Best Art Supplies for Kids: A Teacher’s and Parent’s Guide
Creating art is an essential part of childhood. Kids use art to explore their creativity, develop fine motor skills, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Who doesn’t love that?
Whether at home or in the classroom, having the right art supplies makes a big difference in fostering a child’s artistic journey. But with so many options available, how do you know which supplies are worth investing in? This guide can help.
The 5 Types of Art Supplies That Matter Most
When choosing art supplies for kids, it’s important to focus on materials that are versatile and easy to use. Every young artist should have access to these top picks.
- Drawing and Coloring Tools
Crayons, colored pencils, and markers are foundational tools that help kids explore color, shading, and line work. Look for non-toxic, washable options that make cleanup easy for parents and teachers. As a bonus tip, try to find jumbo crayons and triangular pencils. These are great for younger children who are still developing their grip.
- Paints and Brushes
Tempera paints, watercolor sets, and acrylic paints provide endless opportunities for creative expression. Semi-moist tempera cakes are convenient paint blocks that make for an excellent option. They offer vibrant colors with minimal mess. Pair them with a variety of brushes—thicker ones for bold strokes and thinner ones for details. The variety will help kids explore different techniques throughout their painting adventures.
- Paper and Canvases
Not all paper is created equal. Standard printer paper works for simple coloring, but thicker options like construction paper, watercolor paper, and canvas boards give kids more flexibility to experiment with different media. Having lots of options on hand allows young artists to try out everything from sketching to mixed media projects.
- Collage and Craft Materials
Glue sticks, safety scissors, colored tissue paper, and foam shapes allow kids to explore mixed media and 3D art. These materials are fun, next-level types of pieces that encourage creativity while also helping children improve their fine motor skills. For added excitement, keep a stash of stickers, washi tape, and stencils available. The possibilities are endless.
- Modeling Materials
Clay, playdough, and air-dry modeling compounds provide a tactile way for kids to create. These materials strengthen hand muscles and help with dexterity. They are a valuable addition to any art supply kit.
By keeping a well-rounded selection of these supplies available, both teachers and parents can ensure that kids have the tools they need to bring their creative ideas to life.
Struggling to Keep Up with Your Art Supply Needs?
For many parents and teachers, keeping art supplies stocked can be a challenge. Between everyday use, accidental spills, and creative bursts that deplete materials faster than expected, it’s easy to run out of essentials. Budget constraints can make it even harder to provide a variety of quality materials for young artists.
Teachers, in particular, often find themselves spending their own money to replenish classroom supplies. Without enough resources, it can be difficult to offer students the creative experiences they deserve. That’s why finding a sustainable way to keep supplies fresh is so important. An art class fundraiser might be the way to go!
Partner with Art to Remember to Stock Your Classroom!
One of the best ways for teachers to ensure that their classroom stays stocked with high-quality art supplies is by partnering with Art to Remember. This unique fundraiser turns student artwork into keepsake products, giving families a way to cherish their child’s creativity while helping raise funds for more art materials.
By participating in an Art to Remember fundraiser, schools and teachers can generate much-needed funds to purchase supplies without dipping into personal budgets. Parents get the opportunity to order special keepsakes featuring their child’s artwork, from mugs and tote bags to ornaments and magnets. It’s all about offering practical items that bring their child’s creativity to life.
With Art to Remember, classrooms can continue to inspire young artists without worrying about running out of materials. It’s become an essential part of the school year for teachers across the country! If you’re looking for a creative way to support your students while ensuring they always have access to the best art supplies, consider starting a fundraiser today! We’d love to help you get set up for success.
