I used to tell my parents when I was teaching that I preferred, if possible, that they get Crayola crayons because the colors were true, they were made well, lasted longer, and had passed all the different requirements here in the US as opposed to the cheap ones from China. When I showed them side by side with the "cheap" ones they could really see the difference. Same thing with their markers. I am really sold on the Crayola brand.
And I love your story about the pencils. I will definitely be looking for them!