Who knows how the market will shape up in 20 years, but right now, most employed artists work on computers rather than canvas. If the child has access to a computer, and a predilection for visual experimentation, this gift might be just right. Art and design software will let a kid get on the computer, color, draw, and personalize existing patterns and images, then print them out or blow them up. Who knows, they might one day change the face of computer art.