Gifts for Young Artists: Spark Their Imagination & Creative Spirit

We like this as an all-in-one starter for ages 4+, with crayons, colored pencils, and loads of washable markers packed into a carry case that snaps shut for on-the-go art. During our review, the portability made it a reliable pick for car rides and grandparents' houses. Be aware the internal plastic trays can shift when closing, and different retail versions vary in piece counts and mixes. It's drawing-focused (no scissors, glue, or paints), so pair it with a craft kit for mixed-media projects.

These were a hit in our testing for kids who like bold color without fuss. The thick 10 mm lead lays down rich coverage, and each chunky pencil doubles as a colored pencil, watercolor (just add the included brush and water), and wax crayon - great for ages 3 and up. We found the colors wipe off glass and other smooth surfaces, but they can cling to porous textures, so protect tables. Note the set comes in a cardboard wallet, not a hard case, though it does include a sharpener.

During our review, this Faber-Castell set stood out for quality across mediums (graphite and watercolor pencils, oil pastels, and washable markers), inviting kids 6-10 to experiment confidently. The wooden gift box feels special and organizes everything alongside a guide, though it's bulkier to store than slim plastic cases. It doesn't include a dedicated paint pan or palette beyond the watercolor pencils, so plan accordingly. Priced higher than basic kits, but our experience shows the durable, eco-conscious materials encourage skills growth and longer-term use.

For budding sketchers ages 10+, the Canson XL 9 x 12-inch pad offers real value: 100 sheets at a budget price. In our testing, the wire-side binding lays flat for comfortable drawing, and the micro-perforations let you tear out clean pages for sharing or framing. The 50 lb (74 gsm) paper is on the thin side, so our experience shows it shines with dry media like pencil, charcoal, and pen. Water-based techniques tend to wrinkle or bleed, and there’s no storage case—just a straightforward, dependable pad.

For budding painters ages 4+, this 16-color semi-moist set impressed us with vibrant, mixable washes that stay bright after drying, and the lid's wells make color blending easy. The paints are washable, which helped cleanup during classroom-style sessions. We appreciated the included natural-hair brush, though several recent batches felt scratchy; we often swap in a favorite brush for smoother strokes. Some users report the cakes can stay tacky after use - leaving the palette open briefly helps them dry before closing.

This Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Box is a travel-friendly watercolor set we reached for during our review. The compact case includes 12 pans and a lid that doubles as a mixing palette, and the student-grade pigments are punchy enough for layering and mixing on the go. We did find the tiny included brush underwhelming—ours arrived a bit bent—and some pans can work loose over time. With only a dozen colors you’ll be mixing frequently, but the washable nature and built-in storage make it a tidy, portable pick.

For ages 5+ who love to paint, Crayola’s Washable Kids Paint is an easy win in our testing. The ten bright colors come in small 2 fl oz bottles that little hands can manage, and the washable formula rinses off skin and many surfaces without drama. Coverage can be thin on some materials, so we found a couple of coats work best—and the odor can be strong, so ventilate. Be mindful that fabrics may still stain if not treated quickly, and there’s no storage case included.

Creative kids ages 8+ will love turning mini masterpieces into wearable art with Klutz Make Clay Charms. The 60-page, step-by-step book walks through 35+ designs, and the kit includes nine bright clay colors, tools, glaze, a bracelet, and hardware to finish the pieces. In our testing the clay runs firmer than pro polymer brands, so warming and conditioning helps, and the tiny findings and glaze can be fiddly. We found some hooks may loosen after baking, so crimp carefully and consider a dab of jewelry glue.

If your young artist loves big, swipe-on color, Chunkies delivered in our testing: no water, no brushes, just twist and paint. The thick barrels are easy for little hands to grip, and the quick-drying formula helped minimize smudges on paper during fast-paced sessions. Because they're not washable and may stain, lay down a mat and recap promptly to prevent drying out. There's no carrying case, so consider a small caddy or zip pouch to keep the 12 sticks organized between projects.

Budding illustrators loved, in our testing, how the paper-locking frame keeps sheets steady for cleaner lines, and the included colored and graphite pencils mean you can start tracing right away. The packaging cleverly converts into a carry/shadow box to store the pad and supplies, adding portability for ages 6 and up. Heads-up: it needs three AA batteries (not included), and some units report early LED failures. With small parts and a non-washable surface, it's best for supervised use and careful storage.

For screen-loving kids ages 5-10, we found Osmo's Creative Starter Kit nicely blends hands-on drawing with interactive prompts using the included dry-erase board and markers. The activities encouraged imaginative sketching and quick iterations, and a storage case keeps parts tidy between sessions. Compatibility is the catch: it works only with certain iPad models and may require removing protective cases to fit the base. Some buyers feel the physical components are pricey for what you get, so confirm device fit before you splurge.

In our testing, the 3Doodler Start+ made 3D creation approachable for ages 6-13, with a safety-first design that avoids hot external parts and a DoodlePad and activity guide to jumpstart ideas. It's a fun leap from flat drawings to simple builds. That said, some units jammed or developed charging issues, so test the pen and battery early. Filament refills are proprietary and not always included, so budget for extras and set up a small bin since there's no carrying case.

During our review, this compact 10-drawer cart proved handy for corralling markers, washi, beads, and other small art bits without hogging floor space. The divided top kept tiny items (erasers, sharpeners, googly eyes) right where kids could reach them, and the caster wheels made it easy to slide between desks. Drawers are shallow, so sketch pads and bulk supplies may not fit, and alignment can feel flimsy. Our experience shows the wheels struggle on carpet and some buyers report missing casters, so double-check parts on arrival.

If your maker thrives on open-ended projects, this library of 1,000+ pieces delivered hours of mix-and-match creativity in our testing - think stickers, charms, glue, scissors, stencils, and even watercolor paper. The reusable carrying case helps tame the chaos, though we found sorting into a few bins speeds setup for repeat use. With so many small parts, it's best for ages 8+ and supervised younger siblings. Materials aren't washable, so protect surfaces and clothing before big build sessions.

Looking for a creativity jumpstart for ages 5–12? During our review, the Complete Book of Art Ideas impressed us with a huge variety of classroom-tested projects and clear step-by-step instructions, all backed by helpful illustrations. The sturdy spiral/ring binding lies flat, which made it easy for kids to follow along while their hands were messy. Just note it’s a guide only—no supplies included—and many activities are paper-based 2D crafts, with a bit of repetition from earlier titles, so you’ll want materials on hand and variety from other mediums.