Are you looking to inspire the young artist in your life? Helping children explore their creativity through art is incredibly rewarding, and having the right supplies can make all the difference. Drawing isn’t just a fun pastime; it also boosts fine motor skills, encourages self-expression, and enhances problem-solving abilities. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best drawing tools for kids?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve hand-picked 10 fantastic drawing kits and resources that are perfect for budding artists of all ages and skill levels. From traditional art sets to innovative digital pads and helpful guidebooks, we’ve got something for every creative spirit. Let’s dive in and find the perfect art supplies for children to get their masterpieces started!
Our Top Picks for the Best Drawing Tools for Kids
1. How To Draw Everything: 600 Simple Step By Step Drawings
This isn’t just a book; it’s a treasure trove for any child eager to learn how to draw. What makes “How To Draw Everything” stand out is its incredible volume of simple, step-by-step instructions. With 600 different drawings, kids will never run out of ideas, learning to sketch everything from animals and people to objects and scenes, building confidence with each completed illustration. It’s a fantastic starting point for developing fundamental drawing skills without feeling overwhelmed.
- 600 diverse step-by-step drawing tutorials
- Covers a wide range of subjects: animals, objects, people, nature, and more
- Simple, easy-to-follow instructions perfect for beginners
- Encourages independent learning and creativity
- Boosts confidence in drawing abilities
Pros:
– Massive library of drawing ideas keeps kids engaged
– Clear, simple instructions are easy for young artists to follow
– Helps develop foundational drawing techniques and observation skills
– No additional art supplies required beyond paper and a pencil
Cons:
– Doesn’t include any physical drawing tools (pencils, paper, etc.)
– Some children might prefer more interactive or colorful guides
User Impressions: Parents and kids rave about how easy this book makes drawing. Many highlight its accessibility for beginners and the sheer variety of subjects. It’s often praised as a go-to resource for rainy day activities or when kids are looking for inspiration.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set (75pcs), 2-in-1 Lap Desk
When it comes to comprehensive and convenient kids’ art sets, Crayola’s Create ‘N Carry Art Set is a real winner. This all-in-one kit packs a punch with 75 pieces, including crayons, markers, and colored pencils, all neatly organized in a case that doubles as a lap desk. It’s perfect for on-the-go creativity, making road trips, visits to grandma’s, or just lounging on the couch a colorful adventure. The variety ensures kids have everything they need to express themselves wherever inspiration strikes.
- CRAYOLA CREATE & CARRY ART KIT: Packed with a variety of Crayola art tools, this art set for kids offers endless creative possibilities for kids and adults alike.
- 2-IN-1 COLORING SET: This art set for kids functions as both a storage case and a lap desk, making it easy to organize and use your art supplies anywhere.
- INCLUDES CRAYONS & MARKERS: Features 16 Construction Paper Crayons, 8 Washable Gel-FX Markers, and 8 classic Fine Line Markers for vibrant, versatile coloring.
- COLORED PENCILS & PAPER: Comes with 12 Short Colored Pencils and 30 sheets of Construction Paper, perfect for drawing, coloring, and crafting.
- PORTABLE DRAWING KIT: Compact and lightweight, this case is perfect for on-the-go art projects, travel, and keeping kids entertained during trips.
- EASTER GIFT FOR KIDS: Crayola art kits and coloring supplies make great birthday, holiday, and easter gifts for boys and girls.
- SAFE & NONTOXIC: All art supplies in this set are safe and nontoxic for ages 5 and up.
Pros:
– Highly portable with a built-in lap desk, ideal for travel
– Includes a wide range of popular Crayola drawing supplies
– Safe and non-toxic materials, perfect for kids aged 5 and up
– Great value for a comprehensive starter kit
Cons:
– Art supplies are standard, not professional-grade
– Lap desk might be a bit small for older children
User Impressions: This set is a consistent favorite for its portability and variety. Parents love that it keeps kids busy and organized, especially during trips. The quality of Crayola products is a common highlight, making it a reliable choice for young artists.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Smart Sketcher 2.0 Projector, Drawing and Tracing Projector
For tech-savvy kids who love innovation, the Smart Sketcher 2.0 Projector takes “learning to draw” to a whole new level. This interactive drawing projector helps children trace, sketch, and improve their artistic skills by projecting images directly onto paper. What’s really cool is its app integration, allowing kids to snap photos, edit them on a smartphone or tablet, and then project them to trace. It’s a fantastic blend of digital and traditional art, encouraging personalized expression and boosting confidence in a unique way.
- A LEARN TO DRAW EXPERIENCE: This drawing projector is the ultimate tool for budding artists, providing a range of features to develop their drawing abilities. From projecting images for easy tracing to offering step-by-step tutorials, fostering personal expression with customizable options, it’s the perfect companion for aspiring artists.
- APP ENABLED FOR ENDLESS FUN: Seamlessly connect to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth, accessing the app provides additional content, personalized drawings, and interactive tutorials, ensuring a dynamic and engaging drawing experience for children of all ages. Snap a pic of anything, edit in the app, project it to trace and sketch.
- EXPANDED CONTENT LIBRARY: Right out of the box, enjoy a diverse selection of over 60 pre-loaded images, ranging from animals to landmarks and vehicles. Expand your creative horizons further with our range of creativity pack cartridges, igniting imagination, exploration with every stroke.
- EDUCATIONAL FUN: Foster a love for learning through play with smART Sketcher 2.0. More than just a kids toy, this is a versatile tool that not only enhances artistic skills but also promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and cognitive development, making it an invaluable addition to any educational toolkit.
- ENCOURAGES INDEPENDENT PLAY AND CREATIVITY: Give your children the gift of growth and self-expression. Parents can rest easy knowing it offers clear, engaging instructions that empower kids to explore and create on their own. This innovative tool fosters independence, enhances problem solving skills, and boosts confidence as children take pride in their artistic achievements. An Ideal choice for nurturing young minds in a safe and enjoyable way.
Pros:
– Combines digital technology with traditional drawing for a unique experience
– App-enabled for personalized content and endless drawing possibilities
– Promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive development
– Encourages independent play and builds drawing confidence
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to traditional drawing kits
– Requires a smartphone/tablet for full app functionality
– Needs batteries or an adapter to operate
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed with how engaging and effective the Smart Sketcher 2.0 is. Kids love being able to draw anything they photograph, and parents appreciate its educational benefits and how it makes complex drawings approachable.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. How to Draw People: Step-by-Step Drawings! (Dover How to…)
If your child has moved past drawing stick figures and is ready to tackle the complexities of human forms, “How to Draw People” is an excellent specialized guide. This Dover book focuses specifically on teaching children to draw people in various poses, expressions, and activities, breaking down the often-intimidating subject into simple, manageable steps. It’s perfect for budding comic artists, illustrators, or anyone who wants to bring their characters to life on paper.
- Dedicated focus on drawing human figures
- Step-by-step instructions for various poses and expressions
- Introduces concepts of proportion and basic anatomy in a kid-friendly way
- Encourages character development and storytelling through art
- Part of a reputable series known for clear art instruction
Pros:
– Specialized instruction helps master a specific drawing skill
– Clear and concise guidance makes drawing people less daunting
– Excellent for developing observation and detail-oriented skills
– Affordable and compact, easy to take anywhere
Cons:
– Limited to one subject (people), not a general drawing guide
– Doesn’t include any physical drawing supplies
User Impressions: Customers frequently praise this book for its clear, straightforward approach to a challenging subject. Many report that their children, and even adults, have significantly improved their ability to draw realistic and expressive figures after using it.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. 12 Pieces Geometric Stencils Template Set for Kids Children
Sometimes, the simplest tools unlock the most creative potential. This 12-piece set of geometric stencils is a fantastic addition to any child’s art arsenal, especially for younger kids. Featuring a variety of shapes like stars, triangles, circles, and hexagons, these durable plastic stencils help children create neat, symmetrical patterns and objects. They’re great for enhancing fine motor skills, teaching shape recognition, and adding a polished touch to drawings and craft projects without needing perfect freehand skills.
- Enough quantity: package brings you 12 pieces different geometric shapes stencils in, suitable for kids to draw these beautiful patterns in art painting projects.
- Geometric shapes: these plastic drawing stencils are characterized by simple geometric shapes, some geometric shapes like star, triangle, square, rectangle, circle, oval, hexagon, heart are included, easy for children to draw, stimulate their imagination to create more vivid painting patterns.
- Keep for repeated use: the drawing stencil templates are made of quality PET (0.2 mm thickness), sturdy, not easy to break or deform, also easy to clean, can be taken for repeated uses for a long time, they are also light in weight and convenient to store, won’t bring burdens to boys and girls when they carry them around.
- Suitable for kids: these art painting stencils are suitable for kids painting at home, school or playgroup, in which way you can get both kids’ imagination and hands-on ability improved; They also provide multiple ways to use, you can apply them with chalks, felt tips or paint.
- Nice design: the kids painting stencils come with vivid and bright color, which is easy for children to distinguish and also catch their eyes; In addition, they are suitable for artistic depiction of various designs, arts and crafts supplies, learning tool for small ones, can be applied for teaching projects, DIY crafts and more.
Pros:
– Durable and reusable PET plastic, easy to clean
– Helps young children draw perfect shapes and patterns
– Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
– Versatile for use with various mediums like crayons, markers, or paint
– Lightweight and portable for creative fun anywhere
Cons:
– May limit freehand drawing development if overused
– Primarily suited for younger children or specific craft projects
User Impressions: Parents appreciate these stencils for their durability and how they help young children create impressive drawings. They’re often cited as a great tool for preschool projects, learning shapes, and adding flair to homemade cards.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
6. 4 Pack LCD Writing Tablet for Kids, 8.5 Inch Colorful
Tired of endless stacks of paper and messy art supplies? The 4-Pack LCD Writing Tablets offer a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative for kids to draw, doodle, and learn. These 8.5-inch colorful tablets utilize pressure-sensitive technology, allowing children to draw lines of varying thicknesses. With an easy-erase button and a lock switch to save creations, they’re perfect for quiet, mess-free entertainment at home, in the car, or at a restaurant. Plus, getting four in a pack means more fun for siblings or friends!
- 4 Pack for More Fun: Apply the newest flexible liquid crystal technology, brighter and clearer than most LCD writing tablet. Take pressure-sensitive technology, you can draw lines of different thicknesses through different pressure levels. Package includes 4 pack lcd writing tablet (Blue, Light blue, Green and Pink), free children’s imagination and creativity.
- 8.5 Inch Colorful Lcd writing Tablet: TQU kids LCD doodle board is a creative education and learning toy, perfect support for drawing, writing, spelling, math, remark, and notes which can let your kids freely release their natural instincts. With erase button on the front and lock switch. You can draw and erase easily by pressing the button on the front of the board. The pen fits snug on top of tablet and it will not come loose.
- Easy to use and Durable: The LCD writing tablet for kids is easy to use, just use the stylus to write, draw, scribble, doodle anything you want. Press the erase button to clear the screen in one second. Or press the lock key to save the screen contents. Our magic reusable drawing tablet is built in a button battery.
- Safe & Portable Toddler Travel Toys: Great for quiet, take-along entertainment. It’s an easy way to color on the go without lugging a bunch of stuff in the car or to a restaurant or church.
- Perfect Gift Idea: The multi-functional LCD writing tablet is a great gift choice for kids. It can be an educational toy for preschoolers. A perfect parent-pick gift for 3 4 5 6 7 8 year old girls and boys on back to school, homeschool, birthday, Easter, Children’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and any occasion.
Pros:
– Mess-free and paperless, promoting environmental consciousness
– Highly portable and durable, perfect for travel and on-the-go use
– Pressure-sensitive screen allows for varied line thickness
– Comes in a convenient 4-pack, great for multiple children or gifts
– Safe and non-toxic, with a simple erase and lock function
Cons:
– Limited color palette compared to traditional art supplies
– Art is temporary unless photographed, no physical keepsake
– Requires a button battery for operation
User Impressions: These tablets are consistently praised as lifesavers for parents, providing quiet, screen-free entertainment during travel and waiting times. Users love the mess-free aspect and the simple, intuitive design that even young toddlers can master.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
7. Art for Kids: Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You’ll Ever…
Touted as “The Only Drawing Book You’ll Ever Need,” this guide aims to be a comprehensive resource for young artists seeking to truly understand the fundamentals of drawing. Unlike books that simply show what to draw, this one likely delves into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ – teaching techniques, perspectives, shading, and more. It’s designed to build a strong artistic foundation, equipping kids with skills they can apply to any subject, making it an invaluable tool for long-term artistic development.
- Comprehensive guide to foundational drawing skills
- Likely covers various techniques, such as shading, perspective, and composition
- Aims to teach the principles of drawing, not just specific objects
- Suitable for a wide range of ages, from beginners to intermediate
- Designed to be a long-term reference for aspiring artists
Pros:
– Builds a strong, versatile foundation in drawing
– Teaches transferable skills applicable to any subject
– Empowers children to understand how to draw, not just copy
– Excellent value as a one-stop drawing resource
Cons:
– Could be overwhelming for very young or impatient beginners
– Does not include any physical drawing materials
User Impressions: Many users find this book to be an excellent investment for serious young artists. They appreciate its depth and thoroughness in explaining core drawing concepts, helping kids move beyond simple tracing to true artistic creation.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
8. How to Draw: Easy Step-by-Step Drawings! (Dover How to Draw)
For absolute beginners, especially younger children, “How to Draw: Easy Step-by-Step Drawings!” from Dover Publications is a perfect introduction to the world of art. This book simplifies the drawing process into super-easy steps, allowing kids to quickly create recognizable objects and animals. Its focus on simplicity helps build confidence early on, making drawing a fun and accessible activity rather than a frustrating challenge. It’s a fantastic way to encourage a love for art without overwhelming budding artists.
- Features extremely simple, beginner-friendly step-by-step instructions
- Covers a diverse range of approachable subjects
- Designed to build confidence quickly for young artists
- Emphasizes basic shapes and lines to create drawings
- Part of a trusted Dover series known for accessible art instruction
Pros:
– Ideal for very young children or those new to drawing
– Quick results help boost confidence and engagement
– Promotes independent learning and creativity
– Affordable and durable softcover format
Cons:
– May be too basic for older children or those with some drawing experience
– Limited depth in artistic techniques
– Does not include any drawing tools
User Impressions: This book consistently receives high marks for its user-friendliness and effectiveness with young children. Parents love how quickly their kids can produce drawings, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging them to keep drawing.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
9. JRKOO Clay Tools Kit,28 PCS Pottery Tools,Polymer Clay…
While not strictly “drawing tools” in the traditional sense, the JRKOO Clay Tools Kit is an essential set for any child interested in exploring 3D art and sculpting. For kids who enjoy tactile experiences and bringing their creations to life in a different dimension, these 28 pottery and polymer clay tools are perfect. From carving and cutting to shaping and smoothing, this kit offers everything needed to dive into the wonderful world of clay. It’s a brilliant way to expand artistic horizons beyond paper and pencil, fostering unique creative skills and fine motor development.
- Perfect Comfortable Match: This set of clay tools includes most of the basic tools needed for pottery making and sculpting. They are suitable for carving, cutting, painting,trimming, modeling, shaping, smoothing, and more.
- Refined design：Explore our pottery tools in diverse shapes and sizes, crafted to ignite your creativity. Discover double-headed designs that offer more versatility and save storage space, empowering you to create with ease and precision.
- High Quality:Our clay sculpting tool set features premium stainless steel and ergonomic wooden handles for durability and comfort. polymer clay, fondant, and more. Unlock your creativity with tools designed to enhance your artistic projects!
- Portable storage bag: This large-capacity storage bag keeps your tools organized and makes them easy to carry to pottery classes. With a high-quality zipper for effortless access, it’s perfect for storing and retrieving your essentials quickly.
- Perfect Gift: Unleash creativity with our clay tool carving set, perfect for drawing inspiration from real life and artistic sources. Ideal for all ages, our high-quality air-dry clay tools make the ultimate holiday and birthday gifts for family, children, adults, friends, students, and budding artists. Spark joy and creativity with a gift that inspires endless artistic possibilities!
Pros:
– Comprehensive set with 28 diverse tools for various sculpting techniques
– High-quality stainless steel and ergonomic wooden handles for durability and comfort
– Includes a portable storage bag for organization and easy transport
– Excellent for developing fine motor skills and spatial reasoning
– Encourages 3D creativity and tactile exploration
Cons:
– Requires separate purchase of clay or modeling material
– Not for 2D drawing on paper
– Some tools might be sharp and require supervision for younger children
User Impressions: Sculpting enthusiasts, both young and old, rave about the quality and variety of tools in this kit. It’s often recommended for beginners and intermediate artists alike, providing everything needed to get started with clay modeling.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
10. How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers…
“How to Draw Cool Stuff” takes a slightly different approach, aiming to inspire not just kids, but also teachers and parents who want to engage young learners with appealing and fun drawing projects. This book likely focuses on a collection of “cool” subjects – popular characters, trendy objects, or exciting scenes – presented in an easy-to-follow format. It’s perfect for kids who need a specific hook to get them excited about drawing, offering content that resonates with modern interests and makes art feel approachable and relevant.
- Focuses on drawing “cool” and engaging subjects that appeal to kids
- Designed to be accessible for children, teachers, and parents alike
- Likely offers step-by-step instructions for popular or trendy drawings
- Aims to make drawing fun and relevant to modern interests
- Can be a great resource for classroom activities or home art projects
Pros:
– Highly engaging subjects motivate kids to draw
– Great for teachers or parents looking for easy art activities
– Provides fresh ideas beyond traditional drawing guides
– Helps children replicate popular visuals they love
Cons:
– May not cover fundamental drawing techniques in depth
– “Cool” subjects might become dated over time
– Does not include any physical drawing materials
User Impressions: This book is a hit with kids who are looking for specific, appealing drawings. Parents and teachers find it a valuable resource for sparking interest and providing quick, satisfying drawing projects that keep children engaged.
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Conclusion: Nurturing Young Artists with the Right Tools
Choosing the best drawing tools for kids is all about matching their interests, age, and skill level with the right supplies. Whether your child is just starting their artistic journey with a simple step-by-step book, loves to get hands-on with a comprehensive art set, or explores digital creation with an LCD tablet, there’s a perfect tool out there to spark their imagination.
Encouraging children to draw helps them develop crucial skills and provides a wonderful outlet for self-expression. We hope this guide helps you pick the perfect set of tools to inspire countless hours of creative fun and artistic exploration! Happy drawing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kids’ Drawing Tools
Q1: Why is drawing important for my child’s development?
A1: Drawing is incredibly beneficial! It helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and visual analysis. It also boosts creativity, imagination, self-expression, and problem-solving abilities, and can even improve focus and concentration.
Q2: What age are these drawing tools generally suitable for?
A2: The suitability varies. For very young children (toddlers and preschoolers, 2-5 years old), mess-free options like LCD writing tablets or large, washable crayons are great. For elementary school-aged kids (6-10), art sets with crayons, markers, and colored pencils, along with simple “how-to-draw” books, are ideal. Older kids and pre-teens (10+) might appreciate more detailed drawing guides, specialized art sets, or digital drawing tools. Always check specific product age recommendations.
Q3: Are all these art supplies non-toxic and safe for children?
A3: Reputable brands like Crayola ensure their art supplies are non-toxic and safe for children. For other products, especially those that come in direct contact with skin or mouth, always look for “AP Certified,” “Non-Toxic,” or similar safety labels from recognized organizations. We’ve focused on products that are generally considered safe for their intended age groups.
Q4: How can I encourage my child to draw more?
A4: Make it fun and pressure-free! Provide a variety of materials, set up a dedicated art space, and draw alongside them. Focus on the process, not just the finished product, by praising effort and creativity. Display their art, suggest drawing games, and consider enrolling them in an art class if they show strong interest.
Q5: What’s the main difference between a drawing book and an art set for kids?
A5: A drawing book primarily provides instruction, inspiration, and step-by-step guides on how to draw various subjects or techniques. An art set, on the other hand, provides the physical tools (crayons, markers, paper, etc.) to draw. Both are excellent, but they serve different purposes: the book teaches, the set equips. Often, a combination of both is the best approach.
Q6: How do I choose the right drawing tool for my child’s specific interests?
A6: Observe what your child enjoys! Do they love bright colors? A marker or crayon set might be best. Are they fascinated by creating characters? A “how to draw people” book could be perfect. Do they enjoy tech gadgets? An LCD tablet or projector could be engaging. If they like building, clay tools could open new artistic avenues. Tailor your choice to their current passions and learning style.
Q7: Are digital drawing tools like LCD tablets truly beneficial for young artists?
A7: Yes, absolutely! Digital drawing tools offer a mess-free, sustainable way for kids to doodle and practice. They help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in a modern context. While they don’t replace the tactile experience of traditional art, they provide a convenient and engaging alternative for on-the-go creativity and a fun introduction to digital art.