disable dropcap
- Crayon Rocks
- Rompstore.com, $8 for a box of 16
Smooth, bright rocks hold an odd attraction for children. And every museum gift shop has those overpolished stones right by the cash register, forcing you to explain to your kids why you won't pay for something you could just as easily scavenge at the beach. The nuggets shown here may look as if they've fallen from a souvenir "treasure bag," but they're much more useful: They're crayons. Better yet, they're made of soy wax, a renewable resource that goes onto paper smoothly, much like pastels. The pebble shape even encourages a proper three-finger grip, helping to prepare young children for handwriting. —Ages 4 and up
