This collection is designed to help busy parents and teachers quickly review my top 10 art supplies for kids. All have been tested in a busy classroom setting and found bring the best quality for the dollars spent. Students do not need to have the latest, imported paint to make their best work, but they do need supplies that hold up.
Finding good art supplies that actually work is easier said than done. No one should have to spend money on products that only give mediocre results. You might be surprised to learn that there’s actually ONE brand of supplies that is kind of an inside joke amongst fellow art teachers, as they have the lowest quality by far. It’s no coincidence they are the cheapest too.
Now teachers can chose products that work well, fit their budget, and keep them from scrolling through endless Amazon reviews or Michael’s checkout lines. They are the ones I would want if ever stuck on a desert island, with all time in the world to just make art.
Happy shopping everyone!
NOTE: These are affiliate links. If you click and take action on any, I will be compensated a small amount, but at no expense to you.
Top 10 Art Supplies for Kids
Liquid Watercolor Paint
These amazing liquid paints, stored in spill proof cups, were one of the best things I discovered in my ten years of classroom teaching. No messy trays with tablets and the colors are SO vibrant.
Spill Proof Cups
These spill proof cups are sturdy will definitely take some of the worry out of painting with young ones. The brushes in the set are good for tempera, but you will need softer and narrower tips for watercolor paint.
Watercolor Paper
Only real watercolor paper can truly show how brilliant watercolors hues and textures can be. This brand was my favorite for after school classes and never disappointed (especially when the next product was used to paint on them).
Art Journal
Art journals that can open and lay nice and flat while you work are a treat. Add to that a nice water-resistant cover, that is keeps wear and tear down to a minimum, and you have a keepsake that will last a long time.
Paint Brush
A good paint brush can make all the difference in the world. Who can paint small details with one of those big floppy brushes? This style with a sturdy rounded tip were my hands down favorite.
Tempera Paint Cakes
Why tempera cakes instead of the liquid paint? Because with a brush and cup of water, students have everything they need. They can even control the value if they want, by adding more or less water.
Portfolio Oil Pastels
Try these out if you want oil pastels that make amazing color, and often end up looking like an oil painting. The 24 pack has a wonderful palette, and is the coloring media of choice for all my murals in my PDF Shop.
Crayola Crayons
A deluxe box of these crayons are still the best value, especially when you need lots of color choices. Who can possibly color a landscape or seascape with one shade of green or blue?
Prang Crayons
These crayons are eco-friendly and can create some really rich colors. They can almost look like oil pastels, without any of the smudging.
Crayola Metallic Markers
Metallic markers are such a treat to draw with, especially on dark paper. They make rather mesmerizing art, are totally kid safe and resemble Sharpie metallic markers without any of the extra cost.
Stabilo Power Markers
My go to favorite brand of markers, hands down. The tips hold up well, the caps are clear and interchangeable, and the palette of warm and cool colors just can’t be beat. These were my markers of choice for after school art classes for years.
Bonus! Favorite Storage System
My favorite storage for art supplies is made by Really Useful Boxes. They make a wide variety of sizes, but I found the 2.1 liter size is perfect for my collection of Stabilo Power Markers.