Best crayons and supplies for kids — how to choose
Wax, colored pencils, markers or pastels? A guide to age-appropriate, child-safe supplies.
Wax crayons
Thick, durable and cheap — ideal for the youngest (2–4). Easy to grip, they don't snap and cover large areas well. Choose chunky triangular ones that teach a correct grip.
Colored pencils
They give precision and lovely shading, great from about 4–5. It's worth investing in soft leads and a good sharpener. Perfect for more detailed designs.
Markers (felt-tips)
Intense, vivid colors that delight children. Choose washable, water-based ones — easier to clean up. Watch out, as they can bleed through thin paper.
Safety first
Look for safety-standard marks (EN 71 in the EU) and a 'non-toxic' label. For toddlers pick chunky supplies with no small parts. Always color under adult supervision.
Paper and accessories
Plain 80 gsm printer paper is fine for pencils; for markers, thicker (120 gsm) is better. A desk mat, a sharpener and a storage box keep supplies always at hand.
Related coloring pages & collections
Browse coloring pages and themed collections that match this guide — ready to print for free.
