National Crayola Crayon Day

National Crayola Crayon Day is an annual American holiday celebrating Crayola drawing products. The brand is best known for its wax crayons, but it also produces colored pencils, markers, paints, and other art supplies. A defining feature of Crayola products is their safety and non-toxicity for children, supported by ongoing testing and research. The holiday is observed on March 31.

History

The exact origin of National Crayola Crayon Day is unknown. It is generally believed that the holiday was created to recognize the impact of creative tools and the people behind popular art supplies used by children and adults alike.

Crayola was founded in 1885 by cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith. Before the company’s creation, Binney’s father owned a pigment manufacturing business. In the early 20th century, the company introduced a new product: soft, multicolored wax crayons made with paraffin and non-toxic pigments. Unlike earlier crayons, they did not crumble easily or stain hands, making them far more practical for children and families.

Over time, Crayola expanded its product range and introduced numerous themed and specialty sets. One well-known example is the introduction of diverse skin tone crayons, which allowed children to represent people of different backgrounds more accurately in their artwork.

Interesting Facts

• The first Crayola crayon box contained just eight colors, while modern sets can include 100 or more.
• The name “Crayola” comes from the French word “craie,” meaning chalk, combined with “oleaginous,” referring to an oily substance.
• Many Crayola colors are known for their distinctive names, such as “Robin’s Egg Blue.”

How to Take Part

Celebrate the day by using Crayola art supplies with your children or by trying them yourself. Drawing, coloring, or painting can be a relaxing and creative activity for all ages.

Sharing memories or artwork created with Crayola products is another simple way to mark the occasion.

When is National Crayola Crayon Day in 2026?

National Crayola Crayon Day is observed on March 31 each year.

Observations