A Parent’s Guide to Crayons, Markers & Colored Pencils

Walk down the art supply aisle and you’ll see fifty options. Here’s an honest, no-nonsense guide to what’s worth buying for which age.

Ages 2-4: Big chunky crayons

At this age, the goal is grip and gross motor control. Triangular or chunky barrel crayons (Crayola My First, Stockmar block crayons) are perfect. Skip the markers — they’ll end up on the wall.