Scott’s Toy Box: Have a Holly Hobby Christmas
For many years I’ve been a collector of collections. No matter what kind of collection it is, I just like to acquire objects for them, from keys and yo-yos to license plates and Clue games there are a variety of collections around my house. This is my hobby, although it probably would be better if I focused on one thing. For this year’s Christmas column, I thought it would be fun to look for toys that might inspire your child to create a hobby of his or her own.
DC Collectables Action Figures
Starting with the hobby of collecting, DC Comics have brought to life many of their superheroes and villains with their DC Collectables Action Figures. Most of their action figures are related to their monthly comics that they produce but they also have figured related to video games and TV shows, like these awesome figures of the Super Best Friends Forever. Most of the figures stand about 6″ tall but there are some that are about half that size. Individual action figures are around $20-$30 and can be found at local comic book stores such as Commander Comics and Vanns.
Jerry’s Artarama
If you think a more creative hobby would suit your child, check out Jerry’s Artarama. Jerry’s Artarama is a website that sells art kits like the First Impressions Art Studio. The First Impressions Art Studio is great for beginners. It comes with watercolors, makers, oil pastels, and color pencils, so you can play around and see what supplies you enjoy working with. It comes in a nice carrying case so you can easily take your kit with you. The art kit costs $25 at jerrysartarama.com. Jerry’s also sells all kinds of art supplies as well. You can find easels and desks that real artists use as well as paints and pencils if you just need to restock.
Fairy Gardening
If art isn’t your thing, you may want to get your hands dirty in a different way. Fairy Gardening is a great way to start your own terrarium. A Fairy Garden is a miniature garden complete with structures and living plants. The best way to begin is with the Fairy Gardening Kit. The kit comes with a box for planting, a lid that doubles as a water collector, soil, an arbor with bench, a birdbath, a wheelbarrow, tiny pebbles to make a path and fairy dust. The Fairy Gardening products are easy to take care of so they are perfect for learning how to garden. The retail price for the kit is $60 and is available at The Olive Branch in Clinton.
