Before you buy a big art set, put a sheet of paper on the table and see what your child reaches for. Do they like pressing hard and filling the page, drawing bold lines, or watching two wet colours meet? One small set that fits how they like to make things can be enough.
How this guide was made. This is a research-based buying guide based on manufacturer specifications. Product details and washability claims come from the manufacturer. The examples cover three kinds of supplies.
Affiliate disclosure. EdCaptain may earn a commission from the marked Amazon link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Use what’s already in the house
Try the blank side of used paper, the inside of a clean cereal box and the labelled crayons or pencils you already own. Fold three sheets into a tiny book and let your child make up a story, one picture at a time. If they come back to it, you’ll have a better idea of what, if anything, needs replacing.
Crayons for quick drawing
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Crayons, 24 Count (item 520138) is the washable version. Crayola’s product description recommends ages 3 and up. Check the age marking on the pack you buy. Crayons suit quick marks and drawing with the side of the stick. If you have ordinary crayons that still get used, keep them. If a child finds a narrow crayon difficult to hold, compare grips or try a thicker crayon before buying a replacement set.
Check the washable crayon pack at Crayola.
Broad markers for bold lines and signs
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Broad Line Markers, 8 Count (item 587808) come with conical tips for thin and thick strokes. The manufacturer lists them for ages 3 and up. Try a thick sheet or put scrap cardboard underneath if you are drawing on thin paper. Check that the listing says Ultra-Clean Washable if cleanup matters to you.
Check the eight broad-line markers at Crayola. View the bundle of three 8-marker packs on Amazon US (paid link).
Watercolours for mixing and experimenting
Crayola Washable Watercolor Paints, 8 Count (item 530525) is a tray with eight colours and a brush. Set out thick paper and a little water if your child wants to see what happens when colours meet. Crayola’s product page gives different age guidance in different sections. Check the age marking on the pack sold in your market before buying.
Check the eight-colour tray at Crayola.
Before you buy
Check the actual pack for age guidance, warnings and local labelling. For products sold in the US, see the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s art materials guidance. Washability claims vary by surface. If cleanup matters, read the manufacturer’s wording and cover the table before you start.
Read EdCaptain’s guide to checking the safety label on children’s art supplies.
