Even though art supplies often fit into a stocking, sometimes you’re looking for something bigger. That’s where Part Two of the Glitter Bomb Gift Guide comes in handy, with gift ideas for artsy kids. These gifts are larger in either size or cost, and perfect for under the tree.
And don’t let it fool you – most of these gift ideas are perfect for you too. After you’re done with your holiday shopping this year, you might want to pick something up off of this list to celebrate. After all, it’s been quite the year!
Art Supplies Worth the Cost
Good quality art supplies are worth it. They can often make the difference between a frustrating art experience, and an enjoyable one. Here’s some art supplies that are a step up but won’t break the bank.
On Amazon.com
OLDER KIDS
Ohuhu Alcohol-Based Markers, 40 Count
Ohuhu is a set of markers that is a huge step up from Crayola in vibrancy, but not as expensive as Copic. This set of 40 comes in a carrying case, has dual tips, chisel and fine. Alcohol markers are a wonderful way to learn about marker blending and to play around with more detailed marker techniques, as well as using to bring drawings to life.
These acrylic paint pens are an entirely different breed of paint markers than the off-brands and worth the cost. They are perfect for painting rocks, drawing on cardboard and signs, making details over painted paper, and art that has already been painted with watercolor, tempera, or acrylic.
Not going to lie – the black core of these colored pencils was the first thing that attracted me to them. With fun (and a little spooky) tins, interesting color names, and vibrant colors, they’re a beautiful gift for an artist who is looking to try a different colored pencil. Try out their different sets as well.
Faber-Castell Paint Pouring Set
Want to experiment with paint pouring, but the supplies are intimidating? Faber-Castell has put together a paint pouring kit for kids, perfect for experimenting with this fun way of creating art without having to go out and buy the long supply list.
YOUNGER KIDS
This larger set of Kwik Stix comes with neon and metallic colors. They’re tempera paint, but in a stick form, so they’re perfect for minimizing the mess but still getting vibrant colors.
Crayola sells these as woodless colored pencils, however, these sticks of color don’t break as easily, require no sharpening, and color and draw over almost any color of paper. These are a wonderful addition for younger kids who love doing coloring and rubbings as well as taking on the road and into a classroom for a no mess option.
Non-Amazon.com
There is nothing like trying a handmade watercolor to upgrade the watercolor game. These are pricier than a regular pan set, but worth it for an older child or adult who want something new. KMS Watercolor offers shimmers, glitters, mattes, and also sets. My favorite is their neon. They’re a small, one-woman run business, and worth supporting.
Kids love stickers, and they’re an often overlooked and fun art supply for kids. Adding stickers and creating the scenes around them is a wonderful mess-free creative activity. And Stickii offers a small and normal sized collection of unique stickers every month. You’ll find yourself bargaining with your kids to get some for yourself.
Tools to Help a Young Artist
Sometimes art supplies refers to items that help artists be successful such as a light pad and portfolio. Here’s some of my favorites.
This lightpad can serve as a lightbox for our youngest artists by using color wheel paddles or slices of agates. But it’s also beautiful for tracing, especially on days and in places where there isn’t as much natural light. It plugs into a laptop, is sturdy, and stores easily.
Kids will love somewhere to save their larger and best pieces of art and this one comes with a handle so they can take it around and show their art to those that they love.
This easel by Arteza folds into a box and can be taken on the road, with supplies storing neatly within. It’s not too expensive, and perfect for young artists.
One thing that helps with mess containment and artsy independence is a place to keep those art supplies. The ArtBin is one of my favorites for keeping my own special supplies, and my Sparklettes love theirs too.
Artsy Books for Kids
Want to get kids drawing and writing at the same time? This blank comic book for kids is perfect. Use as is, or copy the templates within.
Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs
Have a kid who loves to read and loves to draw? In this book by Mike Lowery, kids draw themselves into the story and then continue reading and following the prompts to help create the illustrations for what they are reading. They’re all silly, fun, and space-loving. And there’s more to the series.
Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids
Jeanette Nyberg created a book that shows kids exactly what can be done with lines and scribbles. The next time your young artist says “I made a mistake” they may find themselves thinking about the exercises in this book and what they can do next.
20 Ways to Draw a Cat and 44 Other Awesome Animals
This book is part of the 20 Ways to Draw series and the pages within encourage kids (and adults) to see multiple ways of drawing the same thing. It stretches the limits of creativity, forcing the drawer to think differently every single time. And it’s helpful for kids when talking about how their art may not look like the teacher or adult sample.
Artsy Games for Kids
Mythical Creatures Drawing Game
This card deck can be used as a game with friends and family or as drawing prompts for kids to create their own mythical creatures. Three decks of animal ideas, one of details, and one of settings allow kids to create with laughs and imagination, sometimes for hours.
This board game for 3-6 people has gamers competing for the best constellation drawings on the board – every star can only be used once!
This game gets kids using their language arts and creative skills when trying to describe the color they’re holding to the other people playing the game.
And for one more gift idea…
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Don’t forget to take a look at our smaller gift guide – 20 Artsy Gift Ideas under $20!
