Advanced digital train controller
For experienced hobbyists, an advanced controller offers precise command over multiple locomotives and accessories on a digital command control (DCC) layout.
Creative Hobbies
Model trains & train sets
6 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Model trains tend to land with people who already love building things, whether that's a dad who kept his childhood layout in the basement or a son just starting to wonder how the whole thing works. The gifts that get used fit into what the person already has, so matching scale and system matters more than anything else. For a beginner, a complete electric starter set gives a working loop on day one. For someone with an established layout, a miniature scenery building kit or extra rolling stock adds to a project they're already invested in. Before you choose, find out what scale they run, how much space they have, and whether they enjoy running trains, building scenes, or collecting.
Kind 1 of 6
Digital control for a growing layout
A digital controller lets someone run several locomotives on the same track on their own, with separate speed, direction and often sound and lighting functions. It suits a hobbyist who has outgrown a basic power pack and wants more than one train moving at a time. Before buying, check that their locomotives are digital-ready or already fitted with decoders, and confirm the controller works with the system they use. Scale matters less here than compatibility, so a quick look at their current setup, or a casual question, saves a lot of guesswork.
Kind 2 of 6
Extra cars to lengthen the train
A pack of mixed freight or passenger cars is one of the easiest ways to add to a layout someone already enjoys. It suits hobbyists of any experience level, and it's a natural follow-up to a starter set received in an earlier year. The key check is scale: HO, N, O and G cars aren't interchangeable. Also look at the coupler type, since mismatched couplers mean cars that won't connect without extra work. If they model a particular era or railway, cars that suit that theme will feel much more personal.
Assorted model train car pack
Expand a model railway's versatility and visual appeal with a selection of freight or passenger cars for diverse scenarios.
Kind 3 of 6
A starter set that runs on day one
A starter set usually includes a locomotive, a few cars, a loop of track and a power supply, so everything works together straight out of the box. It's the right pick for a newcomer, a child showing real interest, or an adult returning to the hobby after years away. Check the scale against the space available, since larger scales need more floor or table room. A set that can be expanded later, with extra track and matching cars, gives the gift a longer life than a closed, one-loop set.
Complete electric model train starter set
This comprehensive set offers a perfect entry point for new hobbyists to begin building their miniature railway world.
Model train track expansion set
This set provides additional track pieces, allowing hobbyists to extend their existing railway layout with new curves, straights, or sidings.
Kind 4 of 6
A standout locomotive for the collector
A detailed locomotive is the centrepiece of many collections, with fine paint, lettering and mechanical detail that rewards a close look. It suits a dedicated hobbyist or collector who has a favourite railway, era or engine type. Before buying, confirm the scale, whether it's meant to run or mainly for display, and whether it's analogue or digital-ready if they run a controlled layout. Knowing the railways they follow, whether Canadian, American or otherwise, helps you choose a model with real meaning to them.
Detailed scale locomotive model
An exquisite locomotive model makes a fantastic addition for collectors seeking to enhance their existing train fleet with a new centerpiece.
Kind 5 of 6
Scenery and structures that bring layouts alive
Scenery kits cover the world around the track: buildings, bridges, trees, grass and terrain. They suit someone who enjoys the building side of the hobby as much as running trains, and they can fill many quiet winter evenings. Check the scale so structures look right next to their trains, and consider their skill level, since some kits need gluing, painting and patience. A modular baseboard pairs well here, giving a flat, portable foundation to build a scene on without committing to a permanent room-sized layout.
Miniature scenery building kit
Enhance the realism and visual depth of any model train layout by adding detailed landscape elements and structures.
Modular train layout baseboard
Provide a sturdy and expandable foundation for building intricate model railway layouts, suitable for both beginners and experienced builders.
Kind 6 of 6
Display cases for prized models
A display case keeps locomotives and cars dust-free and visible when they aren't running. It suits collectors with pieces they're proud of, and anyone whose models currently live in boxes on a shelf. Check the interior length and height against the scale they collect, and look at whether the case includes a track section so models sit properly. Wall-mounted and shelf styles suit different rooms, so think about where it would actually go before you choose.
Model train storage display case
A protective storage and display case helps collectors keep their valuable locomotives and rolling stock safe from dust and damage.
How to choose model trains & train sets as a gift
- Confirm the scale they run, such as HO or N, before buying anything that connects to their layout.
- Ask a partner or family member which railway, era or theme they model, then choose pieces that fit it.
- For beginners, choose a complete set that can be expanded rather than a closed loop with no add-ons.
- Check digital or analogue compatibility before buying locomotives or controllers for an existing setup.
- Think about their space: larger scales and big layouts need room that not every home has.
Usually safe to skip
- Mixed-scale bundles rarely fit anything they own, so pieces end up unused in a drawer.
- Toy-grade plastic train sets tend to disappoint adult hobbyists who expect detail and smooth running.
- Complex kits for complete beginners often stall halfway, turning the gift into an unfinished chore.
Questions people ask about model trains & train sets
- How do I find out what scale model train someone has?
- Look at the box of an existing locomotive or car, where the scale is usually printed, or check the track. HO and N are the most common. If you can't look, ask a family member, or choose a scale-neutral gift like tools or reference books.
- Is a model train set a good gift for an adult?
- Yes, many adults enjoy model railways as a relaxing, long-term hobby. A detailed starter set that can be expanded, or additions to an existing layout, suit adults better than toy-style sets aimed at young children.
- What model train gift works if they already have everything?
- Scenery kits, display cases and extra cars are safe bets because hobbyists rarely feel they have enough of them. A modular baseboard also works well for someone who wants to start a new scene without rebuilding their whole layout.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All model trains & train sets picks
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