The Coloring Supplies We Actually Use (& What You Already Have That Works)

Let's be honest: you probably have crayons from a restaurant already. And guess what? Those work perfectly fine.

But if you're looking to upgrade (maybe because the kids are getting frustrated with broken tips, or you want markers that don't bleed through), here's what we've tested with hundreds of families. No judgment if you stick with the basics—our free coloring pages work with everything from dollar store crayons to fancy gel pens.

We're going to break this down into three categories: What You Probably Already Have, What's Worth Upgrading, and What You Can Skip Entirely.

What You Probably Already Have (That Works Great)

Before you buy anything new, check what's already in your junk drawer:

✅ Basic crayons - The 24-pack from the grocery store? Perfect for kids under 6.
✅ Washable markers - If they're Crayola washable, you're golden.
✅ Colored pencils from school supplies - Even the cheap ones work fine for simple pages.

💡 Pro Tip: No really—start here. You don't need to buy anything yet. Download our free color matching guide to see what different supplies look like on paper, then decide if you even want to upgrade.

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Free Download: Color Matching Guide

See exactly how different crayons, markers, and pencils look on paper. Includes comparison chart + supply recommendations by age.

What's Worth Upgrading (When You're Ready)

Here's what parents and teachers tell us makes a noticeable difference:

For Kids Ages 3-7:

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Triangular Crayons

Easier to grip, harder to break. We like Crayola Twistables.

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Jumbo Washable Markers

Wider barrels = less hand fatigue for little hands.

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For Kids Ages 8+:

Gel crayons ($12) - Smooth like butter, vibrant colors. Try Crayola Gel FX.
Fine-tip markers ($10) - For detail work. Crayola SuperTips are solid.

For Adults (or perfectionists):

Alcohol markers ($25-50) - Blend beautifully. Ohuhu is budget-friendly.
Colored pencils (artist grade) ($20-40) - Prismacolor Premiers if you're serious.

What You Can Skip Entirely

Save your money on these:

❌ Expensive marker sets over $50 - Unless this is your hobby, you won't notice the difference.
❌ Watercolor pencils - Sounds cool, but most people never use the water feature.
❌ Glitter/metallic pens - Fun for 5 minutes, then they dry out.

Our Honest Recommendation: Start with what you have. If the kids are frustrated or you want smoother colors, upgrade to gel crayons ($12) or fine-tip markers ($10). That's it. You don't need a $100 art supply haul to have fun.

Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

Crayola Jumbo Crayons – Easy grip, washable, nearly unbreakable.
Melissa & Doug Triangular Crayons – Prevent rolling off tables.
Tip: Tape pages to the table so little artists can color without the paper moving.

Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)

Crayola Super Tips Markers – Bold colors + fine point edges.
Twistable Colored Pencils – No sharpening required.
Tip: Pair with thicker paper (80 lb) to prevent bleed-through.

Upper Elementary (Ages 8-11)

Prismacolor Scholar Pencils – Smooth shading without breaking the bank.
Chroma Blends Watercolor Markers – Add water for painterly effects.
Tip: Introduce blending stumps for soft gradients.

Teens & Adults

Ohuhu Alcohol Markers – Vibrant, blendable, and budget-friendly (vs Copics).
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens – Metallic + white gel pens for highlights.
Staedtler Fineliners – Perfect for detailed mandalas and zentangles.

Storage Solutions

Because nothing kills the creative vibe like hunting for that one purple marker.

Rolling art carts keep supplies mobile and organized (great for teachers too).
Clear bins with labels help kids clean up independently.
Binder sleeves protect finished pages or work-in-progress pieces.
Over-door organizers turn any closet into an art supply station.

We've found that kids are way more likely to put supplies away if they can actually see where things go. Clear plastic drawers beat opaque bins every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best coloring supplies for toddlers?

Jumbo crayons and triangular crayons are best for toddlers ages 1-3 because they're easier to grip and harder to break. Look for washable options like Crayola Jumbo Crayons or Melissa & Doug Triangular Crayons. Avoid markers until age 3+ (choking hazard from caps).

Are washable markers better than regular markers?

Yes, washable markers are ideal for young children as they clean easily from skin, clothing, and surfaces. Crayola Washable Markers are the gold standard. They work on all our coloring pages and save you from permanent marker disasters.

How much should I spend on coloring supplies?

Basic supplies cost $10-20 total. Start with what you already have (restaurant crayons work!), then consider upgrading to gel crayons ($12) or fine-tip markers ($10) if your kids are frustrated with what they have. No need to spend $50+ unless coloring is a serious hobby.

What's the difference between budget and premium coloring supplies?

Budget crayons (like Crayola 24-packs) work perfectly for kids under 6. Premium supplies offer smoother application, richer colors, and better blending—but they're not necessary for casual coloring. Upgrade when your kid starts getting frustrated with tools, not before.

Do I need special paper for markers?

For washable markers, regular printer paper (20lb) works fine. For alcohol markers or wet media, use thicker paper (80lb+) to prevent bleed-through. Our free coloring pages work great on standard printer paper with any markers.

About the Author

ColorPagePrints Team

We're parents, teachers, and creatives who believe in the power of screen-free moments. We test every supply and technique we recommend with real families—no affiliate commissions influence our honest picks.

The Coloring Supplies We Actually Use (& What You Already Have That Works Fine)