The Best Crayons

Crayons are one of the most well-known and beloved artistic mediums in existence – especially for youngsters. Kids love them because they are brightly colored and easy to use, and parents love them because they are affordable and easily replaced. Whether your child is freestyling, coloring a printed picture, or writing Dad that oh-so-sweet birthday card, crayons are undeniably necessary. With oodles of options on the market today, we know it can be tough to find the right type of crayons for your child, so here we've compiled a list of a few of the best available today.

Crayola Crayons Classic

Color Me Impressed

It's simple: with this one, you get high-quality crayons for your kids at a great price.
Best Overall

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When you think of crayons, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the kind of crayon you’ll find in the set from Crayola Crayons Classic. These are the crayons we all know and love, the ones etched so deeply in our memories that we remember the smell, the colors, and the feel of them with just a single glance.

This set of classic crayons includes 6 boxes, each of which contains 24 of the most popular and widely used colors. Constructed to last a long time, each one is double-wrapped to ensure durability. The vibrancy can’t be matched, either. These crayons are deeply pigmented, so they’re bound to make your child’s art come alive. You can give a set to each child and save some for later so they always have a way to stay busy.

Pros:

  • The colors are highly pigmented and bright making them perfect for any art project
  • They color smoothly and evenly without leaving those little chunks other crayons leave behind sometimes
  • There are a total of 144 crayons in this set, all for one low price
  • Each crayon is durable and long-lasting so you won’t need to replace your kid’s crayons all the time
  • They are safe and completely non-toxic

Cons:

  • These are rated for ages 6 and up because young kids can snap them if they use them too roughly

Flower Monaco Jumbo Crayons

Big is Beautiful

Perfect for youngsters, these jumbo crayons are bound to inspire glee in your little one.
Best Jumbo

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If you’re looking to inject a little color into your tiny toddler’s life, what better way than to gift them a set of jumbo crayons? For whatever reason, little ones tend to be enamored by things they love being offered in a jumbo size, and crayons are no exception. Made of non-toxic natural wax, these crayons are easy to hold, easy to wash, and easy to love.

Pros:

  • You and your toddlers can make posters, play tic-tac-toe, and so much more with this one
  • The crayons are vibrant and beautifully colored
  • Sturdy case won’t deteriorate with use

Cons:

  • A bit costly considering how many crayons are included

Crayola Silly Scents Twistable Crayons

Smells Like Kid Spirit

Marvelously-scented crayons that won't break under pressure.
Best Twistable

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Although the classic crayons color beautifully and last a long time, they are not always the right choice for small kids or groups. It can get annoying to have to sharpen them, and small kids can break them in half. All of those issues become a distant memory when you get Crayola Silly Scents Twistable Crayons instead.

These crayons are made with the same brilliant pigments and beautiful hues as the classic crayons, however, they are inside of a twistable tube. You never have to sharpen them. If they become dull, simply twist the tube and your crayon is brand new. As an added bonus, these crayons also smell wonderful. Breathe in the scents of cherry, orange, pineapple, apple, and so much more. Kids love them, and you will, too.

Pros:

  • These crayons don’t need to be sharpened, saving you time and money
  • They won’t break in half and the paper can’t be peeled off, so you won’t have to replace them often
  • You and your kids will love the fruity and fresh scents
  • They are completely non-toxic and safe for kids of all ages
  • It is easy to twist them up and down

Cons:

  • Small kids may try to eat them because of the fruity scents

Crayola 64ct Ultra Clean Washable Crayons

Don't Cry Over Spilled Crayons

Let your kids have a blast knowing that any mess will easily be wiped up.
Most Convenient

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It can be so frustrating to give your kids some crayons and paper to color while you clean up or get some work done, only to realize when you go check on them that they colored on everything except for the paper. Well, that is no longer an issue when you choose Crayola 64ct Ultra Clean Washable Crayons.

These crayons are an excellent choice for parents and teachers alike, because no matter where your kids color, you can quickly and easily wipe up the mess. It makes it even easier to teach your kids responsibility, because you can hand them a sponge and tell them to clean it themselves. Meanwhile, most other crayon marks don’t come off with anything less than bleach or a magic eraser. We love these crayons because we always love a product that makes life easier for parents. Get a set for your messy little ones today and see how much simpler it can be.

Pros:

  • This set comes with 2 packs, each of which contains a whopping 64 crayons
  • The crayons color and draw as easily as the classic crayons
  • Enjoy the built-in crayon sharpener, which adds convenience and simplicity to your life, as well
  • These crayons are safe and non-toxic for kids of all ages
  • If your kids make a mess, simply wipe it up with any wet cloth or sponge

Cons:

  • Washable crayons cost a bit more than regular crayons

Crayola Triangular Crayons

The Future Looks Bright

This easy-grip set is the best choice for younger kids who are still learning to color.
Best for Young Kids

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Do you have a toddler or preschooler who wants to color with their big brothers and sisters, but you worry that they will snap all the crayons? If so, choose the Crayola Triangular Crayons and let your little one join the fun.

Triangular crayons are great for young kids because they don’t roll away or snap in half. They are also easier to grip, and they help to teach your child how to properly hold writing instruments, which can be tough for small hands. Each box includes eight vividly colored crayons and each set comes with three boxes, which means you can store some extra away. Your child will love being able to join in on the fun with the big kids, and you will appreciate how easy it is for them to use these crayons.

Pros:

  • The 8 included colors are the most popular, including black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, violet, and yellow
  • They are wider than the classic crayons and much harder to break
  • Since these crayons have 3 flat sides they can’t roll off the table and get lost or picked up by the dog or baby
  • Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, special education classrooms, and anyone else who could use a better grip
  • They color smoothly and teach your child to stay in the lines

Cons:

  • These crayons cost more than the classic crayons

Frequently Asked Questions

How are crayons made?

Crayons are made from a blend of paraffin wax and different-colored pigments. The wax is melted down and then the colored pigments are added. This mixture is blended until it is all one even color. After that, they pour the mixture into molds and let it cure. Finally, each crayon is removed from its mold and a paper label is wrapped around it in the corresponding color with whatever the name of the crayon is.

How are crayons used?

It’s simple: crayons are used to color. You just hold them as you would a pencil or marker and then press down on the paper to start coloring. If you add pressure, the color deepens and appears darker. On the other hand, if you press more softly, the resulting color is lighter and less stark. You might also consider layering colors to make new shades. For example, color over blue with yellow and see what you get.