Crayola Crayons Review: Still the One Kids Actually Reach For

Crayons seem impossible to get wrong, but color consistency and breakage resistance vary a lot between brands — and it's the reason Crayola remains the default even against cheaper competitors.

Who it's for

The standard pick for preschool through early elementary coloring, school supply lists, and any household that just wants crayons that work reliably. It's not aimed at older kids or adults doing detailed artwork — for that, colored pencils or markers offer more control than a crayon's thick, waxy line.

What we liked

• Consistent, vivid color on the first stroke, without needing to press hard the way some off-brand crayons require.
• Breaks less often under a kid's grip compared to cheaper wax formulas.
• Two-pack means a backup set is already on hand when the first one gets lost or worn down.

What could be better

• Standard wax crayons still melt or soften in a hot car — store them somewhere temperature-stable.
• 24 colors is the classic set; Crayola sells larger sets if you want more variety.

Key specs, explained

• 24-count, two-pack: 48 crayons total across two boxes covers a full school year of normal use and loss without needing a mid-year restock — and having a spare box already on hand solves the "we need crayons tomorrow" scramble.
• Assorted colors: the 24-color lineup is Crayola's original classic set, chosen to cover primary and secondary colors plus common tones (skin tones, browns, grays) without the redundant near-duplicate shades that pad out 64+ count boxes.
• Standard wax formula: the tradeoff for reliability and low cost is a wax base that softens in heat — leaving a box in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill will cause the crayons to warp or fuse together.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are Crayola crayons non-toxic? Yes — they carry the AP (Approved Product) non-toxic certification, the standard safety seal for children's art supplies sold in the US, so accidental mouthing by a toddler isn't a safety concern.

Q: Will they work on both paper and coloring books? Yes, they're designed for standard paper and coloring-book stock; they don't perform well on glossy or coated paper, where the wax has trouble gripping the surface.

Q: How long does a typical box last with regular use? For a single kid coloring a few times a week, a 24-count box commonly lasts several months to a school year depending on how many crayons get lost versus worn down — which is exactly why the built-in backup box in this two-pack is useful.

Should you buy it?

For classroom supplies or a reliable set at home, this remains the safe, proven choice — the reason it's stayed the default for generations still holds up.

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