Crayola creations from our future artists.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? Holiday Gift Guide - Buyers guide

From an early age, most kids demonstrate an interest in experimenting with drawing, painting, and coloring. For the youngest children, creating artwork usually means scribbling back and forth with some writing utensil held in a tightly clenched fist. Now, however, with the introduction of the Crayola Beginnings line, toddlers have some age-appropriate options.

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TaDoodles First Marks are egg-shaped markers designed for a child's early palm grasp and help in developing gross to fine motor skills. They are balanced perfectly so that they can tip and tilt, but not topple over. The markers do not come with caps, so you don't have to worry about them being lost or swallowed and, because of their unique design, First Marks won't dry out and can be reactivated by dabbing them on a piece of paper. Naturally, the products are formulated to wash easily from skin and most children's clothing. TaDoodles come in nine colors with names like Rolly Red and Go Go Green. They are sold in sets of three for $5.99.

The First Marks B.U.V. ($14.99) provides another play and storage option. The Beginnings Utility Vehicle comes equipped with Oopsie Orange, Bouncy Blue, and Buddy Black, and has room onboard for three additional markers. It helps foster sorting skills and hand-eye coordination as the child moves the characters in and out of the vehicle.

Creativity Central ($19.99) is a hands-on exploration station that provides a two-sided easel which can be used tabletop or flattened out on the floor. One side features a soft, squishy gel that simulates the feel of fingerpainting. Kids can fingerpaint or choose to stamp with the circle-, square-, or triangular-shaped stampers which store in the base. The flip side has a water writer surface where drawings come to life through the use of the attached water-filled scribble tool. A rainbow of colors is revealed when water is applied to the special white surface with either the tool or wet...