I found something that lights fairly easy, isn't messy, and is available at Home Depot.  It's Char-Broil Fire Starter Packs.  They're actually similar to some survival fire starters, but cost a lot less due to the marketing application of these.  I think I only paid a few dollars for twelve, but they burn for a few minutes easily.  They're also in sealed mylar(?) packages that ignite easily with a ferro rod.  Yes, the package is ok to burn as it says it's non-toxic and the instructions say not to open the packages.  Weber has something similar, but in a cube form.  I'm not sure how those light with a ferro rod though, since they don't have wrappers to light.