Walk down any school supply aisle and you’ll face a wall of crayons, colored pencils and markers. Each tool has strengths, and the best choice depends on your child’s age and what they’re coloring.
Quick comparison
| Crayons | Markers | Colored pencils | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best ages | 1 and up | 3 and up | 5 and up |
| Grip | Easy, chunky options | Easy | Needs more control |
| Color | Waxy, softer | Bright, bold | Soft to rich, layerable |
| Control | Low | Medium | High |
| Mess | Low | Medium (washable helps) | Low |
| Blending | Some | Hard | Easy |
Crayons
Crayons are sturdy, cheap and forgiving. Chunky crayons are ideal first tools for toddlers. They build hand strength because kids have to press to get color. See crayon pressure for tips.
Markers
Markers give instant, bright color with little pressure, which kids love. They’re great for big shapes and bold characters. The downsides are bleed-through, drying out and the occasional marker mustache. Choose washable. See washable markers guide.
Colored pencils
Colored pencils give the most control for small details, shading and blending. They suit older kids and detailed pages. Look for soft, strong leads that don’t snap.
Match the tool to the page
- Big, simple shapes, like those in Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals: crayons or markers
- Detailed pages, like many in Trace Then Color: Cool Stuff: colored pencils, with markers for bold areas
- Mixed pages: markers for big areas, pencils for details
Let kids test tools on scrap paper first. They learn how each one behaves and choose with confidence.
Questions parents ask
Which should I buy first?
Chunky crayons for toddlers, then add washable markers and colored pencils as your child grows.
Do markers ruin fine motor development?
No. They take less pressure, so balance them with crayons and pencils to build strength and control.
Can kids mix tools on one page?
Yes. See mixed media coloring for ideas.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
