10 Best Art Supplies For Young Artists in 2026
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For young artists, the Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit is the best overall pick. It packs over 100 pieces into a single storage tub, including Ultra-Clean markers for less mess and specialty crayons for crafts. For families wanting more variety, the Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit offers the best value with 202 pieces in a sturdy wooden case. Those ready for higher-quality media should consider the Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set.
The challenge with buying art supplies for kids is finding a set that offers enough variety to keep them engaged without overwhelming them with low-quality tools that frustrate more than they inspire. The best kits balance creative freedom with practical organization and non-toxic safety standards. We researched top-rated sets based on their included media, storage solutions, portability, and overall value to help you find the right fit for your young creator.
Top 10 Art Supplies For Young Artists in the Market
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The Best Art Supplies For Young Artists, Reviewed
Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit
What We Like
- 100+ pieces in a single set
- Includes glitter and construction paper crayons
- Ultra-Clean markers for less mess
- Storage tub keeps supplies organized
Trade-offs
- No drawing pad or sketchbook included
- No paint or pastels for varied techniques
This Crayola set packs over 100 pieces into a single storage tub, giving a young artists a wide range of tools for coloring and crafting. The mix of glitter crayons, construction paper crayons, Ultra-Clean markers, and colored pencils lets kids switch between drawing, coloring, and craft projects. The included storage tub keeps supplies organized, which helps parents avoid the usual scatter of small items. For a child just starting to explore art, this kit offers variety and convenience in one box.
The trade-off is that this set focuses on coloring and basic crafting, there are no paints, pastels, or a dedicated sketch pad, which limits the range of techniques a budding artist can try. Compared to the Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit, which includes canvases and acrylic paint, the Crayola kit is suited for coloring sessions rather than painting projects. Still, for a parent looking for a straightforward all-in-one starter that keeps supplies tidy and is safe for ages 5 and up, this is a reliable choice that covers the essentials.
Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit
What We Like
- 202 pieces in a sturdy wooden case
- Two detachable drawers with individual slots
- Non-toxic, ASTM-D4236 and EN71 certified
Trade-offs
- At 11.4 pounds, heavy for small children to carry
- No carrying handle or strap for portability.
With 202 pieces packed into a sturdy wooden case, this set gives a young artist enough variety to explore drawing, painting, and coloring without needing to buy separate kits. The two detachable drawers with individual slots keep supplies organized, so a child can find what they need and put everything back in its spot. It is a practical choice for families who want a single, comprehensive gift that covers multiple mediums and encourages creative experimentation.
The wooden case weighs 11.4 pounds, so it stays put on a desk or shelf, but a small child won’t easily lug it between school and home. For a young artist who works mostly at a table and wants the most supplies per box, this set delivers real variety without sacrificing safety or organization.
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Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set
What We Like
- Wooden gift box with flocked trays
- Includes watercolor pencils and oil pastels
- Non-toxic and safe for ages 6+
- Pencils made from reforested wood
Trade-offs
- 64 pieces is fewer than many competing sets
- No drawing pad or sketchbook included
- Case is slim at 1.5 inches deep
You get fewer total pieces than some competing sets, and the slim 1.5-inch-deep case limits how much extra gear you can store. But if your young artist values the feel of colored pencils and oil pastels over a pile of basic crayons, this set delivers where it counts. The reforested wood and non-toxic materials also appeal to parents who care about safety and the environment.
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Crayola Art Kit with Swirl & Pastel
What We Like
- Unique swirl and pastel color selection
- Portable storage case for travel
- Nontoxic, safe for ages 5+
Trade-offs
- Only 20 sheets of paper included
- No paint or pastels for mixed media
With 60 crayons, 40 markers, and 20 short colored pencils in one portable case, this kit gives a young artist enough variety to explore without overwhelming them. The swirl and pastel shades are the real draw here, they invite soft blending and dreamy color combinations that standard sets don’t offer. That makes it a natural fit for kids who love to experiment with gentle gradients or create whimsical scenes. The case keeps everything organized and easy to carry, so it works well for travel or quiet afternoons at the kitchen table.
The colored pencils are short, which can frustrate a child who likes to press hard or shade large areas. And with only 20 sheets of paper, you will want to buy a separate sketchpad early on. Compared to the Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit, this set focuses on a curated color story rather than raw volume, so it is better for blending practice than for all-out supply hoarding. For someone who loves pastels and soft effects, this kit is a thoughtful, focused gift.
iBayam Art Kit 251-Pack
What We Like
- Double-sided trifold easel built into case
- Includes 25 scratch sheets and styluses
- Portable carrying case for travel
Trade-offs
- Case is only 2.2 inches deep, limited storage capacity
- No acrylic paints or canvases included
With 251 pieces packed into a slim trifold case, the iBayam Art Kit puts a full studio at your fingertips wherever you go. For someone who loves to doodle on the go and values portability over sheer volume, this kit hits a sweet spot.
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Soucolor 283-Piece Art Set
What We Like
- 283-piece set with built-in trifold easel
- Double-sided easel holds paper at proper angle
- Sturdy handle and flat-lay case for travel
- Includes coloring book and two drawing pads
Trade-offs
- At 3.5 lb, heavier than some compact kits
- No acrylic paint included for canvas work
With 283 pieces and a built-in double-sided trifold easel, this set includes everything a child needs to start drawing, coloring, and painting right out of the box. The easel holds paper at a comfortable angle, and the sturdy handle lets you carry the whole kit to a picnic table, a car ride, or the living room floor. For families who want one gift that covers multiple mediums, crayons, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, and markers, this is the most complete all-in-one option in this guide.
The Soucolor set is heavy at 3.5 pounds, so it is not a grab-and-go kit like the Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set, which is lighter and slimmer. But if your child wants a built-in double-sided trifold easel and 283 pieces in one case, this box delivers that convenience without needing separate storage.
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TMOL Deluxe Art Set 175-Pack
What We Like
- 175 pieces cover many techniques
- Removable drawer for easy access
- Non-toxic, safe for all ages
- Sturdy wooden case protects supplies
Trade-offs
- No markers included in the set
This 175-piece set is housed in a sturdy mahogany pine wood case, so everything from crayons to acrylic paints stays organized and protected for travel or storage. The removable drawer glides out effortlessly, giving quick access to frequently used items without rummaging. For students, hobbyists, or professionals, it covers a wide range of techniques in one box.
Color More 237-Piece Kids Art Set
What We Like
- 237 pieces for varied media
- Double-sided folding easel built in
- Portable case with carry handle
- Non-toxic, certified safe for ages 4-8
Trade-offs
- Easel designed only for flat surfaces
- No acrylic paints included
With 237 pieces packed into a single portable case, this set includes crayons, markers, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolors, origami sheets, and even a built-in double-sided easel. That means a child can draw, paint, fold, and sketch without needing extra supplies or a separate workspace. The carry handle and elastic straps keep everything organized and easy to bring along, making it a practical choice for families who want a complete art kit that travels well.
The easel works only on a flat surface like a desk or table, so it is not an upright standing easel for floor use. Compared to the Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit, which offers a larger storage tub but no easel at all, this set trades some storage volume for a more complete creative workspace. For a child who wants to paint and draw at a table and take their supplies to Grandma’s house or on a road trip, this is a thoughtful all-in-one solution.
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iBayam Deluxe Drawing Painting Kit 195-Pack
What We Like
- 195 pieces cover many media
- Wooden case keeps supplies organized
- Includes canvases, pads, and sketchbook
Trade-offs
- Canvas boards are small (A4) for large projects
- Canvas boards are A4, limiting large paintings
With 195 pieces spanning crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, acrylics, watercolors, and two canvas boards, this kit gives a beginner a full creative toolkit in one box. The wooden case with a pull-out drawer keeps everything organized, so supplies are easy to find and store. It’s a generous set that lets someone explore different techniques, from detailed pencil work to loose watercolor washes, without needing to buy separate kits for each medium.
The 195-piece assortment covers nearly every medium a budding artist could want: crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, brushes, and pads. So a child can experiment with drawing, painting, and blending without buying separate kits. The canvases are A4 size, which works fine for practice pieces but won’t replace a large easel canvas for big projects. Compared to the Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set, which packs 64 pieces into a slim case, this iBayam set offers far more variety and a dedicated storage box. That makes it the better choice for someone who wants to try everything in one go.
Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Art Set
What We Like
- Built-in double-sided pop-up easel
- 185 pieces for varied media
- Portable trifold carry case
Trade-offs
- Only 12 sheets of drawing paper included
- No acrylic or tempera paint options
- Small case limits workspace for larger projects
The 185-piece set packs oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, markers, and a sketch pad into a trifold case that opens into a double-sided easel. So a child can set up a studio on any table or floor. The built-in pop-up easel keeps supplies organized and ready to use anywhere the case can be opened. All crayons, pencils, and pastels are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236, which gives parents confidence. At 3.5 pounds, the case is light enough to carry to a friend’s house or on a plane.
The paper supply runs thin fast, just 12 sheets, so you will want to buy a separate sketch pad for extended sessions. Compared to the iBayam Art Kit 251-Pack, which includes more pieces, the Sunnyglade set prioritizes portability and the built-in easel over sheer quantity. For someone who loves to draw on the go and values having a stand ready anywhere, this is a smart, focused choice. Just plan to replenish paper sooner than you might expect.
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How We Evaluated Art Supplies For Young Artists
This guide is built on a careful review of manufacturer specifications, expert round-ups of beginner art kits, and patterns in owner feedback. We focused on what matters most for a young artist’s first real set: variety of media, quality of materials, and how the kit is organized. A kit that scatters many pieces across a flimsy box isn’t helpful, so we paid close attention to storage and portability.
The three main criteria we weighed were the range of included media (crayons, markers, colored pencils, paints, pastels), the safety certifications and non-toxic guarantees, and the practicality of the case or box for daily use. We also considered whether the set encourages exploration across different techniques or locks a child into one medium. A research-led evaluation like this can surface the kits most likely to deliver a positive experience based on what owners consistently report.
What To Look For In Art Supplies For Young Artists
Choosing the right art set means looking beyond the piece count to see what’s actually inside. The best kits for young artists combine a thoughtful selection of media with a case that keeps everything organized and accessible.
Media Variety
A good art set should introduce a young artist to at least three different media types: something for drawing (colored pencils or crayons), something for coloring (markers), and something for painting (watercolors or tempera cakes). Kits that include only crayons and markers limit creative exploration, while sets with pastels, oil pastels, or watercolor pencils open up new techniques. Look for a balance that matches your child’s age and interest level.
Storage and Organization
How the supplies are stored matters almost as much as what’s inside. A sturdy case with individual slots or removable trays makes cleanup easy and teaches organization. Wooden cases offer durability but can be heavy, while plastic tubs and trifold easel cases are lighter and more portable. The best storage solution is one that your child can open, use, and close independently.
Safety and Non-Toxic Materials
For young artists, safety is non-negotiable. Look for sets that explicitly state they are non-toxic and certified to ASTM or EN71 standards. This ensures the materials are safe for skin contact and accidental ingestion. Avoid sets that don’t list safety certifications, especially for children under 12.
- Check the age recommendation on the box; some sets include small parts not suitable for children under 3.
- Verify that markers are labeled as washable or ultra-clean for easier cleanup.
- Look for a set with a case that has a secure latch to prevent spills.
- Consider the size of the included paper; small sheets (A4 or smaller) limit larger projects.
- Count the number of distinct media types, not just total pieces, to gauge true variety.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a set with at least three media types and a case your child can open and close by themselves.
Art Supplies For Young Artists Compared
The table below compares the top art supply kits for young artists, highlighting their piece counts, storage types, and key included media to help you find the right match.
| Product | Pieces | Case Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit | 100+ | Tub included | N/A |
| Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit | 202 | Wooden | 11.4 pounds |
| Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set | 64 | Wooden gift box | 2.9 pounds |
| Crayola Art Kit with Swirl & Pastel | N/A | Portable storage case | N/A |
| iBayam Art Kit 251-Pack | 251 | Plastic carrying case with trifold easel | 0.0 pounds |
| Soucolor 283-Piece Art Set | 283 | N/A | 3.5 pounds |
| TMOL Deluxe Art Set 175-Pack | 175 | Mahogany pine wood | N/A |
| Color More 237-Piece Kids Art Set | 237 | Portable with carry handle | 3.3 pounds |
| iBayam Deluxe Drawing Painting Kit 195-Pack | 195 | Wooden case with pull-out drawer | N/A |
| Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Art Set | 185 | Trifold easel case | 3.5 pounds |
Frequently Asked Questions
What art supplies should I buy for a young artist?
Start with a well-rounded kit that includes colored pencils, markers, crayons, and watercolors. This gives a child the tools to draw, color, and paint without needing separate purchases. Look for non-toxic, washable materials and a sturdy case for storage.
How many pieces do I need in a kids art set?
A set with a moderate number of pieces offers good variety without being overwhelming. Focus on the number of different media types (pencils, markers, paints) rather than the total piece count. A set with fewer pieces but four media types can be more useful than a larger set with only crayons and markers.
Are art supply kits for kids safe?
Most reputable brands ensure their products are non-toxic and certified to ASTM or EN71 safety standards. Always check the product description for these certifications, especially for children under 12. Avoid sets that don’t list safety information.
What is the best art kit for a 5 year old?
The Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit is a strong choice for ages 5 and up because it includes Ultra-Clean markers and a storage tub. For more variety, the Color More 237-Piece Kids Art Set is certified safe for ages 4-8 and includes a built-in easel.
Should I buy a wooden art case or a plastic one?
Wooden cases are more durable and look nicer on a desk, but they are heavier and less portable. Plastic cases and trifold easel cases are lighter and better for travel. Choose wood for a home desk setup and plastic or trifold for a kit that will be carried to school or on trips.
The Bottom Line
For most families, the Crayola Super Art Coloring Kit is the best choice. It combines a generous 100-plus piece count with Ultra-Clean markers that make cleanup easier for parents and more fun for kids. The included storage tub keeps everything in one place, which is a practical win for any household. If your young artist is ready for more variety in a single kit, the Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit offers an impressive 202 pieces in a sturdy wooden case that keeps supplies organized at a desk.
For those seeking higher-quality media to help a child grow into more advanced techniques, the Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set provides watercolor pencils and oil pastels in a beautiful wooden box. The single most important factor when buying art supplies for a young artist is choosing a set that matches their current skill level and curiosity. Too few tools can bore them, and too many can overwhelm. Focus on media variety and storage, and you’ll find a kit that inspires creativity for months to come.




