There arent many toys that both our children can play with but Aquadraw seems to fit the bill. We bought Freya (1) a Tellytubbies one and Raphael (4) the Thomas one at Christmas. They both get lots of use and its a relief to be able to let Freya have a pen and let her scribble to her hearts content without making a mess (the pens are refillable with water).

Also Raphael has gained a lot of confidence in his mark making and is starting to write his name. He went through a funny phase where he refused to draw or hold his pen properly, I dont know if anyone had said something to him ...

Anyway, they are a good idea if you havent got one, and can be used again and again.

I thought it looked good so we bought one for Draggleshanks at Christmas. He's a bit too young for it though (almost 17 months) and not interested in using it - he just tries to eat the pen! I'm glad to know that it will probably get lots of use in the future.

We bought the Thomas one for Christmas...he adores it, draws line after line (not so interested in the tracks) and would probably take Thomas to bed with him if I let him. Now he tells me often that trains say 'coo coo', lol.

Hoorah for drawing pens that don't mark clothes/mummy/the dog/ the baby/ the walls!!

Freya surprised me as she is only 13 months ... but paintings are always coming home from nursery with her name on them, and if we leave a pen about she finds any piece of paper (magazine, newspaper, letter) and pretends to write on it, so they obviously do that sort of thing at nursery! I dont think her big brother used a pen or pencil at that age.

got 1 2yrs ago for my 2 boys, and have told every one i know how great it is ours is basic one (got it before thomas/tellietubbies came out) always playing with it an like you say no mess and 2 pens so no arguments, my youngest lad also loves his etchasketch, another great no mess drawing toy, me happy as nolonger scrubbing pen off newly painted walls:D

hey, i agree definatly, somebody bought a thomas the tank travel one, which has 4 mini pics in, for my son at xmas whose now 19 months and he abs loves it, dead easy to take out with us for travelling or visiting peoples houses too......and like u say abs no mess at all!!!!!!

think im going to get one-where from??

argos do them, we have had one a couple of years now, they are really good, except my little one dropped her ribena on it, I popped in in the washer but now it doesn't work. but well worth having I will be buying a new one!!

I got mine from John Lewis. I've also just bought a mini travel one from Boots - seriously hoping it will entertain the little one on the impending 22 hour flight to Australia ...... :gag:

Ours were from Toys r us, we did a big order by mail order before Christmas and got it all delivered free! A brilliant idea!

Mothercare. Just before Christmas. Seemed to be a good price.