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Art Supplies for Kids

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Art Supplies for Kids

Creativity without permanent damage. We compared kids art supplies for washability (walls, clothes, everything), non-toxicity, and whether they actually enable creativity.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack

Crayola

Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack

4.8 (56,789 reviews)

The "tested on every surface" recommendation. Crayola's Ultra-Clean formula really does wash out of clothes, off walls, and even from grout.

Colors

40

Washable

From skin, fabric, walls

Tip

Fine line

Certified

AP Non-Toxic

Pros

  • โœ“ Actually washes off walls and clothes
  • โœ“ 40 colors
  • โœ“ Classic Crayola quality

Cons

  • โœ— Caps get lost
  • โœ— Fine tips crush with pressure
  • โœ— Need replacement eventually

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack
Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack Best
Crayola
4.8
$15 View
Twistables Colored Pencils 30 Pack
Twistables Colored Pencils 30 Pack Value
Crayola
4.7
$12 View
Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack
Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack
Crayola
4.6
$20 View
Grow n Glow Terrarium
Grow n Glow Terrarium
Creativity for Kids
4.5
$18 View
Inspiration Art Case 140 Pieces
Inspiration Art Case 140 Pieces
Crayola
4.6
$35 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack

Crayola

Ultra-Clean Washable Markers 40 Pack

4.8 (56,789 reviews)

The "tested on every surface" recommendation. Crayola's Ultra-Clean formula really does wash out of clothes, off walls, and even from grout.

Colors

40

Washable

From skin, fabric, walls

Tip

Fine line

Certified

AP Non-Toxic

Pros

  • โœ“ Actually washes off walls and clothes
  • โœ“ 40 colors
  • โœ“ Classic Crayola quality

Cons

  • โœ— Caps get lost
  • โœ— Fine tips crush with pressure
  • โœ— Need replacement eventually
Best Value
Twistables Colored Pencils 30 Pack

Crayola

Twistables Colored Pencils 30 Pack

4.7 (23,456 reviews)

The end of sharpener wars. Twistables eliminate frustrationโ€”twist up for fresh point, never break.

Colors

30

Type

Twist-up colored pencils

Sharpening

Never needed

Ages

3+

Pros

  • โœ“ Never need sharpening
  • โœ“ No broken tips
  • โœ“ Plastic barrel survives drops

Cons

  • โœ— Can't resharpen to fine point
  • โœ— Barrel cracks if stepped on
  • โœ— Less color variety
Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack

Crayola

Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Sculpting without the mess. Unlike Play-Doh or real clay, Model Magic is clean, lightweight, and air-dries into keepable creations.

Weight

2.25 lbs

Colors

Multiple packs

Drying

Air dry 24-48 hours

Mess

Minimal

Pros

  • โœ“ Clean and non-sticky
  • โœ“ Air dries no baking
  • โœ“ Lightweight finished projects

Cons

  • โœ— Dries out if left open
  • โœ— Crumbles over time
  • โœ— Not traditional clay feel
Grow n Glow Terrarium

Creativity for Kids

Grow n Glow Terrarium

4.5 (18,765 reviews)

Creativity with consequences. Kids decorate the terrarium and plant real seeds, then must care for them.

Size

6" dome

Includes

Seeds, soil, decorations, LED

Type

Living terrarium

Ages

6+

Pros

  • โœ“ Art meets science
  • โœ“ LED light included
  • โœ“ Real plants that grow

Cons

  • โœ— Plants need ongoing care
  • โœ— Requires patience
  • โœ— One-time project
Premium Pick
Inspiration Art Case 140 Pieces

Crayola

Inspiration Art Case 140 Pieces

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

The all-in-one gift solution. Grandparents: this is your answer. Everything organized in a case they can carry.

Pieces

140

Includes

Crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper

Storage

Hardside case

Ages

5+

Pros

  • โœ“ Everything in one case
  • โœ“ Organized storage
  • โœ“ Travel-ready

Cons

  • โœ— Jack of all trades quality
  • โœ— Heavy to carry
  • โœ— Individual items better quality

Buying Guide: How to Choose Art Supplies for Kids


Kids Art Supplies: The Washability Wars

The Golden Rule
If it's going near kids under 8, it needs to be washable. Period.

### Understanding "Washable"
Not all washable claims are equal:
  • Skin: Most markers wash off easily
    - Fabric: Pre-treated stains come out in regular wash
    - Walls/Furniture: Ultra-Clean formulas actually clean
    - Carpet: Even washable markers can stain permanently

    ### The Crayon Hierarchy
    1. Crayola: Industry standard
    2. Cra-Z-Art: Budget option, fine for basics
    3. Restaurant crayons: Barely functional
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Art Supplies for Kids

    My kid only wants to draw on walls. Help?

    Provide large paper taped to walls at their height. Easels work too. They want the vertical surfaceโ€”redirect the urge legally.

    Are Crayola and generic crayons different?

    Yes. Crayola has better pigment, smoother application, and more consistent quality. For serious drawing, the difference matters.

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