Macaron Set of 6 Chalks

This set of six macaron chalks looks just like a box of pâtisserie, though it is strictly for drawing. Each piece is shaped as a little French macaron, with two domed shells, a textured edge and a deeper-coloured filling band through the middle. The six colours are green, yellow, blue, orange, pink and purple, so there is a soft shade for every part of a picture. Each chalk is about 5.1cm across and 3cm tall, a round, chunky size that sits comfortably in the palm and is easy to grip while you draw.

We think they are at their best outdoors on a dry path, patio or paving slab, where the broad, rounded shape lays down wide, soft strokes for flowers, hopscotch grids and sunny-day doodles. They bring a cheerful bit of play to an afternoon outside, and they are just as much fun simply to line up and admire before the first line is drawn. As a small present they make a charming choice for anyone who loves to draw, or anyone with a soft spot for a pâtisserie window, and the macaron design makes them a lovely surprise to unwrap.

The chalks come in a pink and white striped box with a clear front, so all six colours are on show and each has its own place to go back to after drawing. Chalk is soft, so the rounded edges will wear down with use, which is simply how chalk works; keeping the pieces in their box and away from damp between sessions helps them last. Brush off any loose dust with a soft dry cloth. For a gift, the box needs nothing more than a ribbon, and we like to give it with the promise of a sunny weekend and a long stretch of pavement.

How big is each macaron chalk?

Each chalk is about 5.1cm across and 3cm tall, a chunky, rounded size that is easy to hold and draws broad, soft lines.

What colours come in the set?

You get six chalks, one each in green, yellow, blue, orange, pink and purple, and each has a deeper-coloured filling band through the middle like a real macaron.

Where can I draw with these chalks?

They work well on dry outdoor surfaces such as paths, patios and paving slabs, where their broad, rounded shape lays down wide, colourful strokes.

Are they real chalk or just decorative?

They are made of chalk and are meant to be drawn with. They are only shaped to look like French macarons and are not food.

How should I store the chalks between uses?

Keep them dry and back in their box between sessions. Chalk is soft, so storing it away from damp helps the macaron shapes last longer.

Do they make a good gift?

We think so. They make a cheerful present for anyone who loves drawing outdoors, and the striped box with its clear front is pretty enough to give as it is.