Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) enable the production of stimuli-responsive polymer-based materials with the ability to undergo a large recoverable deformation upon the application of an external stimulus. Academic and industrial research interest in the shape-memory effects (SMEs) of these SMP-based materials is growing for task-specific applications. This mini-review covers interesting aspects of SMP-based materials, their properties, how they may be investigated and highlights examples of the potential applications of these materials.