Finding the right art supplies for children involves more than just picking the brightest colors. Parents and educators need options that are safe, non-toxic, and easy to clean up, ensuring that creative exploration is a fun and stress-free experience for everyone. The best supplies are those that empower kids to express themselves without limitations while giving adults peace of mind.
This roundup focuses on art materials that are specifically designed with young artists in mind. We’ve selected products that are renowned for their washable formulas, durable construction, and ability to inspire hours of imaginative play. From classic crayons to innovative craft kits, these are the top choices for stocking your creative corner with safe and reliable options.
Our Top Picks for Safe Kids’ Art Supplies
- Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers
- Crayola Washable Kids Paint (6ct)
- Crayola Create ‘N Carry Travel Art Set
- Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark
- Crayola Pip-Squeaks Washable Marker Set
- Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks
- Crayola Ultimate Crayon Case Collection
- Crayola Washable Kids Paint (6 Count)
Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers
Say goodbye to lost caps and dried-out markers with the Crayola Clicks Retractable Markers. This 10-count set features a convenient one-handed click mechanism that extends and retracts the tip, making them perfect for on-the-go creativity. The cone-shaped tip is versatile, allowing for both fine lines and broader strokes, which is ideal for detailed coloring books or freehand drawing.
Parents will appreciate the washable, non-toxic formula that cleans easily from skin and most washable clothing. The long-lasting ink ensures that these markers are ready for action whenever inspiration strikes, providing reliable performance for artists aged 3 and up. They are a fantastic, mess-minimizing option for home, school, or travel.
Crayola Washable Kids Paint
This 6-count set of Crayola Washable Kids Paint offers bold, vibrant colors that are perfect for a wide range of projects. The paints are formulated to be easily washable, providing a stress-free painting experience for both kids and parents. From classroom assignments to rainy-day crafts at home, these paints are a fundamental art supply.
The non-toxic formula is safe for young children, making it a must-have for preschool and elementary-aged artists. The assorted colors, including Yellow Orange and Blue Violet, encourage color mixing and creative expression. Whether used with brushes or fingers, this paint provides a smooth application and is a trusted choice for fostering a love of art.
Crayola Create ‘N Carry Travel Art Set
The Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set is a comprehensive, 75-piece kit that combines portability with a vast creative potential. This all-in-one solution functions as both a sturdy carrying case and a built-in lap desk, providing a stable surface for drawing and coloring anywhere. It’s an excellent way to keep art supplies organized and accessible during car rides or visits.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of Crayola classics, including crayons, markers, and colored pencils, offering everything a young artist needs to get started. This set makes for a wonderful gift that encourages artistic hobbies beyond the classroom. Its clever design ensures that clean-up is simple and that supplies are always stored securely.
Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark
This Rock Painting Kit takes arts and crafts to a new level of excitement with its glow-in-the-dark feature. The comprehensive set includes 10 rocks, a wide array of standard, metallic, and glow paints, plus decorative elements like wiggly eyes and gems. It’s a complete package designed to provide hours of focused, creative activity for kids aged 6-12.
The magic happens when the lights go out, as the specially formulated paints illuminate the finished rock creations. This unique feature adds an extra layer of fun and wonder to the artistic process. The kit encourages children to design and create unique pieces of art, helping to develop fine motor skills and imaginative thinking.
Crayola Pip-Squeaks Washable Marker Set
The Crayola Pip-Squeaks Marker Set is perfectly sized for smaller hands. This 65-piece kit includes 25 mini markers and 40 sheets of paper, all housed in a durable carrying case. The shorter, skinnier barrels are easier for young children to grip and control, which helps build confidence in their drawing abilities.
Like all Crayola washable products, these markers feature a non-toxic formula that cleans up quickly from skin and clothing. The set is an excellent value, providing a large quantity of colors for extensive creative projects. It’s a fantastic travel activity or a great way to stock a home art station for children ages 4 and up.
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are a classroom staple for a reason. The purple color goes on smoothly, allowing children to see exactly where they have applied the glue, which helps prevent missed spots and excess use. As it dries, the purple color completely disappears, leaving a clear, neat bond.
This washable and non-toxic formula is mess-free and easy for kids to use independently. As the #1 teacher brand, Elmer’s is trusted for its reliability and child-friendly design. This bulk 30-count pack is perfect for ensuring you always have essential adhesive on hand for school projects, vision boards, and daily crafts.
Crayola Ultimate Crayon Case Collection
For the ultimate color selection, the Crayola Ultimate Crayon Case Collection is unbeatable. With 152 crayons, this set provides every color imaginable, encouraging children to experiment with shades and nuances in their artwork. The crayons come in a reusable case that keeps them organized and protected from breakage.
Crayola crayons are a timeless art supply, known for their smooth laydown and vibrant pigments. The non-toxic formula is safe for all ages, and this large collection is perfect for serious young artists who need a wide spectrum of colors for detailed drawings and elaborate projects. It’s a foundational set that supports endless creative possibilities.
Crayola Washable Kids Paint
Another excellent option from Crayola, this Washable Kids Paint set is a fundamental supply for any creative household. The six bold colors are designed to be easily mixed and applied, helping children learn about color theory while they play. The washable formula ensures that accidents are easy to manage, making clean-up quick and simple.
This non-toxic paint is safe for toddlers and older children, supporting sensory development and artistic expression. Whether used for finger painting, brush work, or school projects, it provides reliable, vibrant results. Having a set like this on hand guarantees that you are always prepared for a spontaneous art session.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Art Supplies for Kids
When I’m picking out art supplies for my own kids or for a classroom, my number one priority is always safety. It’s easy to get distracted by bright colors and fun kits, but I always check the labels first. I look for the ACMI AP (Approved Product) seal. This means the Art & Creative Materials Institute has certified the product as non-toxic and safe for kids. I also keep an eye out for the CL (Cautionary Labeling) seal, which indicates a product is safe when used properly but might require adult supervision. I avoid anything without these certifications, especially for younger children who are more likely to put things in their mouths.
Next, I think about the child’s age and skill level. For toddlers and preschoolers, I go for supplies that are easy to grip and control. Think fat crayons, chunky washable markers, and large brushes. These help develop motor skills without causing frustration. As kids get older, they can handle finer tools like standard markers, colored pencils, and even beginner watercolor sets. I try to match the supply to their interest, too. If they love bold, quick coverage, paints and markers are great. If they enjoy detailed work, pencils and fine liners are a better fit.
The third thing on my list is washability. As a parent, I can tell you this is a game-changer. Washable paints, markers, and crayons have saved my furniture and my sanity more times than I can count. These formulas are designed to come out of clothes and skin with soap and water, making clean-up a much simpler process. It also gives me peace of mind, knowing that an accidental mural on the wall isn’t a permanent disaster.
Finally, I consider value and quality. A giant bucket of cheap markers might seem like a good deal, but if they dry out in a week or break easily, it’s not a great investment. I prefer to buy a smaller set of higher-quality supplies that will last longer and perform better. This also applies to paper; a slightly heavier weight paper can handle paint and glue without tearing or warping, which makes the whole art experience more successful for the child. By focusing on safety, age-appropriateness, washability, and quality, I can confidently choose the best art supplies for kids that will inspire creativity without any worry. Finding the right 8 best art supplies for kids is all about balancing fun with these practical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “non-toxic” really mean for kids’ art supplies?
When a product is labeled “non-toxic,” it means that the materials are not known to cause harmful effects if ingested or absorbed in small amounts. However, it does not mean the product is edible or safe to eat. For true safety, I always look for the ACMI AP (Approved Product) seal, which is a specific, rigorous certification for art materials. This seal gives me the confidence that the product has been evaluated by a toxicologist and is safe for children to use as intended.
Are washable markers and paints really that easy to clean?
In my experience, yes, they are a huge help! Most modern washable products are formulated with dyes that release from fabrics and surfaces with just water and a little soap. I’ve had great success getting them out of clothes, skin, and even off of tables. It’s important to treat the stain quickly for the best results. While no product is 100% guaranteed on every surface, they are dramatically easier to clean than their non-washable counterparts.
What is a good starter set of art supplies for a 3-year-old?
For a three-year-old, I focus on safety, size, and washability. My go-to starter kit includes: jumbo, washable crayons that are hard to break; thick, washable markers with ventilated caps for safety; chunky sidewalk chalk for outdoor fun; non-toxic, washable finger paints; a large, easy-grip paintbrush; and a big pad of paper. These items are all designed for little hands and are safe and easy to clean up after.
How can I tell if an art supply is safe for a child with allergies?
This requires careful label reading. Look for specific allergen information, as some products may contain common allergens like wheat (in some modeling clays) or nuts (in some oils). Many brands now explicitly label their products as “gluten-free,” “nut-free,” or “vegan.” If you are unsure, I recommend contacting the manufacturer directly. They can provide the most detailed information about their ingredients and manufacturing processes.
What’s the difference between student-grade and professional-grade supplies?
The main differences are pigment concentration, lightfastness (how long the color lasts without fading), and price. Student-grade supplies, which are perfect for kids, have less pigment and more filler, making them more affordable and forgiving. Professional-grade supplies have very high pigment loads and are made for artists who need their work to last for decades. For children, student-grade is absolutely the way to go—it performs well and doesn’t break the bank. When I look for the 8 best art supplies for kids, I am almost always looking at student-grade options.
Why are some art supplies labeled for a specific age range?
These age labels are primarily there for safety reasons. They help indicate if a product contains small parts that could be a choking hazard for children under three. They also suggest the complexity of the project and the fine motor skills required. I always take these labels seriously, especially the warning about small parts for very young children. It’s a helpful guide to ensure the activity is both safe and developmentally appropriate.