Washable Markers for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Markers are the favorite tool of most preschoolers. The colors are bright, they glide with no pressure, and the result looks finished. They are also the tool most likely to end up on the sofa.
Here is how to pick a marker that works for little kids and keeps clean-up simple.
Pick the right tip
- Broad, rounded tips survive heavy pressing. Fine tips get pushed into the barrel within a week.
- Chunky or three-sided barrels are easier for 2- and 3-year-olds to hold.
What washable means
- Washable ink is made to come out of skin and most fabrics with soap and water.
- It works best when you act fast. Rinse with cold water and pre-treat before the stain dries. Hot water can set some stains.
Mess rules that help
- Markers live at the table, not on the sofa.
- One cap off at a time. The child puts it back before taking the next color.
- Cover the table with an old shower curtain or a cheap plastic tablecloth.
Good picks to look at
These are widely sold, well-known options that match the advice above. Check the age label and current price on the product page.
Crayola My First Tripod Grip Washable Markers
A chunky, three-sided barrel that nudges small fingers toward a pencil grip. The tips are designed for young kids who press hard.
Watch out: Caps are easy to lose. Keep the box and make putting caps back part of tidy-up.
See it on AmazonCrayola Washable Broad Line Markers
The classic classroom marker. Washable ink comes out of most skin and fabric with soap and water, and the broad tip fills big shapes fast.
Watch out: Washable does not mean stain-proof on every fabric. Pre-treat clothes before they dry.
See it on AmazonCrayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Markers
The ink is clear and only shows color on Color Wonder paper. Walls, sofas and hands stay clean.
Watch out: It only works on Color Wonder paper and pads, so you need refills. Printed coloring pages will not show the color.
See it on AmazonPrintable pages to go with it
Our own printable packs: big pictures with thick lines, in US Letter and A4. Download once and print as many times as you need at home.
