Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 474,023 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,274 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 308,937 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,274 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 308,937 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,220 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 474,023 cutting edge ideas.

Playful Practicality

Fun meets function with adult products bearing childlike aesthetics

Implications - Products that are both fun and functional allow adult consumers to maintain a sophisticated lifestyle while at the same time, indulge in playful sentiment. Practical, everyday products that have toy-like characteristics provide a balance between adult needs and childhood desires, pleasing any consumer who loves a bit of nostalgia.
Trend Themes
1. Playful Aesthetics - The trend of creating practical adult products with toy-like aesthetics provides a playful balance between nostalgia and functionality.
2. Lego-inspired Products - Incorporating LEGO design elements into various products such as watches, medical tools, chargers and video cameras create a fun, unique and nostalgic appeal for consumers.
3. Pop Culture-inspired Accessories - The trend of creating pop culture-inspired accessories such as Barbie and Hello Kitty sunglasses and superhero-themed makeup collections appeals to customers who enjoy incorporating color and vibrancy into their everyday look.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies can incorporate playful and nostalgic design elements into their products to create unique and appealing gadgets for their customers.
2. Fashion - Fashion businesses can create accessories inspired by popular culture icons and toy-like aesthetics to attract a wider range of customers with varying interests in fashion and design.
3. Medical Devices - Medical device manufacturers can incorporate fun and playful design elements into their products to ease patients' anxiety and create a positive treatment environment.
4.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
10 Featured, 70 Examples:
1,812,328 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Sep 10 — Jan 11
Trending:
Warm

Featured Examples

Bedazzled Sunglasses
Bedazzled Sunglasses
The Jaesyn Burke Barbie & Hello Kitty Eyewear Series is Divalicious
Jason Burke's Barbie and Hello Kitty eyewear is so glamorous that you're sure to feel like a rockstar while wearing these hot shades. The featured sunglasses are embellished with mostly pink jewels and… MORE
Building Block Camcorders
Building Block Camcorders
The LEGO Stop Animation Video Camera is not a Toy
Although the LEGO Stop Animation Video Camera resembles a toy gadget, it is actually a real functioning camcorder. This LEGO camera can record both regular video and stop animation. The camera is compact… MORE
Superhero Comic Cosmetics
Superhero Comic Cosmetics
The MAC Wonder Woman Collection is Here to Rescue
The MAC Wonder Woman collection of cosmetics is here to save your dull-looking skin. The colorful mascaras and bold eyeshadows really stand out in this line. The bright reds, blues and yellows used in… MORE
LEGO Watches
LEGO Watches
The Pop Hours Watch Pops with Time and Colors
With its colorful blocks and protruding bumps, the Pop Hours Watch is evidently inspired by LEGO pieces. It's a fun watch to wear, especially with the features of the bumps being the touch-sensitive buttons.… MORE
play_circle_filledLEGO Lipstick
LEGO Lipstick
Dee & Ricky Channel Chanel in Their Latest Limited-Edition Brooch
Twin designing duo Dee & Ricky have turned even the likes of Kanye West on to their toy-inspired accessories, and their newest creation will attract fashionistas everywhere. The Limited Edition... MORE
Toy Brick Chargers
Toy Brick Chargers
This LEGO iPhone iPod Dock Brings Back Retro Gaming Ways
If you're a fan of this classic building blocks toy, then you're going to love the LEGO iPhone iPod Dock. Made with colorful bricks, it sits on a green LEGO base, placing your Apple gadget in its own… MORE
Girly Gadget Cases
Girly Gadget Cases
The Barbie iPhone 4 and iPad Cases Love Feminine Hues
I have something here that will satisfy your inner girly girl and your love of Apple products. The new Barbie iPhone 4 and iPad cases are decked out in the signature Barbie pink and this color will be… MORE
Petit Plaything Mancessories
Petit Plaything Mancessories
Smiley Helmet Cufflinks Will Light Up Your Day
Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect accessory for your suit jackets, which is where these homemade Smiley Helmet Cufflinks come in handy. Made from LEGO Spaceman pieces, they might not be the fanciest… MORE
Nerdy Night Lights
Nerdy Night Lights
The 'Lamp in a Box' Light Fixtures Show Your Grown-Up Geekiness
It's difficult to go wrong with a company with a name like 'Lamp in a Box.' Obviously, the geniuses behind this company have a sense of humor that is met by a keen sense of geekiness, as exemplified in… MORE
Toy Brick Medical Equipment
Toy Brick Medical Equipment
The LEGO Syringe Makes Med School Seem like Fun
There is nothing, and I mean nothing that cannot be made out of LEGOS. Case-in-point, Sean Michael Ragan's LEGO Syringe is one creation that is definitely both unique and fun. The LEGO Syringe is made… MORE

Related Examples

LEGO Mobile Covers
LEGO Mobile Covers
The Smallworks Brickcase Brings Out Your Inner Child
Complexion-Matched Makeup
Complexion-Matched Makeup
MAC Cosmetics Mickey Contractor Collection Celebrates Sunkissed Skin
play_circle_filledViolent LEGO Virals
Violent LEGO Virals
'LEGO Black Ops' Crosses Call of Duty Carnage with LEGO Animation
Twistings Traffic Lights
Twistings Traffic Lights
The Mobius Strip Lamp by Kisung Lee is Very Futuristic
Urban Arts Lighting
Urban Arts Lighting
The Carlos Rivera TOYlights are a Unique Take on Graffiti
Tea-Lover Lighting
Tea-Lover Lighting
The Teabag Lamp Infuses a Warm Glow on a Cool Night
play_circle_filledExistential Lighting
Existential Lighting
The Jindrich Vodicka Tvor Lamp Lights the Darkest Points of a Room
LEGO-Like Sockets
LEGO-Like Sockets
Rotating 360 Outlet Accommodates Different Plugs Conveniently
Toy Brick Totalizers
Toy Brick Totalizers
The Basic Homade LEGO Calculator Performs Complex Functions Too
Nerdy Mancessories
Nerdy Mancessories
These 'Star Wars' Cuff Links are For the Intergalactic Geek
Alcoholic Lighting
Alcoholic Lighting
Thomas Stanley's Eco-Friendly Beer Can Lamps Will Make You Look Twice
Dapperly Dressed Lighting
Dapperly Dressed Lighting
Angelika Morlein Makes Lamps Inspired by Grand Hotel Frequenters
Graceful Trash Lighting
Graceful Trash Lighting
The Ugly Duckling Lamp is a Swan-Like Light Made from Ugly Materials
Precariously Perched Illuminators
Precariously Perched Illuminators
Tom Foulsham's 'Big Bird' Performs a Bizarre Balancing Act
Evil Santa Toys
Evil Santa Toys
The LEGO Robot Santa Looks it's Straight Out of 'Futurama'
Emotional Toy Statues
Emotional Toy Statues
The 'RED' Exhibition of Nathan Sawaya LEGO Sculptures
Toy Brick Doormen
Toy Brick Doormen
The LEGO Russia Headquarters Gives Google's HQ a Run for its Money
Cotton Candy Celeb Cosmetics
Cotton Candy Celeb Cosmetics
The Pink 4 Friday Lipstick is Available on Black Friday
Laboratory Lighting
Laboratory Lighting
Create an Easy Experiment With the Beaker Table Lamp
Spiffy LEGO Accessories
Spiffy LEGO Accessories
Galahad J. Sports Toy Block Tuxedo Trimmings
Geeky Gamer Headgear
Geeky Gamer Headgear
Ben Caulkins Creatively Designs the Master Chief Helmet with LEGO
play_circle_filledToy Brick Gatling Guns
Toy Brick Gatling Guns
The LEGO Machine Gun Packs a Serious Punch
Luxury Auto Blocks
Luxury Auto Blocks
The LEGO Lamborghini is Almost a Direct Replica of the Real Supercar
Geeky Tree Adornments
Geeky Tree Adornments
These DIY LEGO Holiday Ornaments are Cheerful and Customizable
Mind-Blowing Block Games
Mind-Blowing Block Games
The 4,000 Piece LEGO Chess Set by Derek Seiple
Building Block Controllers
Building Block Controllers
The LEGO Play & Build Remote Combine Classic and New Toys
Building Block Cameras
Building Block Cameras
The LEGO Leica M8 is a Playful Replica for Only a Fraction of the Cost
23-Foot Block Battleships
23-Foot Block Battleships
The Ed Diment 'Project Intrepid' is a Massive Lego Aircraft
LEGO Building Refurbishments
LEGO Building Refurbishments
‘Dispatchwork' by Jan Vormann is Restoration Artchitectur
LEGO-Style Buildings
LEGO-Style Buildings
The Adaptable Tower Changes Structure as Easily as LEGO
Futuristic Video Eyewear
Futuristic Video Eyewear
The Vuzix 310XL Video Eyewear is TV Before Your Eyes
Building Block Flashlights
Building Block Flashlights
The LEGO Minifig Head Lamp Playfully Lights the Way
Lego-Like Cameras
Lego-Like Cameras
The Pentax Optio NB1000 is a Playful New Point-and-Shoot
Toy Block Graffiti
Toy Block Graffiti
Nathan Sawaya's 'Hugman' LEGO Art Takes to the Streets of NYC
Intergalactic Glasses
Intergalactic Glasses
Bambi for Ksubi Eyewear 2011 Delivers Four-Eyed Futurism
20 Fun LEGO Figurines
20 Fun LEGO Figurines
From Tattooed LEGO Toys to Building Block Flicks
Storage Building Blocks
Storage Building Blocks
These LEGO Storage Boxes Will Make You Reminisce Your Childhood
Toy Brick Burgers
Toy Brick Burgers
The Corellian Cheeseburger is Made Out of LEGO Pieces
Crayon LEGO Men
Crayon LEGO Men
Zeebree Creates Unique Recycled Crayon Scultpures
Bat-Inspired Eyewear
Bat-Inspired Eyewear
'WuFu' Glasses Use Ultrasonic Waves to Create Tactile Images for the Blind
Toy Brick Music Players
Toy Brick Music Players
The LEGO Boombox Lets You Blast Your Music
Recycled Rubber Gadgets
Recycled Rubber Gadgets
Tube Turns Old Bicycle Tires Into Belts, USB Sticks and iPhone Cases
Luxe iPhone Cases
Luxe iPhone Cases
The Dolce and Gabbana iPhone Case and Coin Purse
Luxury iPad Sleeves
Luxury iPad Sleeves
The Salvatore Ferragamo Leather iPad Cases are Yummy
play_circle_filledEtched Phone Protectors
Etched Phone Protectors
The Grove iPhone 3G Case by Jonny Wan is Made of Bamboo
Skeletal Sunglasses
Skeletal Sunglasses
The Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 Eyewear Collection is Morbid
Cork iPad Cases
Cork iPad Cases
The 'JACOedge Lumberjack' Looks Like Real Wood
Sultry Makeup Collaborations
Sultry Makeup Collaborations
The Alice + Olivia MAC Color Cosmetics Collection
Luxury iPad Sheaths
Luxury iPad Sheaths
Gucci iPad Cases Protect Your Tablet in Style
Toy Block Headphones
Toy Block Headphones
The ELECOM Playbrick Earphone Showcases Your LEGO Loyalty
Sushi iPhone Sleeves
Sushi iPhone Sleeves
The Bento Box Japanese Cuisine Gadget Case Keeps Your Phone Clean
60 Freakish Frames
60 Freakish Frames
Over-the-Top Sunglasses, From Rainbow Drop Shades to Mega Goggles
Laser-Engraved iPhone Cases
Laser-Engraved iPhone Cases
The Customizable Grove iPhone Case has a Natural Groove
Blinged LEGO Necklaces
Blinged LEGO Necklaces
Recycled Toy Block Necklaces by Refashioned are Swarovski Crystal Chic
Blinged Bangle Eyewear
Blinged Bangle Eyewear
'Virna' by Justin Lopez Channels Geordi La Forge's Infamous Visor
Waffled iPad Cases
Waffled iPad Cases
Colourful Macbook and iPad Cases by LaCie
Glam Gilt Glasses
Glam Gilt Glasses
The Sun Gods 2010 Eyewear Collection by Karen Walker
LEGO Wallets
LEGO Wallets
Geektastic Cash Carriers from ColorByNumbers
78 Eyewear Innovations
78 Eyewear Innovations
From Bullet-Proof Shades to Prescription Beer Goggles
Geekette LEGO Jewelry
Geekette LEGO Jewelry
Camilla Hounsell Halvorsen's Dusty Collection Appeals to the Unassuming Geek
Sticky Sweet Cosmetics
Sticky Sweet Cosmetics
MAC's Naked Honey Collection for Summer 2009
30 Extreme Eyewear Innovations
30 Extreme Eyewear Innovations
From Beyonce's Tassels to LEGO Mania Sunglasses
Chic LEGO Jewelry
Chic LEGO Jewelry
Brick Brooches and Other Fine Baubles From Dee & Ricky
LEGO Cams for Kids
LEGO Cams for Kids
Colorful 'Animation Station' Camcorder Set to Sell in Summer
Socially-Conscious Cosmetics
Socially-Conscious Cosmetics
Fergie Heads to LA to Promo ‘Viva Glam' Lipstick
Giant LEGO Jewelry
Giant LEGO Jewelry
"My First Royal Jewels" Are Perfect for Accessory Fiends On a Budget
Elegant LEGO Jewelry
Elegant LEGO Jewelry
Whimsical 'Forever Young' Accessories Blend Old and New
Electric Makeup Hues
Electric Makeup Hues
MAC Autumn and Winter '08 Lines
MAC AIDS Awareness
MAC AIDS Awareness
Fergie For Viva Glam
Barbie Cosmetics
Barbie Cosmetics
Unleash Your Inner Doll with Barbie + MAC Cosmetics