Colorful Art Supplies for Kids

There's something magical about watching a child discover color for the first time—that moment when they realize their hand can create something beautiful, that the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored. Whether it's a toddler tentatively gripping their first crayon or a school-age artist confidently filling a page with vibrant designs, art supplies do so much more than keep little hands busy. They're tools for self-expression, confidence-building, and genuine learning.

The right art supplies at the right age can spark creativity, strengthen fine motor skills, and give your child a quiet, joyful way to process their feelings and ideas. As a grandparent or parent, you already know those priceless moments when your child is so absorbed in creating that the world just melts away. That's not just play—that's a developing brain building skills, making connections, and learning that they have something important to say.

We've gathered a thoughtful collection of colorful art supplies designed to grow with your child, from sturdy crayons for tiny hands to comprehensive art sets for budding artists. Each option in this collection has been chosen because it truly supports creative growth and brings joy to childhood.

Our Top Picks

1Crayola Art Supplies Bundle for Young Creators
Crayola Art Supplies Bundle for Young Creators

A wonderful first art set for toddlers ages 3 and up. This Crayola bundle is sturdy, age-appropriate, and features washable colors—because we all know art exploration can get wonderfully messy!

2Art 101 Draw and Color Adventure
Art 101 Draw and Color Adventure

Perfect for the child ready to expand beyond basic crayons. At ages 5-12, this 106-piece Art 101 set grows with your child, offering colored pencils, markers, and pastels for developing artists.

3Crayola Super Tips Coloring Art Case Fun
Crayola Super Tips Coloring Art Case Fun

A beautiful balance of choice and manageable quantity. With over 65 pieces and a sturdy carrying case, it's ideal for kids ages 4+ who want to feel like 'real' artists without feeling overwhelmed.

4Unleash Creativity with 142 Pc Art Set
Unleash Creativity with 142 Pc Art Set

A comprehensive set for serious young creators ages 5-12. With 142 pieces including watercolors and pastels in a wooden case, this feels like a treasure chest and encourages genuine artistic explorati

Browse by Category

Age Recommendations

Ages 2-3: Start with large, chunky crayons and thick markers. These little hands are still developing control, so washable supplies in primary colors keep things simple and mess-manageable.

Ages 3-4: Your child is ready for more variety. Introduce sets with 16-24 colors, mixing crayons and washable markers. They're developing the muscle control for more precise work.

Ages 5-7: Expand into comprehensive sets with colored pencils, markers, and pastels. Your child can now handle finer tools and enjoys the challenge of detailed artwork.

Ages 8-12: Offer larger sets (100+ pieces) with multiple mediums including watercolors. At this stage, serious young artists are developing real preferences and techniques worth supporting with quality supplies.

Our Recommended Products

#1

Crayola Art Supplies Bundle for Young Creators

Our Rating:
Ages: 36 months and up

The Crayola Young Kids Art Supplies Bundle is the perfect gateway for budding artists! Designed for children 36 months and older, this set not only sparks creativity but also fosters essential skills like fine motor development and color recognition. With 8 Tripod Grip Crayons and Markers, little hands can explore vibrant colors while mastering their grip and coordination. Paired with a fun activity book that guides them in practicing letters and numbers, this bundle is a wonderful choice for parents looking to combine artistry with early learning.

Develops: fine motor skills color recognition creativity coordination early literacy
Why We Love It

Crayola Art Supplies Bundle for Young Creators includes 8 Tripod Grip Crayons and Markers, making it perfect for enhancing grip and fostering artistic expression at an early age.

#2

Creative Adventures with Crayola Classpack

Our Rating:
Ages: 3+ years

Crayola Crayons and Washable Markers Classpack is the ultimate treasure trove for our little artists! With 256 ultra-clean, washable crayons and markers at their fingertips, kids can explore their imagination without the worry of making a mess. This bulk supply not only supports vibrant creativity but also encourages essential skills like fine motor development and color recognition. Perfect for classrooms or home art stations, these nontoxic and safe art supplies are designed for fun and learning, making them an invaluable addition to any educational setting!

Develops: fine motor skills color recognition creative expression visual-spatial skills critical thinking
Why We Love It

Creative Adventures with Crayola Classpack includes 256 ultra-clean, washable crayons and markers, allowing little artists to unleash their imagination without the mess—just pure creativity!

#3

Creative Cra-Z-Art School Bundle

Our Rating:
Ages: K-2nd Grade

The Cra-Z-Art Markers, Crayons, Colored Pencil Back To School Bundle is an essential toolkit for K-2nd graders eager to explore their creativity. This comprehensive set not only ignites artistic expression but also enhances fine motor skills, color recognition, and cognitive development as children engage in vibrant drawing and coloring activities. With rich colors and smooth application, these supplies make learning fun while fostering important skills for early education.

Develops: fine motor skills color recognition cognitive development artistic expression sensory exploration
Why We Love It

Creative Cra-Z-Art School Bundle includes a variety of rich colors that inspire artistic expression, making learning an exciting, hands-on adventure for young creators.

#4

Vibrant Cra-Z-Art Crayons for Creativity

Our Rating:
Ages: 3+ years

The Cra-Z-Art 16ct Crayons are a fantastic tool for young artists aged 3 and up! These bold, vibrant colors encourage creative expression and help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through drawing and coloring activities. Non-toxic and designed for smooth application, they are not just a school supply; they’re a source of joy and imagination that can brighten any project.

Develops: fine motor skills hand-eye coordination creative expression color recognition imaginative play
Why We Love It

Vibrant Cra-Z-Art Crayons for Creativity feature bold, vibrant colors that inspire young artists to explore their imaginations while developing essential fine motor skills—art has never been this fun!

#5

Mess-Free Baby Shark Art Experience

Our Rating:
Ages: 3+ years

Baby Shark Aqua Art offers a delightful artistic journey for toddlers that combines creativity with educational growth. This engaging water coloring set not only fuels imagination but also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, making it a superb choice for parents who appreciate learning through play. With reusable boards and just a simple water brush, children can explore colorful designs and develop spatial awareness without the mess of traditional art supplies.

Develops: fine motor skills hand-eye coordination spatial awareness creativity imaginative play
Why We Love It

Mess-Free Baby Shark Art Experience features reusable boards that let toddlers unleash their creativity without the chaos of traditional art supplies—now that’s a parental win!

#6

Art 101 Draw and Color Adventure

Our Rating:
Ages: 5-12 years

Art 101 Draw and Color Art Set is the perfect launching pad for your child's creative journey! Packed with 106 high-quality pieces, this set empowers young artists to explore their imagination and enhance their fine motor skills through coloring and drawing. The organized wooden case not only makes it a snap to take on outings, but it also instills a sense of responsibility for their art supplies. With a mix of colored pencils, oil pastels, and sketch tools, kids will develop important skills in color recognition, patterning, and artistic expression, all while having fun!

Develops: fine motor skills color recognition patterning artistic expression imagination responsibility problem solving
Why We Love It

Art 101 Draw and Color Adventure features 106 high-quality pieces that inspire creativity and help little hands develop essential artistic skills, all while keeping their supplies tidy!

#7

Vibrant Colored Sand for Creative Play

Our Rating:
Ages: 3+ years

Hygloss Colored Sand for Crafts is a delightful way to spark creativity in children and teens alike! With 12 assorted colors, this ultra-fine sand transforms ordinary art projects into vibrant masterpieces that engage the senses and promote fine motor skills. As we sprinkle these festive hues, kids can explore color theory, practice layering techniques, and develop imaginative art concepts that culminate in beautiful, personalized gifts or holiday decorations. It's not just an art supply; it's a gateway to learning through play and artistic expression!

Develops: fine motor skills color theory creativity layering techniques sensory exploration
Why We Love It

Vibrant Colored Sand for Creative Play includes 12 assorted colors that turn every art project into a sensory masterpiece, igniting imaginations and strengthening those little fingers.

#8

Crayola Super Tips Coloring Art Case Fun

Our Rating:
Ages: 4+ years

Crayola Super Tips Coloring Art Case is a magical gateway to creativity for our little ones! With over 65 pieces, including vibrant washable markers and both coloring and blank pages, this set encourages artistic expression and improves fine motor skills. We love how the versatile Super Tips markers can create both thick and thin lines, making every project a new adventure in creativity. Perfect for art on the go, this portable case keeps everything organized, allowing kids to explore their imagination while also learning the importance of tidiness and care for their supplies.

Develops: fine motor skills creativity color recognition organizational skills artistic expression
Why We Love It

Crayola Super Tips Coloring Art Case includes over 65 pieces of vibrant washable markers, making it a portable treasure chest for artistic adventures and tidy creativity.

#9

Creative Sparkle with Crayola Art Case

Our Rating:
Ages: 5+ years

The Crayola All That Glitters Art Case is a magical introduction to art for kids ages 5 and up! Packed with over 50 glittering supplies, this art set not only stimulates creativity but also encourages fine motor skill development as children express themselves through colorful projects. Imagine the joy as they mix and match glitter crayons, glue, and chalk to create dazzling masterpieces, while the color-your-own sticker sheet adds a personal touch. This portable art case makes it easy for little artists to bring their creativity wherever they go, fostering independent play and imaginative storytelling.

Develops: creativity fine motor skills color recognition imaginative play problem solving
Why We Love It

Creative Sparkle with Crayola Art Case includes over 50 glittering supplies, making every project a magical adventure that encourages independent expression and storytelling.

#10

Create with Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils

Our Rating:
Ages: 3+ years

Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils are the ultimate art supplies for young creators! With 18 vibrant colors and no sharpening required, these innovative pencils empower kids to express their artistic talents without the hassle. As parents and educators, we know that engaging in art helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Perfect for coloring books, spontaneous doodles, or imaginative projects on-the-go, these Twistables offer a safe, non-toxic option that's just as fun as it is educational!

Develops: fine motor skills creativity problem solving color recognition spatial awareness
Why We Love It

Create with Crayola Twistable Colored Pencils feature 18 vibrant colors with no sharpening required, making artistic expression easy and mess-free for kids on the go.

#11

Crayola Neon Art Case: Brighten Your Child's Creativity

Our Rating:
Ages: 5+ years

Crayola Neon Art Case is the perfect tool to ignite your child’s imagination and creativity! With over 50 pieces of vibrant, neon art supplies, kids can explore their artistic talents while developing fine motor skills and color recognition. The glow light adds an enchanting twist, turning their creations into glowing masterpieces that inspire self-expression. Whether it’s for a birthday or holiday gift, this art set is a wonderful way to foster creativity while having fun together as a family!

Develops: fine motor skills color recognition creativity self-expression imaginative play problem solving
Why We Love It

Crayola Neon Art Case features over 50 vibrant art supplies that transform ordinary creations into glowing masterpieces, igniting imagination and turning art time into family fun.

#12

Unleash Creativity with 142 Pc Art Set

Our Rating:
Ages: 5-12 years

142 Pc Art Set with Colored Pencils, Crayons, Pastels, Watercolors in Wood Carrying Case is the perfect gateway for our little artists to explore their imagination! This comprehensive set not only includes a delightful variety of art supplies but also nurtures essential skills such as fine motor development, color theory understanding, and creative expression. We can watch as our children's confidence blossoms with every stroke of a colored pencil or splash of watercolor! Choosing this set means we are investing in an engaging, hands-on learning experience that encourages endless creativity and fun.

Develops: fine motor skills color theory creative expression problem solving artistic exploration critical thinking
Why We Love It

Unleash Creativity with 142 Pc Art Set includes a delightful variety of art supplies in a convenient wooden carrying case, making it easy to inspire our little artists' imaginations wherever they go.

Educational Value

Art might look like simple play, but it's actually where real learning happens. When your child holds a crayon and decides what to create, they're practicing decision-making and creative problem-solving. When they blend colors or discover that mixing red and blue makes purple, they're learning color theory—concepts they'll build on for years in art class and science.

Fine motor skills developed through coloring, drawing, and careful pencil control directly support the hand strength and coordination needed for writing. Color recognition activities strengthen visual perception and cognitive development. But perhaps most importantly, art gives children a voice before they have all the words. A shy child might express feelings through color and design that they can't yet say aloud. Every painting, every sketch is a window into how your child sees the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best age to start with art supplies?
Children as young as 18 months can enjoy large crayons under supervision, but ages 3 and up is when most kids really start exploring color and mark-making with focus. At this age, they have better hand control and the cognitive ability to understand cause and effect—their mark actually *does* something! By ages 5-6, children are ready for more variety, like colored pencils and markers. Choose supplies that match your child's developmental stage and always supervise younger toddlers.
Are washable markers and crayons really safe for young children?
Yes, washable art supplies designed for children are formulated to be non-toxic and safe for little hands. Crayola and similar brands specifically make products that meet safety standards for young children. That said, supervision is always important—art supplies are meant for creating, not eating! Wash hands after play, and always check product labels to ensure you're choosing age-appropriate items.
How do I choose between crayons, markers, and colored pencils?
Each has its place! Crayons are best for very young artists (ages 2-4) because they're chunky and hard to break. Washable markers (ages 3+) give bolder color and require less pressure. Colored pencils (ages 5+) demand more fine motor control but offer precision and are great for detailed work. Many families find it helpful to have all three as your child grows, so they can experiment with different tools and discover preferences.
What's the difference between a basic crayon set and a comprehensive art set?
A basic set offers essential colors for starting out—perfect for young toddlers or first-time artists. A comprehensive set like an Art 101 bundle includes multiple mediums (crayons, markers, pencils, pastels, watercolors) and many more colors. Comprehensive sets are wonderful for older children (ages 5+) who are developing real artistic interests and want to experiment. They cost more upfront but provide years of creative possibilities.
How much do kids actually need? Won't a smaller set be wasted?
Children absolutely use color variety! When kids have access to many colors, they're more engaged, make more intentional choices, and spend longer creating. That said, you don't need to go huge right away. A quality mid-size set (50-100 pieces) is often the sweet spot—enough variety to inspire creativity without overwhelming choice. Larger sets make sense as gifts from grandparents and are often used for years across multiple children.

Related Collections