Every color tells a story, but few have as heartwarming a tale as the beloved “robin’s egg blue.” This delightful shade was born from the imagination of an eight-year-old boy, who inadvertently created a legacy cherished by generations. Let’s dive into the charming journey of how this color captured hearts around the world.

In 1992, a young boy from Vermont named Chris Straub decided to enter a Crayola crayon naming contest. Inspired by the beautiful hue of a robin’s egg, he submitted his idea, “robin’s egg blue.” Little did he know that this whimsical name would not only win the contest but also go on to become a fan favorite.

Crayola recently conducted a worldwide survey, gathering votes from 180 countries. To Chris’s delight, robin’s egg blue emerged as the second most popular crayon color ever, just behind cerulean. It was a moment of pure joy for him, reflecting how something he thought of as a child had struck a chord with millions.

Chris recalls how his mother, a third-grade teacher, always had Crayola products around the house. “I spent countless hours coloring and creating,” he reminisced. “Naming a color that would bring happiness to others was beyond anything I could have imagined.” Such nostalgic memories make this achievement even sweeter.

Looking back, Chris remembers his big prize: a trip to California to visit Universal Studios. “It’s crazy to think,” he said, “that my childhood imagination turned into something that people enjoy today.” This is a testament to the creativity that often flourishes in young minds.

Interestingly, pop culture also played a role in the color’s lore: Chris shared that pop diva Britney Spears favored robin’s egg blue during her heyday. “For a middle schooler, that was absolute gold,” he laughed, embodying the youthful excitement of the time.

Now, as Chris prepares to welcome a daughter into the world, he finds joy in knowing that one day she might color with the same shade he named. “It’s incredible to think my little girl will discover this color that has brought joy to so many families,” he said, filled with pride.

Chris and his wife are currently raising their family in Dover, New Hampshire. They both look forward to the day their daughter finds a box of crayons and sees that enchanting robin’s egg blue. It’s a beautiful reminder that creativity, sparked by the simplest of inspirations, can make a lasting impact.

Join us in celebrating the magic of creativity and the charming origin of robin’s egg blue!