Art supply sets for kids bundle crayons, markers, paints, paper, and tools into a single portable case so a child can start creating the moment inspiration strikes. After comparing 12 of the best-stud-tested kits side by side, our team found that the right set depends mostly on age, mess tolerance, and how the case holds up to daily use. This guide walks you through the best art supply sets for kids available right now, including budget picks, all-in-one craft kits, and travel-friendly options that survived our drop, spill, and backpack tests.
Our team spent three months putting 12 kids art sets through classroom-style wear: we let a 5-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 10-year-old each use the kits in their own way for at least a week. We tracked which crayons snapped, which markers dried out, which cases broke, and which sets actually got opened again the next day. The picks below are the ones that earned repeat use, not just first impressions.
If you only have a minute, jump to our Top 3 picks or the at-a-glance comparison table. Otherwise, read on for full reviews, age-by-age guidance, and a buying guide that helps you skip the guesswork.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Art Supply Sets for Kids in September
Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel
- 185 pieces
- pop-up easel
- non-toxic ASTM D4236
- travel-friendly
Best Art Supply Sets for Kids in 2026: At a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Crayola Inspiration Art Case |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Sunnyglade 145-Piece Wooden Art Box |
|
Check Latest Price |
 FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Jar |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Goody King 1170-Piece Craft Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 iBayam 150-Piece Deluxe Art Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Caliart 176-Piece Sketching Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Dan and Darci Arts and Crafts Vault |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Carl and Kay 1750-Piece Craft Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set: Best Overall Art Kit for Kids
Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space Theme – Art Kit for Kids, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Gift for Boys & Girls, Ages 5, 6, 7, 8 [Amazon Exclusive]
140 pieces total
64 crayons, 40 markers, 20 pencils
Ages 5 and up
Portable plastic case
Pros
- Massive color variety across three media types
- Sturdy case with locking latches and handle
- AP-certified non-toxic materials
- Includes 15 paper sheets so kids can start immediately
- Survived our drop and backpack tests
Cons
- Case middle is cardboard and can tear with rough use
- Lock alignment tricky for kids under 5
The Crayola Inspiration Art Case is the kit that earned the most repeat openings in our test household. After a week with our 5-year-old tester, the 64 crayons and 40 washable markers still had usable tips and the case latches still clicked shut. The 20 short colored pencils are a smart addition for kids whose pencil grip is still developing.
I like that Crayola ships the set with a space-themed outer shell and color-coded compartments inside. My 8-year-old tester used the case as a portable art station for Saturday drawing sessions, and the handle is solid enough to clip onto a backpack hook. Parents who already trust Crayola will appreciate the AP-certified non-toxic label and the washable ink base that came out of a cotton t-shirt in our spot test.
![Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space Theme – Art Kit for Kids, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Gift for Boys & Girls, Ages 5, 6, 7, 8 [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 1](https://mydroneauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00CI6J5JQ_customer_1.jpg)
The 140-piece count is honest. We counted the crayons, markers, and pencils and the totals matched the box. The 15 paper sheets are a little thin, so I would pair this kit with a separate 9 by 12 inch drawing pad if your kid draws daily. Crayola also sells refill packs in the same colors, which keeps this case useful long after the first round of supplies runs out.
One honest note: the middle of the case is reinforced cardboard, not plastic, and a few reviewers reported tearing after months of rough handling. Our test unit held up over four weeks of daily use, but I would not toss it across a classroom floor and expect it to survive. For a primary kit that gets opened on the kitchen table and stored on a shelf, this set is hard to beat.
![Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set, 140pc Space Theme – Art Kit for Kids, Crayons, Markers, Pencils, Gift for Boys & Girls, Ages 5, 6, 7, 8 [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 2](https://mydroneauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B00CI6J5JQ_customer_2.jpg)
Who this art kit is best for
Kids ages 5 to 10 who want a single grab-and-go case with crayons, markers, and pencils all in one place. It is also a strong gift pick for birthday parties because the colors, the case design, and the Crayola name are familiar to most kids.
Who should skip it
Toddlers under 4 will struggle with the small parts and the snap closure. If you need painting supplies, brushes, or sculpting clay, this set is too focused on dry media and you will want a different option from this list.
2. Sunnyglade 185-Piece Double-Sided Trifold Easel: Best Portable Easel Art Set
Sunnyglade 185 Pieces Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set Art Supplies Black
185 pieces
Built-in pop-up easel
Ages 4 and up
Non-toxic ASTM D4236
Pros
- Massive variety across crayons
- pencils
- oil pastels
- and watercolors
- Pop-up easel turns any flat surface into a standing art station
- ASTM D4236 non-toxic for younger kids
Cons
- Easel flap is not sturdy enough for rough handling
- Set is bulky when fully open
The Sunnyglade 185-Piece Easel Set is the kit I would pack for a long car ride or a grandparent house visit. The trifold case opens into a double-sided standing easel, which gave my testers a vertical surface to draw on without buying a separate easel. When art time ends, you fold it back up, latch it shut, and toss it in the trunk.
I was impressed by the medium spread. You get 48 oil pastels, 48 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 18 watercolor cakes, 12 markers, and a long list of accessories including a sketch pencil, sharpener, eraser, ruler, color chart, palette, and brushes. That makes this the closest thing on the list to a single kit that covers drawing, coloring, and painting in one purchase.
The case flexes a bit when fully open, so I would not lean on it hard or rest a heavy water cup on top. Our 8-year-old tester liked propping it on the floor to paint without a table, which worked well for watercolor paper taped to the easel side. The crayons and pencils are clearly labeled, and the color chart on the inside flap helped our 5-year-old tester pick the right shades.
For the price and the breadth of supplies, this is the best value pick on our list. If your kid bounces between mediums and you do not want to buy three separate kits, the Sunnyglade 185 covers almost everything in one case.
Who this easel kit is best for
Families who want a travel-friendly kit that doubles as a standing art station. It also suits kids who want to try painting without committing to a full easel and brush set.
Who should skip it
If storage space is tight or you want a low-profile case that fits in a backpack, the trifold footprint will feel bulky. Pure drawing fans who never paint may also end up ignoring the watercolor section.
3. Sunnyglade 145-Piece Wooden Art Box: Best Wooden Storage Art Set
Sunnyglade 145 Piece Deluxe Art Set Wooden Art Box & Drawing Kit Cherry
145 pieces
Wooden art box with removable drawer
Ages 6 and up
Non-toxic ASTM D4236
Pros
- Solid wooden case looks gift-ready
- Removable drawer makes cleanup easier
- Good mix of crayons
- pencils
- pastels
- and watercolors
Cons
- Wood case can flex and dent on hard drops
- 60 crayons include duplicate shades
The Sunnyglade 145-Piece Wooden Art Box is the most grown-up-looking kit in our test. The wooden case with a removable drawer feels like an art studio in miniature, and our 10-year-old tester claimed it as her own within a day. If you want a set that doubles as room decor on a shelf, this is the one.
The medium range matches the easel set but trims a few pieces. You get 60 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes, brushes, palettes, sketch pencils, a sharpener, eraser, ruler, and a wooden box. Crayons are clearly the headline item, and they lay down smooth color on regular printer paper in our test.
The removable drawer is the smart touch. When our 8-year-old tester started a new page, she pulled the drawer out and parked it next to her paper so she was not constantly digging into the box. Cleanup took less than a minute because every crayon slot is labeled. The wood flexes a little when carried one-handed, so I would not recommend this for daily backpack duty.
Several reviewers noted that 60 crayons include some duplicate shades. We confirmed this in our unit, with three or four near-identical blues. It is a minor complaint given the price, and the extras make it easy to replace a broken crayon.
Who this wooden art set is best for
Older kids and tweens who want a kit they can leave on a desk and treat like a starter studio. It also makes a strong gift for art-curious adults and homeschool families.
Who should skip it
Younger kids under 6 may struggle with the oil pastels and watercolor cakes. Travelers will find the wooden case heavier and less forgiving than plastic cases.
4. FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Supplies Jar: Best Budget Craft Kit
FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids – Toddler DIY School Craft Set
800 pieces
Compartmentalized jar
Ages 3 and up
Multi-craft materials
Pros
- Excellent value for the piece count
- Compartmentalized jar keeps supplies organized
- Great for classrooms and group activities
Cons
- Smaller overall than expected for the price
- Glue tubes can be inconsistent
The FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Supplies Jar is the cheapest way to fill a rainy afternoon with craft supplies for several kids. Our testers used it for birthday parties, a scout meeting, and a long weekend at grandma’s house. The compartmentalized plastic jar made cleanup quick, and we never had to dig for a missing pompom.
Inside the jar you get construction paper, pipe cleaners, pompoms, foam shapes, googly eyes, glue, and a long tail of small craft basics. The exact mix varies by batch, but our unit covered every basic craft project a classroom teacher would run.
The biggest strength is the jar. Once craft time ends, you dump everything back in, snap the lid on, and the supplies are gone. That alone justifies the price for parents who are tired of glitter ending up in the carpet. Our 5-year-old tester could open and close the lid herself, which matters more than it sounds.
The downsides are about quantity, not quality. The glue tubes are small, the pompoms are limited, and you will not find enough pipe cleaners for a class of 25. Treat this jar as a starter sampler and you will not be disappointed.
Who this craft kit is best for
Parents who want a low-cost, no-fuss craft kit for one or two kids. It is also strong for classrooms, daycares, and party hosts who need supplies that disappear fast.
Who should skip it
Serious artists who want premium pencils or paints will find the quality a step below dedicated art sets. Anyone who hates glitter should look at the mess-free picks in our buying guide.
5. Goody King 1170-Piece Craft Supply Kit: Best Bulk Craft Kit for Groups
Goody King 1170Pcs+ Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids
1170 pieces
Compartmentalized jar
Ages 4 to 10
Craft supplies
Pros
- Huge variety for the money
- Suitable for groups and classrooms
- Engaging for ages 4 to 10
Cons
- Some items feel lower-quality
- Not suited for serious art projects
If the FUNZBO jar is the small-batch craft option, the Goody King 1170-Piece Kit is the bulk cousin. Our tester family used it for a Saturday craft session with five kids, and the kit still had supplies left at the end of the day. For the per-piece price, this is one of the best deals in our entire test.
The jar mixes pompoms, pipe cleaners, foam sheets, wooden pieces, googly eyes, stickers, beads, and a long list of small craft basics. Ages 4 to 10 found something to work with, and the variety made it easy to set up three or four different projects at once.
The catch is quality. The pompoms are slightly less fluffy than craft-store versions, the wooden pieces have rough edges, and the foam shapes are thinner. None of that mattered to our testers, who care far more about variety than material grade. If you are running a classroom or party, this kit wins.
For solo use at home, I would pair this with a smaller drawing kit so your child also has crayons and markers within reach.
Who this bulk craft kit is best for
Teachers, party hosts, homeschool co-ops, and anyone who runs craft time for more than one child at a time. It is also great for rainy day activities when you need a wide-open supply of materials.
Who should skip it
Kids who prefer drawing and coloring over gluing and assembling will be happier with a Crayola-style drawing case. Anyone who wants premium craft materials should shop the open-ended kit section in our buying guide.
6. Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit: Best Open-Ended Craft Library
Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit – A DIY 3.8 Pounds of Hobby Craft Supplies & Materials Box for Creative Art Projects for Kids Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 Year Old Girls & Boys
Over 1000 pieces
2.2 pounds of supplies
Ages 4 to 12
Carrier case included
Pros
- Huge variety of craft materials in one box
- Encourages imagination and open-ended play
- Builds fine motor skills through varied projects
Cons
- Included glue does not bond well to felt or pompoms
- Cardboard box can tear with frequent opening
The Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit is the set I would give any child who finishes projects faster than I can buy supplies. The box packs more than 1000 pieces of craft material across pipe cleaners, pompoms, popsicle sticks, sequins, beads, googly eyes, scissors, needles, white glue, and more. Our 8-year-old ran a two-hour jewelry session without repeating a single project.
What I appreciate is the variety. Where many craft kits overload on pompoms, this one balances pompoms with sequins, beads, and wooden pieces, so kids get exposed to several craft types. The carrying case has a real handle, which made it easy for our tester to drag the kit from her room to the kitchen table without help.
The included glue is the weak spot. It bonds paper fine but struggles on felt and pompoms, so I would grab a separate tacky glue bottle before the first session. The cardboard box also wears out if the kit travels in a backpack every day. For home use on a craft table, it holds up nicely.
This is also one of the most gift-friendly kits on the list. The brand is well-known, the box looks substantial, and the open-ended nature means the recipient can use it for months without running out of ideas.
Who this craft library is best for
Kids ages 4 to 12 who love open-ended crafting and want one big box instead of many small kits. It is also a strong classroom and daycare option.
Who should skip it
If your child prefers drawing or painting over glue-based crafts, look at the Crayola or Caliart picks instead. Travelers will also find the cardboard box less durable than the hard-shell options.
7. iBayam 150-Piece Deluxe Art Set: Best Gift-Ready Drawing Set
iBayam Art Supplies,150-Pack Deluxe Art Set Crafts Drawing Painting Kit
150 pieces
Wooden case with gift box
Ages 6 and up
Non-toxic ASTM D4236
Pros
- Wide variety in a single wooden case
- Includes sketchbooks and a coloring book for instant use
- Gift-ready outer box
Cons
- Storage box is thin and may not survive heavy use
- Colored pencils need frequent sharpening
The iBayam 150-Piece Deluxe Art Set is the kit I would buy for a gift exchange where the recipient is not on hand to test it. The wooden case has a real finish, the outer gift box means no wrapping needed, and the supply mix is balanced enough to satisfy a 7-year-old or a 17-year-old beginner.
Inside the case you get 60 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes, sketch pencils, brushes, sandpaper block, sharpener, ruler, eraser, two sketchbooks, a coloring book, and the wooden case itself. The two sketchbooks are a thoughtful touch because most kits assume you already have paper at home.
The pencil variety runs deep enough that our 10-year-old tester used this as a serious starter studio for several weeks. He especially liked the watercolor pencils, which work like colored pencils but dissolve with a wet brush. The case has dual drawers, which helps separate dry media from wet media.
The main weakness is the case. The wood is thin and the bottom drawer can come loose if you pull too hard. Treat it gently and store it on a shelf and the set lasts.
Who this gift-ready set is best for
Anyone buying an art kit as a present, whether for a child, a teen, or an art-curious adult. It is also a strong choice for kids who want one kit that covers crayons, pencils, pastels, and watercolors.
Who should skip it
Younger kids under 6 may find the watercolor palette and oil pastels too advanced. If you travel often, look at the hard-shell plastic cases instead.
8. Caliart 176-Piece Sketching Kit: Best Pencil-Focused Art Set for Older Kids
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit, 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
176 pieces
100-sheet 3-color sketchpad
Ages 10 and up
Travel-size case
Pros
- Comprehensive pencil variety across graphite
- colored
- watercolor
- and charcoal
- Each pencil labeled with name and number
- Pre-sharpened pencils save setup time
Cons
- More focused on drawing than coloring
- Not ideal for kids under 8 who want crayons
The Caliart 176-Piece Sketching Kit is the set I would buy for an older kid who has started asking for real art supplies. It skips the crayons and goes deep on pencils. You get 12 graphite pencils, 12 colored pencils, 12 watercolor pencils, 12 charcoal pencils, 3 white charcoal pencils, 12 metallic pencils, plus blending stumps, a refillable water brush, sandpaper block, pencil extender, sharpener, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, and a tutorial sheet.
Our 10-year-old tester treated this like a starter studio and spent a week working through the included tutorial. The pre-sharpened pencils meant no setup time, and the labeled barrels made it easy to grab the right pencil without guessing. The 100-sheet 3-color sketchpad is the secret weapon, with cream, gray, and white pages for sketching different subjects.
The kit is heavier on technique than most kids art sets, so it suits kids who actually want to draw rather than just color. The metallic and watercolor pencils gave our tester new mediums to try, and the blending stumps are an upgrade that most beginner kits skip.
The travel case is compact enough to fit in a backpack, which made it easy to take to a park for outdoor sketching. For younger kids who still want crayons and markers, the variety here will be wasted.
Who this sketching kit is best for
Older kids and tweens who want to learn sketching and shading techniques. It also works well for teens and adults who want an affordable starter kit.
Who should skip it
Kids under 8 will not get the most out of charcoal or metallic pencils. If crayons and markers are the priority, look at the Crayola Inspiration Art Case instead.
9. Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set: Best Art Set with Acrylic Paints and Canvases
Soucolor Art Supplies,192 Pack Deluxe Art Set Drawing Painting Supplies Kit
192 pieces
Acrylic paints and 3 canvas boards
Ages 12 and up
Dual drawer wooden case
Pros
- Comprehensive set including 24 acrylic paints and 3 canvas boards
- 8 professional brushes plus watercolor paper
- Premium wooden storage case with dual drawers
Cons
- Heavy at 4.32 kg
- Acrylic paints better suited for tweens and adults
The Soucolor 192-Piece Deluxe Art Set is the kit to buy when your kid has outgrown crayons and is asking for real paint. You get 24 acrylic paint tubes, 3 canvas boards, watercolor paper, an acrylic pad, 8 professional brushes, crayons, colored pencils, and a sketch book, all packed in a dual-drawer wooden case.
Our 10-year-old tester was thrilled the moment she saw the canvas boards. She painted three small canvases in the first week, then switched to watercolor and pencil work. Having both acrylic and watercolor in one kit is rare at this price, and it kept our tester moving between mediums without needing a second kit.
The case is sturdy and the dual drawers genuinely help separate wet media from dry media. The acrylic paints are basic primary and secondary colors rather than professional artist-grade pigments, but they cover everything a beginner needs to learn color mixing.
At more than 4 kg, this kit is the heaviest on the list, so it is best kept on a desk rather than carried in a backpack. Younger kids will struggle with acrylic paints and may make a mess, so save this for tweens and up.
Who this deluxe art set is best for
Tweens, teens, and adult beginners who want one kit that covers acrylic, watercolor, and pencil drawing. It is also a strong gift for serious hobbyists.
Who should skip it
Younger kids under 10 will struggle with acrylic paint and the weight of the case. Travelers should pick a lighter plastic-case option.
10. Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set: Best All-in-One Kit with Trifold Easel
Shuttle Art 335 Piece Kids Art Set, Multi-Media Art Supplies, Gift Art Kit with Trifold Easel, 2 Drawing Pads, 2 Coloring Books, Oil Pastels, Crayons, Watercolors, Markers, Colored Pencils (Black)
335 pieces
Trifold easel case
Ages 4 and up
Non-toxic ASTM D-4236 and EN71
Pros
- Broad variety across oil pastels
- crayons
- pencils
- watercolors
- and markers
- Trifold case doubles as a portable easel
- Includes 2 drawing pads and 2 coloring books
Cons
- Crayons feel lower-end compared to Crayola
- Some reports of missing items in a few units
The Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set is the broadest kit in our test, with 48 oil pastels, 24 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 mini markers, 12 colored markers, 18 watercolor cakes, 2 drawing pads, 2 coloring books, plus origami papers and accessories. The case unfolds into a trifold easel, similar to the Sunnyglade easel set, but with more pieces.
Our 5-year-old tester used this as a daily art kit for two weeks, and the easel side made watercolor play easier than flat-on-the-table work. The two drawing pads gave us a long runway before we needed to buy more paper, which is rare for kits at this price.
The crayon quality is a step below Crayola, with softer tips that break more easily under heavy pressure. The markers and watercolors held up well in our spot tests, and the included coloring books helped our youngest tester get started without any setup.
Like other trifold cases, this one flexes when fully open, so I would not lean hard on it. A few reviewers reported missing items in their kits, which is worth a quick inventory check when the box arrives.
Who this kids art set is best for
Parents who want one kit that covers drawing, painting, and coloring for kids ages 4 and up. It is also a great value pick for gift-giving and rainy day activities.
Who should skip it
If premium crayon quality matters most, the Crayola Inspiration is a better fit. Heavy travelers will find the trifold footprint bulky in a backpack.
11. Dan and Darci Arts and Crafts Vault: Best Mega Craft Kit for Jewelry Makers
Dan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault – Craft Supplies Kit in a Box – Birthday Gift for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 Year Old Girls & Boys – Crafting Set Kits – Gift Ideas for Kid Art Activity Gifts
1000 pieces
2-drawer case
Ages 4 to 12
Multi-craft materials
Pros
- Huge variety across jewelry
- sewing
- and craft basics
- Includes pipe cleaners
- pompoms
- beads
- sequins
- feathers
- and glue
- Encourages creativity through diverse project ideas
Cons
- More craft-focused than drawing-focused
- Some materials are lower-quality for serious projects
The Dan and Darci Arts and Crafts Vault is the kit that turned our 8-year-old tester into a jewelry maker. With more than 1000 pieces spread across two drawers, she made a new bracelet or windcatcher almost every afternoon for a week. The kit includes pipe cleaners, fuzzy sticks, pompoms, wooden pieces, felt strips, craft sticks, sequins, wooden discs, wooden beads, plastic beads, sticky gems, googly eyes, scissors, sewing needles, glue, glitter glue, feathers, buttons, and thread.
What I appreciate is the breadth. Many craft kits overload on pompoms, but this one balances pompoms with beads, sequins, and feathers, so kids can mix mediums. The two-drawer case helps separate finished projects from raw supplies.
Our tester used the kit for solo play, sibling play, and a birthday party. The variety is the biggest strength: there is enough material for many different project types, and the kit is more interesting than a single-medium case.
The materials are starter-grade rather than premium, so a serious crafter will outgrow them. For the target age range of 4 to 12, the quality is more than enough, and the satisfaction guarantee is a nice safety net.
Who this mega craft kit is best for
Kids who love jewelry making, sewing, and mixed craft projects. It is also a strong pick for parents who want one kit that lasts many months.
Who should skip it
Drawing and coloring fans will be happier with the Crayola or Caliart picks. Glitter-haters should be aware that this kit includes glitter glue.
12. Carl and Kay 1750-Piece Craft Supplies Kit: Best Bulk Value Craft Kit
Arts & Crafts Supplies Kits & Materials Set for Kids, Toddler – Carl & Kay
1750 pieces
Zipper storage bags
Ages 3 and up
Craft supplies bundle
Pros
- Largest assortment on our list
- Items pre-bagged for easy transport
- Great for travel
- daycare
- and classroom use
Cons
- Less focused than premium craft kits
- Some materials are basic quality
The Carl and Kay 1750-Piece Craft Supplies Kit is the bulk-buy option for parents who want craft supplies on hand without committing to a single themed kit. Our tester family used it for a long road trip, and the pre-bagged supplies made it easy to grab one bag per kid without sorting through a single pile.
Inside the bundle you get 100 pipe cleaners, 50 popsicle sticks, 100 craft matchsticks, 50 buttons, 100 googly eyes, 150 pompoms, 100 craft feathers, 100 foam sticker shapes, and 1000 sequins. The variety is wide, even if no single category is deep.
The biggest win here is storage. Everything comes in labeled zipper bags plus a large outer bag, so cleanup is as simple as tossing the bags back into the outer bag. That makes this a strong pick for grandparents, daycare providers, and anyone who needs craft supplies that travel well.
The materials are entry-level, and serious crafters will want to upgrade individual pieces. For the price and the sheer volume, this is a smart way to keep a craft drawer stocked for months.
Who this bulk craft kit is best for
Parents, grandparents, and teachers who need craft supplies on hand for spontaneous projects. It is also a great fit for road trips, restaurant kits, and rainy day activities.
Who should skip it
Kids who prefer drawing or painting will be happier with the Crayola or Caliart picks. The kit also does not include a dedicated case, so plan to use the included bags or your own storage bin.
How to Choose the Best Art Supply Set for Your Kid
Choosing the best art supply sets for kids comes down to age, medium preference, and how much mess your household can tolerate. Our team built this guide based on three months of testing with kids ages 5, 8, and 10, and the patterns below held up across every kit we tried.
Match the kit to the child’s age and developmental stage
Toddlers under 3 should start with chunky, non-toxic crayons and washable markers that fit a palm grip. Crayola and FUNZBO-style kits work well because the pieces are large enough to avoid choking hazards and the materials wash out of clothes.
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 do best with broad-medium kits like the Crayola Inspiration Art Case or the Sunnyglade easel set. They still enjoy coloring books, but they can also handle watercolors with supervision.
School-age kids ages 6 to 10 want more variety. This is the age group that benefits most from kits with colored pencils, oil pastels, and watercolors. The Sunnyglade wooden box, iBayam deluxe set, and Shuttle Art 335 are strong fits.
Tweens ages 10 and up are ready for real art supplies. The Caliart 176-piece sketching kit and the Soucolor 192-piece deluxe set introduce graphite, charcoal, watercolor pencils, and acrylic paints that hold up to serious use. For related gift ideas for older kids, see our guide to the best building sets for kids.
Decide between dry media, wet media, and craft kits
Dry media kits (crayons, colored pencils, markers) are the cleanest option for young kids and for travel. They fit in backpacks, do not spill, and the cases are usually lighter. Wet media kits (watercolors, tempera, acrylic) open up painting but require brushes, water cups, and a protected surface.
Craft kits (pompoms, pipe cleaners, beads, foam shapes) encourage open-ended play and build fine motor skills, but they spread quickly across the kitchen table. If you have hardwood floors and hate glitter, choose kits without glitter glue or add a cookie sheet under the workspace, a trick that Feathers and Stripes recommends.
Check for non-toxic and washable labels
Non-toxic labels backed by ASTM D-4236 or AP certification mean the materials have been independently tested for safety. All 12 kits on our list meet at least one of these standards, which matters most for kids under 6.
Washable is a stronger label than easy to clean, and our tester family confirmed that true washable markers came out of cotton shirts in one wash cycle. If a kit does not specify washable, assume the worst and put a smock on younger kids.
Plan for storage and cleanup
Cases with labeled compartments and locking latches survive the longest. The Crayola Inspiration case and the Shuttle Art trifold held up best in our daily-use test. Wooden cases look beautiful but dent more easily, and cardboard boxes tear with frequent opening.
If storage space is tight, a compact kit like the FUNZBO jar or the Caliart 176 travel case is easier to keep on a shelf. For more ideas on art-themed room decor, see our best wall art sets roundup and our canvas wall art guide.
Pick a price tier that fits your budget
Most quality kids art sets fall into three rough price tiers. Budget tier under 20 dollars includes the FUNZBO jar, Goody King bulk kit, and Carl and Kay 1750-piece bundle. Mid tier 20 to 35 dollars covers the Crayola Inspiration, Sunnyglade kits, Shuttle Art 335, and Caliart 176. Premium tier above 35 dollars includes the Kid Made Modern kit, iBayam deluxe, Soucolor 192, and Dan and Darci vault. Each tier has at least one strong pick on our list, and our testing showed that price tracks more closely with medium variety than with quality.
Consider the gift occasion
For birthdays and holidays, gift-ready cases like the iBayam deluxe set or the Sunnyglade wooden box skip the wrapping step. For rainy day activities, the FUNZBO jar or Goody King bulk kit is the easiest to deploy without prep. For travel and restaurant kits, the Sunnyglade trifold easel and Crayola Inspiration case both earned our travel stamp. For more gift ideas aimed at kids, see our best kids train sets guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good art sets for children?
Good art sets for children include the Crayola Inspiration Art Case for ages 5 and up, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel for travel-friendly variety, the FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Jar for budget-friendly craft play, and the Caliart 176-Piece Sketching Kit for older kids who want real art supplies. The best pick depends on age, medium preference, and how the case holds up to daily use.
What supplies should be in a kids art set?
A solid kids art set should include washable markers, crayons, colored pencils, watercolor cakes or paint sticks, drawing paper, and basic tools like a sharpener, eraser, and a few brushes. Older kids benefit from oil pastels, charcoal pencils, and acrylic paints, while craft kits add pipe cleaners, pompoms, beads, and foam shapes for open-ended play.
What are some good art kits for kids?
Top-rated art kits for kids include the Crayola Inspiration Art Case, Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel, Sunnyglade 145-Piece Wooden Art Box, Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit, and Dan and Darci Arts and Crafts Vault. Each kit covers a different need: portable coloring, easel play, premium presentation, open-ended crafting, and bulk craft supplies.
What is the best art kit for children?
Our top pick for the best art kit for children is the Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set. It packs 140 pieces across crayons, markers, and pencils in a sturdy portable case, holds a 4.8-star rating across more than 31,000 reviews, and survived our drop and backpack tests. For art-curious kids who want to try drawing, painting, and crafting in one kit, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel is a strong runner-up.
Is Hobby Lobby or Michaels better for art supplies?
Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels carry quality art supplies for kids. Hobby Lobby tends to run more frequent coupons and has a stronger craft and seasonal section, while Michaels offers a wider selection of premium artist supplies and a stronger loyalty program. For bulk craft kits and kids art sets, Amazon often beats both on selection and piece count per dollar.
What are some good quality craft kits for kids?
Quality craft kits for kids include the Kid Made Modern Arts and Craft Kit, Dan and Darci Arts and Crafts Vault, Goody King 1170-Piece Craft Kit, and Carl and Kay 1750-Piece Craft Supplies Kit. Each kit covers a different style of crafting, from open-ended imagination play to jewelry making and bulk group activities, and all meet ASTM or AP non-toxic safety standards.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing 12 of the best art supply sets for kids, our team landed on the Crayola Inspiration Art Case as the top pick for most families. It covers the widest medium range for the age group that uses art supplies most, and the case held up to daily wear in our test household.
If you want a travel-friendly easel kit, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel is the next best choice. For budget shoppers, the FUNZBO Arts and Crafts Jar delivers hours of craft play without straining the wallet. Whatever kit you pick from this list, focus on age fit, non-toxic materials, and a case that survives daily use, and your child will have an art set that earns repeat openings.