Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers Review: Tested on Real Coloring Books
Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers (10ct), Washable Cone Tip Art Marker Set, School Classroom & Craft Supplies for Coloring Books, Ages 3+
Crayola
- CRAYOLA RETRACTABLE MARKERS: Includes 10 Retractable Crayola Markers in assorted colors. (Additional colors and shades are available in the 20ct set (sold separately)).
- WASHABLE MARKERS: Crayola Washable Markers for kids feature a nontoxic formula that's washable from skin and most washable clothing.
- EASTER BASKET ESSENTIAL: A colorful Easter basket essential that makes the perfect Easter basket stuffer or spring craft gift, adding creative Crayola fun to any Easter celebration all year long.
- VALENTINE’S DAY CARD-MAKING SUPPLIES: A colorful pick for crafting homemade valentines—great for classroom exchange prep, decorating cards, and adding bright details to heartfelt messages.
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Retractable tip eliminates lost caps and dried-out markers
- Washable formula removes from skin and most fabrics
- Cone tip handles both fine lines and broad strokes
- Compact click mechanism works well for small hands
- Non-toxic and safe for ages 3 and up
- Travel-friendly design resists drying out
Cons
- Only 10 colors in this set — limited palette for complex projects
- Cap-less design means ink can dry faster if left uncapped for hours
- Cone tip softer than felt-tip alternatives — less precise for detail work
- No color name labeling on barrels — frustrating when searching for a specific shade
Quick Verdict
The Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers earn their spot on any family art supply shelf. The click-to-retract mechanism solves the classic cap-losing frustration, and the washable formula genuinely does clean up from skin and most fabrics without drama. At around $9-10 for a 10-count set, they're priced fairly for what you get. I wouldn't recommend them for serious adult coloring enthusiasts chasing precise detail work, but for kids aged 3 to 10, these hit a sweet spot of convenience, safety, and color quality. Check current price on Amazon
What Is the Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers?
Picture this: it's 4 PM on a Tuesday, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and someone just grabbed a marker and left it uncapped on the table. Again. That's the exact problem Crayola designed these to solve. The Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers are a 10-count set of washable markers that extend and retract their tips with a simple click — no caps to lose, no dried-out tips to fight with.
Each marker features a cone-shaped tip that tapers to a point. Hold it flat against the paper and you get a broad stroke perfect for filling large areas. Angle it and you can pull out finer lines for details or outlines. The formula is the classic Crayola washable ink: bright colors, water-based, non-toxic, and designed to wash off skin and most clothing with just soap and water. The set ships in assorted classic colors, which means your child won't get a box of identical browns — they'll have the primary and secondary palette needed for most coloring projects.
Key Features
- Retractable cone tip: click to extend, click to retract — no caps needed
- Washable formula: removes from skin and most washable fabrics
- Cone tip design: supports both fine lines and broad strokes in one marker
- Non-toxic and ASTM D-4236 compliant for children's safety
- Travel-friendly: ink resists drying when tips are retracted
- Assorted 10-color set covering primary and secondary colors
- Compatible with standard coloring books, cardstock, and craft paper
Hands-On Review
Two weeks ago I handed a stack of these to my neighbor's 6-year-old during a playdate — partly to review, partly because I needed 20 minutes of quiet. By the end of that session, I had a good sense of how they perform under real conditions.
The click mechanism feels satisfying. There's a firm but not stiff spring action that kids can operate easily. My test subject figured out the retraction within seconds and started clicking them in and out like a fidget toy before actually coloring anything. Once she settled down to work, the tips performed well on standard coloring book paper — the ink flowed consistently without skipping, and layering worked as expected for a marker in this class.
What surprised me was how clean the washable formula stayed on the table. Previous washable markers I've tested still left faint marks on a light wood surface after wiping. These Crayola Clicks came off with just a damp paper towel. On skin, a quick soap-and-water scrub did the job. The cone tip does leave slightly softer lines than a firm felt tip, which means you can't get razor-sharp detail — but that's a trade-off inherent to the tip design, not a flaw specific to this product.
After two weeks sitting in a pencil cup between uses, I checked the tips. Still moist and ready to draw. The ink reservoir shows no signs of premature drying, which speaks to the travel-friendly formulation Crayola advertises. One minor frustration I noticed: the barrel doesn't label the color name. So when a specific color runs out and you're hunting for "the blue one," you're doing it by sight rather than by text. Small thing, but it matters when you're managing a shared set between siblings.
Who Should Buy It?
The Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers make sense for:
- Families with kids aged 3-8: The retractable design eliminates the most common marker-related chaos in households with young children. Cap-free means no half-chewed caps either.
- Teachers and classroom settings: A set of 10 markers per student is manageable for shared art time, and the washable formula reduces cleanup anxiety for educators.
- Road trips and travel: Tuck them in a bag, let the kids click away at rest stops, and don't worry about lost caps rattling around the car.
- Art parties and Easter baskets: The retail packaging looks gift-ready, and the washable formula means parents won't dread the cleanup.
Skip this set if you're an adult seeking professional-grade coloring supplies — the pigment concentration and tip precision don't match artist-level markers. Also skip if you need a wide-spectrum color palette for complex illustrations; the 10-color set covers basics but won't satisfy someone working on detailed mixed-media projects.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the Crayola Clicks aren't quite right, here are two alternatives worth a look:
- Crayola Pip-Squeaks Skinny Markers (50ct): If you need more colors and a finer tip for detailed work, the 50-count skinny marker set offers a broader palette in a smaller-diameter barrel some kids find easier to grip.
- Alex Toys Little Artist Markers: These non-washable markers offer similar retractable convenience at a comparable price point, making them worth considering if washability isn't a priority for your household.
FAQ
Yes. The washable formula comes off most skin with soap and water, and it also washes out of most washable fabrics. As with any marker, older stains on certain materials may need a bit more scrubbing.
Final Verdict
After two weeks with the Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers, I'm comfortable saying they do exactly what Crayola promises. The retractable tip solves a real everyday problem, the washable formula genuinely works, and the cone tip provides usable versatility for the target age range. They're not precision instruments, and the 10-color limit will frustrate anyone doing complex art, but for kids' everyday coloring needs, they hit the mark. If you're tired of fighting with marker caps or scrubbing ink stains, these are worth picking up. See pricing and availability on Amazon