MerTales Favorite Coloring Supplies for Kids

black and white mermaid and merboy with fish, tortoise and starfish coloring page with other black and white coloring pages of a narwhal, dolphin and octopus, surrounded by colorful crayons, a paint palette, shells and yellow-handled scissors

Little hands create BIG imaginations!

Whether your little artist is just discovering crayons or is ready to add more detail and color to their favorite MerTales pages, having the right supplies can make coloring even more enjoyable.

We've gathered some of our favorite kid-friendly coloring supplies for little artists ages 2–8: from easy-grip crayons for tiny hands to colored pencils, washable markers and simple ways to keep everything organized.

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For Little Hands: Washable Triangular Crayons

Our pick: Crayola My First Washable Triangular Grip Crayons

A lovely first step into coloring for younger MerKids! The chunky triangular shape is easier for small hands to hold and helps keep crayons from rolling away during creative time.

Why we like them:

Made for little hands

Triangular easy-grip shape

Washable

Great for early scribbling and coloring

A wonderful match for the MerTales First Feelings books and activities

Best for: Ages 2+

girl coloring a mertales coloring book image with Crayola My First Washable Triangular Grip Crayons while happy Mom looks on

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Easy-Grip Large Washable Crayons

Our pick: Crayola Ultra-Clean Large Washable Crayons

For children who are ready for a traditional crayon but still benefit from something a little larger and easier to hold.

Why we like them:

Larger than standard crayons

Bright, familiar colors

Washable formula

Easier for younger children to grip

Great for the big open coloring spaces in MerTales pages

Best for: Preschool and early elementary artists

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boy coloringmrtaes image with Crayola Ultra-Clean Large Washable Crayons while happy Dad looks on

Everyday Washable Crayons

Our pick: Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Crayons — 24 Count

A classic box of crayons is still one of the easiest ways to enjoy screen-free creative time. A good range of colors lets children make their MerTales underwater world entirely their own.

Why we like them:

Plenty of color choices without being overwhelming

Washable

Familiar size for growing artists

Easy everyday coloring option

Budget-friendly creative fun

Best for: Ages 4–8

girl coloring mertales image with Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Crayons while happy Dad looks on

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Triangular Colored Pencils

Our pick: STAEDTLER Triangular Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are wonderful when children begin enjoying smaller details. The triangular shape can feel more comfortable in little hands while giving children more control than a crayon.

Why we like them:

Comfortable triangular barrel

Great for details

Encourages controlled coloring

Wonderful for older MerTales artists

Easy to store and travel with

Best for: Children ready for more detailed coloring

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Girl coloring with STAEDTLER Triangular Colored Pencils while happy grandma looks on

Washable Markers

Our pick: Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers

Sometimes a MerKid wants BIG, bright color! Washable markers provide vivid color without requiring much pressure, and Super Tips can be used for both larger spaces and smaller details.

Why we like them:

Bright colors

Washable

Tips work for both broad and finer lines

Great for coloring, drawing and creating

Adds variety to your child's art supplies

Best for: Kids who enjoy bold color

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A No-Mess Pencil Sharpener

Our pick: An enclosed STAEDTLER pencil sharpener

Colored pencils are much more fun when they're actually sharp! We prefer an enclosed sharpener that catches the shavings instead of leaving them scattered across the table.

Why we like it:

Contains pencil shavings

Easy to keep with coloring supplies

Small enough for a travel kit

Handy for both regular and colored pencils

Parent tip: Pencil sharpeners contain blades, so this is an adult-supervision item for younger MerKids.

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Keep It Together: Art Supply Organizer

Crayons have an amazing ability to disappear!

A simple divided organizer gives crayons, pencils and markers their own little homes and makes it easier for children to choose their supplies — and help put them away when coloring time is finished.

Look for:

A carry handle

Several divided compartments

Rounded kid-friendly edges

Enough room for crayons, pencils and markers

Something easy to wipe clean

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Take MerTales With You: Portable Coloring Case

Coloring doesn't have to stay at the kitchen table.

A portable art case is wonderful for road trips, restaurants, appointments, visits with grandparents and anywhere a little screen-free entertainment might come in handy.

Look for:

Zippered closure

Individual pencil/crayon loops

A carrying handle

Space for coloring pages

A size your child can comfortably carry

Pop in a few favorite supplies and some MerTales pages and you've created your own little MerTales Coloring Adventure Kit!

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Easy-Grip Pencil Helpers

Our pick: JuneLsy Pencil Grips for Kids

Sometimes little hands just need a little extra help finding a comfortable way to hold a pencil.

These soft pencil grips are designed to guide small fingers into a more natural writing and coloring position, making them a helpful option for children who are still developing pencil control or who tire easily when coloring.

Why we like them:

Soft and comfortable for little fingers

Helps guide finger placement

Can make pencils easier to control

Useful for coloring, drawing, and early handwriting practice

Simple to slip onto many standard pencils

Comes in bright, kid-friendly colors

Best for: Preschool and early elementary children who are still developing a comfortable pencil grip.

Parent Tip: Every child develops hand strength and pencil control at their own pace. A simple grip like this can make coloring feel a little easier and help children focus more on the fun of creating.

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🧜‍♀️ A MerTales Tip

You don't need a giant box of art supplies to encourage creativity.

For younger children, offering just a few colors at a time can make coloring feel less overwhelming. As children grow, add more choices — pencils, markers and additional colors — and let them discover what they enjoy most.

There is no "right" way to color a MerTales page.

Purple dolphins?
Rainbow mermaid tails?
Green hair?
Absolutely!

Creativity belongs to the child.

Ready for a MerTales Coloring Adventure?

Pick your favorite supplies, choose a MerTales coloring page and let those

Strong Hearts & Bright Minds get creative.

Help Your Child Grow a Strong Heart and Bright Mind

Discover screen-free underwater adventures filled with kindness, courage, friendship, gratitude and joy.

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