Art Supplies for Children
Buying art supplies for children can be overwhelming. There are so many choices and you can be left wondering where is the best place to start. Here is a guide to help get you started and make the most of creativity and imagination in your home.
I’ve tried almost every brand or kind of art supplies with my children over the past five years. I started dabbling with painting and making art with my oldest daughter when she was a baby. It’s been something we’ve consistently done together since she turned one. My oldest is currently five, and youngest is three, so we’ve had a lot of trial and error with art supplies and projects over the years (at least for toddler and preschool stages).
Since I’m an artist, I like quality materials, but also I want them to be safe for kids and age appropriate.
Below I’m going to share our favorite art supplies and suggestions on how to get started with making art with your kids at home.
I have an open art shelf and specific art and crafting area for my kids that they have access to all the time. This has evolved a lot over the years and I’ve spent a lot of time teaching them how to clean up and be self sufficient in our art space.
We still have messes and that’s ok, but for the most part they know how to clean up and create on their own if they want to.
This is what I’m comfortable with in my home, but if you don’t have the space or aren’t comfortable with the idea of having an open art area, then having a basket where you can store all of your supplies is a great alternative. You can keep the basket on a shelf or in a closet, depending on your preference. I created an art basket for an auction at my girls’ school and filled it with all of our favorite supplies. That is what I’ll be sharing with you today.
Paper & Sketchbooks
Melissa & Doug Sketchpad - affordable, great quality and easy to find.
6”x9” Watercolor Paper - affordable, thick to prevent curling, and great quality.
Blick Construction Paper - affordable, brilliant colors, great quality.
Drawing Supplies
Bic Kids Colored Pencils - Don’t break easily and has an easy to hold triangle shape, (Lyra is also a favorite).
Ooly Beeswax Crayons - Very easy to use, triangle shaped, and vibrant colors.
Kwik Sticks - Mess free paint sticks, fun metallics, and bold beautiful colors.
The Pencil Grip Markers - Don’t dry out, easy to hold, and come in a portable container.
Paint
Mondo Llama Tempra Paint - Quality, affordable, and available at Target.
Micador Jr Watercolors - Great for beginners or toddlers, good quality and non-toxic, (Ooly is also a favorite).
Tools/Adhesives/Extras
Paintbrushes - a great variety pack, (also love Royal & Langnickle Big Kids’ Grippers).
Scissors - Great for small hands.
Elmer’s School Glue - The 1.25oz bottles are best for small hands. Save and refill the bottle.
Glue Sticks - Washable and disappearing purple adhesive to help with accuracy.
Glitter Glue - Kid’s love it! They can draw or paint with it and use as glue.
Child size apron or smock - Make sure it’s machine washable.
Really Useful Box - Great to hold craft supplies and stay organized.
Basket to hold art supplies - Easy to wipe and clean (pictured is from Hobby Lobby).
Variety of craft supplies - Some of our favorites are googly eyes, pompoms, sequins and beads. We change them out seasonally.
The Artful Parent by Jean Van’t Hul - An amazing book for parents that highlights project ideas and gives tips on how to make and talk about art with kids.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg - An inspirational book for kids showing mistakes can be beautiful and inspire art.
Some of these links may be affiliate links. I support bookshop.org because they support independent local bookstores. Blick Art Supply is my favorite place to buy quality affordable materials.
