Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks for Children – Safe Disappearing Purple Formula for Kindergarten Art Projects at Home
Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks for Children – Safe Disappearing Purple Formula for Kindergarten Art Projects at Home
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Why you'll love it
- Disappearing purple color gives kids immediate visual feedback so they can see where the glue goes but it dries clear for a clean look
- Washable formula reduces parental and teacher stress over ruined clothes, desks, and carpets
- Bulk 30- or 60-count pack lowers per-stick cost for classrooms and large families
- Non-toxic, acid-free formula is safe if a young child accidentally touches glue to skin or mouth
- Trusted #1 teacher brand removes the guesswork for first-time craft-supply buyers
- Multi-surface bonding to paper, wood, fabric, leather, and ceramic handles mixed-material projects with one stick
Perfect for
- Back-to-school supply shopping for elementary classrooms
- Group craft projects and poster-making in classrooms
- Home arts and crafts with young children
- Daycare and preschool supervised art time
- Homeschool unit projects involving paper, cardboard, or mixed media collages
Product Information
Visible Application: Disappearing purple formula helps kids see where the glue is.
Mess-Free: Applies smoothly and dries clear for a neat finish.
Educator’s Choice: The #1 teacher brand, ideal for younger learners' crafting and projects.
Safe and Non-toxic: Acid-free formula is perfect for classrooms and homes.
Bulk Value: Contains 30, 0.24-ounce (7-gram) Elmer’s craft glue sticks.
High Performance: Bonds to most porous and semi-porous materials.
Easy Cleanup: Washable for easy and safe clean-ups.
Product DescriptionSpecific Uses For Product: Craft, School
Item Form: Stick
Other Special Features of the Product: Non Toxic, Washable
Container Type: Stick
Full Cure Time: 5 minutes
Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
Viscosity Level: Medium
Compatible Material: Paper, Wood, Ffabric, Leather, Ceramic
Item Package Quantity: 1
Volume: 7.2 fluid ounces
Material Type: plastic
Color: Standard Stick
Model: E555
Number of Pieces: 1
Global Trade Identification Number: 00026000005555
Part Number: E555
Item Weight: 16 ounces
Item Type Name: Glue Stick
Warranty Description: 2 Years
Included Components: 30 Washable Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.24-ounce sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this glue safe if my child accidentally touches it to their mouth or skin?
Yes. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are non-toxic and acid-free, meeting safety standards for use by young children. The formula is designed to be safe on skin with simple washable cleanup, and it does not contain harmful chemicals that pose a risk if a child briefly contacts it with their hands or mouth during supervised craft time.
Will the purple color stain my child's clothes, carpet, or bedroom desk?
No. The disappearing purple color is designed to go on visible so kids can see where they are gluing, then dry completely clear within a few minutes. The washable formula is water-resistant on skin and most fabrics, and any residue on hard surfaces like desks or tables can be wiped away with a damp cloth.
Is this glue stick easy for a 3- to 5-year-old to twist up and apply?
Yes. The smooth twist-up applicator is sized for small hands and uses a medium viscosity that glides on without much pressure. Younger children can apply it with light force, and the controlled stick format means less mess than liquid glue bottles.
Can my child use this on their bedroom desk without damaging the surface?
Yes. The washable formula bonds to paper, cardboard, and most craft materials without leaving residue on finished desk surfaces. Any small smudges can be wiped away with a damp cloth, making it suitable for use on a child's bedroom desk, playroom table, or kitchen homework station.
Is a 30 or 60 count pack enough for a family with multiple young children?
Yes. The bulk 30- and 60-count packs are designed to lower the per-stick cost for households with multiple kids doing regular craft projects, homework collages, and back-to-school assignments. A 60-count pack typically lasts most families an entire school year across several children.
Where can I keep this glue in a playroom or nursery so it is child-accessible but safe?
The twist-up stick format has no cap to choke on and no liquid spill risk, making it a good fit for low craft shelves in a playroom or nursery. Many parents store it in a labeled craft bin within a child's reach so they can self-start art time, while keeping the bulk supply in a higher cabinet for refills.
Will my child be able to see where they are putting the glue?
Yes. The disappearing purple color shows up clearly on white paper, cardboard, and construction materials so children can see exactly where they have applied glue. Once dry, it fades to clear, which helps kids learn to stay within the lines and gives finished projects a clean look.
Is this glue good for a child who gets frustrated with sticky, drippy liquid glue?
Yes. The twist-up stick format eliminates dripping and squeezing, which is one of the most common frustrations for young children using liquid glue. The medium-viscosity formula applies evenly with light pressure, and there are no caps to lose or spills to clean up.
How young is too young to use this glue independently?
Children as young as 3 can use glue sticks with light supervision. Most occupational and early-childhood educators consider glue sticks appropriate for preschool ages and up because they require minimal fine-motor control compared to liquid glue. Very young toddlers should still be supervised to prevent them from putting the stick in their mouth.
Can my child take this glue to school in their backpack?
Yes. Each stick is 7 grams, compact, and mess-free with no liquid to leak, making it a standard back-to-school supply item. Many teachers specifically request Elmer's disappearing purple glue sticks on school supply lists, so it is a familiar and approved item in most K-5 classrooms.
Is this better than a scented or character-themed glue stick for a child?
For most parents, yes. Character and scented glues often cost more per stick, contain added fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin, and are usually sold in smaller packs. Elmer's bulk disappearing purple formula is the #1 teacher brand, meaning it is the same trusted glue used in classrooms, which removes the guesswork for first-time craft-supply buyers.
Is this a good value compared to buying individual glue sticks at the store?
Yes. The bulk 30- and 60-count packs significantly lower the per-stick cost compared to single packs sold at retail. For families with multiple children or anyone restocking a playroom craft bin regularly, the bulk format is the more economical choice.
Could my child choke on the cap?
No. The twist-up stick applicator has no removable cap, which removes the choking hazard that liquid glue bottles can pose. This makes it a safer choice for households with younger siblings who may be in the same craft area.
How do I apply this glue stick for the best bond?
Twist up the stick slightly, apply a thin even layer to one surface, and press the materials together firmly for about 30 seconds. For heavier or absorbent materials like cardboard or fabric, apply glue to both surfaces and let it set for a few seconds before pressing together. The bond reaches a working strength in about a minute and fully cures in approximately 5 minutes.
How should I store the glue sticks to keep them from drying out?
Store the sticks capped or in their original packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keeping them horizontal rather than standing upright helps maintain even consistency inside the stick. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or near heaters, as high temperatures can warp the plastic casing and affect performance.
Can I refill or reuse the empty glue stick tubes?
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are designed as single-use disposable applicators and are not intended to be refilled. Once a stick is fully used, the empty plastic tube can be recycled where plastic recycling is available. For long-term craft use, the bulk 30- and 60-count packs are the most economical way to keep your supply stocked.
Does this glue work on fabric, wood, leather, and ceramic?
Yes. The formula is designed to bond porous and semi-porous materials including paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, leather, and ceramic. For washable fabric projects, allow a full cure before washing. For heavier non-porous materials, an additional adhesive may be needed for a permanent bond.
Will this glue damage photographs or important documents?
No. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are acid-free, which means they are archival-safe and will not yellow, fade, or degrade photographs, printed documents, or scrapbook pages over time. This makes them a trusted choice for scrapbooking, journaling, and memory-keeping projects.
What is included in the box?
Each pack contains either 30 or 60 Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, each weighing 7 grams (0.24 oz). The sticks come in the standard Elmer's branded retail box with a twist-up applicator and protective cap on each stick. No additional tools or accessories are required to use the product.
Is this glue safe to use around children and pets?
Yes. The formula is non-toxic, acid-free, and has no harsh fumes, making it safe for use in homes, classrooms, daycares, and craft areas where children and pets are present. The solid stick format also eliminates the spill and inhalation risks associated with liquid adhesives.
What should I do if the glue stick feels dry or stops twisting smoothly?
If a stick feels dry, it may have been stored without its cap or in a hot environment. Try replacing the cap and letting it sit at room temperature for a few hours, then test it on scrap paper. If it still does not twist or apply smoothly, the stick should be replaced. To prevent this, always recap sticks immediately after use.
What is the difference between glue sticks and liquid school glue?
Glue sticks are solid twist-up applicators that apply a controlled, even layer of adhesive with no mess, no dripping, and no caps to lose. Liquid school glue is a wet adhesive that spreads with a brush or squeeze bottle and is preferred for some heavier or non-porous materials. For most K-5 paper, cardboard, and lightweight craft projects, glue sticks are faster, less messy, and more efficient for group use.
