Crayola Light Boards
✅ PROS
- Even, bright LED surface that's genuinely useful for tracing — not a gimmick
- Lightweight and compact enough to toss in a backpack or diaper bag
- Takes standard Crayola markers, so refills are cheap and everywhere
❌ CONS
- Plastic housing feels thin; several buyers report cracks after a few weeks of normal kid handling
- Markers included are dry quickly — budget for replacements on day one
The Verdict
If you’ve got a kid who loves to draw, the Crayola Light Boards look like an obvious win. A glowing trace-and-create surface, a stylus, some markers, and a brand name parents trust. But after digging through 200 ratings sitting at a solid but not spectacular 4.0 out of 5, the real story is more nuanced. It’s a genuinely fun toy with some honest flaws you should know about before checkout.
What’s in the box
You get the light board itself — roughly the size of a small tablet, about 10 inches across — plus a stylus and a few Crayola markers to get started. The board runs on batteries (check the included manual for the exact type, typically AA), and the LED surface lights up evenly across the tracing area. There’s no USB charging, no fancy app, no Bluetooth. It’s a simple, focused product: a glowing surface to trace over.
Performance and real-world use
The LED brightness is the standout feature. Multiple buyers noted it’s bright enough to see through standard printer paper and even thin cardstock. That makes it genuinely useful for tracing practice, not just a colorful nightlight. “My 6-year-old traces her favorite coloring book pages for hours,” one parent wrote. “The light is even, no hot spots.”
The board is lightweight — maybe a pound or two — and thin enough to slide into a school bag. That portability is a real plus for restaurant trips or quiet time at grandma’s house.
What buyers consistently praise
- The even, bright light for tracing
- Ease of use — no setup, no learning curve
- Compatibility with standard Crayola markers, which are cheap and easy to find
Where it falls short
Here’s the honest part. The build quality is the biggest complaint. The plastic housing feels thin, and more than a few reviewers report cracks developing after a few weeks of typical kid handling. One reviewer put it bluntly: “It works great, but it feels like it’ll break if you look at it wrong.”
The included markers are also a weak point — they dry out fast, and you’ll want to buy a fresh set immediately. Also, there’s no brightness adjustment, so in a dark room the glow can feel intense. And the battery door is fiddly; several parents mentioned needing a screwdriver and patience to swap batteries.
Who should buy this
- Parents of kids ages 4–9 who are learning to trace letters, shapes, or drawing lines
- Grandparents looking for a screen-free creative activity that travels well
- Teachers or homeschoolers who want a portable tracing aid for fine motor practice
Who should skip it
- If your kid is rough on toys, the thin plastic won’t survive long
- If you want a durable, heirloom-quality art tool, this isn’t it
- If you’re expecting a full-featured light pad with adjustable brightness or USB power, look elsewhere
FAQ
Does it work with regular markers?
Yes. Any standard Crayola marker works. Just wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
What batteries does it take?
Typically AA batteries, but check the manual in the box. It’s not rechargeable.
Is it safe for young kids?
The board itself is fine for ages 4 and up, but the small stylus could be a choking hazard for toddlers, so keep it away from kids under 3.
The Verdict: Buy it if you want a simple, bright tracing board for a young artist. Skip it if you need something built to survive heavy use.
Rating: 4.2/5 — Great concept, decent execution, mediocre durability. For the price, it’s a fun gift, but don’t expect it to last years.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.