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Top 100 Youth Trends of 2016

From Age-Appropriate Furniture to Emoji-Themed Potato Snacks

— January 28, 2017 — Life-Stages
It's easy to think of youth products as toys and to leave it at that, but the 2016 youth trends are evidence that youth are far more diverse consumers. Though toys and play are certainly a large portion of the 2016 youth trends, Gen Z is likely the most web-savvy of any demographic, and their use habits have spilled over into the products and services that exist for them. Our annual innovation conference dives deep into Gen Z's habits and thinking processes, but this summary can suffice for now.

McCain Foods' 'Emoticons' are a perfect example of how kids' online lives can be used for marketing. The baked potato snacks are shaped like various emojis, an acknowledgement of how ingrained online communication is in young people's lives.

Companies are also harnessing some of the most popular media among kids to get their messages across. MTV's 'Pants Off' is a sex ed program that played exclusively on Snapchat, eschewing more traditional media entirely.
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Interactive Vehicle Placemats
Interactive Vehicle Placemats
The Galaxy One-Piece Car Silicone Placemat Turns Food into a Vehicle
<
99
Children-Tracking Smartwatches
Children-Tracking Smartwatches
This Smartwatch for Children Keeps the Modern Family Connected
<
98
Educational Electricity Kits
Educational Electricity Kits
The Squishy Circuit Kit Teaches Kids About Electrical Basics
<
97
Smartphone Telescope Systems
Smartphone Telescope Systems
This Affordable Amateur Telescope Uses a Phone's Screen for Viewing
<
96
Educational Gang Games
Educational Gang Games
'The Sky is the Limit' is a Board Game That Explores the Dangers of Gangs
<
95
Spray Chalk Cans
Spray Chalk Cans
This Non-Toxic Spray Chalk Paint Washes Off with Soap and Water
<
94
Multifunctional Flatbed Swings
Multifunctional Flatbed Swings
The HearthSong 'SkyCurve' Backyard Swing Supports Up to Four Kids
<
93
Solar-Powered Bottle Toys
Solar-Powered Bottle Toys
This Solar PET Bottle Car Teaches Kids About Electronics and Upcycling
<
92
Reusable Child Juice Containers
Reusable Child Juice Containers
The 'Juicy' Drink Box Lets Parents Ditch Disposable Juice Boxes
<
91
Fast Food Pedometers
Fast Food Pedometers
McDonald's Newest Happy Meal Toy is a Step Counter
<
90
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
<
89
Code-Teaching Toy Robots
Code-Teaching Toy Robots
The Kamibot Robot Makes it Easier to Teach Kids to Code
<
88
Branded Activity Apps
Branded Activity Apps
Persil's App for Activities Suggests Ways Families Can Have Fun Outside
<
87
Novel Napkin Holders
Novel Napkin Holders
This Napkin Dispenser Binds Serviettes Together Into a Neat Paperback Stack
<
86
Costomizable LEGO Walls
Costomizable LEGO Walls
The 'Brik Tile' Allows Consumers to Build Walls of Any Size to Hold Blocks
<
85
Movie-Inspired Coffee Cups
Movie-Inspired Coffee Cups
This Colorful Children's Cup Features Oversized Ears for Handles
<
84
Night Light Toys
Night Light Toys
The LeeLuu Collection is Controlled by Touch
<
83
DIY Robot Creatures
DIY Robot Creatures
UBTECH's Programmable Robotics Kit is Easy Enough for Kids to Use
<
82
Educational Modular Robots
Educational Modular Robots
The Unigear Building Block Toy Robot Teaches Robotics and Construction
<
81
Personalized School Supply Deliveries
Personalized School Supply Deliveries
This Company Sends Parents Custom School Supply Kits
<
80
LEGO-Based Robotics Kits
LEGO-Based Robotics Kits
The 'WeDo 2.0' Robotics Kit Debuted at CES 2016
<
79
Soap-Based Packaging
Soap-Based Packaging
Bennison's Creative Clothing Packaging is Made of Biodegradable Soap Paper
<
78
Kid-Coding Wearable Tech
Kid-Coding Wearable Tech
The Mover Kit by Technology Will Save Us Fosters Invention and Creativity
<
77
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
The Magic Time Titan Falls Inflatable Water Slide and Pool is Expansive
<
76
DIY Computer Kits
DIY Computer Kits
The 'Kano Computer Kit' Teaches Children How to Build a Computer from Scratch
<
75
Kid-Friendly Go-Karts
Kid-Friendly Go-Karts
The 'Arrow Smart-Kart' Gives Children the Opportunity to Experience Driving
<
74
Pom-Pom Maker Toys
Pom-Pom Maker Toys
The PomPom Wow Helps Creatively Customize Personal Items
<
73
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
The 'Yibu' Gaming Platform Blends Real World Toys with Digital
<
72
Colorful Play Tablets
Colorful Play Tablets
Boogie Board's Scribble n' Play eWriter Lets Kids Doodle in Color
<
71
Balancing Monkey Robots
Balancing Monkey Robots
Spin Master's Zoomer Chimp That Crawls and Balances on Two Wheely Feet
<
70
Emoji-Themed Potato Snacks
Emoji-Themed Potato Snacks
The New McCain Emoticons are a Kid-Friendly Side Dish
<
69
Soap-Printing Pens
Soap-Printing Pens
Shine's Kid-Safe 'Awamoko' 3D Printing Pens Use Foam Instead of Plastic
<
68
Hanging Kid Cabanas
Hanging Kid Cabanas
The Go! HangOut HugglePod Beach Cabana is a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Hangout
<
67
Conversational Smart Toys
Conversational Smart Toys
The Fisher-Price Smart Toy Panda Features Voice Recognition Technology
<
66
Barbecue Board Games
Barbecue Board Games
This BBQ Game Challenges Kids to Expertly Handle Simulated Sizzling Food
<
65
Toy-Friendly Houses
Toy-Friendly Houses
The Mills House is Designed to Keep Kids' Toys Out of Sight
<
64
Routine-Teaching Child Watches
Routine-Teaching Child Watches
The Octopus Smartwatch for Kids Helps Children Stick to a Schedule
<
63
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade Operates in an Unexpected Way
<
62
Customizable Connected Night Lights
Customizable Connected Night Lights
The 'ZOOCORO' Kids Night Light Comes in a Variety of Styles
<
61
Coloring Tape Rolls
Coloring Tape Rolls
This Washi Tape Design is Like a Coloring Book in Adhesive Roll Form
<
60
Visual Programming Toys
Visual Programming Toys
The 'Photon' Toy Robot Makes Learning Code Fun and Interactive
<
59
Braille Alphabet Toys
Braille Alphabet Toys
These Building Block Toys Encourage Literacy and Inclusion
<
58
Bluetooth-Connected Robot Toys
Bluetooth-Connected Robot Toys
The New Furby Connect Puts a High-tech Spin on the Popular 90s Toy
<
57
Moldable Soap Toys
Moldable Soap Toys
'Sudsy Dough' is a Bath Toy for Kids That Dries in Air & Dissolves in Water
<
56
Juvenile Education 3D Printers
Juvenile Education 3D Printers
The 'MiniToy' 3D Printer System Enables Kids to Learn STEAM
<
55
Interactive AR Projectors
Interactive AR Projectors
The 'Egger' Media Projector is Designed with Children in Mind
<
54
Classroom-Friendly Standing Desks
Classroom-Friendly Standing Desks
The UpGrade System is Designed to Help Kids Stay Active
<
53
Clip-On Smartphone Projectors
Clip-On Smartphone Projectors
The 'Moonlite' Bedtime Story Projector Works With a Smartphone
<
52
Interactive Education Maps
Interactive Education Maps
The Learn & Climb Push-to-Talk Kids World Map is Interactive
<
51
School Lunch Subscription Services
School Lunch Subscription Services
This Service Supplies Parents with Prepackaged Lunches
<
50
Intuitive Juvenile Fishing Rods
Intuitive Juvenile Fishing Rods
This Self-Casting Fishing Pole Launches Lures 30-Feet in Distance
<
49
Snapchat Recruitment Campaigns
Snapchat Recruitment Campaigns
JPMorgan is Recruiting New Grads with a Sponsored Geofilter
<
48
Activity-Encouraging Trampolines
Activity-Encouraging Trampolines
The Springfree Trampoline Encourages Kids to Get More Exercise
<
47
Color-In Bicycle Boxes
Color-In Bicycle Boxes
The 'Brum Brum' Bicycle Box Turns into a Toy After the Cycle is Unpackaged
<
46
Kids Balance-Training Kits
Kids Balance-Training Kits
The Kids Slackline Kit Encourages Children to Train with One Another
<
45
Contemporary Lunch Carriers
Contemporary Lunch Carriers
The Lunch Buddy by Nalgene is a Chic and Efficient Kids Lunch Box
<
44
Interchangeable Collector Figures
Interchangeable Collector Figures
'My Mini Mixie Q's' Toy Figures Can be Customized by Kids
<
43
Antique-Inspired Modern Toys
Antique-Inspired Modern Toys
The Tomogram Toy Incorporates the Aesthetic of Yesteryear and Today
<
42
Imaginative Aquatic Play Tents
Imaginative Aquatic Play Tents
This Giant Whale Playhouse from Land of Nod Encourages Imagination
<
41
Architectural Nesting Blocks
Architectural Nesting Blocks
These Nesting Toys are Based on the Russian Matryoshka
<
40
Edible Blowing Bubbles
Edible Blowing Bubbles
These Candy Bubbles Taste Like Cherry, Grape, Bubble Gum or Tutti Frutti
<
39
Tablet Loom Toys
Tablet Loom Toys
Wooky Entertainment's 'iLoom' Uses Tablet Technology for Bracelet-Making
<
38
Solar-Powered Fish Toys
Solar-Powered Fish Toys
These Terrarium Tanks Provide an Alternative to Real or Robotic Fish
<
37
Kid Art Jewelry
Kid Art Jewelry
Etsy Shop CaitlynMinimalist Turns Children's Drawings into Pendents
<
36
Kids Sneaker Showrooms
Kids Sneaker Showrooms
This Sketchers Kids Showroom Displays the Entire Line
<
35
Youth Doorframe Gyms
Youth Doorframe Gyms
This Home Gym for Kids Can Be Set Up in Any Interior Doorway
<
34
Kids Coding Toys
Kids Coding Toys
The 'Cubetto' Enables Children to Learn Programming in a Fun Way
<
33
Indoor Playground Toys
Indoor Playground Toys
'Solo' is a Small-Scale Indoor Playhouse with a Slide, Ladder & Chalkboard
<
32
Four-in-One Child Scooters
Four-in-One Child Scooters
The Chicco Ride On Scooter Converts to be Fun for Multiple Age Ranges
<
31
Melted Plastic Perches
Melted Plastic Perches
Recycled Bottle Chairs Create Fantasy From Ethical Manufacturing
<
30
Customizable Children's Bikes
Customizable Children's Bikes
This Adjustable Bike Intersects Style with Functionality
<
29
Marvellous Postmodern Playhouses
Marvellous Postmodern Playhouses
This Elaborate Cubby House Harbors Big Imaginations
<
28
Adaptable Wood Toy Designs
Adaptable Wood Toy Designs
TransBlock is a Sustainable and Imaginative Plaything for Preschoolers
<
27
Family-Friendly Scooters
Family-Friendly Scooters
The Space Scooter is a New Way for Families to Get Active
<
26
Luxurious Kids Clothing Lines
Luxurious Kids Clothing Lines
The 'Balmain Kids' Line is Inspired by the High-End Designer Label
<
25
Snapchat Sex Ed Shows
Snapchat Sex Ed Shows
MTV's First Snapchat Show is a Sex Ed Series Called 'Pants Off'
<
24
Urban Kids' Clothing Collections
Urban Kids' Clothing Collections
These Clothes Offer Excellent Back-to-School Looks for Children
<
23
Kids Crossfit Equipment
Kids Crossfit Equipment
The HearthSong Rope Climber Lets Kids Train and Play at the Same Time
<
22
Two-in-One Juvenile Wheelbarrows
Two-in-One Juvenile Wheelbarrows
The 'Nest' Draws Inspiration from a Garden Wheelbarrow
<
21
Animalistic Inflatable Furniture
Animalistic Inflatable Furniture
The Rabito Inflatable Child Chair Can be Inflated on Demand
<
20
Camper-Shaped Beds
Camper-Shaped Beds
This Children's Bed is Hidden in a Replica of a VW Camper
<
19
Age-Appropriate Adjustable Furniture
Age-Appropriate Adjustable Furniture
Teehee's Illa and Illeta Can be Reconfigured as Children Age
<
18
Rolling Robotic Toys
Rolling Robotic Toys
This Robot Companion Helps Children with Developmental Disorders
<
17
Hot Air Balloon Beds
Hot Air Balloon Beds
This Imaginative Bed Design for Kids by Circu Takes After a Floating Vehicle
<
16
Play-Inspiring Moving Boxes
Play-Inspiring Moving Boxes
AnyVan's Cardboard Moving Boxes Transform into Castles and Forts
<
15
Creativity-Promoting Playgrounds
Creativity-Promoting Playgrounds
This Adventure Playground in New York Promotes Imaginative Play
<
14
LEGO Hair Helmets
LEGO Hair Helmets
The 'LEGO Hair Bike Helmet' Puts a Humorous Spin on Helmet Hair
<
13
Child Airplane Seat Beds
Child Airplane Seat Beds
The Jet Kids 'BedBox' Kid's Bag Makes an Airplane Seat into a Bed
<
12
Toy Canine Carry-On
Toy Canine Carry-On
This Cute Kids' Luggage Serves a Second Function as a Plaything
<
11
Wooden Children Furniture
Wooden Children Furniture
The IKEA FLISAT Series is at Once Simple and Playful
<
10
Intuitive Dinosaur Toys
Intuitive Dinosaur Toys
The CogniToys Dino Combines Fun and Learning in a High-Tech Way
<
9
Kid-Friendly Inflatable Watercrafts
Kid-Friendly Inflatable Watercrafts
The Sea-Doo Inflatable Water Scooter is for Young Riders
<
8
Customizable Jungle Gym Beds
Customizable Jungle Gym Beds
The 'Playbed' is a Child's Bedroom Furniture Dream Come True
<
7
Gender-Fluid Kid's Collections
Gender-Fluid Kid's Collections
Jaime King Will Be Launching a Gender Neutral Clothing Line
<
6
Home Jungle Gyms
Home Jungle Gyms
LimiKids' 'Pegasus' Includes a Ladder, Monkey Bars and More
<
5
Japanese Open-Air Kindergartens
Japanese Open-Air Kindergartens
Fuji Kindergarten Uses Architecture to Combine Learning and Play
<
4
DIY Cardboard Toys
DIY Cardboard Toys
MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys
<
3
Eco Plant Packaging
Eco Plant Packaging
'Grow with Me' Herb Garden Kits Come in Double-Duty Biodegradable Boxes
<
2
Mermaid Unicorn Toys
Mermaid Unicorn Toys
Tokidoki's 'Mermicorno' Series is Sold in Mystery Boxes
<
1
Mind-Stimulating Classroom Designs
Mind-Stimulating Classroom Designs
This Kindergarten Interior is Designed with Learning Zones
<