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Picking a crayon might seem as easy as grabbing a bright color off a shelf, but anyone who’s tried to color inside the lines knows that not all crayons are created equal. From buttery wax sticks that glide like silk to rugged, classroom-ready crayons that survive backpack trials, the right choice affects color vibrancy, blending ability, safety, and even how long a child’s masterpiece lasts on the fridge. This guide helps you navigate where to buy the best crayons and drawing tools in the US, what to look for, and how to get the most value—whether you’re shopping for kindergarten projects, adult coloring therapy, or a budding young artist.
The US has plenty of retailers that cater to different needs: budget, specialty art quality, craft-oriented stores, and mega-retailers that combine convenience with competitive pricing. Below I break down the best options so you can decide quickly where to shop for the exact kind of crayon or drawing tool you need.
Walmart is a go-to for families and teachers who need large quantities at low prices. You’ll find classic 8-, 16-, and 24-count crayon boxes, bulk packs for classrooms, and seasonal sets. If you want simple, reliable crayons for schoolwork or party favors without splurging, Walmart’s combination of national reach and frequent discounts makes it a practical option.
Target balances affordability with curated, trendy options. Expect to find well-known brands like Crayola alongside Target-exclusive sets and playful packaging that appeals to kids. Target often carries themed or character-linked crayon packs, which are great when you want something special for gifts or holiday activity kits.
Michaels is perfect for hobbyists and serious crafters. They stock artist-grade crayons and drawing tools like wax-based specialty crayons and crayons designed for mixed-media projects. Coupon deals and membership discounts can make pricier items more accessible, and the store’s accessories—blenders, paper, and storage solutions—are top-notch.
Joann blends fabric and craft supplies, making it an excellent place to buy crayons if you’re working on mixed media or school projects. They often have teacher-friendly sales, and their inventory includes washable crayons and chunky varieties for toddlers. Joann’s coupons, especially for educators, are a nice perk.
Blick is a destination for professional and aspiring artists. If you’re after high-pigment crayons, wax oil pastels, or specialty drawing sticks that can be blended and layered like paint, Blick’s curated selection is hard to beat. The staff know art supplies well, and their online descriptions are detailed—handy when you want to compare characteristics like lightfastness or pigment load.
Amazon shines when you want a huge range of brands, rare or imported sets, or customer reviews to guide purchases. You can shop everything from basic classroom crayons to premium artist crayon collections and aftermarket storage cases. Prime shipping often means you get supplies quickly, which is useful for last-minute school projects or craft nights.
Staples and Office Depot are great for offices and educational settings that need functional, no-frills drawing tools. They usually carry basic crayon packs, colored pencils, and markers that fit classroom needs. These stores are reliable when you want consistent quality at a reasonable price without targeting craft-specific specialty items.
Hobby Lobby stocks a broad variety of crayons and related tools, and they’re known for big sales and a frequently refreshed seasonal section. If you’re into themed craft sets, holiday colors, or project kits that combine crayons with other media, Hobby Lobby is worth checking out. Their markdowns on clearance items can be a goldmine.
Crayola is synonymous with crayons for a reason—innovative product lines like washable crayons, jumbo crayons for small hands, and specialty packs for blending or metallic effects. Buying direct from Crayola or authorized retailers ensures you get certified non-toxic products built with kids’ safety in mind. Crayola also leads in educational tools and creative kits aimed at developing fine motor skills.
Crayons today come in a surprising variety of kinds, each tailored to a use case. Think of crayons as a toolbox: you wouldn’t use a hammer to paint delicate details, and similarly, you’ll want different crayons for broad coloring, fine detail, blending, or professional illustrations.
Classic wax crayons are the standard for schoolrooms and homes. They’re affordable, durable, and easy for kids to handle—typical sticks measure about 3.5 inches long and weigh only a few ounces per pack. Wax crayons are great for bold, flat color but don’t blend as smoothly as oil-based alternatives.
Jumbo crayons are typically around 4 inches long and thicker in diameter, making them ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who are still mastering grip. Triangular crayons encourage the right tripod grip and reduce rolling off the table—small design tweaks with big developmental benefits.
Oil pastels and wax oil crayons combine the smoothness of painting with the convenience of a stick. They’re buttery, blendable, and perfect for layering colors or creating painterly textures. These are favored by teens and adults who want richer color payoff and blending capability.
Specialty crayons add effects that regular wax sticks can’t: metallic sheens, glitter sparkle, or formulae that wash out easily from clothes. These are great for crafts, greeting cards, and projects where decorative flair matters. Washable options are a lifesaver for parents and teachers.
Choosing a crayon set is like picking the right tool for a job: consider the user’s age, the project type, and how the crayons will be stored and transported. Here are a few guiding questions and tips to simplify the decision.
For toddlers, go jumbo and washable. For elementary kids, classic 24- or 64-count sets offer variety and value. Teen and adult artists may prefer oil pastels or artist-grade crayon sticks for layering and professional results.
School coloring? Classroom packs and basic sets work. Mixed-media art? Choose oil pastels or specialty crayons that blend well with water- or solvent-based media. Fine detail work calls for thinner sticks or colored pencils alongside crayons.
If crayons will live in backpacks, choose sturdy boxes or tins and consider bulk classroom packs. For home storage, look for cases with compartments to keep colors organized and reduce breakage.
Brands differ on pigment, texture, and safety certifications. Here’s a practical way to look at common options so you can balance budget against performance.
Crayola offers consistent performance, safe non-toxic formulas, and broad availability. Their washable lines and color-rich large sets are great for family households and classrooms.
Artist-focused brands deliver higher pigment concentration and better blending. These are pricier but worth it for serious students, art teachers, or hobbyists seeking archival-quality results and superior layering.
Private-label brands from big-box stores generally prioritize affordability and reliability. They’re perfect for everyday use, teaching aids, and volume purchases, though they might lack the color brilliance or blendability of premium lines.
Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to children’s art supplies. Look for ASTM D-4236 labeling (in the US) and AP Non-Toxic certification for reassurance. If sustainability matters to you, there are options with recycled wax, natural pigments, or biodegradable packaging.
Most major brands meet non-toxic standards, but always check the label if a child with sensitivities will use the product. Safety seals and certifications are a quick way to confirm compliance.
Some brands now offer crayons made from renewable materials or recycled wax and come in cardboard tubes instead of plastic. If you’re aiming to reduce waste, look for minimal packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients.
With a little care, crayon sets can stay intact for years. Proper storage prevents breakage, melting, and color mixing. Think of your crayon box like a small garden: keep it organized, dry, and out of extreme heat.
Store crayons in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources—temperatures above room temperature can cause warping or melting. Small plastic organizers or tins keep colors separated and are easy to tote around.
Broken crayons can be melted down to create multi-color novelty crayons or pressed back together using a small oven-safe mold. It’s an eco-friendly way to salvage pieces and create fun shapes for kids.
Buying art supplies smartly can stretch your budget and keep quality high. Consider these tactics to get the most bang for your buck when purchasing crayons and drawing tools.
Bulk packs at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, or office supply stores are economical for classrooms, daycares, or birthday parties. Per-unit cost drops substantially when you buy in larger quantities.
Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby regularly offer coupons and sales. Signing up for email lists or loyalty programs can unlock frequent discounts on larger or premium sets. Back-to-school season is also prime time for deals.
Crayons are more versatile than you might think. They’re great for resist techniques, wax transfer art, and DIY crayon candles or painted canvases. Here are some quick ideas to spark creativity.
Color a design with crayons on paper, then paint over it with watercolor. The wax resists the paint and creates striking contrast—great for classroom art lessons about texture and layering.
Melt crayon bits with a hair dryer or heat gun to create drips and abstract patterns on canvas. This gives a modern, vibrant effect and is excellent for mixed-media home décor projects.
For parents: stick with washable, non-toxic crayons in jumbo sizes for the youngest artists and a 24- or 64-count set for school-age kids. For teachers: bulk classroom packs from big-box stores or educator discounts at Joann and Michaels will keep costs down. For hobbyists and pros: invest in artist-grade wax oil pastels or premium crayon sets from specialist retailers like Blick for superior pigment and blendability.
Selecting the best crayons and drawing tools is about matching the user, project, and budget. From Walmart and Target for budget-conscious families, to Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby for craft-focused shoppers, and Blick or specialized lines for serious artists, the US market covers every need. Consider safety certifications, the type of crayon you need, and smart purchasing strategies like bulk buys and seasonal sales. With the right supplies and a few creative techniques, crayons can bring years of colorful expression and memorable projects—one stroke at a time.
| Crayons | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Lyra Water Soluble Graphite Crayons - 6b | $ 1,99 | |
| Lyra Watersoluble Graphite Crayon - 9b | $ 1,99 | |
| 408-count Crayon Premium Class Pack Best-buy Assortment 8 Colors Full Size 3 | $ 29,99 |
