Best Crayons for 1 Year Olds
What Age Do Children Start to Draw or Scribble?
One of the most exciting milestones in a child's early development is when they begin to express themselves through drawing and scribbling. Parents often wonder, “What age do children start to draw or scribble?” As an undergraduate pursuing my education degree, I was captivated by the child development courses focused on the arts. It was fascinating to study how young children perceive the world and express themselves through their drawings, as well as to observe the progression of their drawing skills over time. Understanding this aspect of development can help in providing the right tools and encouragement to nurture a child's artistic abilities.
When Do Children Start Drawing?
Children typically start to show interest in drawing and scribbling around the age of one. This is the stage when they begin to gain better control of their hand movements and can hold objects, such as chunky crayons, with more precision. The act of scribbling is not just about creating art but also plays a crucial role in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Can a One-Year-Old Use Crayons?
Yes, a one-year-old can use crayons! At this age, it's all about exploration. Younger children might not create recognizable shapes or patterns, but the simple act of making marks on paper is an important step in their development. To make this experience enjoyable and safe, it's essential to choose the right type of crayons when they start coloring and encourage your child to not put the crayons in their mouth when kids start coloring. Art 2 the Extreme specializes in crayons for kids. I specifically created an oversized crayon, best for my little one's grasp, that was sturdy and would not roll off a table. It was important to me as a new mom and former elementary teacher for my kid to have a crayon with a point that is high-quality, inviting, and long-lasting. The Crayon Stix® crayon design was born from my original drawing and remains our second most popular crayon shapes today (the personalized name crayons are the most popular, but better for a 3 year old and older).
The Best Crayons for 1-Year-Olds
When selecting crayons for a one-year-old, safety and usability are the top priorities. Here are some characteristics to look for:
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Chunky Crayons: These are ideal for little hands that are still developing their grip strength. Their larger size makes them easier to hold and less likely to break. Chunky crayons for 1 year olds have a better chance of encouragement to use the pincer grasp, the coordination of the index finger and thumb. While older kids get plenty of practice with pencils, little ones are more interested in wax crayons with a coloring page.
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Oversized Crayons: Similar to chunky crayons, oversized crayons provide a comfortable grip for toddlers and reduce the risk of choking. Oversized crayons are also fun to make marks as kids start coloring and writing with crayon and markers.
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Non-Toxic Crayons: Always ensure the crayons are made from non-toxic materials, as toddlers tend to explore with their mouths. Beeswax crayons are a great non-toxic option, providing vibrant colors and a smooth drawing experience. Soy crayons can be a fun option to color, but with full disclosure, the crayon shades might not draw as well as kids expect. Our handmade crayon company uses only non-toxic, recycled crayons from Crayola.
One excellent option that meets all these criteria are the Original Rainbow Crayon® gifts from our handmade crayon shop. These crayons are not only safe and easy to handle but also introduce children to a world of vibrant colors, making their first drawing experiences even more delightful. We suggest our Crayon Stix® as a first crayon for kids to encourage writing and making first marks on paper. Crayon Stix® are perfect crayons for a one year old child, toddlers, a four year old child and all the way up to the oldest, adult age artists!
Encouraging Drawing Skills of Younger Children
Introducing your child to drawing and scribbling can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help encourage their creativity:
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Create a Safe Drawing Space: Set up a designated area where your child can draw freely. This could be a small table with paper and crayons readily available. Ensure this space is safe and child-proof.
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Use Beeswax Toddler Crayons: Equip your little artist with toddler crayons that are specifically designed for their age group. These crayons for a child are typically thicker, making them easier for small hands to hold.
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Incorporate Coloring Ideas: Start with simple coloring ideas that are age-appropriate. For instance, provide coloring pages with large, simple shapes, especially for toddlers. As they grow, you can introduce more complex designs.
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Encourage Free Scribbling: Allow your child to scribble freely without worrying about staying within the lines. This freedom helps them enjoy the process and boosts their confidence. Rainbow crayons with multi colors make this process fun!
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Praise Their Efforts: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Praise your child’s efforts and display their artwork proudly. This encouragement will motivate them to keep practicing.
When toddlers color on large sheets of paper placed on the floor, they have more freedom to move and explore, which can lead to bolder scribbles and more expressive grasp. On the table, however, you can expect more focused writing and controlled coloring as they work on a smaller page. Both approaches encourage different aspects of their creative development.
The Benefits of Early Drawing
Engaging in drawing and scribbling activities offers numerous benefits for toddlers, including:
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Fine Motor Skills Development: Holding and maneuvering crayons helps strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, enhancing their manual dexterity.
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Hand-Eye Coordination: Drawing encourages children to coordinate their hand movements with what they see, enhancing their hand-eye coordination.
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Cognitive Development: Creative activities like drawing stimulate brain development and can improve problem-solving skills and creativity.
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Emotional Expression: Drawing provides a medium for children to express their emotions and experiences, aiding in emotional development.
Why Art 2 the Extreme Crayons?
Art 2 the Extreme offers a unique range of crayons that are perfect for young children. Their rainbow crayons are particularly popular for several reasons:
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Multi-Colored Fun: Each crayon features multiple colors, making every scribble and drawing vibrant and exciting. This can capture a child's interest and encourage longer engagement with drawing activities.
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Durable Design: These crayons are designed to withstand the rigors of toddler use. They are less likely to break compared to standard crayons, ensuring they last longer. We suggest our Crayon Stix® or our triangular shape crayons coming out for back to school season 2025.
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Eco-Friendly: Art 2 the Extreme® is committed to sustainability. Their crayons are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious parents.
Founder, Nicole Lewis, donates hundreds of thousands of used crayons to non-profit, Crayon Collection, each year. Whatever coloring supplies are not used in her studio are donated to underserved schools around the country thanks to our partnership with the non-profit.
Original Rainbow Crayons® are also a great way to celebrate holidays like Easter, Earth Day, and Christmas!
Coloring Ideas with Art 2 the Extreme® Crayons
Here are some creative coloring ideas to try with our Original Rainbow Crayons:
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Rainbow Scribbles: Let your child explore the multi-colored crayons by creating rainbow scribbles on paper. The mix of colors will make the activity more engaging.
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Nature Drawings: Take your child outside and let them draw what they see in nature. Encourage them to use the crayons to capture the colors of flowers, trees, and the sky.
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Storytime Creativity: Read a story to your child and then encourage them to draw their favorite scene from the book. This helps combine literacy and creativity.
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Holiday Crafts: Use the crayons to play with holiday-themed drawings and decorations. For example, draw and color Easter eggs, Christmas trees, or Halloween pumpkins. A holiday themed coloring book is a great idea to pair with a personalized name crayon set.
Crayon Themed Books for Kids
My Mini Crayon Crew has a bunch of favorite crayon-themed books they have read since they were babies! As a former arts teacher, I often began each lesson with a book, especially with kindergarten age children. Most toddlers are interested in these books because of the pictures and marks on the page! Here are our favorite books for kid story time:
Creepy Crayon by Aaron Reynolds
Non Toxic Crayons
When selecting crayons for kids, especially for toddlers and preschoolers, ensuring they are non-toxic is crucial to avoid any safety mistakes. Non-toxic crayons (commonly beeswax crayons and soy crayons) are made from materials that are safe if ingested, which is important since little ones often explore with their mouths. These crayons use natural ingredients, such as beeswax or soy, which are free from harmful chemicals. For instance, Art2theExtreme’s crayons are only created with non-toxic, Crayola crayons with no other additives, offering peace of mind to parents while their kids draw vibrant pictures.
A common DIY mistake is adding glitter to recycled crayons that has not been tested and can be harmful to a child or babies. If you are learning how to make a recycled crayon, it is important to only use quality crayons and if wanting glitter, use Crayola brand glitter crayons instead of adding your own glitter. When your daughter or son start coloring, it is suggested that you wait until your toddler is at least a year old and not putting items in their mouth. Whether your child is coloring a blue sky or drawing imaginative scenes, using non-toxic crayons or beeswax crayons ensures their artistic journey is safe from start to finish.
Toddler Art Supplies
When it comes to toddler supplies, finding the right tools is essential to fostering creativity while ensuring safety. For example, I personally look for crayons that won't break easily and have rich colors when writing with the point.
Original Rainbow Crayons stand out as a favorite among kids and parents alike. These chunky, multicolored crayons are perfect for tiny hands, making it easy for toddlers to make their first marks on paper. The unique blend of colors swirls together as they draw, creating vibrant and surprising patterns that keep the coloring process exciting and engaging. These coloring supplies are a great alternative to basic beeswax crayons. You can expect high-quality color and beautiful swirls! Unlike traditional markers or paint, these crayons are made of safe, non-toxic wax, making them a great option for toddlers who are still learning not to put things in their mouths.
The coloring experience with Original Rainbow Crayons goes beyond simply making pictures; it’s an exploration of color and texture that captivates young minds. As toddlers grip these oversized crayons, they begin to understand the connection between the motion of their hand and the marks they make on paper. The swirling colors encourage them to experiment and express themselves, laying the foundation for more complex artistic endeavors as they grow. Whether your little one is just starting to explore the world of wax crayons or is already making bold, colorful pictures, these multicolored crayons offer a delightful, safe, and engaging way for toddlers to dive into the imaginative process.
Conclusion
Understanding when children start to draw or scribble and providing them with the right tools, like the rainbow crayons from Art2theExtreme, can significantly impact their developmental journey. By offering chunky, oversized crayons that are safe and easy to use, parents can encourage most toddlers to explore the world of the arts from a young age. Expect and embrace the mess, cherish the colorful creations, and watch as your child's skills and confidence grow with every color and stroke while coloring.
Introducing children to the joys of writing and drawing at an early age helps cultivate a lifelong appreciation for creativity. With the right toddler coloring supplies and toys, such as non-toxic crayons, colorful paint, and an age-appropriate coloring book, your child can safely explore their artistic potential. Art 2 the Extreme's rainbow crayons, with their unique shape and rich colors, make perfect gifts for little artists, providing them with tools that inspire and nurture their creativity. From the first marks on paper to more refined drawings as they grow older, every step in the process of learning to draw is a valuable part of their development. So, gather all the crayons, set up a creative space, and watch your young artist thrive while coloring!
Crayon Gifts for Older Kids
Looking for birthday gift ideas for older kids or unique stocking stuffers for the family? Crayon gifts ideas from Art2theExtreme offer a unique twist on traditional coloring and writing supplies, making them a hit beyond the toddler years. These thoughtfully crafted crayons go beyond basic drawing tools, inspiring creativity with their vibrant colors and imaginative shapes. Perfect as crayon gifts for kids, these products encourage older children to take their coloring and writing skills to the next level, blending fun and function in a way that keeps them engaged. Whether they’re using the crayons to create detailed pictures or adding a burst of color to their writing, these gifts are sure to delight and inspire creativity in every child.
Most popular crayon gift for older kids: Personalized Name CrayonsBest crayon travel gift for older kids: Rainbow Crayon Purse
Best crayon gift to WOW older kids: Giant, Oversized Letter Crayons
Holiday gifts ideas for older kids: Holiday Stocking Stuffer Crayon Collection
Foodie gifts and crayons for older kids: Donut Crayons and Popsicle Crayons
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