Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Art Supplies For Preschoolers | 36 Washable Paint Sticks

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These paint sticks hit the sweet spot of every preschool parent’s wish list: mess-free painting with zero setup and zero cleanup. The solid tempera formula means there are no liquid spills, no brushes to wash, and no water cups to knock over. With 36 distinct colors including brights, pastels, neons, and metallics, a child gets a palette comparable to a professional set without the chaos. The chunky, ergonomic design fits perfectly in a toddler’s grip, making it easy to execute both broad strokes and finer details.

The included 30-page coloring book and downloadable activity pages (over 150 printable sheets) extend the value far beyond just the sticks. Parents report that the colors glide on smoothly with vivid opacity on paper, cardboard, and even wood. Cleanup is as simple as washing hands with soap and water—no scrubbing required. The secure storage case keeps everything organized, and the twist-up mechanism prevents the mess of traditional paint application.

The one genuine maintenance note is that these sticks will dry out if the caps are left off, which is common with young children. However, when stored properly, they last a long time and remain creamy. For a daily-use, stress-free creative tool that encourages independence, this set is the clear front-runner.

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This is the all-in-one solution for parents who want a complete art studio in a single box. With 335 pieces spanning 48 oil pastels, 24 crayons, 24 colored pencils, mini markers, colored markers, 18 watercolor cakes, two drawing pads, two coloring books, origami paper, and a trifold easel, it offers an unmatched breadth of media. The included trifold easel is a standout feature, allowing a preschooler to set up a proper painting station on any table, which encourages better posture and a more focused creative session.

The recessed organizer tray within the case is a thoughtful design — every tool has a designated spot, which makes cleanup a simple matching game. It’s ASTM D-4236 certified, confirming non-toxic safety for young artists. Parents particularly appreciate the variety: a child can switch from crayons to watercolors to oil pastels in one sitting, exploring different textures and techniques without needing separate purchases.

The only practical trade-off is the size. The case measures over 16 inches wide, which is not a quick grab-and-go bag for restaurant trips. It’s a stay-at-home or classroom station. Some initial sorting is needed to teach a child where each item goes, but the organizational payoff is significant. For a gift that feels like a complete art class, this set delivers deep value.

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This set solves the single biggest pain point of liquid painting with toddlers: the inevitable cup tip-over. The 10 included paint cups feature screw-on lids with a small opening that lets a child dip their brush without risking a spill. Each lid is color-coded to match its paint, making it easy for a child to identify colors independently. The set comes with ten 2-ounce bottles of washable tempera paint in classic colors, plus ten appropriately sized paintbrushes.

The washability here is top-tier. The tempera formula is water-based and washes off skin and most washable clothing with ease. Parents report that the cups keep paint fresh for weeks with the lids on, eliminating the waste of single-use palettes. The brush set includes a good variety of tip sizes, allowing a child to experiment with different stroke widths. For a structured painting activity that minimizes adult intervention for spills, this kit is the most effective design on the list.

The 10-color palette is somewhat basic — it lacks neons, metallics, or pastels found in the Funcils set. Additionally, the brushes are on the thicker side, which is great for broad painting but less ideal for detail work. If your child enjoys finger painting, the included smock is a welcome addition. This is the best choice for parents who want to introduce liquid paint with training wheels.

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This bundle proves that a complete painting kit doesn’t have to be expensive. For the lowest entry cost on this list, you get 10 bottles (2 oz each) of washable tempera paint, seven paintbrushes, a mixing palette, and a machine-washable waterproof smock. The smock alone is a major value-add, as most budget kits skip this essential item, leaving parents to improvise with old t-shirts. The smock fits children ages 2-7 and is made from smooth, non-toxic polyester fibers that wipe clean easily.

The paint itself performs well for its class. Customers consistently note that the colors are vibrant and have minimal odor compared to some budget alternatives. The washability claim holds up: paint comes off tables, floors, and skin with basic soap and water. The 7-brush set offers a decent range, from broad flats to small rounds, giving a child room to experiment. The included plastic palette is a nice touch for color mixing lessons.

Where this set saves money, it cuts corners on packaging. The paint bottles are not as robust as premium brands, and some users report the caps can crack if dropped on hard floors. The brushes are functional but not long-lasting — expect some shedding of bristles over time. For a first painting kit where the priority is low commitment and high fun, this is a very smart starting point.

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When a preschool teacher or a parent with multiple children needs to stock up, the Crayola 12-pack watercolor set is the gold standard. It includes 12 individual sets, each containing 8 vibrant watercolor cakes and a brush. For classroom, daycare, or birthday party activities, this bulk format eliminates sharing conflicts and provides each child with their own complete painting station. The powdered watercolor formula is activated with a tiny amount of water, reducing mess compared to liquid paints.

The washability is certified — Crayola’s reputation here is well-earned. These paints lift off skin and most washable fabrics with ease. The color payoff is surprisingly rich for a watercolor cake, with good blendability that allows a child to mix new shades. Each set is compact, making it easy to store in a cubby or backpack. Parents report that a single set lasts for many sessions, providing strong value per use.

The brushes included are adequate but basic — they are thin and can be challenging for very small hands to control easily. For preschoolers still developing fine motor skills, you may want to supplement with chunkier brushes. Also, the packaging states that colors may vary, so you might not get identical palettes across all 12 sets. For an organized group activity where each child needs their own materials, this is the most practical choice by far.

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This is the most complete starter kit for introducing a preschooler to acrylic painting. The centerpiece is a genuine beechwood tabletop easel with an H-frame construction and non-slip rubber feet, capable of holding a canvas up to 12 inches tall. The adjustable angle feature (from flat to 90 degrees) lets a child find the perfect drawing or painting position. Included are 12 vibrant acrylic paints, 4 canvas panels (2 with pre-printed designs and 2 blank), a watercolor pad, 10 brushes, colored pencils, a mixing knife, a plastic palette, and a waterproof apron.

Acrylic paint is different from tempera — it is more permanent when dry, but the set is designed for supervised use. The pre-printed canvas panels are a clever inclusion, giving a unsure child a guided starting point while blank panels allow free creativity. The easel itself is sturdy enough for repeated use and even serves as a display stand for finished art. For a child who is ready to move beyond basic finger paints, this kit offers a genuine “big kid” art experience.

The main consideration is that acrylic paint is less forgiving than tempera or watercolor. Once it dries on a brush or a surface, it is much harder to clean. This set requires more adult involvement to manage cleanup and ensure brushes are washed immediately. The 10 brushes are a decent mix but not professional quality. For a birthday gift that feels substantial and encourages a serious hobby, this easel kit is the premium choice.

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If your preschooler is more interested in gluing, sticking, and assembling than drawing, this craft supply bag is the answer. It contains an enormous assortment of roughly 1,990 pieces: 150+ pipe cleaners, 245 assorted pom poms, 95 glitter pom poms, 200 googly eyes, 30 foam letters and numbers, 50 colorful feathers, 1,000 sequins, popsicle sticks, craft matchsticks, glitter glue pens, and a safety scissor. Everything is packed in small zipper bags inside a reusable PVC bag with handles for easy storage and transport.

The variety inspires open-ended creative play that standard coloring sets cannot match. Children can build 3D creatures, decorate picture frames, or create textured collages. The materials are marketed as non-toxic, and the kit is designed to support fine motor skill development through cutting, gluing, and assembling. For rainy days or classroom craft centers, this provides endless project potential without needing to buy separate components.

The practical drawbacks are that the googly eyes lack adhesive backing (you’ll need glue), and the included glitter glue pens are insufficient for large projects. The popsicle sticks are noted as slightly uneven in quality. The biggest challenge is the volume: 1,000 tiny sequins are a nightmare if spilled on carpet. You may want to pair this with a deeper organizing solution like a tackle box. For children who love craft projects over simple coloring, this is an unmatched resource.