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Limited Edition Release
Crayola announces the return of 8 retired colours for a limited time!

CRAYOLA BRINGS BACK RETIRED CRAYON COLOURS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN COMPANY’S HISTORY 

Dandelion, and seven beloved retired crayon colours, return in Limited Edition packs hitting shelves this spring

TORONTO, ON, February 5, 2025 – Crayola — the brand that helps parents and teachers nurture creative kids and inspire creative moments — for the first time in its 122-year history and by popular demand is bringing back eight nostalgic fan-favourite retired crayon colours.

The crayon colours making their return for a limited time are Dandelion, retired in 2017, Blizzard Blue, Magic Mint and Mulberry, retired in 2003, and Orange Red, Violet Blue, Lemon Yellow and Raw Umber, retired in 1990. Over the years, the company has received an outpouring of fan requests to bring back some of their retired favourites, especially since Dandelion left the crayon box in 2017. The decision to unretire these eight colours for a limited time will delight and surprise consumers, increase the brand’s available colour palette and give a nod to the company’s first iconic eight crayon box launched in 1903.

With the Limited Edition Retired Colours 8 Count Crayon Pack, Canadians can get reacquainted with some of their past favourite colours, and for some, meet these colours for the first time. Crayola will also be introducing Limited Edition Collection Coloured Pencil and Limited Edition Collection Marker packs. 

Every day, fans ask us to bring back retired crayons. After we retired Dandelion in 2017, the outpouring of requests was overwhelming,” says Margot Somerville, Director Product, Marketing & Communications with Crayola Canada. In over 122 years, bringing crayon colours out of retirement is a first for us; we’re excited to see how they will spark creativity and nostalgia for Canadians. For fans old and new, colour is personal and plays a significant role in educational, emotional and cognitive growth. Before children can learn to think for themselves, they must be free to express what they’re thinking. With the Limited Edition colours in their hands, the future is colourful.” 

According to a recent proprietary survey, nine in ten parents believe that colour has a significant impact on creativity and is vital to their child’s development. The study also found that 96% of parents encourage their kids to bring their imagination to life with colour. 

To amplify the year-long celebration, Crayola is partnering with key brands and licensees who will offer custom programs and products inspired by the Limited Edition colours. Some of the participating partners in Canada include Lee and Joe Fresh, in addition to a host of other lifestyle, fashion and beauty brands.

Limited Edition retired colours will be available in an assortment of products including crayons, markers and coloured pencil packs, activity kits and themed colouring books. All products will be available for a limited time throughout 2025 at most Canadian retailers. Parents, teachers and kids can also expect additional Limited Edition surprises” throughout the year, especially during key seasonal moments such as back-to-school and holiday. 

All About the Limited Edition Retired Colours:

Why is Crayola bringing back retired Crayon Colours?

  • Over the years, we’ve received an outpouring of fan requests to bring back some of their retired favourites, especially since Dandelion left the crayon box in 2017
  • Colour has such a personal connection for kids and adults. It can convey moods and influence people’s choices. And it plays a pivotal role in inspiring creativity, which is an integral catalyst for educational, emotional and cognitive growth.
  • As a matter of fact, according to a recent proprietary survey conducted by Crayola in partnership with the Ad Council Research Institute, nine in ten parents believe that colour has a significant impact on creativity and is vital to their child’s development. The study also found that 96% of parents encourage their kids to bring their imagination to life with colour.
  • This colour collection will give kids even more opportunities to colourfully put their imagination into action.

Haven’t you brought back retired crayon colours before?

  • This is the first time Crayola is bringing back retired colours in a dedicated collection. . And it is the first time this collection is being expanded to additional art supplies – coloured pencils and markers. 

What colours are coming back?

  • Crayon colours making their return for a limited time are Dandelion, retired in 2017, Blizzard Blue, Magic Mint and Mulberry, retired in 2003, and Orange Red, Violet Blue, Lemon Yellow and Raw Umber, retired in 1990.

How were these specific colours selected?

  • We chose eight colours to give a nod to the company’s first iconic eight crayon box. Also, these colours increase our available colour palette and, we believe, will delight and surprise consumers.

How long will these colours be available?

  • The Limited Edition products will be available throughout 2025 at most national retailers. Collect them while you can!

Why this specific timing to bring back the colours?

  • Why not? No time like the present!
  • This year is also the 25th anniversary of our first colour census, so what a great way to celebrate colour in overall.

Why is bringing back these colours important to the brand?

  • At Crayola, we celebrate the enduring value of childhood creativity to help kids reach their full potential.
  • Colour plays a pivotal role in inspiring creativity, which is an integral catalyst for educational, emotional and cognitive growth.
  • According to a recent proprietary survey conducted by Crayola in partnership with the Ad Council Research Institute, nine in ten parents believe that colour has a significant impact on creativity and is vital to their child’s development. The study also found that 96% of parents encourage their kids to bring their imagination to life with colour.
  • We hope that by bringing excitement around unretiring these fan-favourite colours Crayola will inspire even more creative moments for our fans.

Will these crayon colours also be available as markers?

  • Yes! In addition to launching the Limited Edition Retired Colours Crayons Pack, Crayola will also be launching Limited Edition Collection Coloured Pencil and Limited Edition Collection Marker packs. 

National Crayon Day is coming up – does Crayola have any plans to celebrate with these retired colours that are coming back?

  • Yes. The retired colours will be the focal point of a number of product offerings, activities, retail promotions and experiences throughout the year. 

What is the suggested retail pricing for these products?

  • You can find the Limited Edition Retired Colours Crayon Pack (SRP: $1.29), Limited Edition Collection Coloured Pencils (SRP: $2.99) and Limited-Edition Collection Markers (SRP: $3.99) at major retailers in store and online nationwide. In addition, you can also get your hands on a 48-page Limited Edition Collection Colouring Book (SRP: 1.50), a 96-page Limited Edition Collection Colouring Book (SRP: 2.39), and a Limited-Edition Collection Colouring Book and Crayons Kit (SRP: 6.89).

Can we expect anything else from these colours throughout the year?

  • Most definitely. Stay tuned to learn even more about our Limited Edition colours, and for details on how kids be even more creative during the Back-to-School and Holiday seasons with colour!

How can consumers get involved and participate in the celebration?

  • Crayola is always excited to see the colourful creations that our products inspire. For the Limited Edition celebration, please tag @crayola_canada on Instagram and use #crayolalimitededition, and you may see your creativity highlighted in some of our festivities throughout the year.

Is Crayola planning to bring back Dandelion or any other colours full-time?

  • Right now, we’re focusing on our Limited Edition launch and we encourage all our fans to pick up a pack while supplies last!

Is Crayola collaborating with any brands to celebrate?

  • Yes. To amplify the year-long celebration, Crayola is partnering with key licensees who will offer custom programs and products inspired by the Limited Edition colours. Some of the participating partners include Lee & Joe Fresh.
  • We also are working with a number of brand partners on some exciting programs that we’ll announce throughout the year.

Will Crayola be celebrating with any in-person activities at Crayola Experience locations?

  • Yes. The retired colours will be the focal point of Crayola Experience hands-on craft themes and activities throughout the year. 
  • Additionally, these colours will be featured during National Crayon Day festivities — including the 5th Annual Million Crayon Giveaway — held at Crayola Experience locations in the US. Stay tuned for more details.
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