Honeysticks

They are not food and are not made for eating, but they are made from non-toxic, natural, food-grade ingredients, so a chewed crayon is not a cause for alarm. Honeysticks use no paraffin wax, which is the petroleum-derived wax in most conventional crayons, and food-grade pigments rather than the printing pigments used elsewhere.

No. There is no honey in them, only pure beeswax. Honeysticks heat the beeswax to 90 degrees C for at least two hours, water-wash it, then repeat the process, which is also why the botulism risk parents sometimes ask about is extremely low.

The beeswax crayons are suitable from 1 year with supervision. Bath Drops are from age 3. The Toddler's First Colouring Book is from age 2. The crayon shapes step up with age: Originals and Triangles suit tiny hands learning to grip, Super Jumbos help build hand strength, and Jumbos suit more controlled colouring and early writing.

For a first crayon, the Originals or the Triangles. Both are short and thick for a whole-hand hold, and the triangular ones will not roll off the table. Move to Super Jumbos as grip strength builds, then Jumbos when a child is drawing deliberately rather than scribbling.

The beeswax crayons are handmade in New Zealand. Honeysticks is a family business that began in an Aotearoa preschool, when the founder noticed children putting crayons in their mouths and looked into what was in them. The paintbrushes, colouring book and bath range are designed in New Zealand.

Honeysticks state their factory does not process wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts or sesame. The crayons are 100% pure beeswax with food-grade colour and no fillers. If you are managing a specific allergy, check the pack before use.

Honeysticks state the Bath Drops leave no staining on skin, tubs or towels. They are coloured with food- and cosmetic-grade pigments and are fragrance free. Rinse the bath and skin with clean water afterwards.

Keep beeswax crayons out of direct sunlight in a dry place, or they will soften. Dry bath crayons after use and store them somewhere with good airflow. Keep Bath Drops in their tin, and try not to handle them with wet hands.

Yes, all of it. The bath tins are worth keeping rather than recycling, as they refill and reseal, and the paintbrush tubes are plastic-free card. The Original beeswax crayons are 100% plastic-free.