Best Coloring Tools for Little Hands
Which crayons, markers and paper work best for toddlers — a simple, honest rundown for parents and daycare providers.
Last updated July 31, 2026
The right tools make colouring easier and a lot less messy. You don’t need anything fancy — just a few toddler-friendly basics.
Jumbo or chunky crayons
Thick, short crayons are easier for a small fist to grip and are much harder to snap. Egg-shaped or triangular crayons also help little hands settle into a comfortable hold.
Washable markers
Washable markers give bright colour with almost no pressure, which is great for children who tire quickly. Look for “washable” on the label and keep them for supervised time — caps off, they dry out fast.
Ordinary printer paper
Standard paper is perfectly fine for our pages. If you want something sturdier for markers, a slightly heavier paper stops colours soaking through.
A simple setup
A wipeable placemat or an old towel under the paper saves your table, and a little tape at the corners keeps the page from sliding around.