Archive for December, 2010
Coloring fun for babies and tots, Happy Hatchling #16
In this edition of Happy Hatchling, Heather – mom and CheapTweet blogger – shares some of her favorite children’s coloring products. Be sure to follow Heather on Twitter and share your tips in the comments.
When I first started looking at crayons for my kid, I was amazed at how many products there are for coloring. With all the options, it is hard to choose, so here I’ve included some of my favorite coloring options with their pros and cons.
Crayola TaDoodles
Pros: Crayola TaDoodles crayons are great first crayons (for 12 months+). The crayon holders are perfect for little hands to grasp and the crayons do not easily break from forceful coloring. I’ve found that my tot likes coloring with these on plain white paper much more than coloring books.
Cons: To refill the holder you have to buy special triangular shaped crayons.
Giddy-up Dora Color Blast Activity Book
Pros: This Dora activity book comes with a marker that works like invisible ink, which means that you don’t have to worry about coloring outside the lines or on the couch. Just draw on the page and the colors magically appear. This brand has several books including SpongeBob, My Little Pony, and the Littlest Pet Shop. It’s fun to watch the page turn to color, and also requires no skill. This is a great item for travel and dining out. Another plus is that you can leave the cap off for days and it still works (I know this from experience).
Cons: While the markers are no mess, it does take a few seconds to see the color appear on the paper after drawing. When my kiddo would first start drawing she was confused to not to see color immediately. Also, like the Color Wonder brand, the markers only work on the paper provided.
Magnetic Sketcher
Pros: With a Magnetic Sketcher, you never run out of paper. My daughter loves to draw and erase over and over again. I always love good travel toys and these types of magnetic sketchers can come in a smaller travel size as well as larger sizes. Guaranteed not to make a mess.
Cons: No color drawings to post on the refrigerator.
Crayon Rolls
Pros: These are bags designed to tote 8 to 10 crayons out of the house. Have you ever tried packing crayons in the crayon box in your purse? I have and the box falls apart immediately. I have also used ziplock bags, which while functional is not very attractive. Crayon rolls are made to be more durable and have more personality. My tot likes pushing and pulling the crayons in and out as much as she likes to color. I have recently started making these myself, and since I don’t sew, I use colorful felt and fabric glue. If you don’t have the energy to make one yourself, buy one from the LilBambinaBoutique on Etsy for $6.99 (pictured here). It makes a great gift.
Cons: None!
What are your favorite crayons and coloring accessories?