Introducing creative kids to art kits at an early age can help their artistic skills flourish. Most kids, especially younger ones, love the idea of completing art activities under adult supervision, which then encourages their creativity and is a fun way to build fine motor skills.
Some criteria to keep in mind when purchasing a kids’ art supplies kit include the following: the age it is appropriate for, the mess it entails, non-toxic materials, and the number of pieces are included with the kids’ art set.
While it’s not necessary to independently research the perfect crafts kit for younger or older kids, it does help to have an idea of the type of art the child is drawn to or what skills the child has.
Some art kits require fine motor skills while others simply require the ability to follow adult instructions. Below we’ll cover a few of the different types of art sets and the ages they’re best for.
Types of Art Sets for Kids
There are a plethora of art supplies kits available for children ages four to 12. Whether they like to paint, create crafts using tissue paper or pipe cleaners, or even draw, there is a kit out there for everyone.
Most kits have a low mess option – a major plus for anyone having to clean up after an art session with younger ones. Some even come with a carrying case to help keep all supplies organized.
While each kit may have multiple projects to keep kids busy for hours, those that are more appropriate for older children, have more detailed instructions.
Drawing and Coloring Kits
For kids who love to draw, color or paint, there are specific kits that come with non-toxic crayons, markers, colored pencils, and sheets of drawing paper.
The more varied the supplies, the more expensive these kits will be. They are best for younger kids wherein making a mess isn’t likely as with a painting kit.
Painting Kits
Painting kits come with a variety of paints from acrylic to watercolors and paint brushes. Most kits also include paper to get kids started.
They are great for big kids who won’t paint walls and will only paint on paper or canvas in a specific area.
Craft Kits
Craft kits include everything needed to create different projects. Materials include pipe cleaners, feathers, scissors, glue beads, colored paper, and wooden sticks.
Kids of any age are sure to spend hours focused on making unique and interesting creations. Some kits even come with instructions or ideas for what to make.
Below we’ve covered our top choices for the best art sets for kids in different age ranges.
Our Recommendation List for the Best Art Sets for Kids
- Best Art Sets for Kids Overall: Alex Toys My Giant Busy Box Craft Kit
- Best Art Supplies Sets: Kid Made Modern Kids Art Set
- Best Set for Arts and Crafts Projects: Fat Brain Toys Make A Real Mosaic Fox
- Best Art Materials Included Art Set for Young Ones: Inspiration Art Case
- Best Art Kits for Older Kids: Art 101 USA Budding Artist 154-piece Set
#1 Best Kids Art Set for Kids Overall – Alex Toys Kits for Kids
Selection Criteria
- Price – ~$25.83 (Was $44.50) – Our score: 9/10
- Age – 3+ – Our score: 9/10
- Messy – No – Our score: 9/10
- Toxic Materials – No – Our score: 9/10
- Pieces included – 642 – Our score: 9/10
Alex Toys Kits for Kids
There are hours of fun in the versatile art supplies included with this art set from Alex Toys. Some items include tissue paper, feathers, googly eyes, paper, crayons, and dough. A child can make up to 16 different projects with the included instructions.
This set is recommended for younger children, ages three and above and has a nice variety of crafts for the quality and price.
Adults will need to supervise and help younger ones, but it’s also a great way to spend time together creating and introducing kids to the wonderful world of crafting.
Pros
- One of the best values for the price
- Keeps kids busy for days
- Easy enough for most kids older than 7 to complete alone
- Makes an excellent creative gift
Cons
- Instructions aren’t clear
- Pieces aren’t well organized in the box
2. Best Kids Art Supplies Set – Kids Made Modern Art Supplies Craft Kits
Selection Criteria
- Price – ~$39.99 – Our score: 7/10
- Age – 6+ – Our score: 8/10
- Messy – Yes – Our score: 7/10
- Toxic Material – No – Our score: 9/10
- Pieces included – 1,000+ – Our score: 9/10
About Kids Made Modern Art Supplies Craft Kits
Parents that want to buy an all-in-one craft kit will love this kids’ art supplies set from Kids Made Modern. Unlimited art projects are possible with the feathers, pom poms, googly eyes, thread, beads, sequins, craft sticks, and wooden pieces that come with this set.
Also included are scissors, glue, two needles for the embroidery threads, and a case. Instructions are included, along with ideas on the box that an older child can easily follow.
Children younger than five will need supervision as there are many small pieces and it might be difficult for them to glue items together.
Pros
- The box is well organized with separate compartments for different items
- Many different materials to choose from
- Makes a good gift for teachers and older kids
Cons
- Instructions aren’t step-by-step
- Glue isn’t good quality
3. Best Set for Arts and Crafts Projects – Fat Brain Art Supplies Kits
Selection Criteria
- Price – ~$29.95 – Our score: 7/10
- Age – 8+ – Our score: 8/10
- Messy – Yes – Our score: 7/10
- Toxic Material – No – Our score: 9/10
- Pieces included – 100+ – Our score: 8/10
About Fat Brain Art Supplies Kits
A child’s version of mosaic, this kid’s craft project from the Fat Brain company is ideal for an older child. The clear instructions allow most kids to work unsupervised to create a fox mosaic. Each tile is made in Tunisia and all supplies, including plaster, are included to allow one to begin working right out of the box.
The base of the mosaic comes in an easy-to-follow pattern, similar to a puzzle for kids to place each piece in the color-coordinated spaces.
A wooden frame helps keep the pieces in place until dry. Before making the fox, watch the video suggested as it will provide important instructions for creating the perfect mosaic, including leaving the fox in the plastic wrapper until completed.
Pros
- Fun project for kids and adults alike
- All materials are included
- Builds creativity and fine motor skills
Cons
- Some children will still need supervision to guarantee the best results
4. Best Kids Art Materials Included Art Set for Younger Children – Crayola Inspiration Art Case
Selection Criteria
- Price – ~$32 – Our score: 7/10
- Age – 5+ – Our score: 8/10
- Messy – No – Our score: 9/10
- Toxic Material – No – Our score: 9/10
- Pieces included – Yes – Our score: 9/10
About Crayola Inspiration Art Case
Kids that love to draw will appreciate the drawing potential found in this Crayola art case. Materials include color pencils, paper, non-toxic markers that are also washable, and dozens of crayons in a variety of different vibrant colors.
While paint isn’t included with this kit, each child who loves to create sketches, drawings, or coloring will find everything they need in this kit. The final verdict is that this kit is ideal for any child, whether younger or older, who loves coloring.
Pros
- Comes with a colorful box to help keep all pieces organized
- A nice variety of markers, crayons, and colored pencils are included
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Case is rather flimsy and will break with extended use
- Black markers aren’t included
5. Best Kids Art Sets for Older Children – Art 101 Kids Art Sets
Selection Criteria
- Price – ~$26.54 – Our score: 8/10
- Age – 6+ – Our score: 8/10
- Messy – Yes – Our score: 7/10
- Toxic Material – No – Our score: 9/10
- Pieces included – 154 – Our score: 7/10
Art 101 Kids Art Sets
Unleash your child’s little Picasso with the art materials included in this Art 101 kids’ paint set. This art set includes different materials such as washable markers, oil pastels, watercolor paints, acrylic paints, and colored pencils.
For under $30, this is a great value and makes a great gift, and is a fun way to learn a new skill. This set also includes an art easel for fun learning and painting en plein air. The watercolor paint dries quickly, and a paint brush is included.
Pros
- A lightweight case for easier portability for plein air painting and drawing
- Includes a stapler, sketch pencil, scissors, ruler, eraser, and mixing palette
- An easel makes it easier to create art and paint outdoors
Cons
- The case and some of the additional supplies aren’t sturdy
Conclusion
We hope you found our guide to the best art sets for kids helpful. We’ve covered the different types of art supply sets available along with our recommendations in various contexts.
We’ve discussed how you can choose the best supplies kits for painting, drawing, or crafting to expand the creativity of the special children in your life. Lastly, we’ve combined our recommendations for those art sets for younger or older children that are mess-free and include an instruction manual.
Thanks for reading. We hope our suggestions help you choose the best supplies for kids, whether giving them as a gift or wanting to introduce your own children to different art mediums and crafts to boost their creativity.