare and Industry West Join Forces on a Collection
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Gen Alpha Bodycare Brands
Australian Gen Alpha Brand 'Allkinds' Made its United States Debut
Educational Plush Toys
Slumberkins' 'Dragon Egg Hatchlings' Toys Inspire Emotional Development
Active-Minded Refreshing Streetwear
YoungLA Drops the First Instalment of its October Collection
Experiment-Based Playsets
Moose Toys' Beast Lab Reinvigorates Action Figure Category
Sustainable Knitted Toddler Sneakers
Nike Launches the Swoosh 1 Trainer with Colorful Details
Creativity-Driving Kids Apparel
Zara Announces a Collaboration with New York Label Sea
Limited Edition Diaper Prints
The Honest Company Blends Style and Practicality
Gen Alpha Creativity Workshops
The LEGO Group Launched Free Creativity Workshops for Ages 6-12
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Color Infusion Paint Campaigns
vitaminwater's Paint Your Rent Brightens Lives & Living Spaces
Kid-Friendly Squeezable Dips
Litehouse Kids Shares Flavors Inspired by Favorite Characters
Buildable Paper Playsets
Playper's Curious Kingdom: Castle Playset Encourages Creativity
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Artful Travel-Inspired Children's Fashion
Janie and Jack Team Up with Photographer Gray Malin
Family-Focused Learning Toys
Chick-fil-A Debuts a Family Game Brand to Inspire Family Playtime
Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns
Sharpie® Launches the World is Your Canvas Tour
Kid-Inspired Learning Programs
Staples Has Announced the Expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Sporty Resort Capsules
Paper x Four Seasons Hampshire Host a Soft Pastel Pop-Up
Ultra-Stylish Tween Clothing Collections
Hayden Girls Offers a Diverse Range of Tween Clothing
Brick Builder Community Apps
The LEGO Play App Provides a Kid-Safe Space for Builders of All Ages
Playful Gen Z Bubble Tea Campaigns
Krak Boba Launches Innovative PersonaliTEA Campaign
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Dream-Centric Toy Guides
The LEGO Group Calls Attention to Its Dream Crafting Concept
Colorful Kid's Toy Lines
Battat and Walmart Introduce a Line of Preschool and Pretend Play Toys
Kid-Friendly Modular Sofas
The Figgy Play Couch is Launching in Durable, Family-Friendly Materials
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Playful Interactive Galleries
PLAY by American Express Platinum Reimagines Toys as Art Pieces
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Preschool Gaming Subscriptions
The Piknik App Subscription Service Shares Games for Preschoolers
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Themed Party Generators
Drizly's Party Theme Generator 3000 Helps with Hosting Themed Parties
Toy-Specific Storage Systems
Step2 Debuts a Toy Storage Box for Developing Organizational Skills
Social Soda Mixer Campaigns
Level Up With 7UP Inspires Gen Z and Millennial Consumers
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Festive Memory-Making Toys
Slumberkins' Yeti to Shine Helps Kids Embrace New Holiday Traditions
Cognitive Toy Subscriptions
Lovevery is a Subscription that Delivers Developmental Toys to Kids
Play-Inspired Global Holiday Campaigns
Toys"R"Us Has Introduced a New Global Holiday, Play Day
Active Family Restaurant Experiences
The Chuck E. Cheese Adventure Zone Concept is Engaging
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Confidence-Promoting Conversation Cards
TableTalk is a Card Deck of Mealtime Conversations
Wholesome Accessible Kids Foods
Good & Gather Baby and Toddler Foods are Well-Priced
Life-Size In-Store Countdowns
Toys R Us Asia and Craig & Karl Created an Advent Calendar for All
Doll-Inspired Kids Collections
The PatPat x Barbie Collection Features About 60 Unique Styles
Insect Habitat Toys
Smart Lab Toys' Insect Inspector Lab Bug Playground Encourages STEM Learning
Dynamic Immersive Play Museums
LEGO Group Presents the Superhero Studios Initiative in Paris
Sustainable Seasonal Chocolate Treats
PLAYin CHOC Christmas ToyChoc Boxes are Eco-Friendly
Youth-Focused Architectural Toys
The Freckled Frog's 'Happy Architect' Toy is for Curious Youth
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
Visionary Youth Platforms
The Collab by Claire's Celebrates and Activates Gen Zalpha Creators
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Cheerful Spring-Ready Collaborative Fashion
Diane von Furstenberg Works on a Capsule with Target
Play-Inspiring Workshops
LEGO is Sharing a Free Workshop Series Featuring Renowned Creatives
Bilingual Baby Toys
Bebé Fuerte Explores Movement as Play
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Planet-Friendly Organic Clothing
Toby Tiger Offers Ethical and Affordable Kids Clothing for All
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Conversation-Encouraging Retail Spaces
PlayLab Inc Creates a Flagship Store for MadHappy
Creativity-Celebrating Week-Long Campaigns
Crayola Education Will Kick Off Crayola Creativity Week
Playtime-Encouraging Toy Capsules
Oreo Unveils the Art of Play Toys in Black and White
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Teen-Focused Makeup Lines
Af94's Teen-Centric Makeup Line Features Products Under $10
Back-To-School Sporty Campaigns
JD's Start Fresh Campaign Celebrates Today's Youth Culture
Youth Art Campaigns
Sun Bum Taps Into the Gen Alpha Market with an Innovative Art Contest
Stone-Like Supportive Toys
Play Maker Stapelstein Expands to the American Market
Family-Friendly Survival Games
Lego Debuts a New Fortnite Survival Crafting Game
Whimsical Chocolate-Inspired Experiences
Hershey's Chocolate World is Rolling Out Summer Offerings
Personalized Child Education Apps
Sandbox Group Launches the PlayKids+ Application for Ages 2-12
Platform-Enabled Baby Registries
Etsy Launches a New Baby Registry Feature for Parents
Size-Inclusive Summer Fashion
Hayden LA's Summer Staples Boast Whimsical Floral Patterns
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Pink Spider-Themed Apparel
SP5DER Worldwide Launches a New April Drop with Pink Influences
Festive Eco-Friendly Apparel
EarthyTweens Offers Up a New Clothing Capsule for the Holidays
Whimsical Kids Furniture Collections
Oeuf Presents the New Moss Collection of Modern Looks
Christmas-Inspired Summer Campaigns
Toys for Tots Supports Children with Christmas in July
Kid-Friendly Cafe Menus
The Pret A Manger Kids Menu is for Children Aged Four to 10
Special Birthday Promotions
Build-A-Bear Workshop is Celebrating Over 25 Million Birthdays
Immersive Spring-Themed Exhibits
Colors in Bloom Features 12 Immersive Rooms
Parental Gift Generators
The Parent Present Gift Generator Supports Gen Z & Millennial Shoppers
AI Birthday Party Invites
Teddy Party Helps Parents Send Invites to Their Kid's Birthday
Mobile Dorm-Designing Features
Pottery Barn Teen Unveils a New Dorm Shop and Expanded Features
Play-Encouraging Intational Holidays
The UN Officially Marks the Inaugural Day of Play
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Colorblind-Accessible Games
Mattel Commits to Creating Inclusive Play and Game Options
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Youth-Oriented Arts Camps
QNB is Set to Unveil an Eco-Friendly Arts Camp for Kids 4-14
Senior-Friendly Pride Campaigns
misterb&b and Les Audacieuses et Les Audacieux Target Seniors
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities