Best Art Supplies for Kids

Do you have an artsy kid? Check out the best art supplies for kids.

I love gifting art supplies. It’s one of my favorite gifts to include for my kids. After years of trying different supplies – here’s my list of the best art supplies for kids to get as gifts.

It’s a magical list of some really different art supplies… this is a little more than a new box of crayons (although don’t get me wrong, a fresh box of Crayolas always hits right).

I made this list for those looking for exciting art supply ideas and products for kids who love to create.

RELATED: This post is part of my larger series on The Best Toys for Kids. You can find that blog post here.

Art supplies as a gift? Really?

Really! This was something my mom instilled in me as a kid: art supplies make a great gift.

Whether you deeply know the child you are buying for or it’s a new classmate, art supplies are a great equalizer: all kids see the joy in these.

As you go about your gift buying – whether for holidays or birthdays – think about tossing in a few new or never tried before art supplies.

It could unlock some more magical creativity waiting inside that child.

My list of the best art supplies for kids

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Gel Crayons

These are great: think slick, easy to use crayons with an “is it paint? Is it crayon? Is it marker?” like quality.

Colored Pencils (good ones)

This is a good set. It’s not professional level but it’s more than a normal kid set. They work great.

Window Crayons

These are really cool. They aren’t messy and they wipe off a window (or other slick surface) with just a wet rag.

Tracing Paper

Remember how cool tracing paper was when you were a kid? It’s still that cool.

Kwik Sticks

These are so neat: tempera paint sticks and they are VERY cool. They create a great painting effect that all ages can be successful with.

Watercolor Paint and Brushes

A step up from the traditional kids watercolor set, as an adult – even I reach for this set.

Bees Wax Crayons

This are so nice to color with and they leave behind the smoothest color. Plus they have a triangular shape that makes them easy for little hands to hold.

Do-a-Dot Art

A modern day classic: these large BINGO-dauber style markers are a staple.

Oil Pastels

Ah, they’re just the coolest. School-ages kids will know these from the classroom and be ticked to have a set at-home.

Friends Art Lab Banner

These 10 foot long banners are hand-drawn and printed on thick, slick paper (it doesn’t bleed through). They come in all styles, seasons, and holidays. They’re the BEST.

Modeling Clay

Oh the possibilities of modeling clay! The simple joy and kids just love it.

Puff Paints

Puff paints are still just as cool as they were in the 90s. Period.

Fancy Markers

Shopping for a big kid? May I suggest some big kid, double sided markers?

Mr. Sketch Markers

Still awesome. Still a great gift. Still want to lick the red one. Just being honest.

Sketch Pad

Nothing like gifting some art AND the canvas to create on. Don’t miss giving kids some form of paper with their art gift (I like this sketch pad a lot).

Washable Tempera

Time to move beyond poster paints and finger paints. Washable tempera paint is where it’s at.

Gifting an art supplies present is a GREAT gift option!

Every year, my kids know new supplies are coming to them for holidays – what supplies do you like gifting to the kids in your life?