List Price: $3.29/10-pack
Official URL: www.zebrapen.com

Cadoozles mechanical pencils by Zebra make ideal stocking stuffers for kids age 12 and under. They come in colorful designs that would appeal to boys and girls.

The pencils are mechanical but look like real wood pencils. Just push down on the large eraser to advance the lead. This works well, and the lead is a relatively sturdy (0.7mm) to stand up to the treatment of small hands. To change the lead, the eraser comes off and the lead slides in easily.

Though the pencils are marketed for kids 12 and under and the designs are funky and cute, the pencils appear to be designed for the lower end of that range. The colors are pastels with juvenile graphics that would appeal to a younger crowd and perhaps to girls more than boys. Also, the length of the pencils is shorter than traditional number two pencils,seemingly for smaller hands.

All in all, Cadoozles mechanical pencils were easy to use, colorful, and fun. They stood up to regular use and were easy to refill.

PACKAGING

Cadoozles are easy to open by kids and adults. Just grab a corner of the plastic packaging and pull. No scissors required. The packaging is rather flat, but is not completely smooth, which makes wrapping a bit tricky, but this kind of item is often put in stockings unwrapped.

BOTTOM LINE

Cadoozles are a terrific small item to include in holiday stockings for young kids. Use your judgment based on your child’s preferences and personality, but they would likely be enjoyed most by girls ages 10 and under.