Monthly Archives: October 2014

Kaleidoscopes – Unwrapping Colorful Gift Ideas

Christmas Toys - Kaleidoscopes

What is an ideal Christmas gifts for the art lover in your life? The answer is kaleidoscopes! Kaleidoscopes are not common holiday presents anymore, so the gift of one is astonishingly ideal. Your little ones and your peers will appreciate your inspiring thoughtfulness.

Through the gift of a kaleidoscope, you demonstrate your understanding of what’s important—the individual. Furthermore, you won’t merely be offering a generic present that you could have given to anyone. Indeed, kaleidoscopes are among the few items that toddlers, senior citizens, and everyone in between can equally appreciate. To put it simply, they allow people to see the world in an entirely new and beautiful way.

Your pleasantly surprised giftee’s excitement will shine immediately upon unwrapping. After all, they will be able to peer through that instrument right away. In contrast, one would have to wait to enjoy a golf club, a pair of skis, and most other gifts. This makes kaleidoscopes ideal! Plus, if you select one of the great new, beautiful kaleidoscopes that we have to choose from, your friend, colleague, or loved one is sure to be pleased.

While many Christmas gifts are returned soon after the holiday, the kaleidoscope you give will be added to a cherished collection, set on display for years to come. Perhaps it will be handed down to future generations. Now that is a wonderful thought!

Kaleidoscopes – Geometric Art and Inspiration

Colorful kaleidoscope

For centuries, kaleidoscopes have fascinated children and adults alike. Anyone can play with this mesmerizing toy for hours, marveling at the elaborate beauty it creates. This Christmas, parents and grandparents can share the nostalgia of this magical gift with their loved ones.

As children gaze intently into the tubes, captivated by the endless array of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, they are unaware that they are actually learning something about the principles of science and math along the way. With their ability to spark creativity and encourage inquisitiveness, kaleidoscopes are excellent gifts for kids for many reasons. They are portable, mysterious, and breathtakingly beautiful, providing a continuous source of stimulating entertainment.

KaleidoscopesToYou offers more than 100 types of kaleidoscope toys, ranging from vintage to contemporary models. Our classic tin and high-gloss cardboard versions are perfect for younger children, especially those who love popular characters from “Star Wars”, Thomas the Train, and “Curious George”. Our solid wood line, kaleidoscope key chains and elegant jewelry are better suited for older children, who will appreciate the heirloom quality of these unique gifts.

Kids of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students, will also enjoy spending the blustery days of their winter break inside the house using their imaginations to build their own optical toys from our extensive line of kaleidoscope kits.

Kaleidoscope of Love

kaleidoscopes for kids

Artist Sue Ross was a child when she crafted her first kaleidoscope, fashioned from a cardboard tube and a few random items. Later, the California-based artist used her knowledge of fine glass etching and stained glass window design to turn her hobby and fascination with kaleidoscopes into a career.

Her adult creations are inspired, detailed and unique, and they are coveted by collectors across the globe. Her keen eye for detail and whimsical designs inspired by childhood and fairy tales, Sue Ross kaleidoscopes are imaginative conversation pieces that may become treasured heirlooms.

Kaleidoscopes themselves have a rich history that goes back almost 200 years. They have come a long way from their early, simple designs that were originally intended to be a tool for scientists studying the polarization of light. They gained popularity instead as children’s toys, and many kaleidoscopes today mingle form and function, becoming works of art.

Many of Ross’ creations are discontinued and have become collector’s items, like the Frog Prince and the Petite Jewel Mini Parlor. Her delicate designs don’t overlook the kaleidoscope case, which may be made of ceramic, rosewood or glass and then embellished with ribbons, reverse painted glass, beads, and metal accents. Collectible Sue Ross kaleidoscopes are signed by the artist.

Falling for New Kaleidoscopes

Wooden kaleidoscopes

To welcome fall, we have several amazing new kaleidoscopes available. Our kaleidoscopes let you leave the world behind as you peer into a tube featuring shifting shapes, colors and designs. They also look amazing, made with a decorator’s eye to enhance the décor in any room of your home.

  • The Blue Twist is designed by Ken and Dore Wilhoite, and it is one of our unique four point star kaleidoscopes. The viewing cell features a two-mirror setup that displays diamond shaped or square images. Vividly colored glass fragments float in oil to provide a striking visual image every time you shift the cylinder.
  • Our White Iridescent Butterfly kaleidoscope blends in with the décor of a contemporary room. The beautiful kaleidoscope’s exterior is made from stained glass, and it has glass wheels filled with butterfly wings.
  • The Oil Chamber Spinner kaleidoscopes in aqua or dark blue are two of our new models. They feature lampworked glass floating in oil. Lampworked glass is melted with a torch or a lamp, and it provides a unique visual experience.
  • Ken and Dore Wilhoite also designed our Sugar Plum kaleidoscope. The creative team made the viewing piece’s exterior from plum colored ceramic. Upon looking inside, you’ll notice that it displays a circular image. It does this because it comes with a two-mirror system in the cell.

 

When you gaze inside a kaleidoscope, you find everyday stress slide away as you focus on the device’s color and pattern changes. Just try it for yourself to see exactly what we mean.