Crayola vs. Melissa & Doug — which is better for a craft gift?

They solve different problems. Crayola's big art cases are best as a general-purpose drawing and coloring setup with markers, crayons, and pencils. Melissa & Doug kits are typically single-project crafts (jewelry, stained-glass stickers, decorate-your-own boxes) that produce a finished keepsake. Reviewers who want open-ended creativity lean Crayola; reviewers who want a guided project tend to lean Melissa & Doug.