I had limited space in my boxes when I came to Israel, yet one of the things I insisted on bringing with me was my box of 64 colors of crayola crayons. Classic toys are classic for a reason, and Crayola crayons are classics. They're worth keeping with you. Crayola crayons are easy enough for a toddler to use, and versatile enough that even adult artists use them. But there are lots of crayons on the market, so why crayola?

Crayola advertises that they are nontoxic. When I was a preschool teacher, we found out that not only are crayola crayons nontoxic, they are a very effective (if unintentional) kiddy laxative. (I guess it waxes the insides and makes everything slide through.) This, however, is only a bit of trivia and not the real reason for choosing Crayola.

Where crayola proves itself head and shoulders above other crayons is in projects that require melting the crayons. There is something about the wax to dye content of crayolas that makes them work better. One of my favorite projects involves coloring onto the backside of paper grocery bags. The design is outlined first with black marker than filled in HEAVILY with crayola crayons. The paper is then laid WAX SIDE DOWN on newspapers and ironed. Next, the paper is sprayed or sponged with water till just damp, crumpled and ironed again on newspapers. This is repeated over and over until the paper is soft and pliable. The colors become soft and muted. The paper takes on the texture of worn leather. Sometimes I will char the paper around the edge. This is especially nice for art projects with a western theme. I have taken the paper and stretched it in wooden embroidery hoops after decorating with Native American designs. I have also used this technique to make "leather" cowboy vests for Halloween. Other crayons simply do not work for this project.

So between the laxative quality and the quality of the crayons as art supplies, this is the only crayons for me.

As to the party pack...well, I love this set. It gives me a chance to keep something around the house for when a friend comes over with children. When the children get rambunctious I give them each some paper and their "very own crayons to keep." The result is better behaved children and something to stick up on my fridge. It also means that I don't end up with children breaking MY crayons.

I also like these for Halloween. I like candy too, but I have friends whose children are diabetic. By handing out crayons, pennies, stickers and other non-consumable items, I guarantee that children will get something that won't give them cavities or been inedible for other medical reasons.

Crayola Crayons are my favorite toy. I don't travel without them.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4
Type of Toy: Arts and Crafts
Age Range of Child: Whole Family