
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+

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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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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

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