Tired of glitter glued to the kitchen table or sticky fingers leaving a trail through the house? We get it! Craft time with kids should be a joyous, creative experience, not a clean-up nightmare. That’s why choosing the best glue sticks for kids is super important. The right glue stick can make all the difference, ensuring projects stick, messes wash away, and little hands stay safe.
We’ve scoured the options to bring you a comprehensive list of the top contenders that parents and teachers swear by. From disappearing purple formulas that guide young artists to scented options that add an extra layer of fun, you’re sure to find the perfect pick for your child’s next masterpiece. Let’s dive in and find the ideal adhesive companion for all those school projects and creative endeavors!
Our Top Picks: The Best Glue Sticks for Kids
1. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable (30 Count)
These classic Elmer’s disappearing purple glue sticks are a staple in classrooms and homes alike for a good reason. What makes them stand out is their brilliant disappearing purple formula. Kids can easily see exactly where they’re applying the glue, which is a fantastic confidence booster for younger crafters and helps prevent missed spots or over-gluing. Plus, it dries completely clear, leaving a neat, professional-looking finish on all their masterpieces!
- Visible Application: Disappearing purple formula helps kids see where the glue is.
- Mess-Free: Applies smoothly and dries clear for a neat finish.
- Educator’s Choice: The #1 teacher brand, ideal for younger learners’ crafting and projects.
- Safe and Non-toxic: Acid-free formula is perfect for classrooms and homes.
- Bulk Value: Contains 30, 0.24-ounce (7-gram) Elmer’s craft glue sticks.
- High Performance: Bonds to most porous and semi-porous materials.
- Easy Cleanup: Washable for easy and safe clean-ups.
Pros:
– Excellent for teaching precise application.
– Trusted brand for safety and quality.
– Great value with a bulk pack.
– Super easy to wash off hands and clothes.
Cons:
– Small stick size might need frequent replacement for big projects.
– Not ideal for non-paper materials like heavy fabric or wood.
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise these glue sticks for their child-friendly design and reliability. Many mention how the disappearing purple feature is a game-changer for little ones learning to glue, and the washability makes post-craft cleanup a breeze. They’re a definite go-to for school supplies!
2. Elmer’s E543 Washable School Glue Sticks, Disappearing Purple (4-Pack)
Another fantastic option from Elmer’s, this 4-pack of disappearing purple glue sticks is perfect for keeping a few spares on hand or for smaller households. It offers all the reliable features you’d expect from the brand – easy application, a clear dry, and, most importantly, a washable formula. Teachers frequently recommend these for their ease of use and safety, making them a top choice for elementary school projects and home crafting.
- Sold as 4/PK: Convenient pack size for everyday use.
- Perfect for School Projects: Easy to use washable glue sticks are a favorite choice for teachers.
- Dries Clear: Keeps projects looking beautifully finished.
- Safe in the Classroom: Non-toxic and safe for use in little hands.
Pros:
– Ideal for individual use or small families.
– Quick and mess-free application.
– Very reliable for paper-based crafts.
– Non-toxic formula ensures peace of mind.
Cons:
– Only 4 sticks, so not ideal for high-volume users.
– May not hold extremely thick cardstock as strongly as some heavy-duty glues.
User Impressions: Customers love the consistency and user-friendliness of these glue sticks. They appreciate the disappearing purple for guiding kids and the fact that any accidental messes wipe away without a fuss. It’s a fundamental supply that performs well every time.
3. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable (6-Pack of Giant Sticks)
If you’re looking for bigger, longer-lasting glue sticks, this 6-pack of giant Elmer’s disappearing purple sticks is just what you need! Each stick is significantly larger, meaning fewer trips to the supply cabinet during a major crafting session or poster project. They offer the same trusted disappearing purple application and washable, non-toxic formula, but with a generous amount of glue to tackle bigger tasks, making them another strong contender for the best glue sticks for kids.
- Disappearing Purple Formula: Helps kids see where the glue is.
- Dries Clear and Applies Smoothly: For a mess-free appearance.
- #1 Teacher Brand: Ideal for younger learners making poster presentations, crafting, and more.
- Washable, Nontoxic, Acid-Free Formula: Ideal for classrooms and homes.
- Includes: 6 packs of 3 giant stick 22-gram (0.77oz) craft glue sticks (total 18 sticks in 6 packs of 3).
Pros:
– Giant size means they last much longer.
– Excellent for larger projects like poster boards.
– Maintains all the great features of standard Elmer’s glue sticks.
– Great value in a bulk pack of giant sticks.
Cons:
– Larger size might be a bit bulky for very tiny hands (but great for older kids).
– Can dry out if caps aren’t placed securely after each use.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the convenience of the giant size, especially for teachers and busy parents. They find them perfect for extended crafting sessions and group activities, noting they still deliver the same reliable, washable, and easy-to-use experience as the smaller versions.
4. Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks, Washable, 22 Grams, 3 Count
Sometimes, you just need a straightforward, all-purpose adhesive that gets the job done without any frills. These Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks fit the bill perfectly. They go on smooth, dry clear and colorless right from the start, and offer permanent bonding for a variety of paper types. Plus, they’re acid-free and photo-safe, making them ideal for scrapbooking or projects involving precious photos.
- Easy, Fast, No-Mess Permanent Bonding: Your choice for quick and clean adhesion.
- Goes Down Smooth: Dries fast, clear and colorless.
- Adheres to a Variety of Paper Types: Including cardboard, foamboard and display board.
- Acid-Free, Photo Safe: Non-toxic formula is perfect for preserving memories.
- Includes: 3, 0.77-ounce (22-gram) glue sticks.
Pros:
– Excellent for precise, clear bonding from the start.
– Photo-safe for memory books and special projects.
– Versatile for different paper-based materials.
– Non-toxic and safe for kids.
Cons:
– No disappearing color guide, which might be a drawback for very young children.
– Not designed for heavy-duty, non-paper crafting.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the dependable, clear adhesion of these sticks. They’re often chosen for slightly more “serious” paper crafts where a completely invisible bond is preferred over the disappearing purple. The photo-safe quality is a big plus for preserving artwork and photos.
5. BAZIC Scented Glue Sticks, Washable, Assorted Scents (6 Count)
Bring a whole new sensory dimension to craft time with BAZIC Scented Glue Sticks! These aren’t just practical; they’re fun. Available in four sweet, engaging scents, they add an exciting twist to everyday tasks, making crafting even more enjoyable for kids. Beyond the delightful smells, they’re fully washable, acid-free, and apply smoothly, ensuring a mess-free and long-lasting bond.
- SCENTED: Available in four fun, sweet-inspired scents, each designed to make your work more enjoyable and engaging, adding a sensory element to everyday tasks.
- WASHABLE: Designed with a washable formula, glue can be easily cleaned off hands, clothing, and surfaces, offering peace of mind during arts and crafts or classroom activities. Avoid non-glossy table surfaces, wood, vinyl, carpeting, wallpaper, walls, and materials that cannot be laundered.
- SMOOTH APPLICATION: Glue glides effortlessly across paper and other surfaces, ensuring an even and smooth application with minimal mess or clumping. Perfect for precise and neat application.
- ACID FREE: Formulated to be acid-free, these glue sticks ensure that your projects do not yellow or deteriorate over time, making them perfect for preserving photos, scrapbooks.
- VERSATILE: Whether you’re scrapbooking, crafting, or tackling office tasks, these glue sticks offer reliable adhesion with a fun, scented twist that adds a creative flair to any project.
Pros:
– Unique scented feature adds excitement to crafting.
– Smooth application helps prevent clumps and uneven coverage.
– Washable and acid-free for safety and project longevity.
– Reliable adhesion for various paper crafts.
Cons:
– Scents might not be appealing to all children or sensitive individuals.
– Specific surface care instructions for washing are important to note.
User Impressions: Kids absolutely adore the scented aspect, making these a huge hit for craft projects. Parents appreciate that despite the fun scents, they still perform reliably, are non-toxic, and wash off easily, keeping the creative process enjoyable for everyone.
6. Avery Glue Stic, Disappearing Purple, Washable, Non-Toxic (1.27oz Stick)
Avery steps up to the plate with their Disappearing Purple Glue Stic, offering a fantastic value with a significantly larger stick. Each stick contains 1.27oz of adhesive, providing more glue for your money compared to many other brands. This means fewer replacements and more crafting! It applies purple so kids can see it, then disappears as it dries, and its heavy-duty adhesive bonds to a wide range of materials, not just paper.
- Unique Glue: Applies with an easy-to-see purple color that disappears over time as it dries.
- Better Value: Avery Glue Stic offers 1.27oz per stick vs 0.77oz from other brands.
- Heavy Duty Adhesive: Sticks to paper, cardboard, foam board, fabric, photos, glass, and more.
- ACMI AP Certified Non-Toxic: Adhesive glue is safe for use in schools, offices, and homes.
- Perfect Glue Sticks for Kids: Ideal for larger crafts and school projects.
Pros:
– Excellent value with a generous amount of glue per stick.
– Versatile, heavy-duty adhesive for various materials beyond paper.
– Disappearing purple feature is great for kids.
– ACMI AP certified non-toxic for safety.
Cons:
– Might be slightly pricier per individual stick upfront, but better value long-term.
– Larger stick could be a bit cumbersome for very small hands initially.
User Impressions: Customers love the “more glue for your buck” aspect, praising the longevity of these sticks. The enhanced adhesive strength for materials like fabric and foam board is a significant advantage, making it a versatile choice for diverse crafting projects.
7. BAZIC Washable Colored Glue Stick 8g/0.28 Oz, All Purpose
Why should glue only be clear or disappearing? BAZIC’s Washable Colored Glue Stick lets kids glue and create with vibrant colors at the same time! This twist-up applicator delivers a colored glue that dries in color, adding an extra layer of creativity to any project. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and, crucially, is washable, acid-free, and non-toxic, making it a fantastic and imaginative choice for young artists.
- ⭐ WASHABLE COLORED GLUE: Color glue stick features a twist-up style applicator, specially formulated with fun colors so you can glue and create with color at the same time.
- ⭐ EASY TO USE: Dries clear and applies smoothly for a mess-free appearance. Goes on smooth, dries fast in color and safe for children.
- ⭐ DRIES QUICKLY: Create the perfect scrapbook with our various glue types and applicators. Permanent adhesive, but washes easily off hands and clothing, no-mess gluing.
- ⭐ ACID FREE & NON TOXIC: Created for home and office use. Washable, acid-free, and non-toxic adhesive. Glue can be cleaned easily off of hands and out of clothes for no-mess permanent bonding.
- ⭐ BAZIC Washable Products: Can wash away from the skin and most washable clothing types. However, it is best to keep it away from non-glossy table surfaces, finished & unfinished wood products, upholstered seats, vinyl, carpeting, wallpaper, painted walls, and other materials that cannot be laundered.
Pros:
– Adds a unique colored element to art projects.
– Easy twist-up applicator is great for kids.
– Dries quickly and smoothly.
– Washable, acid-free, and non-toxic for safety and convenience.
Cons:
– The colored bond might not be suitable for projects requiring an invisible adhesive.
– Specific surface washing instructions, similar to other washable glues.
User Impressions: Kids go wild for the colored glue! It sparks imagination and adds an unexpected visual element to their drawings and collages. Parents appreciate that it still maintains all the essential safety and washability features, making it a stress-free choice for creative play.
8. Avery Glue Stic – Washable, Non-Toxic Glue Sticks for Kids (1.27oz Large)
For those who prioritize quantity and versatile adhesion, these Avery Glue Stics are an excellent choice. Each large glue stick contains a generous 1.27 oz, offering superior value compared to smaller options and ensuring you have plenty of adhesive for all your projects. Designed for smooth and even application, they’re perfect for everything from classroom supplies and scrapbooking to general paper crafts and even some fabric work.
- Smooth Application: These kids glue sticks are designed for smooth and even application, making them perfect for classroom supplies, scrapbooking, and other paper craft supplies.
- More Glue Per Stick: Each large glue stick contains 1.27 oz., providing better value for bulk glue sticks than other 0.77 oz options; a must-have for classroom supplies for teachers.
- Versatile Adhesive: This general purpose and fabric glue stick adheres to paper, glass, and more, making them suitable kids glue sticks and other scrapbook supplies.
- Certified: ACMI AP certified non-toxic glue is safe for use in schools, offices, and homes.
- Easy To Use: Our gluesticks wash out easily and feature a twist base, making them ideal bulk glue sticks for kids school supplies and crafting supplies.
Pros:
– Exceptional value with more glue per stick.
– Smooth and consistent application helps reduce mess.
– Versatile, adhering to paper, glass, and even fabric.
– ACMI AP certified non-toxic and easily washable.
Cons:
– No disappearing purple or scent, so it’s a straightforward clear adhesive.
– While versatile, might not be as strong as specialty glues for very heavy materials.
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the excellent value and the smooth, reliable application of these Avery glue sticks. They’re a popular choice for teachers needing bulk supplies that perform consistently across a range of classroom activities.
9. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.21 oz (8 Count)
Rounding out our Elmer’s options, this 8-count pack of disappearing purple glue sticks is perfect for individual school kits or smaller craft baskets. These compact sticks are easy for little hands to manage, offering the same trusted disappearing purple formula that helps guide young learners. They dry clear, apply smoothly, and are completely non-toxic and acid-free, making them a safe and effective choice for all kinds of creative projects.
- Disappearing Purple Formula: Helps kids see where the glue is.
- Dries Clear and Applies Smoothly: For a mess-free appearance.
- #1 Teacher Brand: Ideal for younger learners, making poster presentations, crafting, and more.
- Non-Toxic, Acid-Free Formula: Ideal for classrooms and homes.
- Includes: Eight, 0.21-Ounce (6-gram) Elmer’s craft glue sticks.
Pros:
– Convenient 8-count pack is great for individual use or small families.
– Small size is ideal for tiny hands and detailed work.
– All the trusted features of Elmer’s disappearing purple glue.
– Non-toxic and acid-free for safety and longevity of projects.
Cons:
– Smaller stick size means they’ll be used up more quickly than larger options.
– Best suited for lighter paper crafts rather than heavy materials.
User Impressions: Parents often buy these for school supply lists, noting their perfect size for pencil cases and their reliability for daily schoolwork and home crafts. The disappearing purple continues to be a favorite feature for making gluing easier for kids.
10. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable (6 Count)
Here’s a standard 6-count pack of Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, an essential for any crafting or school supplies stash. These versatile glue sticks bond to a variety of materials including paper, cardboard, and foam board, making them highly adaptable for diverse projects. The color-changing formula goes on purple and dries clear, ensuring easy and precise application, while the washable, non-toxic, and acid-free properties guarantee a safe and clean crafting experience. They apply smoothly without clumps, creating a neat finish every time.
- Versatile Application: Bonds to paper, cardboard, foam board, display board, and more.
- Color-Changing: Goes on purple and dries clear for easy application.
- Safe to Use: Washable, non-toxic, acid-free, and photo safe.
- Smooth Application: Applies smoothly without clumps for a clean finish.
- Ideal for Creativity: Perfect for arts, crafts, and school projects.
- Colored Pencil Compatible: Compatible with colored pencils for diverse crafting.
Pros:
– Standard 6-pack size is great for stocking up.
– Wide range of material adhesion.
– Smooth application for a professional look.
– All the benefits of disappearing purple and washability.
Cons:
– Standard size might require more sticks for very large projects.
– Best for porous and semi-porous materials, not heavy-duty bonding.
User Impressions: This pack is a consistent best-seller, with users appreciating its reliable performance for everyday school and home crafting needs. The smooth application and quick-drying, clear finish are frequently highlighted as key benefits.
FAQ: Your Questions About Kids’ Glue Sticks Answered
Q1: Why are washable glue sticks important for kids?
A: Washable glue sticks are absolutely crucial for kids because, let’s face it, messes happen! They allow for easy cleanup of accidental glue on hands, clothes, and work surfaces with just soap and water. This takes the stress out of craft time for both kids and parents, encouraging more creative freedom without fear of permanent stains.
Q2: What does “disappearing purple” mean, and is it useful?
A: “Disappearing purple” glue sticks apply as a light purple color, allowing kids to clearly see where they’ve put the glue. This is incredibly useful for younger children learning to apply adhesive precisely, preventing them from missing spots or using too much. Once the glue dries, the purple color completely vanishes, leaving a clear finish.
Q3: Are all glue sticks non-toxic and safe for children?
A: While most glue sticks marketed for kids are non-toxic, it’s always best to check the product labeling for certifications like “ACMI AP Certified Non-Toxic.” This ensures the product has been evaluated by a toxicologist and deemed safe for artistic and creative use, even if ingested in small amounts. Always supervise young children during craft activities.
Q4: How do I get glue stick residue off clothes or surfaces?
A: For washable glue sticks, most residue on clothes can be removed by pre-treating with a stain remover or liquid detergent, then washing in warm water. For non-glossy hard surfaces, a damp cloth with warm, soapy water usually does the trick. Always check the specific washing instructions on the glue stick packaging, as some surfaces (like unfinished wood or delicate fabrics) may require extra care.
Q5: What’s the difference between a glue stick and liquid school glue?
A: Glue sticks offer a cleaner, less messy application and are great for paper-based projects, cutting down on drying time and preventing paper from wrinkling due to excess moisture. Liquid school glue, on the other hand, often provides a stronger bond and is more versatile for heavier materials or projects requiring a thicker layer of adhesive, though it can be messier and cause paper to warp.
Q6: Can kids use glue sticks for all types of crafts?
A: Glue sticks are fantastic for most paper crafts, collage work, card making, and light fabric adhesion. However, they may not be strong enough for heavier materials like wood, metal, or very thick cardboard, or for projects that require a waterproof bond. For those, you might need a stronger liquid adhesive or craft glue.
Q7: How do I prevent glue sticks from drying out?
A: To keep your glue sticks fresh and sticky, always twist the stick down fully after use and replace the cap tightly. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If a stick does dry out a bit, sometimes gently twisting it up and down a few times can help revive it, but often, a dried-out stick needs to be replaced.
Choosing the best glue sticks for kids means finding a balance of safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. Whether you opt for the guiding purple, the sensory delight of scented options, or the sheer value of larger sticks, any of our top picks will help your little ones unleash their creativity with less mess and more fun. Happy crafting!