Tesco supermarket has reported a massive increase in the numbers of parents buying arts and crafts materials from its stores.
Crafting kit sales at the chain grew by more than 100 per cent in 2012, while felt tip pen sales increased 90 per cent and craft glue bundles were 70 per cent more popular.
Painting set and colouring book sales rose by 40 per cent and crayons saw a more modest 35 per cent bump.
Tesco says the revival in arts and crafts is due to tighter household budgets – with parents viewing the hands-on hobby as a more cost-effective and educational pastime than playing video games or watching movies.
Sales are highest during school holidays when the number of kits purchased increase by an average of 50 per cent.
It is unclear if other UK supermarkets have seen similar trends, but Tesco stationary buyer Serena Norman comments: “The growing popularity of arts and crafts for youngsters is great news as it suggests that children are being encouraged to try out hobbies that are creative and also sociable.”
