The Best Art & Craft Supplies for Kids

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When it comes to nurturing creativity and imagination in children, having the right art supplies can make all the difference. Whether your little ones are aspiring painters, sculptors, or craft enthusiasts, providing them with the best art supplies sets the stage for endless possibilities and artistic expression. In this post, we’ve compiled a roundup of the 21 best art and craft supplies for kids that will inspire their creativity and help them unleash their inner artist. From paints and pastels to colored pencils, markers, and modeling clay, these essential art materials will ignite your child’s imagination and open up a world of artistic exploration.

Investing in high-quality art supplies not only enhances your child’s artistic experience but also nurtures important skills such as fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. The right tools and materials can boost confidence, encourage self-expression, and foster a love for the arts. Whether your child enjoys drawing, painting, or experimenting with mixed media, this roundup includes a wide variety of art supplies suitable for different ages, interests, and skill levels.

By providing your little artists with the best art supplies, you’re empowering them to create masterpieces, explore their unique style, and express their emotions through art. From vibrant watercolors to versatile clay and everything in between, this roundup will guide you in selecting the essential art supplies that will inspire your child’s creativity and ignite a lifelong love for the arts. So, let’s dive into this collection of art materials and watch as your child’s imagination soars to new heights!

Looking for some art or craft ideas? Check out these fabulous roundups:

WILL YOU GET ANY OF THESE ART AND CRAFT SUPPLIES FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE? Pin it for later!

The Best Art & Craft Supplies for Kids

1. Pasco Paint Markers

Pasco Paint Markers are a fantastic choice for kids who love to explore their creativity through art. These markers are specially designed to provide vibrant, long-lasting colors that truly pop on various surfaces. With their smooth and easy-to-use application, Pasco Paint Markers make it a breeze for young artists to express their ideas and bring their imaginations to life. They can use them on rocks, wood, windows, chalk boards or any type of paper! Whether it’s drawing, doodling, or creating intricate designs, these markers offer precise control and excellent coverage, making them ideal for kids of all ages and skill levels. Plus, Pasco Paint Markers are water-based and non-toxic, ensuring the safety of young artists while they unleash their artistic potential. With Pasco Paint Markers, children can embark on colorful adventures and let their creativity run wild!

2. Gel Crayons

Gel crayons are a wonderful artistic tool that adds a unique twist to traditional coloring. These innovative crayons have a gel-like consistency that glides effortlessly on paper, resulting in smooth and vibrant lines. Perfect for little hands, gel crayons are easy to grip and manipulate, allowing young artists to unleash their creativity with ease. The gel formula blends beautifully, creating stunning gradients and layered effects that add depth to artwork. Whether children are coloring, doodling, or experimenting with different techniques, gel crayons offer endless possibilities for imaginative expression. With their bright colors and smooth application, gel crayons bring joy and excitement to every coloring adventure, making them a must-have addition to any young artist’s collection.

3. Water Colour Paints

Watercolor paint is a magical medium that opens up a world of creativity for kids. These versatile paints come in a wide array of vibrant colors and are easily activated with water. With a brush and a little water, children can create beautiful washes, blend colors, and experiment with various techniques. The transparency of watercolors allows for layering and subtle shading, giving depth and dimension to artwork. Whether it’s painting landscapes, animals, or abstract designs, watercolor paint encourages imagination and artistic expression. Its forgiving nature also offers room for exploration and learning, as kids can experiment with different brushstrokes and water-to-paint ratios. Watercolor paint is a fantastic choice for young artists to explore the wonders of color and create stunning masterpieces with ease.

4. Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay is a fantastic medium that sparks creativity and allows kids to bring their imagination to life. Unlike traditional clay that requires firing in a kiln, air dry clay simply dries and hardens when exposed to the air, making it convenient and safe for young artists. This versatile clay is easy to mold and shape, allowing children to create intricate sculptures, figurines, and other three-dimensional artworks. It’s lightweight and soft, making it ideal for little hands to manipulate and experiment with. With air dry clay, kids can explore texture, form, and design as they sculpt their own unique creations. Whether it’s animals, plants, or abstract shapes, the possibilities are endless. Once dry, air dry clay can be painted, varnished, or embellished, giving kids the opportunity to add their personal touch and showcase their artistic skills. Air dry clay is a wonderful medium that encourages artistic expression, hones fine motor skills, and nurtures a love for sculpting and creating.

5. Water Colour Pencil Crayons

Watercolor pencil crayons are a versatile and exciting medium that combines the vibrant colors of traditional colored pencils with the magic of watercolor. These unique crayons have a water-soluble core, allowing kids to create stunning watercolor effects with ease. With a simple brush and water, the colored pencil marks transform into beautiful watercolor washes, blending and layering to create depth and dimension in artwork. Watercolor pencil crayons offer precise control and can be used both dry and wet, giving young artists the freedom to experiment with different techniques and styles. Whether it’s coloring, shading, or adding fine details, these pencils provide endless creative possibilities. With their rich colors and the ability to achieve stunning watercolor effects, watercolor pencil crayons are a perfect choice for kids who want to explore the magical world of watercolor painting.

6. Art Mat

A silicone art mat is a wonderful tool that makes crafting and creativity a breeze for kids. These mats provide a dedicated space for young artists to unleash their imagination and explore various art mediums. The non-stick surface of the silicone mat ensures that it can withstand a wide range of materials, including paints, glues, and markers. Kids can experiment and create without worrying about making a mess on their workspace or damaging surfaces. The smooth texture of the mat allows for easy cleanup, as any spills or excess materials can be wiped away effortlessly. With a silicone art mat, children can freely express their creativity, try out different techniques, and enjoy a hassle-free and organized art experience.

7. Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are a vibrant and versatile medium that ignites the creativity of young artists. These colorful sticks of pigment offer smooth and buttery application, allowing kids to effortlessly blend and layer colors. With their intense pigmentation and rich texture, oil pastels create bold and vibrant artworks that capture attention. Children can easily explore various techniques such as blending, shading, and creating texture, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced artists. Oil pastels work well on a variety of surfaces, from paper to canvas, and their versatility extends to mixed media projects. Kids can combine them with other art materials such as paints and markers to add depth and dimension to their creations. With oil pastels, children can unleash their creativity and create stunning works of art that showcase their unique style and imagination.

8. Washable Paint

Washable finger paints are a fantastic medium for kids to engage in sensory exploration and unleash their creativity. These paints are specifically designed to be easily washable, making cleanup a breeze for parents and caregivers. With their vibrant colors and smooth consistency, washable finger paints allow children to experiment and express themselves through tactile art experiences. Kids can use their fingers or brushes to create bold strokes, blend colors, and explore different textures on paper or other suitable surfaces. The non-toxic and child-friendly formulation of washable finger paints ensures peace of mind while little artists immerse themselves in the joy of painting. Whether it’s finger painting masterpieces or exploring handprints and fingerprints, washable finger paints provide a safe and enjoyable artistic outlet that encourages imaginative play and creative expression.

9. Poster Paint

Poster paint is a versatile and vibrant medium that offers endless possibilities for creative expression in kids. These water-based paints are specifically formulated to provide bold and opaque colors, making them perfect for creating eye-catching artwork. With their smooth consistency, poster paints glide effortlessly onto surfaces such as paper, cardboard, or poster board. Kids can easily mix colors, experiment with different brush strokes, and explore various painting techniques. Whether it’s creating landscapes, abstract designs, or imaginative scenes, poster paint allows young artists to bring their visions to life. The quick-drying nature of poster paint allows for easy layering and the addition of fine details. With its accessibility and vibrant pigments, poster paint is an excellent choice for children to explore their creativity, develop their fine motor skills, and experience the joy of painting.

10. Paint Sticks

Paint sticks are a mess-free and convenient medium that allows kids to paint with ease and precision. These solid paint sticks resemble oversized crayons, making them easy for little hands to hold and control. With a twist-up design, paint sticks eliminate the need for brushes, water, or palettes, making them perfect for on-the-go creativity. Kids can simply uncap the paint stick and glide it directly onto paper, canvas, or other suitable surfaces, resulting in smooth and vibrant colors. The quick-drying formula of paint sticks means that there is no smudging or waiting for the paint to dry, allowing children to enjoy their artwork right away. With paint sticks, kids can experiment with layering, blending, and adding details, creating stunning paintings with minimal mess and fuss. These versatile tools are a great way to introduce young artists to the world of painting and unleash their imagination with colorful and hassle-free creativity.

11. White Card Stock

White card stock is a versatile and essential material for kids’ art and craft projects. This sturdy and heavyweight paper provides a solid foundation for various artistic endeavors. Its smooth surface allows for easy drawing, painting, and coloring with different art mediums. White card stock is perfect for creating greeting cards, posters, collages, and other crafts. It offers durability and can withstand the weight of glue, markers, and other materials. With its bright white color, it serves as a blank canvas for kids to unleash their creativity and bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s creating detailed illustrations or experimenting with mixed media, white card stock is a reliable and versatile choice that ensures kids’ artwork stands out with clarity and vibrancy.

12. Construction Paper

Construction paper is an essential staple in kids’ arts and crafts. This versatile paper is thick, sturdy, and comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, making it perfect for a variety of creative projects. Whether it’s cutting, folding, or gluing, construction paper is easy to manipulate and offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. Kids can create beautiful collages, origami, paper sculptures, and more using this versatile material. The bright colors of construction paper add visual interest to artwork and make it truly eye-catching. With its durability and flexibility, construction paper is a fantastic choice for both simple crafts and more complex creations, encouraging imagination and fine motor skills development in young artists.

13. Dot Markers

Dot markers are a delightful and mess-free medium that sparks creativity and exploration in kids. These specially designed markers feature a sponge-like tip that creates round dots of color when pressed onto paper or other surfaces. Dot markers come in a variety of vibrant colors, allowing young artists to create bold and eye-catching artwork. Kids can use dot markers to make unique patterns, fill in coloring pages, or even create their own dot-to-dot designs. The easy-to-hold design and non-toxic ink make dot markers safe and comfortable for little hands to use. With their precise and consistent dotting, dot markers are a fantastic tool for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Whether it’s creating vibrant artwork or engaging in educational activities, dot markers provide a fun and mess-free way for kids to explore their creativity and express themselves.

14. Coloured Popsicle Sticks

Colored popsicle sticks are a fun and versatile material that adds a pop of color to kids’ craft projects. These vibrant sticks are available in a wide range of hues, allowing young artists to explore their creativity and create eye-catching designs. Whether it’s building structures, making puppets, or creating unique artwork, colored popsicle sticks provide endless possibilities. Kids can glue them together to construct 3D objects, create patterns and designs, or use them as handles for puppets and masks. The bright colors of these sticks add an extra element of visual appeal to any project, making them a favorite among children. With their durability and versatility, colored popsicle sticks are a fantastic addition to any art supply collection, inspiring imaginative play and encouraging fine motor skills development in a fun and colorful way.

15. Brown Kraft Paper

Brown Kraft paper is a versatile and eco-friendly material that offers endless creative possibilities for kids. This sturdy paper is known for its natural, earthy brown color, which adds a rustic and organic feel to art and craft projects. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or crafting, brown Kraft paper provides a blank canvas for kids to explore their artistic skills. It’s perfect for creating banners, wrapping gifts, making collages, and even as a backdrop for imaginative play. Kids can use markers, crayons, or paints to add vibrant colors to the paper, and its textured surface adds an interesting dimension to artwork. With its durability and versatility, brown Kraft paper encourages eco-conscious creativity and provides a unique canvas for kids to express their imagination while fostering their artistic abilities.

16. Pom Poms

Pom poms are a delightful and versatile crafting supply that brings joy and color to kids’ projects. These soft and fuzzy balls come in various sizes and a wide array of vibrant colors, making them perfect for adding texture and flair to art and craft creations. Kids can use pom poms to decorate masks, puppets, and other imaginative play props, or they can glue them onto cards, posters, and collages to create eye-catching designs. With their tactile nature, pom poms offer a sensory experience that engages children’s fine motor skills as they manipulate and glue them into place. Whether it’s adding a playful touch to a school project or simply enjoying the tactile sensation, pom poms inspire creativity and provide endless opportunities for fun and imaginative crafting adventures.

17. Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaners are a versatile and fun crafting material that sparks creativity in kids. These flexible wires covered in fuzzy fibers come in a wide range of vibrant colors, making them perfect for a variety of art and craft projects. Kids can bend, twist, and shape pipe cleaners into countless forms, from simple shapes to intricate designs. They can be used to create colorful animals, flowers, jewelry, and even 3D sculptures. With their soft texture, pipe cleaners are easy to work with and offer endless possibilities for imaginative play and crafting. They can be combined with other materials such as pom poms and beads to add extra flair and dimension to creations. Pipe cleaners are a fantastic tool for fostering fine motor skills, encouraging problem-solving, and nurturing creativity in young artists.

18. Coloured Masking Tape

Colored masking tape is a versatile and vibrant tool that opens up a world of creativity for kids. This adhesive tape comes in a wide array of bright colors, allowing young artists to add pops of color to their art and craft projects. Kids can use colored masking tape to create borders, patterns, and shapes on paper, cardboard, or other suitable surfaces. It’s perfect for creating collages, decorating notebooks, and even designing temporary artwork on walls or furniture. The tape is easy to tear and remove, making it suitable for young artists to work with independently. With its flexibility and adhesive properties, colored masking tape offers endless possibilities for imaginative play and artistic expression. Whether it’s adding a touch of color or creating bold designs, colored masking tape is a fantastic addition to any creative toolbox, inspiring young minds to explore and experiment with different textures and patterns.

19. Kid Scissors

20. Glue

21. Water Color Paper

Watercolor paper is a specialized and essential surface for watercolor painting and other wet media techniques. Designed to withstand the effects of water and pigment, watercolor paper has a unique texture and composition that enhances the quality of artwork. The paper’s thickness and weight prevent warping and buckling when it comes into contact with water, allowing artists to achieve smooth and even washes of color. The texture of watercolor paper also aids in paint absorption and pigment dispersion, resulting in vibrant and rich paintings. It provides a stable and durable surface for layering colors, creating gradients, and adding fine details. Whether it’s a beginner exploring the magic of watercolors or an experienced artist pushing the boundaries of the medium, watercolor paper is an indispensable tool that ensures optimal results and helps bring artistic visions to life.

Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!

Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!

These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.

Find out more and grab your copy here.

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.

350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.

TV Show: Curious Crafting

I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 airs in the summer of 2023! We were also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.

Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.

In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.

Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.

This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.