Looking for the best art supplies to inspire your kids’ creativity? Whether you’re shopping for a budding artist or just looking to keep the kiddos entertained, our comprehensive list of art materials and craft supplies has something for every age. From vibrant watercolor paints to hands-on craft materials designed for older children, these art supplies will be a hit with your creative family.
Crayons
Ages: Toddlers and up
Crayons are among the most versatile kids’ art supplies, available in a range of quality, sizes, materials, and colors. Made primarily from wax, crayons are a mess-free option that allows children to express their creativity without the worry of spills. However, to keep the mess truly contained, it’s essential to ensure your child sticks to drawing on the paper provided. A crayon-wielding toddler left unchecked can leave colorful marks on every surface imaginable!
To avoid crayon mishaps, consider setting up a designated art area by strapping your child into a booster seat at the kitchen table. Provide larger canvases like paper grocery bags, coloring books, or broken-down cardboard boxes to let them go wild with their new crayons. If your toddler struggles with regular crayons, look for thicker or egg-shaped crayons, which are easier to grip and use while they develop their finger dexterity.
Sidewalk Chalk
Ages: Toddlers and up
Sidewalk chalk is a must-have for any creative kid. It’s not only fun but also encourages outdoor play, giving your little ones a break from screen time. The best part? Sidewalk chalk is easy to wash off surfaces like concrete and cement, so kids can spend hours creating colorful masterpieces on your driveway or patio.
We offer a variety of sidewalk chalk options, from tubs of 12 vibrant colors to classic black and white chalk. No matter the choice, sidewalk chalk is a great way to inspire creativity while enjoying the fresh air.
Play-Dough
Ages: Toddlers and up
Play-dough is a timeless classic loved by kids worldwide. With its unique texture and endless color options, play-dough offers a fantastic introduction to physical art mediums like sculpting. For peace of mind, consider eco-friendly brands of play-dough made from safe, non-toxic materials, especially for toddlers who might be tempted to taste their creations.
Enhance the play-dough experience by picking up some extra accessories like cookie cutters or play-dough tools. These simple additions can make playtime even more fun and engaging.
Lap Desks
Ages: Toddlers and up
Lap desks designed for kids are perfect for encouraging creativity while minimizing mess. These foldable desks are sturdy, easy to clean, and come with built-in storage for notepads and supplies. They’re ideal for kids who like to draw or craft on the couch, in bed, or anywhere that’s not a standard table. Plus, they double as handy surfaces for laptops or breakfast in bed!
Protective Mats and Sheets
Ages: Toddlers and up
For particularly messy artists, protective mats or sheets are a smart investment. Silicone baking sheets or other durable, easy-to-clean surfaces can be placed under your child’s drawing area to catch spills and splatters. This budget-friendly option helps keep your home clean without sacrificing creative freedom.
Paint Supplies for Kids
Painting is a favorite activity for kids of all ages. Here’s a look at some of the best paint supplies and accessories that are safe, fun, and perfect for young artists.
Finger Paints
Ages: Toddlers and up
Finger painting is a fun and tactile way for kids to explore colors and creativity. For toddlers, consider non-toxic, edible finger paints or even mixing a bit of food-safe paint with yogurt. This way, if your little one decides to take a taste, there’s no need to worry.
Don’t limit finger painting to just paper—encourage your child to paint on rocks, wood scraps, or other surfaces. To manage the mess, try setting up in the bathtub or laying down an old sheet.
Watercolor Paints
Ages: Toddlers and up
Watercolors are a classic and versatile art supply for kids. Start with a basic set and teach your child about color mixing and the color wheel. Each watercolor session can be a mini art lesson, helping your child build foundational skills.
Avoid ultra-cheap sets from dollar stores as they tend to crack and dry quickly, making them frustrating to use. Instead, opt for a mid-range set that will provide a better painting experience.
Tempera Paint
Ages: Toddlers and up
Tempera paint, also known as poster paint, is a kid-friendly option that’s affordable, quick-drying, and non-toxic. It’s easy to use—just pair it with construction paper and let your child create. The best part? Tempera paint washes off easily, so cleaning up spills is a breeze.
Paint Sticks
Ages: Toddlers and up
Paint sticks are a mess-free alternative to traditional paint. These handy tools combine the vibrant color of tempera paint with the convenience of a marker. They’re perfect for younger kids, especially when traveling, and are easy to use without the need for brushes or water.
Sponges
Ages: Toddlers and up
Sponges offer a fun and unique way for kids to paint. Whether you use a simple kitchen sponge or a specialized sponge brush, this method allows for creative expression without the need for a traditional paintbrush.
Easels
Ages: Toddlers and up
Investing in a painting easel can be a game-changer for your little artist. Easels allow for comfortable, upright painting, making it easier to swap colors and clean brushes. They can also be used for non-painting activities, like drawing with crayons or colored pencils.
If your child tends to be messy, you might prefer setting up a painting station on a flat, easy-to-clean surface instead of an easel.
Smocks and Aprons
Ages: Toddlers and up
To protect your child’s clothes during art projects, consider picking up a smock or apron. While an old t-shirt can do the job, smocks are made from durable materials that can withstand splashes and spills. They’re also easy to put on and take off, making them a convenient option for messy artists.
Art Boards and Markers for Kids
If your child loves drawing with markers or tends to doodle on walls, consider investing in an erasable board like a chalkboard or dry erase board.
Chalkboards
Ages: Grade school and up
Chalkboards are a great tool for artistic kids, but they’re best suited for children who know how to use them properly. To avoid damaging the surface, use regular chalk sticks or chalk markers. Chalkboards also double as an organizational tool for homeschooling or household tasks.
Chalk Markers
Ages: Grade school and up
Chalk markers are a fun and versatile option for kids. They work on any non-porous surface, including glass, plastic, and chalkboards. Let your child’s imagination run wild with doodles that can easily be wiped away for the next art session.
Dry Erase Boards
Ages: Grade school and up
Dry erase boards offer a similar experience to chalkboards but with the ease of using dry erase markers. These boards are fun to draw on and simple to clean. Our dry erase boards feature a magnetic surface for holding up your child’s artwork and include built-in storage for markers.
Dry Erase Markers
Ages: Grade school and up
Dry erase markers are a great choice for older kids who like to draw with more detail. They’re low-odor, non-toxic, and can be used on glass windows or other erasable surfaces. Just make sure your child uses them on the right surface and recaps them after each use.
By providing your child with the right art supplies, you’re encouraging creativity, exploration, and fun. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or crafting, these tools will help your child express themselves and develop their artistic skills. Happy crafting!