5 Gift Ideas for Scale Modelers

Tools, paints, knives, and more!

November 21, 2019

RELATED TOPICS: MODELING TOOLS | PAINTING

It happens every year without fail, someone asks you what you want for Christmas or your birthday. And how many times have you drawn a blank? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect gifts for someone in your life who happens to be a modeler, and you can’t decide what to buy them.

The next time someone asks what you want or if you can’t decide what to get a modeler for a gift, refer to this handy wish list! Click on the links to be taken directly to the product pages.

1) New knife blades

A modeler can find no better friend than a hobby knife. And modeler’s can never have enough sharp blades—particularly No. 11 blades. They’re inexpensive and make a great stocking stuffer.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little more spectacular, level up with a deluxe knife set that comes with a whole range of knife handles and blades to help the modeler in your life tackle just about any cutting problem that comes their way!

2) Paint

The fact is modelers always need paint. However, modelers can be notoriously finicky about the paints they use. Does your modeler prefer acrylics or enamels? What about lacquers? Spray paint or bottles?

Should you buy Tamiya or Testors or AK Interactive or Vallejo brand?

Unless your modeler is giving you this list with an attached shopping list (in which case, good for you!), you’ll need to do some detective work. Snooping around the workbench may uncover more than you bargained for, so we suggest tactfully asking about the paints your modeler is using and the projects they’re working on.

3) Sanding sticks, pads, and cloths

Whether for shaping or finishing, sanding sticks, pads, and cloths are worth their weight in gold.

Sanding tools are available in a variety of grits, from coarse to fine (200 to 12,000), and modelers need a wide range.

Sanding sticks come in many shapes and sizes that make them useful for getting into areas on a model that are sometimes hard to reach—kind of like a back scratcher.

4) Rotary tool

Now, we’re talking! Surprisingly, many modelers don’t have a rotary tool to help them out at the bench. If your modeler doesn’t, it’s about time they did.

Whether it’s from Dremel, Micro-Mark, or another brand, a rotary tool can make short work of just about any rough shaping problem a modeler may face. They usually come with a selection of cutting tools, sanding drums and discs, and grinding stones.

If your modeler already owns a rotary tool, then consider getting them an accessory kit with plenty of sanding and grinding or cutting and engraving options.

5) Model kits

C’mon! What does every modeler want? More kits! And modelers, let’s help our non-modeler peeps out with this. We can’t expect them to know what we’re looking for.

There are so many great models to be had, from cars and trucks to planes and tanks, it’s like a game of Pokémon: We gotta catch ‘em all!

Can we build all the models in our stash? It doesn’t matter. And you shouldn’t ask. More kits! More!

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Read and share your comments on this article

SPECIAL ISSUES & MORE

THE MAGAZINE

CONTACT US

RECENT PHOTOS

CATEGORIES

RECENT THREADS

CATEGORIES

RECENT ARTICLES

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT REVIEWS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT VIDEOS

POPULAR TOPICS

NEW PRODUCTS

OUR STORE

CURRENT ISSUE

SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

5 Gift Ideas for Scale Modelers

RELATED ARTICLES

SPECIAL ISSUES & MORE

Want to leave a comment?

FREE DOWNLOAD

CURRENT ISSUE