# Irish adults turn to toys and collectibles for relaxation and creativity

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-calm-headspace-from-building-lego-the-satisfaction-of-completing-a-pokemon-card-collection-or-a-farmer-buying-a-toy-tractor-to-put-in-his-coffin-just-some-of-the-unexpected-benefits-of-growing/
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:17:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T15:34:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16217001/The-calm-headspace-building-Lego-satisfaction-completing-Pok-mon-card-collection-farmer-buying-toy-tractor-coffin-Just-unexpected-benefits-growing-trend-Kidulting.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Space, Technology, World

## Key points

- Adult toy buying is a growing market in Ireland and Europe.
- Fans describe toys as creative, calming hobbies.
- Retailers are responding with adult-focused and nostalgic products.

## Summary

Irish adults are increasingly buying toys and collectibles for themselves, turning hobbies such as Lego building, model-making and card collecting into a growing “kidult” market. Enthusiasts say these activities offer relaxation, creativity and a break from adult pressures, while greater visibility has helped make them more socially accepted.

Adults account for 30 per cent of toy sales across Europe, and one international poll found 88 per cent of people aged 13 to 39 had bought a toy for themselves. Retailers and toy companies are responding with adult-focused products and nostalgic ranges; one Irish toy shop owner said adults now account for around 30 per cent of his sales. Lego builder Gary Kirwan says the hobby has helped him cope with depression.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.