Markers are bright, smooth, and fun to use. For everyday art for kids, go with water-based markers; they’re washable, non-toxic, and don’t have a strong smell. Plus, if they dry out, you can usually revive them with a little water (!!). But not all washable markers hold up—some dry out fast (even when they claim not to). Choosing the right ones makes all the difference. They key to independent play here is to find markers that are easy to cap (and uncap) for little hands. Here are my favorites for all ages:
Recommend for Age: Toddler +
My favorite sturdy, wide markers are made with vibrant, food-grade dyes. The jumbo size makes them easy to hold for toddlers, and the bold colors last through plenty of creative sessions. They don’t dry out as fast as some broad-line markers, and the ink goes on smoothly without skipping. Perfect for big, expressive coloring at ANY age! Buy Here
Recommend for Age: 4+
Surprisingly, IKEA markers are a solid choice. They offer bright colors and are most comparable to Crayola Super Tips, but slightly wider and much easier to put the cap on. For casual doodling and creative fun, they do the job well. Buy Here
Recommend for Age: 5+
These are perfect for kids who love to create but might forget to cap their markers right away. Designed to last without drying out, they offer bold, vibrant color and a smooth glide across the paper. The medium fiber-tip provides a nice balance between broad strokes and fine details. Buy Here
Recommend for Age: 6+
These are great— one end has a brush tip that feels like painting, and the other has a fine tip for details. They’re water-based, so you can blend colors together pretty easily (you can even add a little water!). These have lasted me years and years. Buy Here
Recommend for Age: 4+
These are a must-have for kids as they make marks that really pop on both light and dark paper. They’re especially great for coloring on construction paper and cardboard. Buy Here
If You’re Buying Markers as a Gift…
Wishy Washy Markers are non-toxic and fully erasable from non-porous surfaces like windows, mirrors, and whiteboards! Plus, super cute packaging. I also love OMY Magical Felt Pens because they have an extra fun color-changing feature that adds an element of surprise.
