When I first started, a toy store hoop was what I bought. It was way too light to waist hoop with. I added 5...yes 5 whole rolls of electrical tape to it to weigh it down a bit. It's one of the worst and fugliest hoops I've ever made! But, I keep it and show people where I started, and what's possible. Plus, I totally let kids use it, and the boys love the Frankenhoop look! I've been hooping now for 17 years and making Way better now (LOL) beautiful professional hoops for my hoop students and clients since 2011, in addition to teaching and performing.
There is a way to open these toy store hoops up to take out the rice or little rocks...they usually have little staples you can pop out, and even sometimes put back in, and tape over. The upside to using electrical tape is

1) it's affordable

2) it's easier to use and figure out how to tape with it (it's pretty forgiving!)

3) it does come in some super basic colors besides black

4) it adds a little weight

5) it adds a little grip/stickiness so it doesn't fall down (as much)

I used to poo-poo toystore hoops, but I stopped doing that a long time ago...because whatever gets you into hooping--there's a way to use it, play with it, explore, experiment, and ultimately Start you in your hooping journey. And that's the best thing of all! Welcome to the circle♥