Most kids like to draw. I've found we've gotten a lot of use out of "how to draw" books. These get used over and over again. While crayons are less "pokey", and therefore better for little kids, colored pencils give older children more freedom in their drawing.

We usually stock up once a year - in August or September, when all the school sales are on. We'll buy 20 or more little boxes of crayons, tons of colored pencils, etc. I store the supplies and bring a new box out every month or so. Target, Office Depot, Costoc, even computer stores like Frye's, will offer great deals on these items. I've also found that Office Depot usually has very good prices on crayons all year round. Discount drug super-stores will also have sales on these items from time to time.

Cameras and film make really great gifts for kids, especially when you have a large family. Not only do the kids get the joy of taking photos of their brothers and sisters, but it also combines "gift expenses" with "photo expenses".

One of my kids saved up all year to buy a video camera. So we paid for half and he paid for half. It made a wonderful Christmas present, and one he'll enjoy for years to come.

L. Ron Hubbard was a photographer - L. Ron Hubbard The Artist - Art and Philosophy of Art