DIY has evolved into a fashionable style among youth. Offered with frame by seller, DIY plush toys can filled with materials by consumers themselves, under the help of machine. Consumers participate in large part of process, and experience the fun. Such a pattern of toy marketing now prevails in overseas countries. The following article will bring you the experience of product development, along with anaylse on market. It is believed that, as the progress of China’s consumption and living quality, DIY plush toys would become a part of daily life.

Origination of DIY

  As early as two decades ago, some toy stores in Europe have developed a brand new sales concept—customize plush toys for consumers.

  In according with specific requirement of consumers (mainly kids and youth), designers draw art projection, ink up, select materials, cut and sew on site. Customers participate in the process of filling materials and make hand production. After all these are done, a file would be set up, giving the toy a name, birth certificate. It is the rudiment of DIY plush toys.

  At the end of 90s, Saint Louis-based Build-A-Bear Workshop has adopted this pattern and perfected it. Within only about seven years, the workshop has arisen from an unknown team to a reputed toy company. Its DIY toy pattern is more comprehensive that early one and would be more suitable for development of current society.

Manufacture process

  As the initials of “do it yourself”, DIY is now translated into a trendy element, consumers of which are mostly kids and youth. It helps kids’ growth by arousing their interest on learning through playing. Producing something with their own hands can not only develop their imagination and hand work skill, but also content them with accomplishment. Youth are able to learn the manufacture process of toys, at the same time, free themselves from working stress.

  In fact, manufacture process of DIY toys goes like this. Store will offer customers a finished plush shell, and the latter operate machine to stuff the toy. During the process, customer can select an IC musical player insides the toy, which enable the toy to record or play music later. Filling cotton well, customer closes the seal by pulling the seam at the back. Then, the toy should be cleaned up and combed. Finally, customer can choose appropriate clothes, shoes, hats, backpack, or even pet.

  Throughout the process, customer experiences a large part of procedure, gaining real fun. After the toy is recorded by computer system, customer will be kept informed about the seasonal clothes and accessories for his toy. Kids can learn something when playing, while young people will satisfy with the unique fun.

Development cases

  Considering the market demands of DIY toys, Titing Toys Designing Center covers the following projects。

  During the DIY course, machine used to fill toy with cotton is a striking stout. Initially, we use locomotive as the outlook of the machine. With sharp color, it would easily attract consumers’ eyes. Three filling tubes with different sizes are available. The machine itself features function of making cotton loose and stuffing toys. Static air compressor is used to reduce noise.

  There are a great number of animal prototypes can be used and their pose tend to make them sit or stand easily. Size is around 38cm. Materials should be soft enough, with hair of 10cm long at least. No sharp color should be used. Bear, dog, sheep, rabbit, cow, tiger, koala and panda are regular model, which is suitable for a wide consumer base.

  Customers would find it interesting in selecting clothes, shoes and hats for their dolls. Some little customers prefer toys that wear the same with them. Clothes and accessories would act a key role. When designing clothes, sharp color and exquisite style should be covered. Furthermore, it’s the best to design these according to different seasons, sports and living style. Materials of daily-used apparel are good choice. And development of shoes, hat and backpack can be based on daily life as well.

Expanding market

  Market with demands is necessary for good product. After Yiiting’s survey and research in overseas DIY toy market, it is found that, most of consumers of DIY plush toys have good consumption power. Meanwhile, with better education background, this group is apt to accept new things and purse latest trend.

  In view of this, DIY plush toys should orientate to big- and mid-cities in domestic china. Top grade living areas, office buildings, pedestrian shopping street, large supermarkets, or universities zone would be the right places, where young men with relatively satisfying income or inclining to trendy stuff gather around.

  As to the detail approach when developing market, combination of brick and mortar and e-commerce can be considered. Customer can buy toys and accessories he likes online, and even preview the final production. On the other hand, he can also go to brick-and-mortar store to make an order. The both offer dual experience.

  In China, survey shows that, big northern cities serve as key for development of DIY plush toys. On the contrary, considering the weather and intensified toy industry, along with faster pace of life, southern cities may not be the right place for the category.

  As the development of economy and improvement of living standard, DIY plush toys would become part of family life. Toy markers can even develop the whole set of toys, accessories, and simple tools, so as to introduce DIY toys from showroom to customers’ houses. It would be a family fun！

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