Our Favorite Toddler Art Supplies
If there’s one thing I’m certain Zuri gets from me, it’s her love of all things crafty. We’ve been creating together since she was about a year old and her “visions”, as she calls them, are some of my most treasured pieces in our home. I get questions all the time about what supplies we use so I thought a blog post would be handy, especially if you find yourself in a preschool covid exposure quarantine like us (twice). Oof, power to the parents.
These are of course not all the craft supplies we have (seriously, a closet full), but they’re the ones we keep readily available in our dining room buffet to grab quickly while I’m making meals, nursing Arlo, or passing the time on rainy Portland days (read: all. winter. long.) Please share your favorites in the comments!
One: Watercolor Paper — We’ve found this is the best for any type of paint because it holds water well and won’t warp and tear as easily as some others we’ve used. It also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like what I might use for work.
Two: Contruction Paper — A stack of colors and a pair of scissors buys me hooooours of focus. Confetti! Messy but worth it.
Three: Kiddo Scissors — These have a great grip and cut well. We also used these when she was younger.
Four: Watercolor Set — I actually bought this for myself years ago and had it in my art stash. Zuri has gotten way more use out of it than I have and it’s still going strong after 2 years.
Five: This set is a great option to limit choices for younger kiddos
Six: Paintbrushes — These are the best paintbrushes we’ve found. Chunky grip but thinner than some of the tempera brushes (better for making more detailed strokes).
Seven: Oil Pastels — The Queen Bee at our house. Zuri started using “oval pastels” (ha toddler words) at Montessori school and cannot get enough. STACKS of artwork come home with her every day and she still asks to do more every afternoon. They also have a neon set that I love.
Eight: Polymer Clay — We started using this clay last year when we made Valentine’s magnets and she asks to do it all the time. I added more to Zuri’s advent calendar to make holiday magnets again this year.
Nine: Bucket o’ Crafts — The best $10 I’ve ever spent. You’re welcome.