Top 10 Coloring Tools Every Parent Should Know About (And What Age They're Best For)

Top 10 Coloring Tools Every Parent Should Know About (And What Age They're Best For)

Not all coloring supplies are created equal. What works for a toddler won’t necessarily suit a 10-year-old. Here’s a breakdown of the best coloring tools by age — plus tips to avoid the messiest mistakes.

Ages 3–5:

1. Jumbo Crayons – Easy to grip and hard to snap.

2. Washable Markers – Because walls happen.

3. Color Wonder Markers & Paper – No mess, no stress.

Ages 5–8:

4. Twistable Crayons – No sharpening required.

5. Triangle Grip Colored Pencils – Helps with pencil control.

6. Tempera Paint Sticks – Paint-like effect, no brush needed.

Ages 8–13:

7. Fine-Tip Markers – Great for detailed coloring books.

8. Dual-Tip Brush Pens – One end for detail, one for fills.

9. Sketch Pencils – For budding artists who want more control.

10. Blending Color Pencils – Let them learn shading and layering!

Bonus Tip: Always look for non-toxic and age-appropriate labels. We recommend Coloring.kids curated supply lists for each age group!