What you see - Hobby Ideas is located on 100 Feet Road in Indiranagar, Bangalore above a shop called Springfields. This craft and hobby center is easy enough to spot from the road, with easels and craft items positioned along the window. Enter the store and you see beads, paint, glue and all kinds of craft stuff lined up. On the left is a floor with 'shifting watercolors' that's a hit with smaller kids. There are tables and chairs lined up if you wish to try your hand at something here.
What you get - Hobby Ideas is from Pidilite and pegged as India's first craft and hobby store. In accordance with the theme, you get all kinds of art and craft objects, do it yourself (DIY) science experiments and DIY modeling kits here. The products here are meant for kids as young as three years to adults of any age. The majority of the products are focused on art and if that's where you hobby lies, you have come to the right place. You could buy everything from paint brushes, non-toxic paints for children, markers, fabric to glass paint. We loved the Mini Tattoo Gel Pens here (Rs. 199), sure to be a hit with little girls on a self-decorating spree! You also get craft kits which guide you on making something creative and provide you with all the materials required. Check out the Candle Making Gels (Rs. 150 onwards) and moulds (Rs. 500 onwards) and start your own little candle unit. You also get soap making kits, ceramic craft kits and even mosaic kits if you've always had a fascination for that chipped glass thing. Mosaic art for different zodiac signs (Rs. 400 onwards) make a great birthday gift!
The DIY kits for children are quite interesting, especially the wood modeling ones featuring trucks, cars, etc. The level of complexity depends on the age of the child and you even get simple stuff a three-year-old could try out with supervision. The kits are priced from Rs. 150 onwards. For all those little girls who love playing dress up, there are fashion kits that can help you make bracelets or add glitter and gloss to your denims. There are loads of mechanical toy kits as well, especially for making aeroplanes, bulldozers, racing cars and even dinosaurs. Prices start around Rs. 200 and go up to Rs. 1,000 or more depending on the product.
The educational toy kits here can teach kids about solar energy, power or the solar system in a fun way. We loved the Create a Night Sky Projection (Rs. 399) and the Water Clock (Rs. 550). Hobby Ideas also has a good collection of affordable magic sets to try your hand at some simple card or coin tricks. There are also clay modeling sets, calligraphy sets, DIY decoupage (a design technique where paper cut-outs are glued onto a surface and then varnished), sun catcher kits, origami sets and so on. The store also stocks puzzles and a good supply of birthday party items. In fact, they double up as birthday party planners and you could even hire magicians and artists from here to add some fun to your kid's next party.
Our verdict – Hobby Ideas is a must-visit store for kids who love creativity. This is also a great place to pick up simple DIY stuff, especially if you wish to gift someone. The store also conducts kid's workshops every month, so get yourself on their mailing list. A perfect store not only for children but also for adults who love getting creative! Parking space is available.
Anytime between - 11 AM - 9 PM
Posted on: Sep 09, 2008
