Crayons Key Terms

Some key terms for crayons

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

Crayons are a favorite tool for allowing customers to enjoy a creative experience, whether in restaurants, hotels, museums, or other public spaces. Businesses use crayons to draw in families with children, as a tool to keep young ones occupied in a business setting. There are also other business uses for crayons including branding opportunities. Learning about some key terms for types of crayons on the market can help a business select its preferred purchases.

Wax-based crayons

Wax-based crayons have become the standard for marketing crayons to a large consumer audience. The non-smear nature of wax-based crayons makes them perfect for young and old users. That's why many businesses offering crayons in restaurants or other public venues will want to use non-toxic wax-based crayons.
Try: Learn more about wax-based crayons at Crayons for Codgers.

Oil based pastels or crayons

A similar tool for coloring is alternately called oil pastels or oil crayons. These are more easily blended, and generally used by children over 3 or 4 years old. Keep this in mind when looking at oil-based crayon options.
Try: See more on oil based pastel crayons at Suite 101.

Soy based crayons

Along with the emergence of soy inks, some makers have now begun to develop soy based crayons. It's important to check on the non-toxic and user-friendly requirements for soy crayons before using them to replace wax based items.
Try: See more on soy based crayons at Prang Power.

Washable crayons

Washable crayons are made with the intention of making it easier to get the inevitable markings of younger artists off walls, floors and other surfaces. These are handy for some businesses where crayon use may not be as fully supervised.
Try: See more on washable crayons from big crayon maker Crayola here.

Recycled crayons

Crayons are an easy thing to recycle, as the stubs and unused portions can be easily melted down and re-made into neat visual designs for new recycled crayons. Recycled crayons help save materials and reduce waste.
Try: Learn more about recycling crayons at craft site Make And Takes.

Non-toxic crayons

All businesses looking to hand out crayons to customers should choose non-toxic versions of these popular coloring tools. Non-toxic crayons are made with consumer safety in mind and do not include volatile elements that may harm children or others who will be using them.
Try: See more on non-toxic crayon options from Rosey Toys.