Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the Freedom, the Materials and the Space.
This is one of my most favorite pictures of my daughter, Devin. When she was a toddler, I would strip her down to her diaper and let her have at it! She made the most beautiful things.
Christmas is right around the corner and I have received lots of questions about what art materials I would recommend. I decided it was time to put all of my favorites in one spot! I have been an Art Teacher, at the Elementary level, for 15 years. I have experimented with lots of different materials! My biggest takeaway? Keep it simple.
I do not recommend the giant art kits that you are probably seeing everywhere right now. The products in these kits are low quality. The large suitcase-like shape is hard to store and within days half the materials will probably be lost. Instead, I suggest investing in individual sets and bins to store them in. We have a large book shelf in our entry way and I reserved the bottom two shelves for sketchbooks and bins to hold a variety of materials. I also bought a small table for my children to work at.
Lets get started!
PAINT
Ooly Watercolors – I recently started using this set with my classes and they LOVE it.
Amazing Target Acrylic – This brand is amazing. It is called satin acrylic, and it is super bright and opaque. It is great on canvas as well as 3D objects.
Sax Versatemp – I love this paint because it is washable but still full bodied. I am linking to the fluorescent, metallic, and pearl sets.
Ink Daubers – I have these in my free art area and the kids love them!
Non-Stick Pallette – A must!
Pacon Water Pots – No need to mess up your cups – a few of these are great to have on hand!
Roller and Brush Set – This is great for experimenting! My kids and I love to make homemade wrapping paper with these tools.
WRITING / COLORING
Sharpies – My students will tell you, this is by far my favorite art tool. I like to have a variety of sizes and colors.
Markers – My kids absolutely love smelly markers. But I promise, the quality is amazing!
Kwik Stix – Tempera paint sticks that dry in 90 seconds. Everyone loves them.
Oil Pastels – Kids love to blend these bright creamy colors.
Chalk Pastels – Slightly messy:) but super fun tool!
Colored Pencils – No point to buy them unless you buy these. They are the best.
Gel Pens – My daughters favorite.
Paint Brush Pens – Great alternative to paint.
Ticonderoga Laddie Pencils – My favorite pencils to use with kids.
PAPER / CANVAS
Quality Sketchbook – Keep all the mini-masterpieces in one spot! Drawing on quality paper truly makes a difference and will be suitable for framing after!
Watercolor Paper – Again, quality paper makes a difference. It is nice to have a stack of this for watercolor work.
Canvas Boards – I love flat canvas because they are easier to frame and take up less space. Perfect for gifting too!
TruRay Construction Paper – This paper will never fade! Perfect for all your projects.
Yupo Paper – I came across this a few years ago and I love it. Great for tracing, but also holds up to painting!
Collage Paper – I love having different patterned paper on hand.
Texture Rubbing Plates – Fun and great for fine motor!
ACTIVITIES
Bob Ross Paint by Number – While I do not really recommend the large sets, paint by number can be really fun.
Holiday Paint by Number – This would be a fun one to have your child create and then hang each year!
Clay Charms – I ordered this for my daughter. Perfect for a rainy day!
Stitch and String Lab – The one an only Cassie Stephens…art teacher goddess!
3 DIMENSIONAL
Model Magic – A total go-to! Kids love it, it is very forgiving and easy to work with.
Air Dry Clay – Another great option for sculpting at home.
Modeling Clay – I was never really into this medium until I saw the AMAZING things that kids come up with!
3-D puzzles – we got one the these for Christmas last year and it was a lot of fun!
Magna Tiles Marble Run – Problem solving and art combined!
Phew! That is a lot. I will continue to add to this list when I find new amazing things!
Another great resource is YouTube! My kids absolutely love Art Hub for Kids. We always have fun doing the holiday-themed art lessons. Also Crayola has an amazing list of activities for Model Magic.
I hope this helps! Happy Creating….and remember, the memories will outlast the mess.
See you soon!
