The Best Non Toxic Crayons for Toddlers

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Colors bring so much joy into our lives. I can’t imagine a world without them. Coloring is a fundamental skill we learn at a very young age that can benefit the rest of our lives. But if you are like me and strive to keep your home as natural as possible, traditional crayons might not be right for you (or your children). Join me as we explore the world of non toxic crayons.

Plus free coloring prints!

Benefits of Coloring

Coloring is an activity loaded with wonderful benefits, especially for kids. At an early age children can start to develop their hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, and color recognition.

Coloring also sparks creativity, builds confidence and encourages patience and focus. So what’s wrong with traditional crayons?

Traditional Crayons

Unfortunately, many traditional crayon brands today are made with paraffin wax which is a direct byproduct of petroleum. Not only does this wax never decompose, it also harms wildlife during the drilling process.

Furthermore, according to this study paraffin wax is known to contain benzene an EPA recognized Class C carcinogen. Definitely not something I’d want around my young children. Good news, there is a natural alternative.

In honor of #ShopSmall I have separated a list of the best non-toxic crayons into two sections: commercial and small business artisans

Honeysticks

Honeysticks offers a plethora of creative kids products. Their products are made with non toxic ingredients and food-grade dyes giving you peace of mind when your little artist is at play.

This original 12-pack is responsibly sourced from pure New Zealand beeswax and are completely free from petroleum-based waxes. Their vibrant colors are made with safe food-grade ingredients. The chunky design is perfect for little hands and guarantee hours of fun.

Colors: 12 colors including green, red, orange, dark blue, black, mustard, pink, brown, yellow, dark green, light blue, purple

Free from: paraffin wax, fragrances or fillers. Free of the top 8 allergens: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat and Soybeans

Another great option from Honeysticks is their Thin Beeswax Crayons 8pk. These non toxic crayons were designed for the older children as they gain confidence working to draw fine lines.

Colors: 8 colors: blue, black, brown, red, dark-green, orange, pink, yellow

Eco-Kids

Eco-Kids is another great option for non toxic crayons. After originally creating a natural Playdough, Eco Kids expanded into “eco-friendly packaged creative tools and art supplies.” Today they have many different products to choose from.

These beeswax crayons are triangle shaped so they won’t roll off the table. Their naturally pigmented colors are made from real non-toxic and safe ingredients. The reusable cardboard tube makes for easy storage after playtime is over.

Support Small Businesses on Etsy

Here I wanted to give a shout out to the small business women who have created non toxic crayons, safe for your kiddos!

These crayons don’t come off a production line, they are made by hand, packaged responsibly and contain no toxic chemicals. They are unique, untraditional and can’t be purchased anywhere else. These women deserve all the praise.

Stitches and Splinter

Firstly, Stiches and Splinter designed these adorable triangular shape crayons crafted using triple filtered beeswax from her own hives! These natural crayons are made from natural materials including beeswax, carnauba wax, cocoa butter, natural oxide, and natural pigments. These rich colors are pigmented using natural oxides and solid dyes.

Colors: white, charcoal black, ultramarine blue, chrome green, mustard yellow, red oxide, russet brown and violet.

Sonoma Momma

Here we have another small business on Etsy called SonomaMomma. These unique shape “crystals” or crayon rocks are the perfect size for small hands. These non toxic crayons are made with natural pigments and food grade waxes. Not only are these are the perfect replacement to regular crayons, they are much more fun.

Colors:  red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, brown, and pink

PAWsome Treasures

Lastly, we have these jumbo crayons from PAWsome Treasures. Made with 100% pure Canadian beeswax – reviewers rave about their wonderful natural scent. Made using all-natural food-grade ingredients, we love that these crayons are made with a thick design so won’t break easily.

Colors:  various colors include: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black

To recap, try to avoid commercial crayons as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are no safety standards when it comes to many of these products especially those targets toward kids.

Instead take a closer look at the ingredient list and opt for natural ingredients like natural waxes and food-grade pigments whenever possible. When products are created with the child in mind, they are often safer. Plus typically more sustainable products last a long time.

Coloring is a wonderful outlet for children to express their creativity. I hope this article has helped you choose the perfect coloring tool for your little ones.

Download these free coloring prints!