For most children aged 6 to 12, the best first set for coloring pages is a box of colored pencils plus a box of crayons, with washable markers as the fun extra. Crayons are sturdy, cheap and forgiving, perfect for big areas and heavy-handed colorers. Colored pencils give the most control for details and let colors be layered and blended. Markers give the brightest color fastest, but they need heavier paper and caps that go back on. There's no single winner: each suits a different kind of page and a different kind of colorer.
Affiliate disclosure. Some links below go to Amazon, and Meowelo may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon does not sponsor or endorse Meowelo. We list supplies that suit these books, and say what each one is not good for too. Full disclosure.
The comparison at a glance
| Crayons | Colored pencils | Washable markers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail | Low to medium | High | Medium (fine tips: high) |
| Big areas | Good | Slow | Fast |
| Color strength | Medium; stronger with pressure | Soft to rich, built up in layers | Brightest |
| Blending | Some, by layering | Best, by layering | Limited; streaks if overworked |
| Paper | Any | Any; smooth paper shows layers best | Heavier paper; bleeds through thin sheets |
| Mess | Low (wax on walls is the risk) | Low (shavings) | Medium; washable formulas clean up from skin and most fabrics |
| Upkeep | Peeling, snapping | Sharpening | Caps on or they dry out |
| Best for | Younger children, heavy pressers, quick coloring | Careful colorers, details, shading | Bold pictures, cards, posters |
Crayons: sturdy, cheap and forgiving
Crayons are the classic for a reason. They're hard to ruin, cover large areas quickly, work on any paper and don't dry out. Pressing harder gives a deeper color, and pressing lightly gives a soft, textured look, so even one crayon has a range.
- Great for: big skies and meadows, rubbing over textures, children who press hard, travel bags.
- Not great for: tiny details (the tip blunts quickly), or children who want smooth, even color.
- Tip: twist-up crayons are much harder to snap than wrapped wax ones, which helps heavy pressers. Our article on why kids snap crayons explains the rest.
Colored pencils: control, layering and detail
Colored pencils give the most control of the three, which makes them ideal for faces, patterns and small spaces. They're also the best for blending: color lightly in one color, layer another on top, and new shades appear. That's where shading and light-and-dark effects start.
- Great for: details, careful colorers, older children trying shading, any child who likes to work slowly.
- Not great for: filling huge areas quickly, or very young children who press hard enough to break the leads.
- Tip: softer pencils give stronger color with less pressure. Erasable colored pencils suit cautious children who worry about mistakes. More in our guide to colored pencils for kids.
Markers: bright, bold and fast
Markers give the strongest, brightest color with the least effort, which is why children love them. A broad tip fills a shape in seconds; a fine tip outlines and adds details. They're perfect for posters, cards and pictures meant to stand out.
- Great for: bold pictures, cards and posters, children who want instant results, outlines.
- Not great for: thin printer paper (they bleed through), blending, or anyone who leaves the caps off.
- Tip: washable markers clean up much more easily from skin and most fabrics. Print marker pages on heavier paper and put a scrap sheet underneath. See our guide to washable markers for kids.
Which to choose for your child
| If your child… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Is 6 or 7 and colors quickly | Crayons and broad washable markers |
| Presses very hard | Twist-up crayons, sturdy colored pencils |
| Loves details and small spaces | Colored pencils, fine-tip markers |
| Worries about mistakes | Erasable colored pencils |
| Wants bright, bold pictures | Washable markers, on heavier paper |
| Is 10–12 and curious about shading | A larger set of colored pencils (24 colors or more) |
Most children end up using all three on the same page: crayon for the sky, markers for a bright kite, pencils for the faces. Mixing tools is a technique, not a mess.
The picks from our shelves
These are one good choice of each kind from our Creative Supplies shelves, each with an honest note on who it suits:
One good set of each, for coloring pages
| Pick | Best for | Good to know | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic crayons for everyday coloringCrayola Crayons, 24 Count (Pack of 2)
|
Bright, even color that shows up well on bold outlines | Standard wax crayons snap under very heavy pressure | $3.99 on Amazon.comSave 40% Price as of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Colored pencils for detail and layeringCrayola Colored Pencils, 36 Count
|
36 shades, including useful in-betweens | Needs a sharpener eventually | $6.57 on Amazon.com Price as of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Broad washable markers for bold colorCrayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers, Broad Line, 40 Count
|
Among the most washable kids' markers from skin and most fabrics | Broad tips aren't for tiny details | $18.99 on Amazon.com Price as of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Fine-tip washable markers for detailsCrayola Ultra Clean Fine Tip Washable Markers, 40 Count
|
Fine tips for faces, patterns and small spaces | Slow for filling big areas | Currently unavailable on Amazon.com As of DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. |
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Tap any name for our full write-up, including what it’s not good for.
Safety: what to check on the box
Look for the AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute. It means a toxicologist has reviewed the product and found it safe for its intended use, and ACMI recommends AP-labeled products for children in sixth grade and younger. Our guide to non-toxic art supplies covers the labels in more detail.
The Rainbow Kite
Lunai and Riyu turn a tangled kite tail into a meadow ribbon dance.
Print it freeQuestions parents ask
Which is better for kids, crayons or colored pencils?
Are markers good for coloring pages?
What should I buy first for a 6-year-old?
Can you blend crayons and colored pencils?
Are washable markers really washable?
What is the AP seal on art supplies?
The one thing to remember
Crayons for big and sturdy, pencils for careful and layered, markers for bright and bold. Start with crayons and pencils, add markers when your child wants more color, and let them mix all three on the same page.
Conversation
Join the conversation
Tips, questions and stories from other grown-ups. A person reads every comment before it goes live.
No comments yet. What has worked at your house? Your story might be exactly what another parent needs tonight.