When kids were in school full-time, the art projects were not lacking (likely as shown by the fridge clutter). But now they're home, they're going to need some creative enrichment (PG-rated enrichment, parents). And if they are budding artists and already love art, they will definitely need toys and kits that cater to their passion. Maybe they're the next Van Gogh?
The best part is that the holidays are approaching and these art toys make for great gifts. We found art tools, kits, and projects for kids of all ages and levels (and at affordable price points) for them to explore their creativity in their free time. We're talking fun roll-free markers for toddlers to pottery wheels designed for older kids. If the kiddo loves painting, coloring, or even sewing and fashion design, there is a gift here just for them.
Tracing Projector
$30
from
Lakeshore Learning
The Trace-N-Draw Projector is a great first exposure to drawing for young future artists. Just place the slide into the top of the light projector that will shine down for a toddler to trace on a regular piece of paper. Pictures to trace include bears and trees.
Disney Princess Stamp Set
$10
from
Melissa & Doug
There is a huge following of little kids and toddlers when it comes to Disney princesses. To combine them with an art set like this princess stamp set will make giving this as a gift would be super exciting. Each princess gets her own stamp.
Mini-Sketch Pad
$3
from
Melissa & Doug
For younger or school-aged children who have an interest in drawing, they definitely need their own sketchpad. This kid-friendly one is bound notebook-style for them to easily open to a page that they want to start sketching on. It's also small enough to take on the go.
Fashion Design Activity Kit
$17
from
Melissa & Doug
A love for fashion doesn't have to start later in life. Kids can express an interest in clothes and style from a young age, and fashion isn't just about wearing it either. Someone has to come up with the designs so why not give the kiddo a head start with a fashion sketchpad set?
Non-Roll Markers
$3
from
Melissa & Doug
Markers are a necessity for any kid interested in art, but these markers are something special in a way that both kids and parents and teachers will appreciate. They are non-rolling markers due to their shape and come in all colors of the rainbow, as well as black, brown, and pink.
Osmo Art Tablet
Osmo Art Tablet takes grown-up graphic design and art tools and has made them into a simple-to-use but high-tech art toy for kids who love to create art. But the Art Tablet takes it to the next level. Their drawings can come to life as well.
Rainbow Art Supply Kit
$20
from
Pottery Barn Kids
Inspiration for art can happen at any time and be made out of any thing. Drawing and painting are the classic forms, but there should be no limits on what materials a creation can include. This rainbow craft kit comes with a ton, from felt to string to paper.
Clay Fingers
$30
from
Clay Fingers
Speaking of different art tools and mediums, we can't forget about clay! Play-doh is a kid favorite (maybe not so much for parents as far as clean-up is involved) but this clay set comes with a guide book and how to mold these characters as well as the right colors to do it.
Pottery Wheel
$80
from
Mindware Oriental Trading
If clay or ceramics is really an interest to kids, older ones will love exploring the world of pottery, with actual clay using this just-for-kids pottery set. It comes with the wheel, clay, pigments for painting, and carving tools.
Arctic Animals Origami Kit
Paper isn't just for drawing, though it certainly is fun to use it for that. It can also be for sculpting tiny paper figures, using the art known as origami. This kit comes with the correct type of paper as well as the how-to instructions for the little characters.
Flower Fleece Quilt
$30
from
Melissa & Doug
There's nothing more fulfilling than using something that was handmade, especially if the kiddo made it. With this DIY fleece quilt box, the little one can literally make a comfy blanket. This set comes with ready-cut fleece squares for knotting together.
Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks
$14
from
Crate & Barrel
This kit uses yet another medium for the kid to explore and experience. This is a new drawing tool that the marker and paint crowds will absolutely love. They're called "Chunkies" and they're basically large paint-markers to make the art even more fun to create.
Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit
$30
from
Urban Outfitters
In many cases, beauty is an art. It's become less of a vanity industry and more of a creative one, thanks to social media. Have an older kid that gets creative with nail art? The kiddo will love this Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit. Hey, maybe in another quarantine lockdown it'll come in handy for mom, too.
Bead Pets
Beading will never go out of style. It takes patience and creativity, but its super fun and the end result is a cool design. This beading kit yields a cute animal at the end, but don't worry, instructions are included.
Paint by Color Kit
$20
from
Bling Painting
For the older kids really looking to hone their painting skills, we fell in love with these kits. They're paint by color kits, which help the artist-in-training understand how colors blend as they come together to form a rainbow animal with acrylic paints. Choose from various animal themes, including giraffes, butterflies, and a unicorn.
Embroidery Craft Kit
$25
from
Mindware Oriental Trading
Embroidery is slowly becoming a lost art, and yes, it is an art. With embroidery, the kid can create cool designs on bags, jeans, and home decor items. This embroidery craft kit will help the kid explore this medium.
Paint Your Own Porcelain Bowls
Clay and painting come together in this fun art gift. Kids can paint their own porcelain bowls like they would at a shop like Color Me Mine, but with this set, they can do it at home. It comes with a bowl to paint and a paint palette.
Pressed Flower Art Kit
Flowers can be art? Absolutely. Flower pressing is a form of art that also preserves beautiful flowers for years. Kids can now have their own flower pressing fun with this kit that comes with the flower press needed to get the job done.
Kaleidoscope Coloring Kit
Coloring for adults came back in style, so it definitely is cool and a good idea for older kids to do, too, especially with this Kaleidoscope Coloring Kit. It has beautiful designs and comes with two markers and a gel pen for the kiddo to get started.
Watercolor Paint Pods
$12
from
Urban Outfitters
It's hard to go wrong when it comes to the basics, and aside from crayons, and markers, watercolors are one of the classic mediums to create art. The Watercolor Paint Pods is great for a budding artist with a little more experience. It's a beautiful 36-pigment palette.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
