top of page
Search

I Was An Art Teacher for 4 Years — Here Are the Top 5 Kids’ Paint Supplies I Used.

Updated: Jul 21, 2024

Offer your child the best paint supplies to spark their creativity.




By: Jacquelyn Smith  Updated on July 17, 2024

This post does contain some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.





As an elementary educator, I've always believed that art is more than just an activity—it's a gateway to creativity, self-expression, and even learning. Over my 19 years of teaching and interacting with children, including my daughters, I've had the pleasure of exploring numerous art supplies. Crayola’s watercolor paint set, paint brushes, and many other paint supplies quickly became a staple in my classroom, and continue to be my go-to choices for fostering artistic skills in young minds.


My Top 5 Favorite

Art Supplies for Kids




Best Kids’ Set:







Why I Recommend It


The Crayola watercolor paint set offers a wide range of impressive colors. This particular set includes 16 bold primary colors and delicate pastels that immediately inspire endless creativity. My students have used these paints to create everything from vivid jellyfish in the ocean to subtle sunset scenes, and the results are always stunning (you can view those below - aren’t they spectacular?!).


As an art teacher, I love how the colors blend beautifully. But as a mom, I appreciate the durable clear case even more; it protects the paint from making a mess when my young artists are done experimenting with mixing and creating new hues. The Crayola watercolor paint set is designed with kids in mind, making it an ideal choice for ages 4 and up. With just a little water, the paint—as my pre-Kers and kinders say—”wakes up.”



Best Kids’ Paint Brush:






Why I Recommend It


Working with young children for so many years, I fully understand the importance of having user-friendly art materials. The Royal Brush Big Kids Choice Collection is just that: easy to use for small hands. These kids’ paint brushes transfer color smoothly to paper without requiring excessive effort. This ease of use is particularly beneficial for younger students who may not have fully developed fine motor skills.


Each set comes with a brush, which is perfectly adequate for beginners, providing a positive painting experience for all who utilize it. 







Best Painting Paper: 




Why I Recommend It


Cold press watercolor paper by Prudiut is the way to go. My daughters love to draw and paint, and, of course, so do I. Buying in bulk tends to be more affordable and allows us to paint multiple projects at once, while still having plenty of paper on hand for future artwork. The Prudiut Watercolor Paper Bulk includes 120 sheets, and all are 5x7 inches, so you can frame them immediately afterward. 


Artist Tip: One technique my daughters particularly enjoy is wet-on-wet painting. By applying water to the paper before adding the paint, they can create a beautiful flowing and blending effect of colors that looks like that of a professional painting. 



Best Kids’ Writing Utensil:




Why I Recommend It 


Every project that I begin with my students always start with a good ‘ol Sharpie. They’re excellent for watercolor projects with kids because they are permanent markers, meaning they won’t smudge or bleed if you paint over them. The bold lines help my student's artwork stand out even after painting and allow you to see their creations in full perspective. Sharpies are easy to handle which makes them ideal for little hands learning how to control their pen strokes. 



Best Clean-Up:



Why I Recommend It


You have your paint set, brushes, Sharpie, and a cup of water, but you’re missing one important supply—a paper towel! I have discovered over the years that not any paper towel will just ‘do.’ Instead, I have come to trust the Bounty brand and love how well they dissolve any spilled liquid. If you’ve worked with children long enough, you know there are plenty of messes and ‘ happy mistakes.’


Bonus: You can even use them as part of the painting process too just by simply blotting one into paint and watching it create interesting textures and effects.  





What Parents Should

Look for in Kids’ Art Supplies



Safety


When working with children, safety is always a top priority.  When possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents and caregivers choose kids’ water-based art supplies. Additionally, ensure art materials have "conforms to ASTM [American Society for Testing and Materials] D4236” on them, as this means they’ve undergone evaluation by a toxicologist. The Crayola watercolor paint set meets this need (you’ll find that stamp right on the front of the packaging).. 



Ease of Use


Simple and natural art supplies are essential for young children because they encourage creativity and ease of use.  When children have uncomplicated tools like crayons, markers, and watercolors, they can focus on expressing their imaginations rather than struggling with complex materials.  These straightforward supplies help reduce frustrations and allow children to enjoy the creative process. 




About the Author  


Jacquelyn Smith is a professional artist, teacher, published author, and mom (her favorite role) She obtained her Bachelors in Elementary Education and has taught children of all ages for nearly 20 years. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two daughters and enjoys being outdoors. 


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page