The Only Drawing Supplies Kids Really Need
Kids don't need expensive art supplies to draw well. Here's the short list of drawing supplies kids actually need, by age, and what to skip.
Kids only need a few drawing supplies: pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, something to color with, plenty of paper and a drawing book or two. Expensive kits are rarely necessary. Good basics, chosen for your child's age, make more difference than quantity.
Art supply aisles are full of giant kits and fancy tools. Most of them end up unused. Here is what kids actually need.
The essentials
- Pencils. A few HB or #2 pencils.
- Eraser. A soft white eraser that does not smudge.
- Sharpener. One with a container.
- Coloring tools. Crayons for young kids, colored pencils for older ones.
- Paper. Lots of plain paper.
- Sketchbook. For keeping drawings together.
- Drawing book. For lessons and ideas.
By age
- Ages 2 to 4: Chunky crayons, large paper, washable markers.
- Ages 5 to 7: Pencils, crayons, colored pencils, a first drawing book.
- Ages 8 to 12: Pencils of different hardness, fine markers, a sketchbook.
A sketchbook made for drawing books
Kids who use step-by-step drawing books often run out of practice space. The How to Draw: Sketchbook is made to go with the How to Draw books, with blank pages for redrawing lessons and inventing new characters.
What to skip
- Giant 200-piece kits (overwhelming and low quality)
- Glitter pens (fun, but messy)
- Very expensive markers for young kids
- Tools that do not match your child's age
Organize it
Keep supplies in a box or caddy your child can carry. See teaching responsibility with an art supply box and set up a kids' drawing corner.
Questions parents ask
What drawing supplies do kids need?
Pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, crayons or colored pencils, paper, a sketchbook and a drawing book.
Are expensive art supplies better for kids?
Not usually. Good basic supplies matched to a child's age are more useful than large, expensive kits.
What is the best pencil for kids to draw with?
An HB or #2 pencil is a good all-purpose choice for most children.
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