The Melissa & Doug chalk holder is a clever idea — but the chalk runs out before the novelty does

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Sidewalk Chalk Holder with 10 Chalk Sticks is a clever concept that I wanted to love more than I actually do. The wooden holder keeps chalk organized and prevents the inevitable box-explosion that happens with standard chalk cartons, and the chunky chalk sticks are easier for small hands to grip. The honest trade-off is that sidewalk chalk runs out fast when kids use it enthusiastically, and the novelty of the holder doesn’t extend the life of the chalk itself. Great idea, good execution, but the chalk-to-holder ratio skews the value equation.