Best Kids Art Supplies for Creative Play
Stock your art corner with supplies that actually get used. These picks work for toddlers through elementary schoolers.
Photographed for Urban Mamas · March 22, 2026Kids do not need fancy art supplies to be creative. But having decent materials that actually work makes a difference between a kid who paints for 45 minutes and a kid who gives up after the third crayon breaks. The right supplies hold up to rough handling, produce satisfying results, and wash out of clothes and furniture when things inevitably get messy.
Here are the supplies worth buying, organized by type and age range.
Crayons
For toddlers (1 to 3 years), get the Crayola My First Washable Triangular Crayons.
The triangular shape prevents rolling off the table and is easier for tiny hands to grip. They are stubbier and fatter than regular crayons, which means they are harder to break. The washable formula actually comes off walls and tables, which you will test sooner than you think.
For preschool and up, standard Crayola crayons in the 64-count box with the sharpener are still hard to beat. The color range keeps kids interested, and the built-in sharpener extends the life of each crayon.
Stockmar beeswax crayons are a premium alternative that lay down color beautifully, but at $20 to $30 for 16 crayons, they are an investment.
Markers
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers are the standard for a reason. They wash out of most fabrics and off most surfaces without too much scrubbing. The broad tip versions work best for younger kids who press hard and do not have fine motor control yet.
The fine tip versions are better for kids 5 and up who want more detail.
For something different, try Crayola Clicks retractable markers. They cap themselves, which eliminates the dried-out-marker-with-no-cap problem that plagues every household. Kids click them open and closed like a pen, and they retract automatically when set down.
Paint
Crayola Washable Kids Paint is the workhorse.
It comes in squeeze bottles, covers well, and actually washes out of clothes if you catch it before it dries completely. Get a set of primary colors plus black and white so kids can mix their own shades. Learning that blue and yellow make green is more exciting when you discover it yourself.
Dot markers (Do A Dot Art brand is the best known) are fantastic for toddlers. They are like oversized bingo dabbers filled with paint. Kids press them onto paper and get instant circles of color with zero brush skills required. No mess, no mixing, just satisfying dots.
For older kids who want a more serious painting experience, Arteza Tempera Paint Sticks are a game changer. They look like oversized lip balm tubes and apply like oil pastels but dry like paint.
No water, no brushes, no cleanup. The colors are vibrant and they layer well. A set of 24 runs about $15.
Paper and Surfaces
Keep a ream of plain white copy paper on hand. It is cheap, versatile, and kids go through it fast. For painting, a pad of mixed media paper or watercolor paper holds up better without buckling.
A big roll of butcher paper or kraft paper is worth having for larger projects.
Tape a long sheet to the floor or table and let kids go wild with markers, crayons, or paint. IKEA sells drawing paper rolls that fit their tabletop holder for about $5 per roll.
For mess-free options, the Crayola Color Wonder line uses markers that only show up on special paper. Brilliant for car rides, restaurants, and anywhere else you want art without the cleanup.
Scissors and Glue
Fiskars Blunt-tip Kids Scissors are the go-to first pair.
They cut paper well but are safe for small hands. Left-handed versions are available and make a real difference for lefty kids who struggle with standard scissors.
For glue, Elmer Washable School Glue sticks dry clear and hold well enough for paper projects. Liquid glue in the squeeze bottles works better for heavier materials like popsicle sticks and fabric scraps. Keep both on hand.
Playdough and Modeling Clay
Play-Doh remains the standard for younger kids.
The texture is familiar, the colors are bright, and it cleans up reasonably well when it dries. Buy the big packs of individual tubs rather than the multi-packs where everything mixes together in one session.
For something that lasts longer, Crayola Model Magic is a lightweight modeling clay that air-dries in about 24 hours. Kids can paint it after it dries, which turns one project into two. It does not stain like regular clay, and it feels satisfying to squish and shape.
Setting Up an Art Station
Dedicate a specific spot for art supplies. A low shelf, a caddy on the table, or a rolling cart all work. The key is making supplies accessible so kids can start creating without needing to ask for help getting everything out.
Use a plastic tablecloth or a silicone mat under the work area. It catches drips and wipes clean in seconds. A smock or an old oversized t-shirt protects clothes during paint sessions.
Rotate supplies every few weeks. Put away the markers and bring out watercolors. Swap crayons for oil pastels. Changing what is available keeps the art station feeling fresh without buying anything new.
Display their work. A simple wire with clips, a cork board, or even tape on the wall shows kids that what they make matters. Take photos of the pieces that cannot be saved so you have a record without the clutter.
