Does your little one love to draw, color, or craft? Nurturing their creativity from a young age is incredibly rewarding, and a fantastic way to do that is by providing them with a high-quality art set. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best art set for kids that truly sparks their imagination and is safe, engaging, and age-appropriate?
We know it can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the homework for you! We’ve scoured the market to find seven incredible art sets that promise hours of creative fun. From comprehensive kits packed with every supply imaginable to sets perfect for specific artistic endeavors, there’s something here for every budding Picasso. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect art supplies kit for your child!
1. Dan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault – Craft Supplies Kit
This isn’t just an art set; it’s a treasure chest of pure crafting joy! The Dan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault stands out by offering a vast array of craft supplies rather than just drawing tools. If your child loves hands-on projects, building, gluing, and creating three-dimensional wonders, this kit provides endless possibilities. It’s designed to truly unleash their imagination, encouraging them to mix and match materials to bring their unique ideas to life, all neatly organized in a charming two-drawer case.
Key Features:
– Complete arts and crafts supply set for versatile projects.
– Packaged in a beautiful 2-drawer storage case for easy organization.
– Includes a wide range of materials: pipe cleaners, pom poms, googly eyes, sequins, beads, felt, feathers, buttons, and more.
– Encourages creative freedom for jewelry making, monster creation, and imaginative builds.
Pros:
– Huge variety of craft materials promotes diverse creative expression.
– Excellent for hands-on, three-dimensional projects.
– Storage case helps keep supplies organized.
– Encourages imaginative play and fine motor skill development.
Cons:
– Fewer traditional drawing/coloring tools compared to other sets.
– Some smaller pieces might require adult supervision for very young children.
User Impressions:
Parents rave about the sheer volume and variety of supplies, noting that their children can spend hours engrossed in creative play. Many highlight that it’s a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, fostering unique projects beyond simple coloring.
2. Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set – Tie-Dye
Crayola is a name synonymous with childhood creativity, and their Inspiration Art Case in Tie-Dye is a testament to their legacy. This portable art studio is a vibrant explosion of color, perfect for any child who loves to draw, color, and express themselves. It’s a comprehensive drawing kit that’s both durable and easy to carry, ensuring that artistic inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime. With a fantastic array of markers, pencils, and crayons, it’s a go-to for school projects or just a quiet afternoon of creative exploration.
Key Features:
– 140-piece drawing kit including 40 washable markers, 20 colored pencils, 64 crayons, and 15 large paper sheets.
– Compact and durable tie-dye art case with internal organization.
– Versatile art supplies suitable for various coloring and drawing activities.
– Safe and non-toxic, ideal for ages 5 and up.
Pros:
– Wide range of Crayola-quality art supplies.
– Washable markers are a parent-favorite feature.
– Sturdy, portable case makes it great for travel or on-the-go creativity.
– Excellent value and a reliable brand for kids’ art.
Cons:
– Might be less exciting for kids who prefer craft materials over traditional drawing.
– The paper size is specific, limiting larger projects within the case.
User Impressions:
Customers consistently praise this set for its reliability and comprehensive nature, often calling it the “perfect gift” for young artists. The washable markers are a huge plus for parents, and kids love the vibrant colors and organized case.
3. Caliart Art Supplies, 153-Pack Deluxe Wooden Art Set Crafts
For a touch of classic elegance and an extensive range of traditional art mediums, the Caliart Deluxe Wooden Art Set is a fantastic choice. Housed in a beautiful wooden art case, this 153-piece set feels substantial and professional, making it an inspiring gift for beginner artists or anyone looking to explore various art techniques. It’s packed with everything from colored pencils and oil pastels to watercolor cakes, ensuring a rich and diverse artistic experience.
Key Features:
– 153-piece set including colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, sketching pencils, and a coloring book.
– Comes in a sturdy, portable wooden art case for organization and transport.
– Includes two A4 sketching drawing pads (60 sheets total).
– All materials are non-toxic and conform to safety standards (ASTM D-4236 and EN71), safe for ages 3 and up.
Pros:
– High-quality, organized wooden case adds to the premium feel.
– Offers a wide variety of art mediums for different styles and preferences.
– Excellent for both kids and adults, appealing to a broad age range.
– Includes drawing pads, making it a complete starter kit.
Cons:
– The wooden case, while sturdy, can be heavier than plastic alternatives.
– Some users might find the quality of certain specific components (e.g., brushes) to be entry-level.
User Impressions:
Reviewers frequently mention the impressive presentation of the wooden case and the sheer volume of supplies. It’s often cited as a perfect gift for inspiring young artists, with many appreciating the non-toxic materials and comprehensive nature.
4. DLUCKY 208 PCS Art Supplies, Drawing Art Kit for Kids
If “more is more” is your child’s motto, then the DLUCKY 208 PCS Art Supplies set will be an instant hit! This professional-grade art kit boasts an incredible 208 pieces, making it one of the most comprehensive options on our list for drawing and painting. What truly sets it apart is the integrated double-sided trifold easel, allowing kids to set up their own mini art studio wherever they go. It’s designed to foster thinking ability and creativity, providing all the tools needed to release their artistic inspirations.
Key Features:
– Massive 208-piece art kit with crayons, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, markers, and colored pencils.
– Includes a unique double-sided trifold easel for convenient drawing.
– Portable design with a comfortable handle for easy transport.
– All drawing kits are safe for adults and kids, meeting safety standards.
Pros:
– Exceptional number of pieces for endless creative exploration.
– Integrated easel is a fantastic feature for on-the-go artistry.
– Wide variety of drawing and painting tools suitable for different art forms.
– Promotes creativity and fine motor skills.
Cons:
– The sheer number of pieces might be overwhelming for very young children.
– Organizing all 208 pieces can be a challenge once opened.
User Impressions:
Customers are consistently impressed by the vast quantity of art supplies and the clever addition of the trifold easel. Many consider it an outstanding value and a perfect gift for children who are serious about their art or just love having many options.
5. Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space
Another stellar offering from Crayola, this Inspiration Art Case features a cool space theme that’s sure to capture the imagination of aspiring astronauts and artists alike! Like its Tie-Dye counterpart, this 140-piece set is an ideal starter kit for young artists, packed with essential coloring and drawing supplies. The space-themed case adds an extra layer of excitement, making it not just an art set, but a prop for imaginative play. It’s portable, organized, and provides a wide range of vibrant colors for school projects, crafts, or everyday creative sessions.
Key Features:
– 140-piece Crayola art kit: 64 Crayons, 40 Washable Markers, 20 Short Colored Pencils, 15 Large Drawing Sheets.
– Durable, space-themed art case with compartments and locking latches.
– Wide range of bold and bright colors for various art projects.
– Safe and non-toxic, recommended for ages 5 and up.
Pros:
– Trusted Crayola quality and safety standards.
– Fun, engaging space theme appeals to many children.
– Portable and organized case with locking latches.
– Comprehensive set for coloring and drawing beginners.
Cons:
– Primarily focuses on drawing and coloring, with no craft supplies.
– The case design, while fun, might not appeal to all.
User Impressions:
Parents appreciate the dependable Crayola quality and the engaging space theme that adds an extra layer of appeal for their kids. The portability and organization of the case are frequently highlighted as major benefits for busy families.
6. iBayam Art Supplies, 149-Pack Drawing Kit Painting Art Set
The iBayam 149-Pack Drawing Kit is an all-in-one artistic powerhouse designed to foster endless possibilities for young creatives. This vibrant set combines a diverse selection of art mediums, from watercolor pens and oil pastels to colored pencils and crayons, ensuring children have everything they need to explore various art techniques. What makes it particularly special is the inclusion of dedicated coloring books and drawing pads, providing immediate canvases for their newfound tools. It’s a versatile “walking artist” kit, easy to carry and perfect for promoting artistic development wherever inspiration strikes.
Key Features:
– 149-piece art set including watercolor pens, colored pencils, oil pastels, crayons, watercolor cakes, and accessories.
– Special inclusion of 10 sheets coloring book and 10 sheets drawing pad (20 pages each).
– Neatly organized in a lightweight case with a handle for portability.
– Made with fine materials for vibrant colors and smooth application.
Pros:
– Comprehensive range of art supplies covering multiple mediums.
– Includes both a coloring book and drawing pad, ready for use.
– Lightweight and portable, great for travel and on-the-go creativity.
– Encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Cons:
– The plastic case might not be as durable as a wooden one over time.
– Some users might wish for a larger quantity of paper supplies.
User Impressions:
Reviewers praise the iBayam set for its excellent variety and the inclusion of coloring and drawing paper, making it a truly complete package. It’s often recommended as a great gift due to its comprehensive nature and portability.
7. Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit (100+ Pcs), Arts & Crafts
Rounding out our list is the Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit, a fantastic all-in-one solution for both coloring and crafting activities. This kit stands out by offering a mix of classic Crayola coloring tools alongside versatile craft materials like construction paper and a glue stick, all neatly contained within a reusable storage tub. It’s perfect for kids who love to color, draw, and also enjoy cutting, gluing, and making simple crafts. This best art set for kids is designed for versatility, providing the tools needed for school projects, seasonal crafts, or just everyday creative exploration.
Key Features:
– Over 100 pieces including crayons (regular, glitter, construction paper), Pipsqueaks Skinnies Markers, colored pencils, and Ultra-Clean Markers.
– Includes craft essentials: coloring pages, construction paper, washable glue stick, and chalk.
– Comes in a sturdy, reusable storage tub to keep everything organized.
– Safe and non-toxic, recommended for kids ages 5 and up.
Pros:
– Combines drawing/coloring with basic craft supplies.
– Reusable storage tub is excellent for organization and clean-up.
– Features Crayola’s Ultra-Clean Washable Markers, a parent favorite.
– Versatile for a wide range of projects and activities.
Cons:
– May not offer as many specialized art mediums as some other kits.
– The storage tub, while practical, might not be as aesthetically pleasing as a structured case.
User Impressions:
Customers love the practicality of the storage tub and the combination of coloring and simple craft items. The washable markers are, as always with Crayola, a big hit with parents, and kids enjoy the variety for different art projects.
Finding the Best Art Set for Your Little Artist
Choosing the best art set for kids really comes down to understanding your child’s unique interests. Do they love to build and create with different textures? The Dan&Darci Craft Vault might be perfect. Are they all about vibrant colors and portable drawing? A Crayola Inspiration Art Case could be ideal. Or perhaps they’re budding serious artists who need a wide array of mediums like the Caliart or DLUCKY sets.
No matter which you choose, providing your child with an art set is more than just giving them a toy. It’s an investment in their creative development, fine motor skills, and imagination. So go ahead, pick one out, and watch their artistic journey unfold!
FAQ Section
Q1: What age is best for starting with art sets?
A1: Generally, art sets are suitable for kids aged 3 and up. For younger children (3-5), look for sets with chunky, easy-to-grip crayons, large washable markers, and non-toxic, child-safe components. As children get older, they can handle more variety and smaller tools like colored pencils and intricate craft supplies.
Q2: Are these art sets safe for young children?
A2: Absolutely! All the art sets reviewed are explicitly stated to be non-toxic and conform to various safety standards like ASTM D-4236 and EN71. However, always check the recommended age range for each specific product, especially regarding small parts that could be a choking hazard for toddlers.
Q3: What should I look for in a good art set for kids?
A3: Consider:
* Age Appropriateness: Ensure tools are safe and easy for your child to use.
* Variety of Mediums: Does your child prefer drawing, painting, or crafting?
* Washability: For younger artists, washable markers and paints are a huge plus!
* Portability & Storage: A sturdy case with good organization is great for keeping supplies tidy and for travel.
* Non-Toxic Materials: This is a must for all children’s art supplies.
* Durability: Look for cases and tools that can withstand enthusiastic use.
Q4: How do art sets benefit my child’s development?
A4: Art sets offer numerous developmental benefits, including:
* Boosting Creativity & Imagination: Encouraging free expression.
* Improving Fine Motor Skills: Holding pencils, cutting, gluing, and painting strengthen hand muscles.
* Enhancing Hand-Eye Coordination: Essential for drawing and crafting.
* Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Figuring out how to use materials to achieve a vision.
* Encouraging Self-Expression: Providing an outlet for emotions and ideas.
Q5: What’s the difference between a craft set and a drawing set?
A5: A drawing set typically focuses on flat media, including items like crayons, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, and paper. A craft set, on the other hand, usually includes a wider variety of materials for three-dimensional projects, such as pipe cleaners, pom poms, googly eyes, felt, beads, feathers, and glue, encouraging building and tactile creation. Many sets offer a mix of both!
Q6: How can I keep art supplies organized?
A6: Most of the art sets featured come with their own cases or storage tubs, which is a great start! Beyond that, consider:
* Designated Art Space: A specific table or corner for art activities.
* Clear Bins/Containers: For overflow or specialized items.
* Labeling: Help kids put things back where they belong.
* Regular Purging: Get rid of dried-out markers or broken crayons.
Q7: Are washable art supplies truly important?
A7: For parents, yes, washable art supplies are often a lifesaver! They make cleanup significantly easier, as accidental marks on clothes, furniture, or walls can be wiped away with water. While not always necessary for older, more careful children, they offer invaluable peace of mind when little artists are exploring without boundaries.