There is no shortage of gnomes on the market: garden varieties with their pointed hats and bushy beards, contemporary fibreglass gnomes engaged in silly activities, gnome ornaments for indoor or outdoor settings. But beyond their popularity as garden ornaments, these diminutive creatures have a strange and fascinating history that has inspired countless folklore and legends throughout the years. Whether you love them or not, these little trolls add an element of charm and whimsy to any garden or interior space.
One of the more unique gnome stories is that of Gustav, a garden gnome with the travel bug. He longs to see the world beyond his picket fence and with the help of a child’s imagination, he is finally able to make his dream come true.
The brand behind this gnome story is My Gnome on the Roam, a family adventure brand that offers kits that encourage families to get creative and connect with each other. Their Adventure Kit includes a 6-inch DIY gnome that kids can decorate and an activity suitcase with a storybook, a journal, an adventure guide, and a wooden pen. Families can also download the My Gnome on the Roam app to get daily suggestions for ways to spend 15 minutes together doing something fun, building memories that will last a lifetime.
Aside from the gnome, each kit comes with a set of supplies that children can use to create their own version of Gustav. Once they are done creating their gnome, they can upload it to the My Gnome on the Roam website and share it with the world! The site also offers a community that families can visit to read about other people’s gnome adventures, get ideas for future trips and to see pictures of other kids who have created their own versions of the suave little lawn ornament.
The suggested activities in My Gnome on the Roam are varied, ranging from thinking skills to creativity and even a few that may lean a bit more towards skill-building. However, the app’s main focus is on connecting parents and kids while promoting spending time doing something different, which makes it a great option for families with a range of ages. The suggested activities are also open-ended enough that they can be adjusted in complexity or scope to fit a child’s interest and ability level. The My Gnome on the Roam app is available to purchase for $29.99, with a 14-day free trial offered. Visit their pricing page to learn more.