Creating gifts that mean something special.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? Holiday Gift Guide - Faber-Castell Corp.

There's nothing like the touch of a homemade gift. Taking the time to create something you know will be meaningful to the recipient brings unparalleled joy to the giver and the giftee. That's one of the reasons we've always been so impressed with the offerings of Faber-Castell, Cleveland, Ohio, and its offshoot, Creativity for Kids. Their kits allow users to be creative just for the sheer enjoyment of it, and then decide whether to display the treasure or give it as a cherished keepsake.

Faber-Castell's Creative Studio offers busy adults a way to take time for themselves and nurture their inner creativity with Inspiration Kits--high-quality, innovative crafts producing beautiful results. Each kit contains products that enhance the creative experience, such as the nonpermanent Art Grip Aquarelle color pencils. This ergonomic triangular implement has a grip zone consisting of hundreds of raised dots that allow the user to guide the pencil accurately without it slipping through your fingers and prevents the hand from tiring, even after extended use. The lead is fully water soluble, has a rich smooth feel in use, and contains high-quality pigments with bright saturated colors that resist fading. Watercolor effects are achieved with a wet paintbrush.

It's easy to learn art techniques while creating beautiful pieces to showcase in your home or proudly give as gifts with kits such as the Canvas Art Gallery ($14.95). With this set, you can create four...