My Favorite Art Supplies for Kids (Tried, Tested, and Actually Loved)
By Katie, Founder of Keepsakery
When I was a kid, markers lined up in rainbow order, a brand-new sketchbook with perfectly blank pages… it gave me this electric happy feeling—like anything was possible. Honestly? I still feel that way.
Now that I’m a parent (and the unofficial curator of my kids’ daily art explosions), I get that same little thrill when I find art supplies that are actually fun to use, don’t dry out in five minutes, and help my kids feel proud of what they’ve created.
Between birthday gifts, rainy-day projects, and all the art that eventually ends up in our Keepsakery books, I’ve tested a lot. So here’s a roundup of my favorite supplies—the ones I truly recommend to friends, fellow parents, and anyone trying to foster a little more creativity (and a little less chaos).
1. Marker Set with Carrying Case
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I’ve bought this set for so many birthday parties, and it’s a hit every time. The markers are great quality—vibrant, smooth, and not too streaky—and the carrying case makes cleanup and storage a breeze. My kids love picking their colors and organizing them (which is an activity in itself I LOVE doing).
2. Finger Painting Paper
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Oversized and thick, this paper is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who want to go all in. It has a subtle sheen that keeps the paint from bleeding through, even with enthusiastic finger-painting. Highly recommend for younger kids (and lower parental stress).
3. Crayola Acrylic Paint (aka: Don’t Wear Your Favorite Shirt)
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Crayola really does make one of the best paints for kids. The texture is smooth and thick enough to feel satisfying on the page. I especially love this limited color set—it encourages kids to mix their own shades and experiment. (Just a heads up: “washable” is a little optimistic—aprons recommended.)
4. Kids’ Art Aprons
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Because mess happens. And “washable paint” lies. These aprons are adorable and durable, and I love that you can personalize them for each kid.
5. Spiral-Bound Sketchbook with Perforated Pages
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We use these nonstop. The spiral binding makes it easy for kids to flip through and draw comfortably on any page. I also love that the pages are perforated—you can tear out a masterpiece without destroying the rest of the book and pass along extra pages to siblings and friends when you’re out to dinner. Thick enough for paint, too!
5. Chunky Oil Sticks (Our Family Favorite!)
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These are hands-down the most fun art supply in our house. They go on like butter, are super satisfying to use, and dry quickly. My kids love using them under watercolor for a cool mixed-media look. I love them because they keep little hands happily busy.
6. Paint Mixing Trays
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I’ve had these for years—and not just for painting. Yes, they’re great for mixing colors, but we’ve also used them for sorting beads, organizing LEGO pieces, and as snack trays during crafts (highly recommend). Washable and durable!
7. Better-Than-Average Paintbrush Set
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Toss that cheap brush that comes with your watercolor set. This set has a great variety of sizes and shapes, and they actually hold paint well (no sad streaky blobs here). Bonus: they clean up easily and last through many projects.
8. Vinyl Tablecloth for Easy Clean-Up
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This might be the most underrated supply on the list. I throw one of these over the kitchen table for art time, and it makes cleanup so much easier. I order it oversized, wipe it clean, and when it gets too messy, I just cut off the worst section and keep going.
10. Collage Paper Kits (Just for Fun!)
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These are just fun. We use them to add flair to paintings, make cards, and spark creativity when we’re in a slump. Great for older kids or mixed-media projects.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about making Keepsakery books is seeing how much kids light up when their art is treated like something worth keeping. With just a few great supplies, you can set the stage for so many of those moments.
Whether it’s a rainy afternoon masterpiece or a birthday card that ends up framed in their memory, the supplies we give them can help tell the story.
And if you ever find yourself drowning in artwork? You know where to find me.