Dragon Pencil vs London Bus Pencil: Picking a First Pencil
By Orange Tree Toys | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Guides d'achat
Compare the Dragon Pencil and London Bus Pencil as a child's first writing tool. See how price, design, and FSC-certified wood help you choose the right novelty pencil.
Quick answer
Choose the London Bus Pencil as a low-cost first pencil for toddlers or party favors, and pick the Dragon Pencil when you want a sturdier-feeling novelty pencil that works as a small wooden gift.
Why the price gap matters for a first pencil
The London Bus Pencil is listed at USD 1.49 (compared with USD 1.99), while the Dragon Pencil is USD 8.42 (compared with USD 12.38). That difference is the clearest practical split between the two. A first pencil often gets dropped, lost, or retired quickly, so a lower-cost option lowers the stakes. A higher-priced novelty pencil makes more sense when the pencil is meant to be kept, gifted, or used as a small reward rather than a throwaway tool.
Design and grip: bus topper vs dragon topper
Both are pencil toppers, so the writing experience is shaped by the topper sitting above the hand rather than by an ergonomic grip. The London Bus Pencil leans on a familiar vehicle shape, while the Dragon Pencil uses a fantasy creature. For a toddler who is still deciding whether a pencil is fun, the topper is the hook. For a child who already likes dragons, the Dragon Pencil may get picked up more often. Neither product listing specifies an age rating or grip features, so treat the topper as decoration, not as a writing aid.
Material and durability signals
Both pencils are made from FSC-certified wood, and the Dragon Pencil is also described as made from durable wood. That shared material story matters if you want a wooden pencil gift for children rather than a plastic novelty. The London Bus Pencil does not list a separate durability claim, so if rough handling is likely, the Dragon Pencil has the more explicit durability wording. Neither listing gives a core diameter or lead hardness, so you cannot compare them on writing line or sharpening behavior from the catalog alone.
Decision rules for your first pencil
- If this is a true first pencil for a toddler: Start with the London Bus Pencil. At USD 1.49, it keeps the cost low while your child learns how to hold and carry a pencil. Buy two so one can be lost without ending the experiment.
- If the pencil is a gift or reward: Choose the Dragon Pencil. Its USD 8.42 price and dragon theme make it feel more like a small present than a basic stationery item.
- If rough handling is likely: Lean toward the Dragon Pencil because its listing specifically calls out durable wood. The London Bus Pencil lists FSC-certified wood but no separate durability claim.
- If you need party favors or classroom extras: The London Bus Pencil is the practical pick at USD 1.49 each, especially with its USD 1.99 comparison price.
- If the child already has a favorite theme: Match the topper to the child: bus for vehicle fans, dragon for fantasy fans. The theme is the main difference in daily appeal.
Product facts at a glance
- London Bus Pencil: Pencil topper in a London Bus design, made from FSC-certified wood, priced at USD 1.49. The low price makes it easy to buy several for a party bag or to let a toddler try a first pencil without a big spend.
London Bus Pencil - Dragon Pencil: Dragon-themed pencil topper made from durable, FSC-certified wood, priced at USD 8.42. The explicit durable-wood wording and higher price suit a keepsake gift or a pencil for a child who already loves dragons.
Dragon Pencil
Who each pencil fits
Best for
- Toddlers trying a pencil for the first time
- Party bags, stocking fillers, or classroom rewards
- Children who like vehicles or London themes
Not for
- Buyers who need an age-rated or ergonomic first writing tool
- Children who need a specific lead hardness or pencil size
