The wonderful world of action figures can (literally) include you

These days, anyone can be an action figure: actors, athletes, political leaders, and so on. You can even get a customized action figure made to look like you.

While action figures are mostly represented as superheroes, nowadays you can find animals, robots, princesses and other childhood characters.

Action figures are a powerful marketing tool, and as a result, more and more famous people are cashing in. In hopes of lending a little staying power to the fleeting nature of celebrity, it’s viewed as a lucrative way to generate additional revenue.

Millions of years ago, prehistoric man whittled animal shapes and statuettes out of wood, stone and clay. Archeological evidence suggests they had significant cultural value, and were used for everything from burial rituals to primitive toys for children.

Later, during the renaissance period, figures of deities, saints, kings and mythological heroes began to emerge.

By the mid 1700s, tin toy soldiers were developed and popularized throughout Europe. Toy soldiers were primarily used to devise military plans, but also provided the first modern semblance of today’s action figures.

Action figures are also a valuable collector’s item. Collecting action figures is a lifelong passion for the young at heart. Enthusiasts invest thousands of dollars to acquire rare and notable figures. The crowning jewels of some collections include mint condition G.I. Joes, DC Comic heroes, Disney figures, Tintin, etc.

Why not get an action figure customized to look like you or someone you love? Quick and affordable, it’s an original and hilarious gift idea. The cost can vary between approximately $40 and $100, depending on the manufacturer.

To place an order, you simply upload a series of close-ups onto their website and within a couple of weeks you’re very own action figure is delivered to your door.

Great gift ideas

If there’s a particular actor, singer or cartoon character that your child loves, chances are there’s an action figure. When in doubt and unsure what kind of gift or present to give a child, take a detour through the action figure department of your local toy store. There’s a huge selection and you’re sure to find something they’ll love.