The magic of crayons allows kids to make beautiful art on paper. They spark creativity, teach different colors, and promote fine motor skills. With so many different crayons out there, it can be hard to find ones that are of good quality and fit your budget.
On our list of the ten best crayons for toddlers, we have taken genuine recommendations from people who have used the product and filtered out any fake reviews, finding the ultimate tools for your toddler’s artistic flair. There are fat, triangle, egg-shaped, and even crayons for bath time; prepare for a bespoke mural on every surface.
1. Crayon Rocks – Best Budget Crayons
These crayons are made from non-toxic materials, and they combine soy wax with natural ground rocks to provide a quality coloring experience. Powdered pigments were used to provide a variety of different colors.
What We Love:
- This set comes with 16 crayons
- They are made from eco-friendly materials
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- They provide an oily coloring experience that can be messy.
2. Palm Grip Crayons – Best Quality Option
This set of crayons is made from high-quality material, and unlike other palm crayons, these crayons are designed to be solid, which makes them an excellent choice for toddlers. It is also one of the best crayons for toddlers because it provides them with several colors.
What We Love:
- It comes in 9 different colors.
- You don’t have to worry about them chipping apart like hollow crayons
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- They could come in more colors.
3. Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons – Best Montessori
These crayons are made from 100% pure, natural, non-toxic beeswax. They are all handmade and designed with a larger build to make it easier for smaller hands to grasp. Plus, this set goes beyond the basic primary colors.
What We Love:
- Each pack comes with 12 different colored crayons
- They last a long time
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The color shades could be more consistent.
4. Crayola Twistables Slick Stix Crayons
Unlike regular crayons that can be broken with the pressure toddlers put on them, these crayons are encased in non-toxic plastic, and kids have to twist them when they need more of the crayon. They also make a great substitute for messy oil pastels.
What We Love:
- The pack comes in 12 different colors.
- They are made from non-toxic material.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The twist function can be difficult to turn at the start.
5. Crayola Oil Pastels
These oil pastels are designed to be thick and easy to grip by smaller hands, and they can be used on various types of paper and canvas material. It provides toddlers with an array of colors, and they help to promote imagination and art skills.
What We Love:
- This set comes in 28 different colors.
- They have a hexagonal shape to keep them from rolling
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- They can be messier than traditional crayons.
6. Crayola My First Egg Crayons
These crayons are shaped like eggs and made to be solid, providing kids with hours of coloring fun. They come in traditional colors and are made from high-quality non-toxic materials, making them safe for toddlers that might still be putting things in their mouths.
What We Love:
- The egg crayons are solid and hard to break
- They are large, making them easier to grip with smaller hands
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The set could come with more colors.
7. Lebze 12 Colors Toddlers Crayons
These crayons are all handmade from high-quality non-toxic material. Unlike other crayons, these have a washable component, making them one of the best for toddlers still learning to color in the lines.
What We Love:
- The set comes with 12 different colored crayons
- They come in a container for easy storage and travel
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The silky washable feature can make them messy.
8. Melissa and Doug Jump Triangular Crayons
This set of crayons is designed to provide toddlers with an outlet for creative play. Each set comes in various colors, and they are made from non-toxic material. Finally, these crayons are designed with a triangular shape that helps to keep them from rolling when used.
What We Love:
- Each pack comes with ten crayons.
- They have a large design to make them easier to grasp with small hands
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- The triangle design can be awkward at first.
9. Bath Crayons Super Set
These crayons are the best for toddlers because they allow them to enjoy coloring, even during bath time. Each set is designed to allow toddlers to draw and color on most bathroom surfaces, and they are easy to clean up, which means they can wipe away old artwork and constantly remove new things.
What We Love:
- The set comes in 12 different colors.
- They are surrounded by protective plastic that keeps the crayons from easily breaking.
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- It only comes with basic primary colors.
10. Stockmar Beeswax Block Crayons
These crayons are made from non-toxic beeswax, and each one is handmade. They are designed as solid blocks, which makes them easier to grip, and each crayon has a different color that helps to promote creativity and imagination.
What We Love:
- Each set comes with 16 different colors
- They come in a storage tin to keep the crayons together
We Don’t Like This As Much:
- You can’t choose which colors come in the set
Things to consider when buying crayons for toddlers:
When buying crayons for little ones, there are a few key things to consider for their safety and enjoyment:
Safety first: Get crayons that are non-toxic and washable. Toddlers tend to put things in their mouths, so make sure the crayons are safe to accidentally munch on and easy to clean off surfaces and clothes.
Size matters: Look for chunky or triangular crayons. They’re easier for tiny hands to grip and control, helping them develop motor skills.
Tough and vibrant: Choose crayons that can take a beating and won’t break easily. Toddlers can be rough with their toys. Also, pick crayons with bright and lively colors to spark their imagination.
Smooth operators: Opt for crayons with a smooth texture that glides effortlessly on paper. This makes it simpler for toddlers to color and have fun. Wax-based crayons usually offer brighter colors and a smoother experience.
Packaging matters, too: Get crayons that come in a sturdy case or box for easy storage. It helps keep the crayons organized, prevents them from breaking, and allows toddlers to handle them independently.
Age-appropriate: Check the age recommendations on the packaging. Some crayons might be better suited for older kids and not safe or suitable for toddlers.
Remember, keep an eye on the little ones using crayons to ensure they use them properly and safely.
FAQ
Q: Are crayons good for 2-year-olds?
Crayons can be great for 2-year-olds. They help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Choose large, non-toxic, and washable crayons. Supervise closely to prevent ingestion or misuse. Coloring is a fun way for toddlers to express creativity.
Q: What crayons does Montessori recommend?
In Montessori education, it is recommended to choose art materials that are natural and simple. When selecting crayons, consider the following:
- Beeswax or soy-based: Montessori favors crayons made from beeswax or soy, as they are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
- Durable and break-resistant: Opt for sturdy crayons that can withstand rough handling and are less likely to break, ensuring safety and longevity.
- Vibrant and pure colors: Look for crayons that produce rich, true colors without synthetic additives, allowing children to appreciate the beauty of their creations.
- Ergonomic design: Choose crayons with a comfortable shape, such as chunky or triangular, promoting a natural grip for young hands.
- Non-toxic and washable: Prioritize safety with non-toxic crayons that are also washable for easy cleanup.
Remember, Montessori encourages open-ended art experiences, so providing various art materials, including crayons, nurtures creativity and self-expression.
Q: What is a good alternative to crayons for toddlers?
A good alternative to crayons for toddlers is washable markers or colored pencils. Here’s why they work well:
- Washable markers: They offer vibrant colors and easy application, allowing toddlers to draw on various surfaces. These markers can be easily cleaned with water or mild soap.
- Colored pencils promote fine motor skill development and provide precise lines, shading, and blending options. Mistakes can be easily erased or corrected.
