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I feel strongly about providing children with the opportunity to draw, scribble and make marks. Before we start I want to note there are a lot of reasons to provide crayons and pencils before markers. Crayons and pencils provide more feedback to the child, they may be easier to clean off surfaces and they are by far more eco-friendly. But as our children age, we may find ourselves introducing markers into our classrooms and homes.

Many children love using markers, the colours are often super bright and they are easy and smooth to use. But what are the best markers, which ones are better suited to little hands and do any have any eco-credentials?

Today I want to take a close look at the markers that we use and some of the markers that are popular and are recommended for children at three years. 

We found all of these markers have very bright and vibrant colours and all were easy to clean off our table and hands, although we have not had to wash them off walls or clothing. #4 had lids that were the easiest for my 3yo to get on and off. #7 are my favourites, my 3yo uses #6 the most, #3 are the chunkiest (best for little hands), and #2 must be the most eco-friendly.

1. Faber-Castell Jumbo Triangular Markers (AU). I love that these are triangular and come in the basic bright colours. 

• Size & shape: triangular, 14cms (5.5") in length
• Tip: firm, cannot push in.
• Colour: basic range, bright and vibrant
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 12
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: triangular in shape, however the triangular shape makes it difficult for my 3yo to put the lids back on as they need to be lined up correctly to go on. 

2. BIC Kids Visacolor XL (UK here). These are a stand out as they have an unusual range of colours and the markers are made of 54% recycled materials. Another bonus is these were available at a local supermarket (AU).

• Size & shape: length 13.5cms (5.3") tip Ø 4.5mm.
• Tip: firm
• Colour: lovely range including a lighter blue and soft peach colour.
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 12
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: made of 54% recycled materials.

3. Micador Early Start Chunky Markers (AU here). These were by far the chunkiest markers we've tried and they are in bright modern shades. The caps also have a clip on the end so they don't roll off the table. 

• Size & shape: very chunky Ø 2cm, length 11.5cms (4.5")
• Tip: firm, cannot push in.
• Colour: modern shades 
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 5
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+ by manufacturer, although retailer recommend from 2yrs.
• Special features: chunky, modern colours. A part of the Green Earth collection. 

4. Faber-Castell Jumbo Connector Pens (AU here). Markers are fun to use as they connect together and were the only markers where we found the lids were easy to take off and put back on.

• Size & shape: these are a jumbo size and not the size of usual connector markers, length 12cms (4.7").  
• Tip: firm.
• Colour: usual bright and vibrant colours.
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 12
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: jumbo connector markers. 

5. Staedtler Noris Club Jumbo Colouring Markers (UK here). Reliable jumbo markers. 

• Size & shape: length 12cms (4.7"), marker Ø 1.5cms
• Tip: locked tip, cannot be pushed in.
• Colour: usual bright colours.
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 12
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: -

6. Crayola My First Ultra-Clean Washable Markers (UK here). 

• Size & shape: length 14cm (5.5") 
• Tip: low, crush-proof
• Colour: classic colours.
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 8
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: -

If your child is younger than three years have a look at the Crayola My First, Tripod Washable Markers for Toddlers.

Above Otto drew a picture of Otto and Mummy, with lots of food in their tummy. 

7. Artline 300 Watercolour Markers (AU). These are my favourite markers and my older children have used them for many years. They are watercolours and while they are still wet the colours can be mixed or when used with a brush can be used blended. 

• Size & shape: length 10.5cm (4"), 2cm writing width
• Tip: firm
• Colour: beautiful bright colours.
• Easy to clean: Y
• Number in the pack: 12
• Age recommendations: 3yrs+
• Special features: watercolours, while still wet the colours will blend, have a retro feel.

If you are still thinking about pencils, at three years our most used pencils are Lyra - Groove Triple 3 in 1 and Stabilo - Woody 3-in1. Our most used crayons currently are Stockmar Beeswax Stick Crayons.

If I was in the UK I would try these STABILO markers. Remember to recycle your markers when finished, see AU locations here.

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