As a youth instructor at Academie Duello, I often find my students approaching me this time of year regaling me with their Yule time wish lists. I also have parents asking me what sort of gifts they can get for their kids that are unique as well as educational and connected with their child's passion for swordplay and history. I have been asked to take a look in our store and feature some of the awesome unique things that we have available for this holiday season that I think would be great for kids in our blog. So without further adieu, here is my first selection of awesome kids gift ideas!
Medieval Models
If you are looking for a toy that will stimulate your child’s mind while encouraging their creativity, Academie Duello has many historical model kits available. From the medieval trebuchet and siege towers, to Leonardo DaVinci’s ornithopter and catapult there is something to appeal to both boys and girls on your holiday list.
Each model kit comes with excellent, easy to read and understand building manuals complete with illustrations. These models can be built with little modeling experience within 1 to 2 hours. Building your own toy is part of the fun of these unique gifts- trust me! I had a lot of fun putting some of these together with our head youth instructor Roland. All you need to make these models is some glue and perhaps some paints if you want to customize your creation. (Medieval music, or holiday carols playing in the background helps too!)
Nylon Training Swords
For the young swordfighter on your list Academie Duello has many items that will help them flourish in their training as young Western Martial Artists. Back in stock by popular demand we finally have more nylon training swords available in the store! Choose from a variety of sword-types and customize the colour of your blade, cross bar, grip and pommel. I have two of these nylon swords in my home- one of which I gave as a gift last year to my roommate and fellow Academie Duello youth instructor Darren. These swords make the perfect gift for any Academie Duello youth student on your "Nice List" this holiday season.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.