Gunpla for Kids: How to Introduce Model Kits to Younger Builders

By Justin Carlo

on Jun 3, 2025

Looking for a way to unplug from screens and spend some quality time with your child? Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic model kits, could be your next great shared hobby.

For decades, Gunpla has captured the imagination of model builders worldwide, and introducing it to kids can be both enjoyable and rewarding. With the right approach, it’s a hobby that helps develop skills, encourages creativity, and builds confidence. Let’s get started.

Why Gunpla is a Great Hobby for Kids

Gunpla isn’t just about building robots from a popular anime franchise. It’s a hobby rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and hands-on creativity. Here’s why it’s particularly well suited for kids:

Fine Motor Development: Snapping together small parts helps strengthen hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Cognitive Skills: Following illustrated instructions and organising sprues develops problem-solving and sequencing skills.
Patience and Focus: Builds can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, teaching the value of focus and perseverance.
Creativity: Kids can eventually paint, customise, and pose their finished models however they like.
Confidence Building: Completing a build offers a real sense of achievement.

Plus, it’s something you can do together. Building side by side fosters bonding and creates memorable moments, especially when the final piece is proudly displayed on a shelf or desk.

What Age Can Kids Start Building Gunpla?

There’s no universal “right” age to begin, but most parents find that kids aged 7 and up can handle basic kits with adult supervision. Some kids even start earlier if they’re particularly detail-oriented or used to LEGO sets with similar complexity.

(Not for children under 3 years due to choking hazards from small parts.)

The key is picking the right grade to match your child’s ability and attention span.

Choosing the Right Gunpla Kit for Kids

Gunpla kits come in different grades, which refer to their complexity, size, and articulation. For beginners, especially kids, we recommend starting with these:

1. SD (Super Deformed) Gundam

Best for ages 7+ (Age suggestions are based on: Community feedback (e.g., Reddit’s r/Gunpla, forums)
Small, cute proportions
Fewer parts = quicker builds
Great for short attention spans

These chibi-style kits are less intimidating and usually come with snap-fit pieces and minimal stickers. Perfect for first-timers!

2. Entry Grade (EG)

Best for ages 10+ (Age suggestions are based on: Community feedback (e.g., Reddit’s r/Gunpla, forums)
Easy-to-follow instructions
No glue or paint required
Affordable and accessible

EG kits are designed for newcomers. They provide a more “realistic” Gundam appearance while keeping assembly simple and fun.

3. High Grade (HG)

Best for ages 12+ or advanced beginners (Age suggestions are based on: Community feedback (e.g., Reddit’s r/Gunpla, forums)
More parts and articulation
Great step up from SD or EG kits

If your child gets hooked and wants more of a challenge, HG is the natural next step. These kits open the door to posing, dioramas, and light customisation.

Tools to Make the Build Easier (and Safer)

Although many kits are made to be assembled by hand, a few simple tools can make the process smoother:

Plastic Nippers – Helps cleanly cut pieces from the sprues.
Tweezers – Useful for applying small stickers.
Sanding Stick or File – Smooths out nubs or rough edges.
Small Organiser or Tray – Keeps parts from getting lost.

Safety tip: Kids should always be supervised when using tools like nippers. You might even consider kid-safe versions with blunted edges if they’re still getting used to handling them.

Learn more here: Essential Model Kit Tools: What You Need to Get Started

Setting the Stage for Success

Here are a few ways to make your first Gunpla build session fun and stress-free:

Create a Dedicated Workspace: A well-lit, clutter-free table makes a world of difference.
Take Breaks: Keep build sessions short. 30–45 minutes is ideal for younger kids.
Follow Their Lead: Let your child decide how much help they want. Some love doing it all themselves; others like working as a team.
Celebrate the Wins: Whether it's the first arm or a fully assembled Gundam, praise their progress.
Display the finished kit somewhere special, as it gives them a sense of ownership and pride.

Beyond the Build: Expanding the Hobby

Once your child has built a few kits and is feeling confident, here are some ways to deepen their interest:

Try Customisation: Introduce panel lining, decals, or even a splash of paint to make their Gundam unique.
Storytelling: Encourage your child to learn more about the Gundam universe. Each model has its own backstory and pilot, making it easy to dive into lore or create their own.
Gunpla Battles and Posing: Part of the fun is displaying your model in dynamic poses. Have fun creating mini scenes or battles.
Join the Community: Many hobby stores like Hobbyco host workshops, expos, and even beginner competitions where kids can proudly show off their work and get inspired by others.

Common Parent Concerns (And Why They’re Not Dealbreakers)

"It looks complicated."

That’s the beauty of beginner kits, they’re designed to be intuitive. The instructions are picture-based and don’t require reading Japanese. Once your child gets the hang of snapping parts in, it becomes second nature.

"What if they lose interest?"

Even a single kit offers value in terms of hands-on learning and bonding time. And since prices for beginner kits are quite affordable, it's a low-risk hobby to try.

"Is this hobby expensive?"

Not necessarily. Entry Grade and SD kits typically cost between $15–$30 AUD, and you don’t need many tools to start. Over time, you can scale up depending on your child’s interest.

Start Your Kid’s Gunpla Journey with Hobbyco

Gunpla is a creative, confidence-boosting activity that can bring kids (and parents) hours of joy. With the right tools, beginner-friendly kits, and a shared spirit of discovery, it’s a hobby that grows with your child, evolving from simple builds into custom creations and even lifelong passion.

At Hobbyco, we’re proud to bring you the best of Gunpla. With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of Gunpla products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.