If you've been searching for a better crayon for your child, chances are you've come across Kitpas — the Japanese rice-bran wax crayons that have quietly won over Australian parents and early childhood educators alike. But are they really worth the upgrade from the standard packet you picked up at the supermarket? Here's an honest, side-by-side look at what sets Kitpas apart and why so many families are making the switch.
- Kitpas are made from rice-bran wax, not petroleum — safer and more eco-friendly
- Work on glass, mirrors, tiles, and baths — not just paper
- Wipe clean from non-porous surfaces with a damp cloth
- Blend like watercolour when wet, offering two art techniques in one
In This Article
- What Are Kitpas Crayons?
- How Do They Compare to Regular Crayons?
- Where Can Kids Use Kitpas?
- Are They Safe for Children?
- Which Kitpas Set Is Right for Your Child?
What Are Kitpas Crayons?
Kitpas crayons originate from Japan, where they've been crafted using rice-bran wax — a natural by-product of rice milling — for decades. Unlike conventional crayons that use paraffin (a petroleum derivative), Kitpas uses this plant-based wax as its base, resulting in a crayon with a noticeably smoother, silkier texture that glides effortlessly across surfaces.
The brand has built a devoted following among parents, Montessori educators, and artists who appreciate crayons that perform brilliantly without the worry of nasty chemicals. They come in a range of sizes and colour sets to suit different ages and skill levels, from chunky sticks for little hands to fine-tipped options for detail work.
What really distinguishes Kitpas from the pack, though, is the watercolour feature. Run a wet brush over a Kitpas mark and the wax pigment blends into a gorgeous wash of colour — effectively giving you two art tools in one crayon. It's a feature that genuinely delights children (and adults) when they discover it for the first time.
How Do They Compare to Regular Crayons?
Standard supermarket crayons — the kind that come in giant packs for a few dollars — are made with paraffin wax, which tends to feel waxy, drag slightly on paper, and deposit uneven colour. They work fine for basic colouring, but they're not exactly inspiring. The pigment can be dull, they break easily, and they're not particularly eco-friendly.
Kitpas crayons, by contrast, lay down rich, vibrant colour with minimal effort. The rice-bran wax formula means they feel smoother in the hand and require less pressure to achieve a full, even colour. This is particularly valuable for young children who are still developing fine motor control — it reduces frustration and encourages more confident mark-making.
They're also notably more durable. The stick structure holds up well to enthusiastic little artists, and because they work on non-porous surfaces, you're not limited to paper. That versatility alone makes them a significantly more interesting creative tool than a regular crayon.
Where Can Kids Use Kitpas?
This is where Kitpas really shines. Regular crayons are paper-only (and occasionally your walls, much to every parent's dismay). Kitpas, however, are designed to work beautifully on glass, mirrors, ceramic tiles, windows, and even bath surfaces. The marks wipe clean easily from non-porous surfaces with a damp cloth — making the bathtub or a low window a legitimate canvas.
Imagine your toddler drawing on the bathroom mirror while you supervise bath time, or your preschooler decorating the back door's glass panel with seasonal art that you can change every week. Because clean-up is genuinely simple, you can say yes to creative play that you'd normally have to refuse.
On paper and card, Kitpas behave like premium artist-grade crayons — smooth, rich, and layerable. They're excellent for mixed media projects, and the watercolour feature opens up watercolour painting techniques to even the youngest children without needing separate paints and brushes.
Are They Safe for Children?
Yes — this is one area where Kitpas parents can breathe easy. Kitpas crayons are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. The rice-bran wax base is a natural, renewable material, and the pigments used meet safety standards appropriate for children's art materials. They're safe for use from toddler age with normal supervision.
If you're the kind of parent who reads ingredient labels and thinks carefully about what you're bringing into your home, Kitpas ticks every box. They're particularly popular with families who follow a more natural or Montessori-aligned approach to parenting, where the quality and provenance of materials matters.
Which Kitpas Set Is Right for Your Child?
Kitpas comes in several configurations to suit different ages and budgets. The 6-colour pack is a great starting point for toddlers and younger preschoolers — enough variety to explore without overwhelming small hands. The 12-colour set is ideal for children aged 3 and up who are ready to mix colours and take their art more seriously. The Creative Watercolor Crayon Brush Pen set is a wonderful next step for kids who want to explore the watercolour technique more intentionally.
All sets are well-sized for little hands, durable, and come in vibrant colours that are genuinely lovely to look at. Whichever set you choose, you're giving your child an art tool that will genuinely expand what's possible in their creative play.
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Kitpas 12-Color Medium Stick Crayons with Precision Handler and Watercolor Feature for Artists
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kitpas crayons non-toxic?
Yes — Kitpas crayons are non-toxic and made from rice-bran wax, a natural plant-based material. They're free from petroleum derivatives and meet children's art material safety standards, making them suitable for use from toddler age with normal supervision.
Can Kitpas crayons be used on windows and mirrors?
Absolutely. Kitpas are specifically designed to work on non-porous surfaces including glass, mirrors, ceramic tiles, and bath surfaces. This makes them fantastic for bath time art, window murals, and temporary seasonal decorations around the home.
How do you clean Kitpas crayons off surfaces?
On non-porous surfaces like glass or mirrors, Kitpas marks wipe away easily with a damp cloth — no scrubbing required. On paper and card, the marks are permanent as with any crayon. The watercolour feature activates when you add water with a brush, turning the crayon marks into a painted wash effect.