MissAnn
There is a great new product that i found on Drugstore.com of all places that may take care of your marker problem. It's call Snap Cap Markers. There are no separate caps and the markers are the perfect size for the kids. It has a base with built in caps and the markers are easy for the kids to see the colors. I looked them up and their site is
www.snapcapmarkers.com I hope that helps!!