Best Arts and Crafts Gifts for Kids That We’d Buy Again
Some kids love building things. Some love playing pretend. And then there are the kids who would happily spend an entire afternoon surrounded by paper, paint, markers, and glue.
If you have a little craft lover in your life, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
There’s something so sweet about watching kids create something entirely their own. Whether they’re painting rocks, mixing colors, or proudly showing off their latest masterpiece, crafting gives them a chance to slow down, use their imaginations, and make something with their own two hands.
Between the six of us sisters, we’ve tried plenty of arts and crafts supplies with our kids. Some have been used once and forgotten, while others have become favorites we reach for again and again.
So we put together a list of six of our favorite arts and crafts gifts for kids that we’d happily buy again.
From inexpensive art supplies to a craft cart that can hold it all, these are some of our favorite ways to encourage a little more creativity at home.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you shop through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Threads Between!
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Kits
Rock painting is one of those simple activities that kids seem to love, and adding glow-in-the-dark paint makes it even more exciting.
Two of our favorite options are glow-in-the-dark rock painting and seashell painting kits. Both give kids the opportunity to create something colorful and completely their own.
Kids can decorate rocks or seashells with little animals, flowers, patterns, and whatever else they dream up. Once their creations are dry, they get the added fun of seeing them glow in the dark.
We especially love crafts that don’t end when the project is finished. These painted creations can become decorations, little gifts, or treasures to display in a bedroom.
They’re fun activities for rainy afternoons, playdates, or creative weekends at home.
Option 1: Glow-in-the-Dark Rock Painting Kit
Perfect for kids who love painting and decorating little treasures. The finished rocks can be displayed, gifted, or used to decorate a garden.
Shop: Amazon
Option 2: Glow-in-the-Dark Shell Painting Kit
A fun alternative for kids who love seashells, beach treasures, and creating colorful decorations.
Shop: Amazon
Why we love them: They’re complete creative activities that leave kids with something special to enjoy afterward.
2. Watercolor Paint Set
Sometimes the simplest art supplies are the ones that get used the most.
A good watercolor set gives kids the freedom to experiment with color, paint their own pictures, and create without needing a complicated project or instructions.
We love that watercolor painting can be as simple or detailed as kids want it to be. Younger artists can explore colors and brushstrokes, while older kids can work on landscapes, flowers, or whatever inspires them.
Add a little watercolor paper, a cup of water, and a paintbrush, and you’ve got an easy creative activity ready to go.
It’s also a great gift for kids who love drawing and want to try something new.
Why we love it: It’s an affordable way to encourage creativity without needing a planned craft.
Shop: Amazon
3. Air-Dry Clay
There’s something so satisfying about making something with your hands, and air-dry clay gives kids endless opportunities to do just that.
They can sculpt little animals, make pretend food, create bowls or ornaments, and come up with all sorts of projects.
We love that air-dry clay turns an ordinary afternoon into an opportunity to create something completely original.
And unlike traditional pottery clay, it doesn’t require a kiln. Kids can make their creations, let them dry according to the product instructions, and enjoy the finished result.
It’s especially fun for kids who like hands-on projects and aren’t afraid of a little mess.
Why we love it: It encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and the satisfaction of making something from scratch.
Shop: Amazon
4. Washable Paint
If there’s one thing we think every little craft lover should have, it’s a good supply of paint.
Paint is one of those materials that can be used for so many different activities. Paper crafts, homemade decorations, handprint art, seasonal projects, and whatever else your kids dream up.
We especially appreciate washable options because they make it a little easier to say yes when kids ask to paint.
And there’s something wonderful about giving children a few basic supplies and letting them decide what to create.
This is a great gift on its own, but it’s also a fun addition to a larger art supply basket.
Why we love it: It’s a versatile staple that can be used for dozens of different crafts throughout the year.
Shop: Amazon
5. Rolling Craft Cart
This might be one of our favorite gift ideas for a child who is always creating something.
A rolling craft cart gives all those markers, paints, papers, stickers, and supplies a place to live.
We love the idea of making creativity accessible to kids. Instead of having to dig through a closet every time they want to make something, they can have their favorite supplies organized and ready to go.
And because the cart has multiple tiers, there’s room for different kinds of materials.
You could even turn this into a bigger Christmas or birthday gift by filling it with a few of the supplies on this list.
It’s practical, but it also makes a child’s love of creating feel like something worth celebrating.
Why we love it: It helps keep craft supplies organized while making it easier for kids to create independently.
Shop: Amazon
6. Washable Markers
Every craft-loving kid needs a good set of markers.
They’re one of the easiest supplies to pull out for drawing, coloring, making cards, decorating paper crafts, or working on little projects.
We love that markers are simple enough for everyday use but can be part of so many different creative activities.
And washable markers are especially nice for families with younger kids.
This Amazon Basics set is an affordable option for stocking up, whether you’re filling a craft cart, putting together an art supply basket, or replacing markers that have seen better days.
Why we love it: They’re a simple, useful gift that kids can reach for again and again.
Shop: Amazon
A Gift Idea We Love: Fill a Craft Cart
If you’re looking for one bigger gift for a child who loves creating, we love the idea of filling a rolling craft cart with supplies.
You don’t have to spend a fortune or buy everything at once. Start with a few favorites and add to the collection over time.
Some fun things to include are:
- Washable markers
- Watercolor paints and watercolor paper
- Washable paint and paintbrushes
- Air-dry clay
- Construction paper
- Glue sticks and child-safe scissors
- Stickers, pom-poms, and other little craft supplies
- One special project kit, like glow-in-the-dark rock painting or shell painting
It’s the kind of gift that feels exciting to open but also gives kids something they can enjoy long after Christmas morning or their birthday.
And we love any gift that makes it easier for kids to put down a screen and spend a little time creating.
Why These Gifts Made Our List
When we started making our gift guides, we wanted to share things we’d personally tried and would happily buy again.
Not just things that look cute online or happen to be popular.
Between six sisters and all our kids, we’ve seen how much joy can come from something as simple as a fresh set of markers or a little paint.
We love gifts that encourage kids to use their imaginations, make something with their hands, and discover what they’re capable of creating.
And some of our favorite childhood memories happen during those ordinary afternoons spent around the kitchen table, making something together.
We hope this list gives you a few ideas for the little artist in your life.
More Gift Guides from The Threads Between
This post is part of our Toys We’d Buy Again series, where six sisters share gifts and toys our families have personally owned and loved.
Explore our other gift guides:
- Best Baby Toys We’d Buy Again (0–12 Months)
- Best Toys for 1–2 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
- Best Toys for 3–4 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
- Best Toys for 4–6 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
- Best Toys for 6–8 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
XO -The Threads Between Sisters
