Out of This World Marbles

I can't believe it's September already! In my mind, this is the true beginning of fall -- although it certainly isn't fall yet in my hot, humid, Houston reality. Oh well, I can dream ahead....

Today's stocking stuffer is marbles, but not just any marbles! The Escapade Direct website has a huge selection of classic marble sets with various themes. Their "space" line includes Stardust, Milky Way, Galaxy, Asteroids, Comet, Jupiter, Mars.... Each set comes with 24 player marbles (16mm), 1 shooter marble (25mm), 2 marble display rings, and a game net with header card. The marbles are made of 100% glass and are colored according to the theme of the set. The only problem is that I can't tell from the photo how the sets are packaged, and there are no package dimensions listed, but I have to imagine they'd fit in a stocking somehow. Each set is regularly $2.99 and currently on sale for $2.79.

If space-themed marbles aren't what you have in mind, they also have an entire line of insect themed marbles, including bumblebee, centipede, dragonfly, grasshopper, and katydid. And there's a terrific collection of dinosaur-themed marbles: brontosaurus, pterodactyl, stegosaurus, T-rex, triceratops, and velociraptor.

Since the price is so reasonable, not only would these make great stocking stuffers, they would also be great favors for kids' birthday parties! They look to be of higher quality than the usual plastic favors you find in party stores, and what little boy wouldn't enjoy a space, dinosaur, or insect-themed party? Even as a girl, I would have loved a space or dinosaur party. The insects? Not so much....

What: Out of This World Marbles
Where: Escapade Direct website
How much (as of today's post): $2.79 (plus shipping)