Coloring is a central part of childhood. It’s one of the very first ways your little artist can start to show their creative side! Hopefully, they will stick to coloring on the provided paper, instead of taking to the walls!
While coloring is a lot of fun, it’s also a really important skill toddlers learn early on. My almost 5-year-old adores it, and even my 18-month-old is starting to show interest. What starts out as barely making lines on paper becomes an ornate drawing of the whole family, plans for a new treehouse, and so much more.
Below you’ll find out all you need to know about crayons. And of course, there is a list of the best crayons so you can get the right crayons for your toddler.
Why does coloring matter in early childhood?
One of the first things your 2-year-old will learn when it comes to coloring is how to hold the crayon in their small hands. There is a natural progression that they will likely follow, and having the right type of crayons can be especially helpful!
Additionally, your child can work on new vocabulary while they color. It’s a great time to work on those color words.
Related Article: Teaching Colors
Coloring is a great chance for young kids to work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
It might seem like they are just scribbling (okay, they probably are!), but they are learning a lot, too!
While they will start off with random marks, they will eventually grow into intentional marks that are the beginning of writing. Coloring is, in fact, a pre-writing skill that is the foundation for children learning to write on their own. As children get more practice, they start drawing straight lines (both horizontal and vertical), and circles. These basic strokes are all they need to start writing their letters.
Coloring can also be a great time to bond with your child. My kids love it when we all color together. Sometimes we even take on little projects, like making mini books or making princess crowns. We love using our imagination together! We even talk about the science of colors- how mixing red and blue makes purple, etc.
But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best crayons for your little ones. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best crayons for 2-year-olds (and toddlers in general) and what makes them so great!
Things to consider when picking out the perfect crayons:
When it comes to choosing the best crayons for toddlers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for crayons that are easy to grip and use, with bright and vibrant colors. It’s also important to choose non-toxic and break-resistant options, so your little ones can use them safely and for a longer time.
Shape: Did you know that crayons actually come in different sizes these days? There are egg-shaped crayons, triangle crayons, peanut-shaped crayons, and the standard crayon. The different shapes are ideal for different ages and stages of coloring. Sometimes a unique crayon shape can be helpful for children as they learn how to grasp the crayon.
Safety: It’s really important that crayons for 2 year olds (and all toddlers) don’t contain toxic ingredients. Since young children like to put random things in their mouths sometimes, you should always keep a close eye on what they have. The good news is, most crayons aren’t very toxic, since they are made primarily from wax and pigmentation.
Another safety component to consider is the choking hazard. Again, a 2 year old is often still very interested in putting things in their mouth, so you need to be sure the crayons you buy aren’t small enough to be a choking hazard. If the crayons are easily broken, this becomes a risk as well.
If your child does eat a crayon (or a lot of crayons), they might have a slightly upset stomach that could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. The safest option is to give them small sips of water and light snacks. If your child continues to vomit or have a lot of diarrhea, then medical attention is likely necessary.
Color: Toddlers don’t need many different colors, but bright colors can be fun and attractive. Vibrant colors often help to attract the attention of your child. You also want all of the basic colors, so your child can work on naming their colors and coloring!
Size: There are some enormous crayons out there, and there are the standard, much smaller crayons. Bigger crayons can be helpful for especially young artists, because they don’t break as easily, and they can work on their grip. As your child gets older, smaller crayons can be a great option but for now, larger crayons are the way to go!
Durability: If you’ve been around a toddler, you know they are good at breaking things. So it’s extra important that the crayons you buy for your 2 year old don’t easily break. Crayons made for older kids are often destroyed by well-meaning toddlers. But if you get the right kind of crayons, they won’t all be broken (at least not right away!)
Washability: Another hallmark of toddlerdom is how often they make a mess! Getting washable crayons is a must at this age! Most crayons that are made for toddlers are washable, but it’s a good idea to check!
Using crayons with your 2-year-old
According to the OT toolbox, at age 2, toddlers are getting a lot better at hand-eye coordination. Your child’s hand muscles are also getting stronger, and they are becoming more skilled with using their fingers.
At this age, jumbo crayons are often best for little hands. Regular crayons are too small and aren’t as good for little ones working on their grip.
The occupational therapist from the OT toolbox also recommends that you don’t push your young toddler too much when they first start coloring. Let them explore in different ways, by scribbling on their own, or even copying very simple strokes, like lines and circles.
No need to start tracing letters or numbers just yet! They will get to that point soon enough!
The Best Crayons for 2 Year Olds
Crayons to Work on Grip
Many toddler crayons are specifically designed to help tiny hands with grasping crayons. It’s a skill children are learning right around their second birthday. By getting the right crayons, your child will be able to work on their grasp more easily.
Crayola My First Crayola Palm Grip Crayons
What they are: Crayola crayons are trusted for a reason. They make quality crayons in beautiful colors that are just right for different ages. Their My First Crayola Palm Grip Crayons are just right for 2 year olds.
Why you’ll love them: Crayola crayons are extra thick so they won’t break easily. The vibrant colors will help your child make a variety of beautiful creations! The thick crayons are perfect for little hands to hold, and they don’t break as easily as a standard set of crayons.
Melissa & Doug Jumbo Triangular Crayons
What they are: The triangular crayons are designed specifically with young children in mind.
Why you’ll love them: Melissa & Doug is one of my favorite companies for all things children. They make high-quality materials and focus on child development. These toddler crayons are no exception! The triangular shape helps toddlers develop their grip and fine motor skills, and the jumbo size makes them easy to hold. One of the best parts of this set is the sturdy box that they come in.
The unique shape also keeps these crayons from rolling around so easily. What a bonus!
Crayon Rocks
What they are: Rock-shaped crayons that are specifically designed to help your child develop a good grasp.
Why you’ll love them: These crayon rocks are great because kids will think they are fun (did I mention they look like rocks?) and they are a perfect way to work on their pencil grasp. There are 16, nontoxic crayons that are durable, despite their small size.
*Be warned that because of their small size, they can pose a choking hazard. Be sure to always be with your little ones when they use these crayons to ensure their safety.
Egg Crayons
What they are: Crayons that are shaped like eggs and specifically designed for babies and toddlers.
Why you’ll love them: These egg crayons are great for your young child making some of their first marks on paper. Their unique shape helps babies and toddlers grip them without too much trouble. Their sturdy shape and size also mean they don’t easily break. The set comes with nine, colorful crayons. The crayons are washable, with just a bit of soap and water.
Bonus: they don’t have the weird smell that classic crayons come with. Instead they have a light peach scent!
Eco-Friendly Crayons
Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons
What they are: Honeysticks crayons are unique because they are made from pure New Zealand beeswax! Who knew crayons could come from straight beeswax? So fun!
Why you’ll love them: These oversized crayons come in 12 various colors. They are made of non-toxic materials: beeswax and food-grade pigments for color. They’re also easy to grip and have a unique honey scent. The best part is that they are an eco-friendly company that tries to reduce waste in the creation and packaging of this crayon set!
Jumbo Sized Crayons for Small Hands
These are your typical crayons, just a lot bigger! Bigger crayons are less likely to break, and they are easier for your toddler to hold.
Lebze Jumbo Crayons
What they are: These are some of the best non-toxic crayons that you can get for toddlers.
Why you’ll love them: Lebze jumbo crayons are a little more than 4 inches long, and a half an inch in diameter. They are BIG (which we know is great for working on your child’s grasp and not breaking). They are washable, colorful crayons that will allow your child lots of creativity. They also come in two sizes-a 16 count or a 24 count. This is a great option if you want your child to have a large variety of colors!
Jumbo Twistable Crayons
What they are: Crayons that are more like markers with their washability and lids!
Why you’ll love them: These jumbo twistable crayons are wonderful for a lot of reasons. They are nice and big, making them the perfect size for toddlers’ hands. They have lids, which help keep things less messy, and it’s a great way for your child to practice fine motor skills!
The colors are incredibly vibrant, and your little one doesn’t even have to press that hard. I also love that you can get a pack of 6, 12, 24, or 36!
Cheapest Toddler Crayons
If you’re looking for the best value, look no further. These jumbo crayons are made well, and the larger size will help your toddler as they learn to draw.
Crayola Jumbo Crayons
What they are: Well-made, affordable crayons that are extra large and great for toddlers.
Why you’ll love them: These jumbo crayons come in packs of 8 or 16, depending on your preference. And since they are by Crayola, you know they are high quality, while also being one of the most affordable options for toddler crayons. The crayons are even double-wrapped, so they are more durable for your little one. Crayola has perfected the easy feel of their crayons that draw smoothly and beautifully!
Unique Crayons
If your child doesn’t want to color, try using some of these crayons! Their uniqueness might add to the excitement of drawing! Coloring with animal crayons might make things a whole lot more interesting! Additionally, if your child is having a hard time wanting to color, let them color on the walls with washable crayon markers (check them out below).
Alex Little Hands Farm Fingers Crayons
What they are: Unique crayons, shaped like farm animals!
Why you’ll love them: Alex Little Hands Farm Fingers Crayons are designed to look like farm animals, which makes them fun and appealing for toddlers.
The crayons are designed for your toddler to put on their fingers: like finger puppets! This unique design might help those little ones that are initially hesitant to color.
The colors are bright and come in a handy storage container.
Additionally, your child can work on farm vocabulary while they use these fun crayons.
Related Article: Ways to Work on Language with Babies and Toddlers
Bath Crayons
What they are: Crayons you can use in the bath!
Why you’ll love them: Munchkin bath crayons are a fun way to help your child explore with creativity while getting clean! These crayons are extra big so that toddlers can grasp them easily. Of course, they are easily washed away with a washcloth or sponge. The crayons don’t contain any toxic chemicals, and come in a pack of 10 (although there are only 5 colors).
The manufacturer recommends these toys for 3-year-olds, but as long as you are supervising your child (which you should be since they are in the bath!) your two-year-old should be okay.
Chalk Crayons
What they are: Chalk that is specifically made for toddlers, (but great for older children, too!).
Why you’ll love them: These chalk crayons were designed with toddlers in mind! They have protective paper over the body of the crayon, so you can cut down on the mess. They are also nice and big, so they don’t break as easily. The dust-free design helps ensure your child’s safety so that no harm will be done to your child’s respiratory system.
They can be used outside on the sidewalk or driveway, or on a blackboard inside.
These chalk crayons are another great opportunity for your child to explore their creative side!
Hopefully, you have found what you are looking for: crayons that will be safe while your child enjoys color exploration! If I missed one of your favorite sets of crayons, or you have questions about coloring with your toddler, drop a comment below!
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