The 28 best kids' art supply brands
Crayola, Faber-Castell and Pentel lead our ranking of 28 kids' art supply brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Kids' Art Supply brands, ranked
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1
Crayola
Washable crayons, Twistables colored pencils and jumbo sets built for small hands, a default pick for classroom and home drawing.
Top products: Erasable Colored Pencils· Twistables Colored Pencils· Jumbo Crayons
Website: shop.crayola.com |Brands like Crayola
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Faber-Castell
Polychromos and Castell pencils with a long heritage, plus graphite sets and pastels for students moving toward serious drawing.
Website: fabercastell.com |Brands like Faber-Castell
Popularity 4.7/10
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3
Pentel
Japanese pens and brush pens with smooth ink flow, plus erasable and pastel-style colouring sets suited to school notebooks.
Website: pentel.com |Brands like Pentel
Popularity 4.0/10
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4
Sakura
Fineliner pens, brush pens and paint markers from Sakura use pigment inks suited to waterproof, fine line work. Sakura Color Products is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Osaka, and its Pigma Micron, Gelly Roll and Koi brush pens are sold by art shops. Colored pens, markers and art paints are made alongside these lines.
Popularity 3.2/10
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5
Staedtler
German pencils and Lumocolor markers with a sturdy, precise feel, sitting at school level but pleasant enough for hobby drawing.
Website: staedtler.com |Brands like Staedtler
Popularity 3.1/10
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6
BIC
Pens and marker lines at simple value prices, with BIC Kids crayons and colouring sets aimed at younger children.
Popularity 2.9/10
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7
Copic
Alcohol-based dual-tip markers prized by illustrators, costing more than school markers but blending very smoothly.
Website: copic.jp |Brands like Copic
Popularity 2.9/10
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8
Royal & Langnickel
Brush sets and paint kits made for beginners, with sturdy synthetic bristles and kid-friendly starter palettes.
Website: art.royalbrush.com |Brands like Royal & Langnickel
Popularity 2.4/10
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9
Caran d'Ache
Swiss-made watercolour crayons and colour pencils, priced above school brands but built to last through years of use.
Website: carandache.com |Brands like Caran d'Ache
Popularity 2.0/10
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10
Fiskars
Blunt-tip safety scissors with spring-loaded handles and pinking-edge craft cutters that trim paper neatly for kids learning to cut.
Website: fiskars.be |Brands like Fiskars
Popularity 1.8/10
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11
Kuretake
Manga-style brush pens and sumi ink sets, popular with comic artists and older kids learning expressive line work.
Website: kuretake.co.jp |Brands like Kuretake
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
Zebra
Gel pens and highlighters with smooth, bright ink, reliable everyday writing tools that suit students taking notes at school.
Website: zebra.com |Brands like Zebra
Popularity 1.5/10
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13
Royal Brush
Brushes spanning acrylic, oil and watercolour, with many bristle shapes for artists at every stage.
Website: royaldesignstudio.com |Brands like Royal Brush
Popularity 1.4/10
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14
Bob Ross
Painting kits inspired by the TV host, with starter paints and brushes suited to beginners wanting quick results.
Website: bobross.com |Brands like Bob Ross
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
edding
At edding, everything continued to shine in 1978 when its first-ever paint was launched. They now produce over 150 categories of products. Environment sustainability has always been part of its corporate philosophy since the very beginning. In fact, when developing...
Website: edding.com |Brands like edding
Popularity 1.2/10
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16
Discovery Kids
Learning can be exhausting for kids, and that is the reason they want to run and play all the time. Making learning a fun activity was what Discovery Kids aimed at. This Latin American Television owned by Warner Bros is...
Popularity 1.2/10
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17
Derwent
Derwent, an English art materials brand founded in 1832, makes colouring, watercolour, oil and art pencils. The company also sells charcoal blocks, pens, paper and other sketching accessories alongside them. Its products aim to keep the original feel of traditional...
Website: derwentart.com |Brands like Derwent
Popularity 1.1/10
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18
Koh-I-Noor
Are you a creative person? Would you prefer to vent your frustrations through painting or sketching? If so, we have the ideal location for all of your artistic requirements. Koh-I-Noor has everything you'll need for a stress-free painting experience. Papers,...
Website: kohinoorusa.com |Brands like Koh-I-Noor
Popularity 1.0/10
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19
Grumbacher
Grumbacher makes artist paints and supplies, including watercolor, oil and acrylic paint, and it has been serving painters since 1905. The American brand tests its materials for quality and runs classes and an online art community. Its tools suit both...
Website: grumbacher.chartpak.com |Brands like Grumbacher
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
Speedball
From printmaking and calligraphy supplies, Speedball makes paint brushes, white paint, and art sets for hobby and studio use. The company's lineup also covers ceramics tools and printmaking inks and carving tools. Its products aim to help people develop their...
Website: speedballart.com |Brands like Speedball
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Paper Mate
The moment of receiving a pen from your father when you do well is the ultimate form of pride. Papermate has been serving the world with its pens for more than seventy years. Many celebrities have endorsed the brand for...
Website: papermate.com |Brands like Paper Mate
Popularity 0.8/10
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22
Montana
Montana Readers makes reading glasses in square and oval frames, many in solid black. The R19 and MNR4 pair a clean silhouette with comfortable everyday wear. Some styles are also offered with lens options from the retailer.
Popularity 0.8/10
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23
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug produces significant, innovative educational toys and products that assist children's intellectual, physical, and social development. They have a wide range of goods that allow children to explore their surroundings via play and engage with others in meaningful...
Website: melissaanddoug.com |Brands like Melissa & Doug
Popularity 0.8/10
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24
uni-ball
Uniball is a UK-based company offering high-quality writing instruments to people worldwide. The brands aim to promote creativity and inspiration among their customers. Each product from their catalog is of excellent design and high performance that sets it aside from...
Website: uniball.co.uk |Brands like uni-ball
Popularity 0.8/10
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25
Janlynn
Janlynn has inspired millions of people to be creative. Cross stitch designs, counted cross stitch kits, rubber stamps and stamp pads, scrapbooking paper, books, beads and jewelry findings, crochet hooks, and other items. You may now discover and purchase their...
Website: janlynn.com |Brands like Janlynn
Popularity 0.7/10
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26
Stampin' Up!
Stampin' Up! designs rubber stamps, clear stamps, stamp pads and paper punches for card making and paper crafting. Its stamp sets and inks are used to decorate handmade cards and scrapbook pages. The company also publishes free tutorials and project...
Website: stampinpretty.com |Brands like Stampin' Up!
Popularity 0.7/10
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27
Paasche
Paasche manufactures airbrushes, spray guns, booths and compressors for painting and industrial finishing work. The company has supplied both national and international markets for many years. Its airbrush sets offer fine spraying equipment for users who need reliable results.
Website: paascheairbrush.com |Brands like Paasche
Popularity 0.7/10
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28
Chartpak
Chartpak builds art supplies, office stationery and drawing tools. Its range has expanded into painting and craft supplies. Its products are shipped internationally.
Website: chartpak.net |Brands like Chartpak
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crayola | shop.crayola.com | /Crayola | – | @crayola | CrayolaLLC |
| Faber-Castell | fabercastell.com | /FaberCastellUSA | fabercastellusa | @FaberCastellUSA | FaberCastellUSA |
| Pentel | pentel.com | – | pentelofamerica | – | – |
| Staedtler | staedtler.com | /STAEDTLER | p | @STAEMars | STAEDTLERpencils |
| Copic | copic.jp | /CopicOfficial | copic_official | @COPIC_Official | UCO7mq3zcB_2zaCt6XfJW6Sg |
| Royal & Langnickel | art.royalbrush.com | /royalbrushart | royalbrushart | @royalbrushart | – |
| Caran d'Ache | carandache.com | /carandache.of.switzerland | carandache | – | CARANDACHEcom |
| Fiskars | fiskars.be | /fiskars | – | @FiskarsGroup | Fiskars Nederland - België |
Kids Art Supplies Buying Guide
As kids grow up, they develop a natural attraction towards art. Whether they are painting, drawing, or coloring, children express their creativity through art. Even at an early age, art supplies can stimulate a child’s imagination and improve their cognitive abilities. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best art supplies for your little ones. This guide is designed to help you pick the right art supplies for your kids based on their age, interests, and skill level.
Age Group
Choosing the right art supplies for your child depends on their age group. Here are some tips to help you choose the right supplies:
1. Toddlers (1-3 years)
Toddlers are at the stage of exploring and experimenting. They are learning to hold a crayon, paintbrush, or marker. At this age, children tend to eat art supplies, so ensure that the supplies you choose are safe for them to use. Consider washable and non-toxic art supplies that are easy to hold.
Recommended Supplies:
- Chunky crayons or markers
- Finger paints
- Non-toxic playdoughs
- Washable watercolors
2. Preschoolers (4-5 years)
Preschoolers have developed enough fine motor skills to handle small-sized art supplies. At this age, children are more attracted to colors and textures. They love to create imaginary worlds, so you can choose supplies that spark their creativity.
Recommended Supplies:
- Small-sized crayons or markers
- Glitter glue and glitter pens
- Chalks
- Washable paints
- Modeling clays
3. Early primary schoolers (6-8 years)
Children at this age are more skilled with their hands and can work with detailed art supplies. They start to show an interest in different colors, patterns, and shapes. As they are getting into formal education, they require supplies that promote creative learning.
Recommended Supplies:
- Colored pencils and gel pens
- Sketchpads or drawing books
- Watercolors
- Acrylic paints
- Poster colors
4. Older primary schoolers (9-12 years)
Once children reach this age group, they develop a passion for art and are more focused on their craft. At this stage, they begin to prefer specific types of art supplies and may have preferences that cater to their interests.
Recommended Supplies:
- Oil pastels and water-soluble pastels
- Charcoal sticks and compressed charcoals
- Brushes and palette knives
- Canvas boards and stretched canvases
5. Teenagers (13-18 years)
At this age, children begin to experiment with different techniques and styles. They become more confident with tools and materials and have a deeper understanding of the art form they are passionate about.
Recommended Supplies:
- Oil paints and acrylic paints
- Color pencils and charcoal pencils
- Ink pens
- Pastels and chalks
- Artist-grade paper or canvas
Interests and Skill Level
In addition to age, the other factors to consider are the interests and skill level of your children. The right art supplies can help your child unlock their creative potential and hone their skills.
1. Painting Supplies
Painting is a popular art form among children of all ages. Here are some supplies you'll need:
- Paint Brushes: Choose brushes of different sizes to create varying brush strokes and textures.
- Paint Palettes: Palettes are essential to mix colors and create color schemes.
- Paints: Choose acrylic or watercolor paints depending on your child's skill level and interest.
- Canvas or Paper: Choose the canvas size or paper type that fits your child's style.
2. Drawing Supplies
Drawing helps children develop their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. Here are some supplies you'll need:
- Drawing Pencils: Choose pencils of varying hardness to create different shades and depth.
- Eraser: Choose a soft eraser that doesn't damage the paper.
- Sharpener: Choose a sharpener that doesn't break the pencil tip.
- Sketchbook or Paper: Choose a sketchbook or paper type that fits your child's art style.
3. Sculpting Supplies
Sculpting is a 3D art form that helps improve children's motor skills and spatial awareness. Here are some supplies you'll need:
- Modeling Clay: Choose non-toxic clay that is easy to shape and dries hard.
- Sculpting Tools: Choose sculpting tools that are safe for children to use.
- Acrylic Paint: Use acrylic paint to add color and texture to the sculptures.
4. Crafting Supplies
Crafting helps children develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. Here are some supplies you'll need:
- Glue: Choose glue that dries clear and fast.
- Scissors: Choose scissors that are safe for children to use.
- Construction Paper: Choose different colors of construction paper for different crafting projects.
- Stencils: Use stencils to make precise shapes and patterns.
Conclusion
Choosing the right art supplies for your kids is a crucial step towards helping them shape their creativity and imagination. Always consider your child's age, interests, and skill level when picking the right supplies. We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision about the best art supplies for your little ones.
