The Best Art Supplies for Kids to Inspire Their Creativity

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Kids driving you crazy? Children need constant engagement to keep them from bouncing off the walls — or at least bouncing off the walls at a reasonable level. But sometimes you need a moment of peace where everyone is Just. Sitting. Down. Arts and crafts projects can be an amazing way to keep kids attention, engage their creative sides and help them develop their imaginations (all without screens!).

Of course, all parents have had that pull-your-hair out experience when their little Picasso spills a container of glitter on the carpet or gets a little over-enthusiastic with the paintbrush flinging. (“Um, no, sweetie, that was Jackson Pollack who used that technique. We’re exploring cubism!”) Moms, dads and caregivers quickly learn that the best art supplies for kids inspire their creativity without ruining your house or mental well being. Washable paints, scratch art sets, color pencils and DIY sewing kits are some of the best ways to let kids have fun exploring the arts — with less stress and mess for you.

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We’ve rounded up some amazing art supplies for kids to help keep them entertained when the situation calls for more “zen garden” and less “bouncy house.” Add these to your art supply arsenal and your fridge may soon be covered with some very cute works of art!

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1. Darice Studio Kids Art Set

Spark your child’s creativity with Darice Studio’s 71-piece kids art set that features everything from paint to markers so your little artist can experiment with a variety of media. Drawing supplies include 16 oil pastels, 12 colored pencils, 12 markers, three ink stamps, two drawing pencils and one pencil sharpener. Painting supplies include 24 watercolor cakes and one paintbrush. All of the supplies are organized in a metal carrying case (that comes in assorted colors). The set is intended for young artists ages 8 and up.

2. Purple Ladybug Scratch Paper Art Set

This Scratchy Scratch Combo Art Set contains everything kids need to make creative and unique Scratch creations. Young artists can simply use one of the four stylus-style scratchers to etch drawings into the matte black surface of the scratch paper to reveal the background. This kit includes 18 sheets of scratch paper with a colorful rainbow drop pattern, 9 sheets with gold metallic foil and 9 sheets with silver holographic pattern. Plus, this jumbo pack also has four stencils, assorted stickers and a rainbow scratch paper board with a mini scratcher. With so many options, it’s great for families with multiple kids — or just one prolific little artist.

3. Dauber Dawgs Washable Dot Markers

Let your child make his own version of pointillism masterpieces with Dauber Dawgs dot markers. Each package comes with eight bright colors in slender 3-ounce dot marker bottles that are easy for little hands to grip. They’re just like paints that allow your child to mix, layer and blend — but without the messy hassle. The non-leaking, soft sponge tip applicator is resistant to drying out while the cap is off, and the non-toxic, non-staining ink is easy to wipe away from skin and surfaces with soap and water. Plus, you’ll get three free downloadable activity books, available in printer-friendly PDF files, for more than 100 pages of fun activities to complete with your child.

4. 4M Easy-To-Do Crochet Kit

This Crochet Art Kit from 4M is a perfect beginner set to teach kids the fundamentals of crocheting. Recommended for ages 8 years and up, the kit includes two crochet hooks, one plastic needle, seven colors of yarn and a 14-page instruction booklet. There are enough materials to create three coasters, handbags, place mats or belts. It might just start a hobby that will last a lifetime!