Crayons

Best Places to Buy Crayons in the UK: A Practical Guide to Quality, Price and Creativity

Why crayons still matter in a digital world

Isn't it funny how a small stick of wax can spark a big idea? Crayons are more than child's play — they're a sensory tool, a confidence builder and a cheap ticket to creativity. Whether you’re shopping for preschoolers, hobbyists or classroom supplies, crayons remain a go-to. They’re easy to use, low mess, and come in a rainbow of colors that invite experimentation. If you want results fast and with minimal fuss, crayons deliver, kind of like a reliable old pair of jeans that never goes out of style.

Where to buy crayons across the UK

Looking to buy crayons in-store or online? The UK offers a wide mix of high-street retailers and specialist art shops that stock everything from standard wax crayons to premium beeswax sticks and oil pastels. You can pop into national chains for convenience or explore specialist stores for higher-grade brands. Want a quick comparison? Think of high-street shops as supermarkets for stationery, and specialist outlets as artisan bakeries — both great, but different quality and price ranges.

WHSmith — convenience and variety

WHSmith is a familiar name for many shoppers and a solid bet if you need crayons in a hurry. You’ll typically find popular brands like Crayola and Faber-Castell in sets ranging from small packs to classroom-sized boxes. WHSmith is handy if you want mainstream choices, seasonal deals and the ability to grab something while running other errands.

Hobbycraft — the creative specialist

Hobbycraft is the go-to for crafters who want more than the basics. Expect a broad selection of crayons, including specialty waxes, artist-grade sticks and accessories like blending tools and paper. If your child’s school project requires a specific finish or you’re trying out mixed-media work, Hobbycraft often stocks the brands and sizes that general stores don’t.

Ryman — stationery with a professional touch

Ryman balances affordable choices with higher-quality options. It’s a great place to shop if you want classroom packs or branded sets from Faber-Castell and Staedtler. Ryman tends to target students and small businesses, so they carry a sensible range for anyone needing dependable supplies without the specialist price tag.

Cass Art — for serious artists

If you’re searching for professional-grade crayons or wax-based drawing sticks, Cass Art is a specialist that rewards a visit. They stock premium brands and niche products that artists prefer, and staff are often happy to advise on pigment quality and lightfastness. Think of Cass Art as the place to go when you’re ready to upgrade from child-friendly sticks to tools that hold up in galleries and portfolios.

The Range and Argos — budget-friendly bulk buys

The Range and Argos are excellent when you need value and volume. Both stores frequently carry large packs suitable for nurseries and schools, and they often have budget sets that cover basic color needs without breaking the bank. If you’re buying by the dozen or equipping a classroom, these chains can be cost-effective choices.

Amazon UK and online marketplaces — unbeatable selection

Online marketplaces like Amazon UK bring an almost unlimited variety — from Crayola classics to independent artisan crayons. The big advantage is selection and customer reviews that help you make informed choices. On the flip side, be mindful of seller ratings and check product descriptions carefully to avoid counterfeit or low-pigment sets.

John Lewis and department stores — premium picks

For high-quality sets with attractive packaging (great for gifts), John Lewis and other department stores offer premium brands and curated sets that look and feel special. Prices can be higher, but you’ll often find deluxe collections and exclusive bundles that aren’t available in discount chains.

Top crayon brands to consider in the UK

Choosing a brand can be as personal as choosing a favorite pen. Some brands are perfect for toddlers, while others cater to artists seeking rich pigments and blending options. Popular brands you’ll find across UK retailers include Crayola, Faber-Castell, Staedtler, Lyra and specialist makers of beeswax crayons. Each brand brings a distinct character to the page — some are buttery and blendable, others firm and long-lasting.

Crayola — the classic choice

Crayola is synonymous with childhood creativity. Their crayons are reliable, non-toxic and come in a huge variety of pack sizes from small 8-color sets to mega boxes. Crayola is ideal for school projects, home use and anyone seeking consistent performance at a friendly price point.

Faber-Castell — quality and color depth

Faber-Castell produces crayons and wax sticks that appeal to both children and hobbyists. Their products usually offer better pigmentation and smoother coverage than basic supermarket brands. If you want crayon colors that are a little more vivid and forgiving for layering, Faber-Castell is a good bet.

Staedtler and Lyra — precision and artist focus

Staedtler and Lyra are brands often chosen by older students and professional artists who want precision. Their crayons and colored wax sticks hold sharp edges well and are useful for detailed work. These brands are commonly available at specialist stores like Cass Art and some online retailers.

Understanding types of crayons

Not all crayons are created equal — size, composition and intended use change everything. There are standard wax crayons, jumbo crayons for little hands, oil pastels for rich color and beeswax crayons prized for natural ingredients. Picking the right type can lift your work from “nice” to “wow” without needing new techniques or tools.

Standard wax crayons

Standard wax crayons are economical and great for everyday coloring. They’re lightweight, come in many colors and are perfect for children learning to control strokes. If you’re stocking up for a classroom, standard wax crayons are usually the most cost-effective option.

Jumbo crayons — easy grip for beginners

Jumbo crayons are thicker and typically about 1/2 inch or more in diameter, making them easier for toddlers to grip. They’re less likely to snap and encourage early scribbling and motor skills. For preschool-aged kids, jumbo crayons reduce frustration and smear less on small hands.

Oil pastels and wax sticks

Oil pastels and premium wax sticks offer richer pigments and smoother blending. These are used by older children, students and adults who want to layer colors or create painterly effects. They’re great for mixed-media projects where you might combine crayons with watercolors or ink.

Beeswax crayons — natural option

Beeswax crayons contain natural wax and can be more eco-friendly, with a smoother, creamier texture. If sustainability or natural ingredients matter to you, beeswax options are worth exploring. They also often come in unique, earthy tones that differ from synthetic wax crayons.

How to choose crayons by age and skill

Buying crayons is more than picking pretty colors — it’s about matching the tool to the artist. For toddlers, prioritize chunky, washable and non-toxic crayons that resist breakage. For school-age kids, mid-range brands with more color choices and decent pigmentation are ideal. If you or an older child are serious about artwork, opt for premium sticks or oil pastels that offer better blending and lightfastness.

Price comparison and smart shopping tips

Want to get the best value without compromising quality? Start by deciding how you’ll use the crayons — occasional home use, school, or professional art — then compare like-for-like packs at retailers. Large multiples in stores like Argos, The Range or online marketplaces can be cheap per unit, while specialist shops will carry higher-priced premium items. Sales around back-to-school season and holidays can yield good deals, so keep an eye out.

Watch for classroom packs and multipacks

Buying in bulk can save money when you need multiples. Classroom packs often cost less per crayon and are suitable for nurseries and schools. Just remember that bulk sets usually include standard wax crayons rather than premium sticks, which might be fine depending on the application.

Compare pigment and performance, not just price

Sometimes a slightly more expensive crayon will save you time and frustration because it covers better and lasts longer. Think of it like buying shoes: cheaper pairs may wear out quickly, while a sturdier option can be a better investment. Read reviews and inspect brands at hobby shops before committing to large buys.

Storage, care and extending the life of crayons

Crayons are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Store crayons in a dry box or tin away from direct heat to prevent warping. Keep smaller sets in labeled envelopes or compartment boxes to avoid losing colors. If a crayon breaks, you can melt pieces together using a low-heat method — but be careful and supervise adults only when doing so.

Creative ideas and projects using crayons

Want fresh ways to use crayons beyond coloring books? Try crayon resist with watercolors, melt crayons to create drip-art on canvas, or use crayons to add texture to paper collages. Crayons are surprisingly versatile: from wax rubbings on textured surfaces to customizing greeting cards, they lend themselves to playful experimentation that’s perfect for rainy afternoons.

Sustainability and safety considerations

When buying crayons, check for non-toxic labels and safety standards such as EN71 compliance, which indicates suitability for children. If sustainability matters, look for beeswax or recycled-wax options and brands that use environmentally responsible packaging. Safety and environmental impact are small details that add up — like reading the ingredients on a chocolate bar before buying.

Seasonal buying: when to snag the best deals

Timing your purchase can save money. Back-to-school promotions, Black Friday and post-holiday clearances are good windows for scoring discounts on bigger sets. Specialist art stores also put select items on sale when introducing new ranges, so sign up for newsletters or follow social media to catch flash sales and exclusive bundles.

What to avoid when buying crayons

Steer clear of unbranded or suspiciously cheap sets on marketplaces without reviews. Poorly-made crayons can be chalky, break easily and offer weak coverage. Also be cautious of sets with misleading color counts — some packs include duplicate shades advertised as unique colors. Read descriptions and look at customer images to verify quality.

Final verdict: balancing price, quality and purpose

The best place to buy crayons in the UK depends on what you need: high-street chains and supermarkets for convenience and bulk, specialist stores for quality and color depth, and online marketplaces for selection. If you want reliable everyday crayons, mainstream brands at WHSmith, Argos or The Range are great. For artists or thoughtful gifts, try Cass Art or John Lewis. And for craft-focused shoppers, Hobbycraft has the niche supplies that make projects shine.

Conclusion

Picking crayons is simple but meaningful — the right set can inspire hours of creativity and learning. Consider age, intended use and how much you want to spend, then choose the retailer and brand that match your needs. Whether you’re buying a first box for a toddler or a premium set for an aspiring artist, the UK offers plenty of options to help your colors sing.