I have collected Fontanini figurines for years, and every Advent set out the nativity. The Kings are traveling from a distant land, and make progress every day. The shepherds and their sheep are on the hill. The blacksmith, baker, and carpenter are hard at work...
The children can play with the figures all they want- and what child does not love to play with plastic animals especially- and I do not have to worry about anything breaking for the figure's nor the children's sake. These things could be tossed out a window and they would be none the worse for wear.
Meanwhile, they are obviously the renditions of artistic talent. They do not look like Oriental nativities with the vacant facial expressions that come off a three dimensional printer.
Also the figures retain their value. I can sell some and use the money to buy others.
Great buy for any family starting the Nativity tradition of St Francis.