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Most kids are natural born artists. They love to draw, color, paint, sculpt, and create. They love to share their artwork with the world. They love to express their ideas, hopes, and dreams through their artwork.
If you are searching for gift ideas for a child a child who loves arts and crafts, check out this list of some of the best arts and crafts gifts for kids.
Note: For more great gift ideas for kids of all ages and interests, see my gift guides page.
Below I have complied a list of 15 of the best arts and crafts gifts for kids. On this list are ideas that would make awesome holiday gifts for kids of all ages who love to draw, paint, and create.
Wikki Stix Activity Set: I can’t say enough about how awesome Wikki Stix are. If you’ve never played with Wikki Stix, they are wax coated strings that you can bend, shape, mold, and stick together with no need for glue or tape. They are totally reusable and they last for years (I know because we’ve had ours that long!). We use Wikki Stix to practice letter formation, make funny glasses, and create other fun figures. This kit comes with 84 Wikki Stix and a playing board for kids to create on.
Magic Mud Non-Toxic Modeling Clay Project Kit: Magic mud is a non-toxic, non-staining clay that can be air dried or fired at high temperatures. Once dry, it can be painted. Kids will enjoy creating 3-D objects with the magic mud, and their fine motor skills will get a workout as they mold and shape this wonderful clay.
Colorations brand craft sand: Colored craft sand can be used in so many creative ways. Try filling up a bottle with layers of colored sand. Try sprinkling colored sand onto contact paper. Craft sand also doubles as a great material for a sensory bin or for a letter writing tray.
Kiwi Crate: Kiwi Crate has recently expanded their offerings to serve children from a wider age range and of varying interests. Their flagship product, the Kiwi Crate, features two or three open-ended, creative and educational projects for kids ages 4-8. The new Doodle Crate, on the other hand, provides hands-on craft ideas for kids ages 9-16. You can choose from one of Kiwi Crate’s monthly subscription options or purchase individual crates targeting your child’s interests.
Green Kid Crafts: Green Kid Crafts is a monthly subscription service that delivers a science and creativity box each month for kids ages 3-10. If your child loves both art and science, Green Kid Crafts is an excellent gift idea. If you choose their monthly subscription service, there is an option for a sibling add-on for families with multiple kids. You also have the option to purchase individual Discovery Boxes, which contain 3-4 creativity and STEM science kits.
Peekapak: Peekapak is a new monthly subscription service that combines an original storybook with creative activities based on the story. The Peekapak monthly subscription would be a great way to foster your child’s love of art while promoting his or her literacy skills. There is a sibling add-on option for families with multiple kids.
Melissa & Doug My First Paint with Water: These paint with water books provide an excellent “painting” experience for young kids. Simply provide your child with the included brush and a cup of water. The paint is already on the page, and will come to life as your child brushes the page with water. If you have a child who likes to paint but you don’t like the mess, this is a no-mess painting solution you and your child will both enjoy.
Crayola 4ct Washable Fingerpaints: Fingerpaint rocks. Little kids love getting their hands messy, and fingerpaints are the perfect way to turn their mess into artwork. Don’t forget to grab some Crayola Giant Fingerpaint Paper at the same time to give your children plenty of canvasses for creating their masterpieces.
Colorations Liquid Watercolor Paint 8 oz.: Liquid watercolors are exactly as described: watercolor paints in liquid rather than solid form. They can be used in painting projects just like the solid watercolor paints you may be more used to. However, liquid watercolors are much more versatile than regular watercolors and can be used to make colored rice, colored play dough, colored flowers, and so much more. (See my post sharing 20+ ways to use liquid watercolors for more ideas.)
Do-A-Dot Art Marker Rainbow: If you have spent much time following my blog, you know that I love do-a-dot markers and that I have created a line of do-a-dot printables specifically designed to be used with do-a-dot markers. Do-a-dot markers are an excellent beginning marker for young children who have not developed their fine motor skills for using markers or crayons. But even kids who have good fine motor skills still enjoy do-a-dot markers for the fun “painting” experience they provide. You can even get a do-a-dot art book designed specifically for do-a-dot markers.
Chenille Kraft Variety Pack: This is an awesome starter pack for doing all sorts of fun crafts with kids, since it contains googly eyes, pom poms, and pipe cleaners all in one package for less than you would spend to buy each of these items separately. 131 pieces are included in all, which are sure to keep your kids having lots of crafting fun.
48 Soft Drawing Chalk Pastels in Brilliant Assorted Colors: My kids were just recently introduced to chalk pastels, and it was like a whole new artistic world had been opened up to them. They particularly enjoyed rubbing the pastels with their fingers to blend and shade the colors. If your kids are ready to move beyond crayons and markers, pastels could be a really wonderful choice.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel: An easel is a great tool for encouraging young artists to practice their craft. Professional artists always paint on a vertical surface; shouldn’t your child do the same? 🙂 This easel comes with a chalkboard on one side and a white board on the other. It also includes a locking paper roll for painting. Finally, it folds easily for storage, so you can tuck it out of the way when not in use. If you get this easel, you may also want to consider getting the Melissa & Doug Easel Accessory Set to go with it.
Sargent Art No-Spill Paint Cups with Color-Coded Lids, Set of 10: If you have a child who loves to paint often, these no-spill paint cups might be just what you need to keep mess to a minimum while making it easy for your child to paint to his or her’s heart’s content.
Kinder Smocks Long Sleeves: Kids love to paint, but parents hate the mess. Make it easier to handle the mess with some long sleeved smocks that will protect your budding artist’s clothing from stains.
Looking for more great gift ideas? Check out my other gift guides:
- Best gifts for kids who love science
- Best gifts for kids who love to build
- Best gifts for developing kids’ fine motor skills
- Best gifts for active kids
- Best gifts for encouraging sensory play
- Best gifts for developing math concepts
- Best gifts for teaching letters
- Best gifts for teaching shapes
- Best gifts for kids who love LEGO