Crayola Beginnings is a line of about 20 creative products designed specifically with toddlers in mind.  These are artistic products that allow young children to explore their creativity for the firs time and build confidence through hands on exploration.

For instance, Crayola has a group of products specifically for 18mos+ called Tadoodles which are small round globes perfectly shaped for the toddlers first palm grasps.  Children grasp one end of the Tadoodles and on the other end there are stamps, marker, paints and crayons.  The Tadoodles are designed to tip and tilt but they won’t drip or spill over.  Plus, the colors are all washable and completely come off skin and clothe and they are nontoxic.

For older toddlers, they have the triangle shaped crayons, in 8ct and 16ct that help the child with a more controlled grip that will be helpful later when the child is begins to develop writing skills.  Crayola also has the triangle markers and paintbrushes which are also washable and nontoxic.  These products are recommended for 24mos and up.

With all of these products, they are not mess free.  As a matter of fact, expect them to be messy.  Pounding and poking and splattering is what toddlers do.  The Tadoodles are shaped in a way that the tips can not fall over but that also means when the child reaches for them, they’re going to meet the tips first, so expect some messy hands.

Lay down some paper, just as you would with finger paints and maybe even check out the smock that Crayola offers in this line.  Kid’s absolutely love these products because they allow them to explore their artistic ahem-ahem talents.  Parents, they’re not going to like it so much when it comes time to clean up.  But remember, they are all washable even from walls and floors.

Check out some of the listings on this page and also my other hubs on the coolest toys.  I’m always on the lookout for cool kids toys.