Remember the sheer joy of squeezing a fat tube of vibrant paint or uncapping a brand-new crayon set? Those simple tools unlock entire worlds for children. But for parents and caregivers, navigating the sea of colorful options can feel overwhelming. Should you buy washable markers or permanent ones? Are those beginner watercolor sets really worth it? Trying to find supplies that are safe, durable, and actually spark creativity often turns into a complicated treasure hunt.
Choosing the wrong art supplies can lead to frustration—clogged markers or paper that tears instantly—which quickly dampens a young artist’s enthusiasm. This post cuts through the noise. We’ve tested the best tools available, focusing on quality that lasts and safety that gives you peace of mind. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear, curated list of must-have art supplies that fit every budget and every budding Picasso.
Let’s dive in and equip your young creators with the perfect gear to bring their imaginations to life!
Top Art Supplies For Kids Recommendations
- BULK CONSTRUCTION PAPER: The 480-count of Crayola Construction Paper features 48 pages (10 unique colors) per pack.
- BACK TO SCHOOL TEACHER SUPPLIES: Crayola school supplies are trusted by teachers and loved by students—perfect for classrooms, homeschool, and creative learning. Includes crayons, markers, and more for everyday back to school use.
- CLASSROOM ARTS & CRAFTS: This bulk set is ideal for school projects and classroom crafts.
- HEAVY DUTY: Sturdy art paper that's both thick and malleable is conveniently bound into a pad for easy accessibility.
- CRAYOLA COLORS: Featured colors include Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black, and White.
- CRAYOLA CREATE & CARRY ART KIT: Packed with a variety of Crayola art tools, this art set for kids offers endless creative possibilities for kids and adults alike.
- 2-IN-1 COLORING SET: This art set for kids functions as both a storage case and a lap desk, making it easy to organize and use your art supplies anywhere.
- EASTER BASKET ESSENTIAL: A colorful Easter basket essential that makes the perfect Easter basket stuffer or spring craft gift for kids, adding creative Crayola fun to any Easter celebration all year long.
- INCLUDES CRAYONS & MARKERS: Features 16 Construction Paper Crayons, 8 Washable Gel-FX Markers, and 8 classic Fine Line Markers for vibrant, versatile coloring.
- COLORED PENCILS & PAPER: Comes with 12 Short Colored Pencils and 30 sheets of Construction Paper, perfect for drawing, coloring, and crafting.
- COMPLETE SET: This is a basic beginner's acrylic paint set with a small table top easel, 4 canvases, a 12 sheet acrylic paint pad, 2 packages of different types of brushes, 2 packages with 12 colors of acrylic paint in .3 oz tubes, a painting pan and coverable water cup for girls and boys
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Sturdy wooden easel features adjustable height settings and folds compactly for easy storage and transport
- VERSATILE USE: Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, suitable for canvas painting, displaying artwork, or classroom demonstrations
- ARTIST SUPPLIES: Comprehensive collection of acrylic paints and accessories organized in a convenient carrying case
- EASEL DIMENSIONS: Accommodates various canvas sizes and adjusts to multiple angles for optimal painting positions
- ALL INCLUSIVE CRAFT KIT: Looking for a fun one-stop, ready-for-anything craft supply bundle that covers all the basics? You found it!
- HUGE ASSORTMENT: Materials included are 100 pipe cleaners, 50 colorful popsicle sticks, 100 craft matchsticks, 50 buttons, 100 adhesive googly eyes, 150 assorted size pom poms, 100 craft feathers, 100 foam sticker shapes, and 1000 sequins. (Some items packed by weight—quantity is approx.)
- EASY TO STORE & CARRY: Clean up time is a breeze! Each craft item comes neatly packed in small zipper bags, all conveniently stored in a large zipper bag that allows your kids to store and transport them without any hassle. Take them on-the-go for car rides, camping, vacations, friend’s houses, after school and more!
- BRAIN BOOSTING FUN: Creativity promotes fine motor skills, problem-solving and even emotional wellness. Whether you need items for your classroom, daycare art center, prek science projects, elementary craft stations and beyond, we've got you covered!
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you’re not 100% satisfied with your Carl & Kay purchase, contact us and we'll make it right! Order risk-free today!
- Create Without Limits: Kids draw, color, and paint on large pages that inspire creativity and provide endless opportunities for imaginative, hands-on art projects at home or on the go.
- Three Big Pads: Includes two 9 x 12-inch pads with 50 sheets each of premium heavyweight bond paper that’s easy to tear out for sharing, framing, or displaying finished artwork.
- Made for All Mediums: Works with crayons, markers, pencils, chalk, poster paints, and watercolors while promoting hands-on, screen-free play that builds fine motor skills and creative confidence.
- School Supplies for Any Occasion: When buying a birthday gift & holiday gifts for kids, or rewarding little milestones, celebrate the moments that matter with Melissa and Doug Art Supplies for boys & girls
- Wholesome Play for 35+ Years: Melissa & Doug inspires kid-powered play with its learning toys for kids, baby & toddler toys, puzzles, games, building toys & stuffed animals, dolls, & even a doll house; product made with FSC-certified materials that support responsible forestry; applies to new inventory only (FSC C156584)
- Unleash & Spark Your Creativity: Your complete arts and crafts supply set with arts & crafts supplies for kids to create and craft. Packaged and stored in a beautiful 2-drawer case.
- Premium Value: Kit includes Pipe Cleaners, Fuzzy Sticks, Pom Poms, Wooden Pieces, Felt Strips, Craft Sticks, Sequins, Wooden Discs, Wooden Beads, Plastic Beads, Sticky Gems, Googly Eyes, Scissors, Sewing Needles, Glue, Glitter Glue, Feathers, Buttons, Thread.
- Unlimited Uses: Make jewelry by adding beads to the thread or pipe cleaners. A windcatcher by gluing sticks together into a shape, decorating them, and then tying beads to hang down. Using as many of the different supplies as possible, make the world’s strangest-looking monster. Create an animal that’s a mix of animals … the feathers of a bird, a tail like a monkey, and the trunk of an elephant. You get the idea... the possibilities are endless with this mega kit!
- 10-Piece Kids Paint Brushes Set – 5 round + 5 flat paint brushes for kids with vibrant handles. Each brush measures 6.5 inches (16.5cm) in length with a 0.4 inch (1cm) diameter ferrule, perfectly sized for small hands to grip and control.
- Premium Quality – Crafted with soft, flexible hog bristles that stay firmly in place and not easy to shed, rust-proof ferrules for long-lasting use, and sturdy handles.
- Easy to Clean – Simply rinse with warm soapy water and reshape bristles after use; keep clean for long-lasting art sessions.
- Perfect Gift for Little Artists – These toddler paint brushes make a wonderful gift for girls, boys, beginners in art and young art enthusiasts. They are essential supplies for kids’ school projects, birthday parties, family painting parties, art parties, back-to-school kits, kindergarten activities, preshool classroom, and every creative occasion in between.
- Versatile Use – These paint brushes for toddlers work very well with washable paint, tempera paint, and acrylic paint, great for arts and crafts, rock painting, leather work, gesso and ceramic art, body, nail, and face painting for parties and events.
- 【Professional Complete Artist Drawing Supplies Sketching Kit】Professional and Complete drawing set comes with a 100 Sheets 3-Color sketch pad, you can start drawing and sketching as soon as you open this deluxe drawing kit! This is All-in-one 176-piece drawing and sketch supplies kit for artists of all skill levels. The art set has 76-piece art tools and accessories plus a 100 sheets 3-color sketchbook, total 176 pieces!
- 【All in one Art Kit】The Premium drawing pencils set includes 12 graphite pencils, 12 colored pencils，12 watercolor Pencils, 12 charcoal Pencils，3 white charcoal pencils, 12 metallic pencils, 3 blending paper stumps, refillable water brush pen, travel Case and more! Each pencil is marked with color name & number, and pre-sharpened. 76pcs art tools accessories plus a 100 sheets sketchpad, total 176 pcs! Perfect for drawing, sketching, shading, blending.
- 【Extra Large Art Sketch Kit Drawing Set】These Professional art kits also include 1 sandpaper block, 1 pencil extender，1 paint brush, 1 sharpener, 1 eraser pencil, 3 blending paper stumps, 1 refillable water brush pen, 1 vinyl eraser, 1 colored pencils tutorial etc. The 12 premium graphite pencils are 2H、3H、4H、5H 、HB、B、2B、3B、4B、5B、6B、8B, the sketching pencils ranging in size from the thickest 8B to the finest 5H for exact drawing lines. This drawing set will be the perfect choice for you to start your art.
- 【Premium Drawing Kit with Unique 100 Sheets 3-Color Drawing Book】The sketch pad is 6"x9", spiral bound, 100GSM, 100 Sheets (72 Sheets white, 14 Sheets toned tan, 14 Sheets black), the 3 colors sketch paper in one sketchbook will meet your needs for different colors of sketch paper. makes your drawings pop and vibrant, this professional art drawing kit is sure to become your one-stop solution for all your drawing and sketching needs.
- 【With Portable Travel Size Case】: Lightweight travel-friendly carrying case keeps all the artist supplies and drawing stuff well organized and not taking up much space, which is convenient for you to do sketching, drawing anytime and anywhere. This sketch art pencils set is great art supplies for adults.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kids’ Art Supplies
Picking the right art supplies for your young creator can spark hours of fun and learning. This guide helps you navigate the colorful aisles to find the best tools for their artistic journey.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features. They make art time safer, easier, and more enjoyable for kids.
Safety First
- Non-Toxic Certification: Always check for labels like “AP Certified” (Approved Product) or “ASTM D-4236.” This means the product does not contain harmful amounts of toxic materials. Safety is the number one priority.
- Washability: For paints and markers, look for “Washable” right on the label. This feature saves parents a lot of laundry stress!
Ease of Use
- Ergonomics: Supplies should fit small hands well. Thick crayons, chunky markers, and large paintbrushes are easier for toddlers and preschoolers to grip.
- Vibrancy and Pigment: Bright colors encourage creativity. Even if the supplies are safe, if the colors are dull, kids might lose interest quickly.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The materials dictate how the art supplies perform and how long they last.
Drawing Tools
Crayons and Pencils: Quality crayons should resist breaking easily. Colored pencils should have strong, centered leads that do not snap when moderate pressure is applied. Graphite pencils should be easy to sharpen without the wood splintering.
Coloring Mediums
Paints: Look for tempera paint for younger children; it mixes well and washes off surfaces easily. Watercolor sets are great for older kids learning about blending. Ensure the paint containers seal tightly to prevent drying out.
Paper and Surfaces
The right paper supports the medium. Thick paper (like cardstock or heavyweight drawing paper) works best for markers and paint because thin paper often buckles or bleeds through.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price; it’s about performance and longevity.
Improving Quality:
- Smooth Application: High-quality markers glide smoothly across the page without skipping. Good quality paints blend without looking muddy.
- Durability: Art supplies that last longer mean less waste and better value. Sturdy plastic cases protect items like pastels and chalk.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid):
- Flimsy Packaging: If the box rips easily or the caps fall off markers, the product quality is generally low.
- Excessive Odor: While some art supplies have a natural smell, strong chemical odors often indicate lower quality ingredients or poor ventilation during manufacturing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider how and where your child will use the supplies.
Toddlers (Ages 2-4): Exploration Phase
Use cases here involve sensory exploration and basic mark-making. Focus on jumbo crayons, large washable paint pots, and thick finger paints. Cleanup should be quick and easy.
Early Elementary (Ages 5-8): Skill Building Phase
Children at this age start developing fine motor skills. They benefit from standard-sized markers, beginner watercolor sets, and sketchbooks. They begin to focus on staying within lines.
Older Kids (Ages 9+): Developing Style Phase
These artists might want more specialized tools, like fine-tipped pens, detailed colored pencil sets, or craft supplies for 3D projects. They need supplies that allow for shading and detailed work.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kids’ Art Supplies
Q: Which art supplies are best for beginners?
A: Washable tempera paint, chunky crayons, and large triangular pencils are excellent for beginners learning to hold tools properly.
Q: How do I know if markers are truly washable?
A: Look for the “Washable Ink” label prominently displayed on the packaging. If it doesn’t say washable, assume it will stain.
Q: Should I buy cheap art supplies or invest in better quality?
A: For very young children exploring art, budget-friendly, non-toxic sets are fine. For older kids who draw often, investing slightly more ensures better color payoff and less frustration.
Q: Are scented markers safe for kids?
A: While scented markers are fun, ensure they are still labeled non-toxic. The scent is usually added flavor oil, but safety certification is more important than the smell.
Q: What is the difference between craft glue and school glue?
A: School glue (like white PVA glue) is generally non-toxic and dries clear or translucent. Craft glue might offer stronger bonds but always verify the safety rating.
Q: How should I store art supplies to keep them fresh?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lids tightly sealed on paints and markers so they do not dry out.
Q: Are paint sticks better than liquid paint?
A: Paint sticks (or gouache sticks) are less messy and dry almost instantly, making them fantastic for travel or quick projects where you want to avoid water.
Q: What is the best way to clean paintbrushes?
A: Rinse them immediately after use with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Avoid letting paint dry on the bristles, as this damages the brush shape.
Q: Can glitter be messy? If so, how can I manage it?
A: Yes, glitter creates mess! Use glitter glue instead of loose craft glitter for younger kids. For loose glitter, work inside a shallow tray or box to contain the fallout.
Q: When should my child switch from chunky crayons to standard ones?
A: When your child shows better control over their grip and can hold a pencil-like object without excessive pressure, usually around age four or five, they can transition to standard sizes.