Looking to unlock your child’s inner Picasso or perhaps just give them a dedicated spot for creative play? An art easel for kids is a fantastic investment, offering a screen-free space for drawing, painting, and learning. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best art easel for kids that will truly inspire and last?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve handpicked and reviewed five top-notch kids’ art easels that stand out for their features, durability, and kid-friendliness. Let’s dive in and find the perfect creative hub for your little artist!
Why Your Child Needs an Art Easel
Beyond just providing a surface for drawing, a children’s art easel offers a wealth of developmental benefits. It helps kids improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they grasp chalk, markers, and paintbrushes. Standing at an easel can also strengthen core muscles and encourage proper posture. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to foster self-expression, imagination, and early learning through drawing, writing, and even math games. Think of it as a creative laboratory right in your home!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kids’ Easel
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s quickly go over what makes a great easel for your budding artist:
- Material & Durability: Wooden art easels are often preferred for their sturdiness and aesthetic appeal, but look for smooth, child-safe finishes.
- Features: Do you want a double-sided easel with a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard? A paper roll holder? Storage trays for art supplies?
- Adjustability: An adjustable height easel grows with your child, ensuring years of use from toddlerhood to elementary school.
- Safety: Always prioritize non-toxic materials, stable construction, and rounded edges.
- Included Accessories: Some easels come with everything your child needs to start right away, while others require separate purchases.
The 5 Best Art Easels for Kids Reviewed
Here are our top picks, designed to cater to different needs and preferences:
1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel – Dry-Erase…
This classic standing art easel from Melissa & Doug is a timeless choice that emphasizes durability and traditional functionality. It’s designed to be a solid foundation for any young artist, offering both dry-erase and chalkboard surfaces for versatile creative expression. If you’re looking for a no-frills, robust option that stands the test of time, this one’s a winner.
- Key Features:
- Wooden standing art easel with dry-erase board, chalkboard, and locking paper-roll holder.
- Child-safe paper cutter and 4 easy-clip grips.
- 2 large plastic trays for storage.
- Helps build fine motor skills and proper pencil grip.
- Easy to assemble, folds flat for storage, and is height adjustable.
- Made with FSC-certified materials.
- Pros:
- Extremely sturdy wooden frame that’s built to last.
- Classic design with essential art surfaces.
- Includes a paper cutter, which is a nice touch.
- Folds flat for convenient storage.
- Height adjustable for growing children.
- Cons:
- Accessories like paper, paint, cups, brushes, and chalk are sold separately.
- May seem basic compared to models with magnetic features or more included extras.
- User Impressions: Parents consistently praise its high quality and robust construction, noting that it holds up well to enthusiastic young artists. While some wish it came with more accessories, they appreciate its foundational design for encouraging traditional art play.
2. Tiny Land Easel for Kids, Double-Sided Magnetic Easel,…
Tiny Land offers an “all-in-one” solution that’s ready to go right out of the box. This double-sided magnetic easel isn’t just about drawing; it’s about a complete creative experience, packing in essential art supplies and a design that grows with your child. It’s perfect for families seeking convenience and versatility.
- Key Features:
- Double-sided design with magnetic blackboard and magnetic whiteboard.
- Includes 4 dust-free chalk, 1 board eraser, whiteboard marker, 1 paper roll, and 3 painting cups.
- Easy to assemble (just 4 legs) and foldable for storage.
- Adjustable height (38.58″ – 44″) to fit children aged 3 to 8.
- Made from eco-friendly, polished natural pine wood with stable side fixing strips.
- Versatile for drawing, painting, handwriting, and magnetic play.
- Pros:
- Comes with a good set of starting accessories.
- Magnetic surfaces add another layer of play and learning.
- Adjustable height ensures it grows with your child for several years.
- Eco-friendly and durable natural pine wood construction.
- Foldable design is great for smaller spaces.
- Cons:
- The maximum height of 44″ might be a bit short for taller 8-year-olds.
- Storage capacity for supplies is somewhat limited to the cups provided.
- User Impressions: Customers love that this easel comes with so many items, allowing kids to start creating immediately. They often highlight the sturdy wood construction and the magnetic features as big plusses for engaging play.
3. JOYOOSS Kids Wooden Easel with Paper Roll – Adjustable…
The JOYOOSS Kids Wooden Easel truly stands out with its impressive height adjustability and an incredibly generous array of accessories. This isn’t just an easel; it’s a complete art studio package designed to last from kindergarten through elementary school, making it an excellent long-term investment for a child’s artistic journey.
- Key Features:
- Double-sided magnetic green board and chalkboard with clips for paper.
- Red storage tray for accessories.
- Exceptional adjustable height range from 38″ to 51″, suitable for ages 3 to 12.
- Made from high-quality, safety-certified wood.
- Abundant accessories included: 16″ drawing paper roll, green storage box, dust-free chalk, 4 markers, large eraser, colorful magnetic letters, and a math set.
- Pros:
- Accommodates a very wide age range due to significant height adjustment.
- Comes with an extensive set of accessories for immediate and varied play.
- Magnetic surfaces for educational games.
- Safety-certified materials provide peace of mind.
- Includes both letters and a math set for added learning value.
- Cons:
- The “magnetic green board” might be a specific preference, not a standard whiteboard.
- With so many accessories, storage might become a small organizational challenge.
- User Impressions: This easel receives high marks for its fantastic value, primarily due to the vast amount of included supplies and its ability to adjust for many years of use. Parents find it sturdy and appreciate that their children won’t outgrow it quickly.
4. Tiny Land Easel for Kids, Double-Sided Magnetic Easel with…
This Tiny Land easel is an enhanced version of the previous one, offering an even more comprehensive set of accessories. It’s designed for the child who loves to have all their creative tools at their fingertips, transforming any room into a vibrant art space. If “all-inclusive” is your mantra, this magnetic art easel for kids is definitely worth considering.
- Key Features:
- Double-sided magnetic blackboard and magnetic whiteboard.
- Loaded with accessories: 6 dust-free chalk, 1 board eraser, 4 markers, 1 paper roll, 3 painting cups, 4 clamps, and colorful magnetic letters and math set.
- Adjustable height (38.58″ – 44″) for children aged 3 to 8.
- Eco-friendly and durable natural pine wood, carefully polished.
- Foldable design for convenient storage.
- Versatile for various creative and educational activities.
- Pros:
- One of the most accessory-rich options available, perfect for starting artists.
- Magnetic surfaces combined with educational letters/math for multi-purpose learning.
- Solid, eco-friendly wooden construction.
- Adjustable height allows for growth.
- Stable design and foldable for easy put-away.
- Cons:
- Similar to the other Tiny Land model, the maximum height might limit its use for taller 8-year-olds.
- May be overkill if you already own many art supplies.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently thrilled with the sheer volume of accessories included, making it an excellent gift. They note the easel is well-made and provides hours of entertainment and learning for their children.
5. Tiny Land Easel for Kids with 2 Drawing Paper Roll,…
Here’s another fantastic offering from Tiny Land, this time emphasizing robust, all-wood construction and an incredible supply of drawing paper. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious, durable art easel with a focus on traditional drawing and painting, and hate running out of paper, this model provides exceptional value.
- Key Features:
- High-end 3-in-1 design: magnetic dry-erase board, chalkboard, and locking paper-roll holder.
- Made entirely from natural pine wood, including the storage tray, for superior durability and eco-friendliness.
- Comes with an impressive two drawing paper rolls (total 15″ x 983″).
- Adjustable height (41″ – 46″) to accompany children from 3 to 10 years old.
- Includes 3 painting cups for convenience.
- Versatile for drawing, painting, handwriting, and magnetic play.
- Pros:
- Full wooden construction (even the tray) for maximum durability and eco-friendliness.
- Includes a massive amount of drawing paper, so you won’t run out quickly.
- Adjustable height provides a good span of usability for up to 10 years old.
- Double-sided magnetic boards offer various creative avenues.
- Smooth, polished finish for child safety.
- Cons:
- Fewer immediate accessories (like chalk or markers) compared to some other Tiny Land models.
- Height adjustment range, while good, isn’t as wide as the JOYOOSS model for older kids.
- User Impressions: Customers highly value the all-wood construction, finding it exceptionally sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The generous supply of paper is a significant bonus for busy young artists, making it a great choice for sustained creative fun.
How to Encourage Creativity with an Easel
Once you’ve chosen the best art easel for kids, here are some tips to get those creative juices flowing:
- Keep it Stocked: Ensure there’s always a fresh supply of paper, chalk, markers, or paints.
- Offer Variety: Introduce different art mediums—crayons, pastels, finger paints, sponges.
- No Pressure: Let your child create freely without specific instructions or expectations for a “perfect” outcome.
- Display Their Work: Show pride in their creations by hanging them up, fostering confidence.
- Join In: Sometimes, simply sitting beside them and drawing your own picture can be inspiring.
Conclusion
Choosing the best art easel for kids is an exciting step toward nurturing their artistic talents and providing a dedicated space for imaginative play. Whether you prioritize a classic wooden design, an all-in-one package with tons of accessories, or a super-adjustable option that grows for years, there’s a perfect easel out there for your little one. Each of these reviewed options offers unique benefits to spark joy and creativity. Happy drawing!
FAQ Section
Q1: What age is a kids’ art easel suitable for?
A1: Most kids’ art easels are suitable for children aged 2-3 years old and up. Many models feature adjustable heights, allowing them to grow with your child through early elementary years, typically up to ages 8-12.
Q2: Should I get a single-sided or double-sided easel?
A2: A double-sided easel is generally more versatile and recommended. It often features a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase or magnetic whiteboard on the other, offering more options for creative play and making it great for siblings or playdates.
Q3: Are magnetic easels worth it?
A3: Absolutely! Magnetic easels add another layer of learning and fun. Kids can use magnetic letters and numbers to practice spelling and math, or simply attach their drawings with magnets. This can enhance both creative and educational development.
Q4: What materials should I look for in a durable kids’ easel?
A4: Wooden art easels, particularly those made from pine or hardwood, are known for their durability and stability. Look for smooth, sanded finishes and non-toxic paints. Plastic easels can be lighter but may not withstand as much enthusiastic play.
Q5: What accessories are essential for a kids’ art easel?
A5: Key accessories include dust-free chalk (if it has a chalkboard), washable dry-erase markers, a paper roll holder, and some basic drawing paper. Painting cups, an eraser, and storage trays are also very helpful for keeping things organized.
Q6: How do I clean and maintain a kids’ art easel?
A6: For chalkboards, simply wipe with a damp cloth or a dedicated eraser. For dry-erase boards, use a dry-erase cleaner or a damp cloth. For wooden parts, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Q7: Can easels help with my child’s development?
A7: Yes! Easels are fantastic for development. They encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, creative expression, and even early literacy and numeracy when magnetic letters or numbers are used. Standing at an easel can also help with core strength and balance.