As a mom of three creative kids aged 7, 9, and 10, I’m constantly on the lookout for cool art supplies and activities to keep them busy. Arts and crafts have always been a go-to for us, probably because I’m partial to a bit of creativity myself! Over the years, I’ve seen how the right activities not only encourage their creativity but also keep them engaged (and sometimes quiet!) for longer stretches of time. Here are some of my favourite arts and crafts gift ideas that have been tried and tested in our home over the years….
1. Crayola Inspiration Art Case
This is a such a great gift for any child who loves to draw. With 140 pieces, including markers, crayons, and colored pencils, it has everything a budding artist could dream of. My kids love having their own personal art kit. I also find that these sets last years as the kids are particular about making sure everything is in it’s right spot when they’re putting it away.
Find it here: Crayola case
2. Tongfushop 80 Coloured Marker Set
These professional-grade markers are perfect for kids who want to take their art a step further. Whether they’re into anime, cartoons, or simply love experimenting with colors, this set is a great gift. My eldest, in particular, loves using them to create comic strips, make cards and when watching ‘how to’ art videos.
Find it here: Sketch Markers
3. Spirograph
A classic that never goes out of style! Remember this as a kid? My kids love the intricate designs they can create with this. It’s the perfect activity for quiet afternoons, and even I find myself getting sucked into doing it with them – great mindfulness activity for all.
Find it here: Spirograph
(The code ‘Emma10’ will get you 10% off)
4. Kids LCD Drawing Tablet
I wouldn’t be without LCD drawing tablets. I have bigger ones for home and then smaller ones for backpacks when we are travelling. My youngest loves doodling on it, and I ideal that there’s no mess! It’s great for car rides or quiet play at home. I use it most days in clinic too. Great for playing games like for X’s and O’s – and less paper waste for doodling!
Find it here: Large LCD Writing Tablet
5. Stabilo Woody 3 in 1 Colouring Pencils
These versatile colouring pencils work as crayons, watercolors, and regular pencils all in one. My kids love switching between the different styles, and I love how they’re sturdy enough to withstand being used regularly. Brilliant for window art and really easy to wipe off.
Find them here: Woody 3in1’s
6. Water Wow! Vehicles – On the Go Travel Activity
This mess-free painting book has been a go-to for us, especially on road trips. A great one for younger kids, my youngest can paint the same pages over and over again with just water, and the pictures magically reappear when they dry.
Find them here: Wow Water Books
7. Acrylic Paint Set
For the more serious artist, a good acrylic paint set is a great little gift. My older two love using acrylics to paint canvases, and I also use acrylics for painting murals on our windows. Really great vibrant colours – and can be used for endless projects. This little set is amazing and includes every colour you could ever need!
Find it here: Acrylic Paint Set
8. Posca Pens
These markers are a huge hit with kids—they can use them to customize everything from rocks to notebooks and even their shoes. They’re pricey – so a bit of an investment but we’ve used them for so many cool projects this year, so they have been worth it.
Find them here: Posca Pens
9. Watercolour Brush Markers
These markers achieve incredible results and are really fun to work with. They are lovely rich colours with great pigment and come with a handy case to keep them in. The set includes 24 colours and an extra water brush pen that you can use for blending.
Find it here: Watercolour Brush Markers
10. Magic Markers
Colour-changing magic markers are always a win – again I remember having these as a kid and loved them. My own kids love watching the colours transform, and it turns a simple coloring session into something a bit more magical when they can add patterns and designs with the magic pen.
Find it here: Magic Markers
11. Blopens
These airbrush-style markers are a fun twist on regular colouring. My kids enjoy blowing through the pens to create cool sprayed designs. It can be messy but seriously fun and you can achieve great things on canvas with masking tape!
Find it here: Blopens
12. Kitpas Crayons
These washable crayons work on paper, glass, and even the walls (luckily, they wipe off easily!). My kids love using them to turn our windows into art galleries, and I’m happy knowing I can clean it all up later. Really great vibrant pigmented colours – a dream to draw with.
Find it here: Kitpas Set
13. Little Learning Steps Wipeable Colouring Mats
These mats are reusable and perfect for mealtime entertainment. My kids can colour and then wipe the mats clean when they’re done, ready to start over again. Great for keeping them busy while I finish preparing dinner or when we’re out and about or travelling. I never visit a restaurant with kids without one of these in my handbag!
Find it here: Wipeable Colouring Mats
14. Loom Bands
Not just for bracelets! My kids have come up with all sorts of creative projects using these, from keychains to miniature catapults. It’s a fun way for them to use their imagination and improve their fine motor skills.
Find it here: Loom Bands Set
15. Crayola Spin & Spiral Art Station
This activity is endlessly entertaining. My boys love watching the paint spin into cool patterns, and it’s always a competition to see who can create the best designs. Works with paints, inks and markers.
Find it here: Spin & Spiral Set
16. My Design Fashion Studio KidzMaker
This old school activity is brilliant for kids who love experimenting with fashion. This kit lets them design their own clothes and accessories.
Find it here: Fashion Studio Designer
(The code ‘Emma10’ will get you 10% off)
17. Phomemo M02 Mini Printer
This little gadget is a great choice for older kids. It’s a portable mini printer that lets my kids print their doodles, notes, and even photos directly from a device. It’s a fun and tech-savvy addition to their crafting sessions!
Find it here: Phomemo
Arts and crafts are also high on the priority lists when it comes to gifts for my kids. The ideas on this list are perfect for encouraging kids to get creative, reduce time spent on screens, and spend more quality time together. Plus, I love that they help develop fine motor skills, imagination, and a little bit of patience—something we all could use more of!
18. Whiteboard Markers
A brilliant little combo for younger kids who are practicing writing, tracing, and drawing. I use these all the time at home and in clinic. Slip a worksheet into a document pocket, hand them a whiteboard marker, and suddenly it’s reusable — no more printing the same sheets again and again. Also fab for doodling, maths work, handwriting practice and keeping kids busy at a restaurant table!
Find them here: Whiteboard Markers & Pockets
19. Watercolour Paint Set
If you’ve got an older child who’s ready to experiment with a new medium, this is such a gorgeous and well-loved set in our house. Great quality paints, lovely pigmentation, and a really calming activity for creative kids who want to try something beyond markers and crayons. My eldest uses this for sketchbook art and school projects — a fab gift that feels a bit more “.grown up”
Find it here: Watercolour Set
20. Rotating Stationery Organiser
One of my favourite “keep the table tidy” finds — this rotating desk caddy means all the pens, scissors, glue sticks, sharpeners and other bits finally have a home. My kids actually use things more when they can see them, and it saves me from having 47 rogue markers rolling around the house. A small but brilliant gift that encourages independence and organisation.
Find it here: Rotating Organiser
Looking for more gift ideas for kids? Check out my other gift guides for older kids and younger kids.
I have bought, tried and tested all of the above art supplies in order to be able to recommend them. This post does include some affiliated links.
