Why ‘Kidult’ Toys Are Trending & How to Start Your Collection

Playtime isn’t just for kids anymore. (But really, was it ever?) “Kidults,” or kids at heart, are taking over the toy market as they find new ways to destress, explore their creativity, build collections, and nurture that nostalgic feeling of growing up.

According to a 2024 report from Circana, adults over 18 now make up the fastest-growing age group of toy buyers in Europe. Meanwhile U.S. adults contributed over $1.5 billion in toy sales in the first quarter of 2024 alone, even overtaking the 3-5-year-old age group. 

From building Plus-Plus puzzles to unboxing Labubus, adults are flocking to TikTok shops and toy store shelves to tap into their inner kid.

Here, we’ll explore just why kidult toys are trending, the benefits of getting in on the fun, and how to start your own collection of clever and inspiring toys.

What is a kidult?

A kidult is a combination of a kid and adult, hence the portmanteau word. It describes someone, generally over the age of 18, who embraces toys, games, and activities typically meant for children. 

There are all kinds of kidults, too. A kidult might be a parent who loves to set aside time to play and explore with their child. They might be a superfan who collects memorabilia from their favorite movie or TV show. Or they might be a busy professional who simply gives themselves permission to destress with group board games, displayable desk toys, and mind-bending puzzles.

Why kidult toys are trending

Kidult toys have exploded in popularity, driving massive demand for collectibles, games, and puzzles that appeal to buyers beyond preschool classrooms and playdates.

Here’s a closer look at what’s powering this buying boom:

• Tapping into nostalgia: Tracing back to the COVID-19 pandemic, adults started looking for comfort by reconnecting with the toys and games they grew up using. 
• Seeking screen-free play: Digital burnout is real, and it’s leading adults to seek offline, screen-free forms of entertainment to relax.
• Connecting with fandoms: Adults can buy licensed toys from their favorite movies, games, and TV shows to showcase at home or even trade with fellow fans.
• Responding to internet virality: Trendy and coveted collectibles are going viral on social platforms like TikTok, driving FOMO-inspired online sales.

Benefits of kidult toys

We know about the power of play for kids, but what about the benefits of uninterrupted recreation for adults? Well, they’re actually pretty much the same. Taking time to unwind and get creative can help grown-ups:

• Relieve stress: Practice self-care by relaxing and recharging with hands-on puzzles that enhance focus and keep you present in the moment.
• Encourage self-expression: Discover and display toys that reflect your unique interests and personality. Or design clever builds that show off your creativity and craftsmanship.
• Create social connection: Plan a group game night or date night where you can chat over tabletop games and collaborate on tactile projects—no screens needed.

Examples of kidult toys

Kidults have all kinds of different interests, whether they’re looking to tackle problem-solving challenges or reconnect with toys that shaped their childhood.

To help unlock your own sense of play, explore these common categories of kidult toys:

• 2D and 3D puzzles: Follow along with handy instruction guides or dream up your own fantastical structures.
• Collectibles: Jump into the latest fad by gathering and displaying your own collection, or even seek out some limited-edition releases, like our Plus-Plus Peanuts collection.
• Pop culture figurines: Build a little world of action figures, vinyl toys, and merchandise from your favorite franchises.
• Nostalgic toys: Unleash those childhood memories by revisiting the beloved toys you shared with friends, decorated your room with, and asked for on your birthday.
• Craft kits: Get hands-on with DIY projects like paint-by-number sets or crochet kits.
• Sensory toys: Channel restless energy and increase focus with sensory objects like fidget toys and stress balls.

How to start your kidult toy collection

If you haven’t tapped into your kid-at-heart yet, or it’s just been too long, all it takes is one inspiring toy to spark your imagination and get those wheels turning. And it’s easy to do with Plus-Plus! Designed for creative thinkers and innovative builders of all ages, Plus-Plus helps you channel that childhood wonder—one piece at a time.

Ready to assemble your go-to collection? Start with these kidult favorites:

Inspired fine art series

Design 3D art pieces inspired by iconic artists like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Frida Kahlo with the Plus-Plus Inspired series. Collect displayable tubes of colorful pieces based on each artist’s famous works and use our ready-made guides to start building or explore your own artistic style. In addition to buildable sets, our Inspired Hexel fidgets provide a pocket-sized way to enjoy the same iconic palettes.

Isoscapes sculptures

Set your inner architect free to engineer breathtaking landscapes, towering skyscrapers, and majestic ships with Plus-Plus Isoscapes. Each 3D puzzle set comes with a wooden box that doubles as a display so you can showcase your fabulous formations—and then deconstruct and build again when inspiration strikes.

Atari Logo Art

Can you still hear the sound effects of the shooters in Space Invaders? Or feel the panic of being tailed by the ghosts in Pac-Man? Step back into that golden age of gaming with our Plus-Plus Atari Logo Art. Use over 700 pieces to bring the iconic “Fuji” logo to life, and hang your retro art proudly in your gaming room or office.

HEXEL fidget toy

Create mesmerizing geometric shapes with the portable HEXEL fidget toy. Crafted from six connected Plus-Plus pieces, HEXEL is a quiet, pocket-friendly toy for anytime fidgeting at your fingertips.

Puzzle by Numbers sets

Skip the mess of paint-by-numbers (but keep the fun!) with Plus-Plus Puzzle by Number sets. Use the enclosed patterns to fill in each design with the corresponding color, or go rogue and see what clever designs you can dream up. From unicorns and rainbows to rocketships and butterflies, there are dozens of sets to ignite your creativity.

Channel your inner creative kid with Plus-Plus

It’s never too late to tap into your sense of play, or too early to begin your kidult toy collection. Whether you want to reignite your imagination, de-stress without screens, or have fun with friends, Plus-Plus can help you capture the magic of childhood playtime.

With so many colorful puzzles and pieces to choose from, it’s easy to build a toy chest even your younger self would be jealous of.

Ready to see what you can create? Explore all Plus-Plus kidult toys.

Kidult toys FAQs

What are Plus-Plus' most popular kidult toys?

Plus-Plus’ most popular kidult toys include Isoscapes, the Inspired fine art series, and HEXEL fidget toys. Designed for builders and creative thinkers of all ages, Plus-Plus puts the power of play in your hands and helps unlock hours of screen-free creativity. 

What Plus-Plus build challenges are best for kidults?

Plus-Plus opens up a nearly endless supply of build challenges for kidults, whether you’re planning a family game night or looking to sharpen your STEM skills. To name just a few: Engineer the fastest spinning top, create standing bridges with baseplates, build a catapult that’s ready to launch, assemble your own colored dice, and speed-build animals or words under a time limit. You can also start from scratch and use a custom color mix to design your own Plus-Plus challenge!