Art supplies shape a child’s creative journey. The right materials encourage exploration, build fine motor skills, and make art time safe and fun. This guide explains which markers, pencils, pens, colors, and sketchbooks are best for children, lists trusted and less-reliable brands, and suggests what kinds of books (activity, instructional, and sketchbooks) work well at different ages. It’s written for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want an easy, practical buying checklist.
Why choosing the right supplies matters
Good art supplies do more than produce pretty results. For children, they:
- Protect health — non-toxic, water-based materials reduce inhalation and ingestion risks.
- Build skills — ergonomic pencils, triangular grips, and chunky markers help little hands learn control.
- Encourage persistence — pleasant, smooth tools keep kids engaged longer.
- Reduce frustration — durable leads, washable inks, and thick paper mean fewer ruined artworks.
When shopping, prioritize safety (look for non-toxic or AP/ASTM labels), ease-of-use for small hands, and durability.
Markers: what to buy and why
Types to prefer
- Washable water-based markers — ideal for young children because they’re easy to clean from skin and most fabrics. They have mild odors and bright colors.
- Dual-tip markers — good for slightly older kids who want fine lines and broad strokes without switching pens.
- Broad-tip markers — great for toddlers and preschoolers; the wider tip covers paper quickly and is forgiving of unsteady lines.
What to avoid
- Permanent/solvent markers — these are smelly, stain clothing, and often contain solvents—avoid for young children.
- Markers without safety labeling — if no non-toxic/AP/ASTM label is present, skip them for younger kids.
Trusted brands (short list)
- Crayola — well-known for washable marker lines designed for children and school use.
- Faber-Castell — offers water-based and washable options with good pigment and reliability.
- Staedtler — dependable, with ergonomic designs for kids’ hands.
(Pro tip: choose “washable” on the box and look for a child-safe cap design.)
Colored pencils and graphite pencils
Colored pencils
- Wax-based colored pencils (like typical Crayola or beginner Faber-Castell sets) are soft, blendable, and safe for kids.
- Oil-based colored pencils (higher-end sets such as professional lines) are richer and more lightfast but pricier and often unnecessary for young artists.
Good features for children’s colored pencils:
- Short, chunky or triangular bodies for better grip.
- Thick cores that resist breakage.
- Lightfastness and pigment quality matter more for older children who keep artwork long term.
Trusted brands: Crayola (value and safety), Faber-Castell (quality beginner-to-intermediate), Staedtler.
Graphite pencils
- HB pencils are standard for schoolwork and drawing. For shading introduce softer grades (2B, 4B) gradually.
- Mechanical pencils can be useful for older kids who are tidy and comfortable with thin leads; avoid very thin leads (0.3 mm) for young children as they break easily.
Useful accessories: soft erasers, two-hole sharpeners, and triangular grips for beginners.
Pens and ink-based tools
Pens are less central for preschool art but important as kids grow into writing and more detailed drawing.
- Ballpoint pens (safe brands): good for practice writing; inexpensive and durable.
- Gel pens: fun for older kids who want vibrant, smooth ink—watch for smudging and choose non-toxic labels.
- Brush pens: excellent for calligraphy and expressive drawing for older children; select water-based brush pens for safer use.
Avoid: pens labeled permanent or solvent-based for younger kids.
Paints and crayons
Crayons
Crayons are the classic starter tool for toddlers. Look for:
- Washable crayons or twistable crayons that avoid sharpeners.
- Chunky crayons for toddlers and triangular crayons for ergonomic grip.
Trusted names: Crayola, Faber-Castell.
Watercolors and Tempera
- Watercolor cakes and pans are low-mess and good for early experimentation.
- Tempera paints are richer and better for group projects but should be specifically labeled for children.
Always choose AP-certified / non-toxic paints and water-based formulas for young kids.
Paper and sketchbooks: what thickness and binding to choose
Paper choice hugely affects a child’s experience. Cheap, thin paper buckles and tears; thick paper invites experimentation.
Guidelines:
- Sketchbooks for pencil and crayon: 90–140 GSM paper works well (lighter for pencil, heavier for wet media).
- Watercolor or wet-media paper: 200 GSM or higher; for young children, a mixed-media pad of 140–200 GSM is versatile.
- Binding: spiral-bound sketchbooks lay flat (best for kids). Hardbound or glued pads are fine but may be less child-friendly.
Recommended styles:
- Small, portable sketchbooks (A5) for practice and travel.
- Larger pads (A3/A4) for classroom or messy projects.
Books for children: what kinds and brief recommendations
Activity & prompt books
Books filled with drawing prompts and playful exercises help children build habit and confidence. Look for age-specific titles (preschool, 5–8, 9–12).
Instructional how-to-draw books
Choose books that teach step-by-step with big visuals and simple language. For very young children, books that focus on shapes and fun characters work best.
Sketchbooks vs. guided books
- Sketchbooks: unstructured; encourage free play and ownership of their art.
- Guided activity books: structured lessons and prompts—great for developing technique.
What to avoid: books that are too advanced or overly text-heavy for the child’s reading level.
Which brands are reliable and trusted (concise list)
- Crayola: excellent for washable markers, crayons, and sketchbooks; broad price range and child-focused safety.
- Faber-Castell: high-quality pencils, markers, and paints, with eco-conscious manufacturing and ergonomic designs.
- Staedtler: strong on drawing pencils and beginner instrument reliability.
- Pentel: useful for mechanical pencils and gel pens for older children.
When budget is tight, choose one excellent set of colored pencils and a washable marker set rather than many low-quality items.
Brands and products to be cautious about
- Unknown no-name markers from unverified sellers—these may lack non-toxic certification and can be volatile or smelly.
- Cheap imported paint sets without safety labels—avoid for young children as pigments could contain harmful substances.
Always check for labeling such as “non-toxic,” the AP seal, or ASTM D-4236 compliance when shopping.
Practical shopping checklist (quick)
- Look for non-toxic / AP / ASTM D-4236 labels.
- Choose washable water-based markers for preschoolers.
- Buy chunky/triangular pencils for small hands.
- Get a mixed-media sketchbook (140 GSM) for versatility.
- Keep a small set of high-quality colored pencils (12–24 colors) rather than many poor-quality colors.
- Buy child-safe scissors, glue sticks, and a tray for easy cleanup.
Storage, care and longevity
- Store markers tip-up to preserve ink flow.
- Keep colored pencils sharpened using a two-hole sharpener to limit breakage.
- Wash hands and surfaces after painting; use a washable table cover for messy projects.
Encouraging creativity beyond the tools
Tools matter, but encouragement matters more. Allow kids to make messes, accept imperfect results, and celebrate process over outcome. Rotate supplies to keep interest high and involve them in choosing new colors or books.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right art supplies and books for children is a balance between safety, ergonomics, and inspiration. Prioritize washable, water-based materials with clear safety labeling, pick tools sized for little hands, and invest in one or two quality items rather than many disposable sets. With good supplies and the right books, children will enjoy art, build confidence, and develop skills that last a lifetime.
Suggested images to include
- Photo of a child using washable markers at a table (show bright colors and protective covering).
- Close-up of chunky triangular pencils and a two-hole sharpener.
- A spiral-bound sketchbook open with mixed-media pages and a small palette of watercolors.
- A labeled example of an AP (non-toxic) seal on art packaging.
