Mom Hack: These $20 Markers Keep My Kids Entertained For Hours

As a mom of two busy little ones, a huge chunk of my week is dedicated to ferrying my kids from one activity to the next. Modern parenting is exhausting, and it’s easy to fall into unhealthy screen time habits chasing down even the shortest coffee break.

Thankfully, I’ve found the PERFECT activity to help my family slow down and explore our artistic side: DoodleDazzles’ Shimmer Markers.

If you’ve never heard of DoodleDazzles, prepare for a serious throwback. These markers are a dead ringer for an 80’s cult classic, Outliners, and they’ve become a must-have for creative playtime in our house.

Not convinced? Here’s what makes DoodleDazzles better than your kids’ dried-out Crayolas:

1. Screen-Free Fun for the Whole Family

I’ll admit my kids watch too much TV, and Ms. Rachel is often a third parent on busy days. So, I love that DoodleDazzles offers us hours of unplugged family time.

Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a quiet weekend at home, the Shimmer Markers transform a moment of boredom into a creative adventure. Shimmer Markers come in an array of vibrant colors your kiddos will love, with sets of 8 ($17.95), 12 ($24.95), and 20 ($37.95) available.

2. High-Quality and Super Pigmented

When it comes to crafts for kids, quality really matters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to trash dried-out markers that hardly showed up on paper even when they did have juice—It’s a money drain!

Right out of the DoodleDazzles box, the ink is buttery soft and highly pigmented. When you draw with them, they leave behind a silver trail of ink that appears around it. The mixed combination ink ensures that my little ones’ creations stand out every time, and the markers themselves look like they could take a serious beating.

The only drawback is that I’m running out of artwork real estate on my fridge! 👩‍🎨

3. Non-Toxic, Acid-Free, and Safe to Use

If that ultra-pigmented ink gave you pause, worry not: Shimmer Markers are non-toxic and acid-free. Because I’m not worried about what’s in them, I pretty much let my kids go to town—I love that it’s one less thing I have to think about.

4. 80’s Mom Approved

If you’re an 80’s baby—like me—undoubtedly you remember the magical allure of Outliners from back in the day. We spent hours doodling and slambooking with those bubbly, self-outlining pens. It was truly a lifestyle.

My four year-old is just learning to write her name, and seeing the letters come together using DoodleDazzles really increased her writing confidence. Now she wants to add her signature to every piece of artwork in our home. 😂

Break Your Kids Free From Unhealthy Screen Time With DoodleDazzles

DoodleDazzles Shimmer Markers are rapidly climbing the ranks of “favorite toys” in our house, and my kids have invested hours of time into letting their little artistic brains run wild.

If you’re a parent looking for a great holiday gift for your kids, or maybe a “just because” treat for your little ones, give DoodleDazzles and their Shimmer Markers a try. They’re extra nostalgic, high-quality, and a great way to break free from unhealthy screen time patterns.