National Crayon Day

Celebrated on 03/31/2026

Quick Fact

National Crayon Day is celebrated on March 31st, marking the anniversary of the day Binney & Smith (now Crayola) introduced the first box of eight crayons in 1903. The average child in the United States will use about 730 crayons by the age of 10, and the most popular crayon color is blue.

Origins and Establishment of National Crayon Day

National Crayon Day was established to celebrate the invention of crayons and their impact on art and childhood creativity. The holiday is observed annually on March 31st, which coincides with the date in 1903 when Binney & Smith introduced the first box of eight crayons. While the exact origin of the holiday is unclear, it is believed to have been created by crayon enthusiasts and promoted by organizations like the Crayon Collection, which aims to recycle crayons for children in need.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Crayon Day has evolved from a niche observance into a widely recognized celebration of creativity. Today, it is marked by schools, art programs, and families engaging in coloring activities, crayon-themed crafts, and educational events. Social media campaigns often encourage sharing artwork using the hashtag #NationalCrayonDay. Crayola, the leading crayon manufacturer, frequently participates by offering special promotions, coloring contests, and releasing new colors or products to commemorate the day.

Facts & General Observations

• Crayola produces nearly 3 billion crayons each year, enough to circle the Earth six times.
• The first box of Crayola crayons sold for just a nickel and contained eight colors: black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green.
• The smell of crayons is so distinctive that it was ranked the 18th most recognizable scent to American adults in a 2002 study.

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