Are you eager to dive into crafting with your kids but unsure where to start? With over 100 essential craft supplies, you’ll be fully equipped to handle nearly any art project your children dream up. Here’s a guide to the Best Craft Supplies for Kids in 2025 to inspire creativity and fun!
Best Craft Supplies for Kids in 2025
Crafting is a wonderful way for kids to explore their creativity, and it offers endless options for self-expression. Whether it’s painting, cutting, gluing, or designing, the art of crafting is adaptable for all ages—from toddlers to teens. In 2025, there are more options than ever to find the best craft supplies for kids that fit every skill level and project type.
Creativity is an essential part of who we are, and kids, in particular, show us the joy of creating. With the right craft supplies, you can encourage them to explore, imagine, and make memories through art. But if you’re new to crafting, choosing the right materials can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you choose high-quality, affordable, and versatile craft supplies for kids that will keep them engaged and excited.
How to Choose Safe Craft Supplies for Kids
When choosing safe craft supplies for kids, consider these key factors:
- Non-Toxic Materials: Look for non-toxic labels, especially for paints, markers, and glues.
- Age Appropriateness: Select products that are age-rated to prevent choking hazards or complicated use.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Choose biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Quality and Durability: Invest in durable, well-made supplies to ensure safe, long-term use.
- Reputable Brands: Trusted brands often adhere to safety standards for children’s products.
Prioritizing these elements ensures a safe, enjoyable crafting experience for kids.
Essential Craft Supplies for Kids’ Art Projects
From basics like paper and paint to more specialized items like glitter and pom-poms, the best craft supplies for kids cover a wide range of projects. Stock up on these essentials, and you’ll be ready for everything from simple crafts to more advanced creations.
Crafting can become a treasured family activity that nurtures creativity and fun. With this list of the Best Craft Supplies for Kids in 2025, you’re set for hours of artistic play that will inspire both you and your children!
What are the basic craft supplies for kids?
In this article, I’ve included 100+ craft supplies for kids that will help you discover where to begin in your crafting adventure. But I realize that that’s quite a big list, and if you have no idea where to begin, a list like that might overwhelm you. So, if you were to get the most basic of basic supplies to start your crafting stash, what should you choose?
I’d boil it down to a list of 10 items.
- Paper Plates
- Crayons
- Glue
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Pipe Cleaners
- Play-Doh
- Markers
A list of basic craft supplies for kids like this will make several types of projects. It’s a good start for anyone wanting to start a stash. Once you’re ready for more supplies, you’ll find over 60 items below!
Best Craft Supplies for Kids: The Ultimate List
To make this list easier to browse, I’ve divided all the supplies into 10 categories. There they are below.
- Tools for Crafting
- Craft Supplies Found in the Kitchen
- Adhesives
- Paper
- Writing Supplies
- Paint
- Clay
- Textiles
- Embellishments
- Other Supplies
If you’d rather have the whole shopping list in bullet form, scroll to the end of the post!
Tools for Crafting
Stapler
You’ll want a stapler for all kinds of projects. They’re a must for crafts that need extra reinforcement beyond glue or tape.
Hole Punch
A hole punch works great for creating forms or any kind of printable that needs to go in a binder. They even work well when you just want to create small paper circle embellishments! (If you want cute stamps, you can even use something like these!)
Safety Scissors
If your small children will be using the scissors, especially if they’re not very skilled at it yet, then safety scissors are a great option. Blunt on the end, these scissors make cutting crafts a much safer situation.
Glue Gun
Glue guns are use for all sorts of projects, which makes it a must-have in this list of craft supplies for kids. Since the glue is especially hot, I highly suggest they be used by adults only, but some nice perks about this particular glue gun include a long nozzle, an LED light heating indicator, fast-drying glue, and drip-free performance.
Paint Brushes
Paint brushes are another definite must. Super versatile, brushes can be used to paint any liquid medium, whether watercolor, acrylic, tempera, or even glue.
Newspaper
Newspaper is perfect for laying down on your table before a messy project ensues. Not only does it protect your table, but it also is easy clean up. Simply wad up and toss when you’re through!
You can use the newspaper you get in the mail each week, or, if you don’t get the paper, this blank newsprint meant for packing will do the trick.
Magazines
Magazines are a great source of material, whether it be inspiration for future projects or actually cutting them up to be used in collages, cards, and anything else you can imagine!
You can use any kind of magazine. For example, this one from HGTV always has bright photos and lots of fun ideas.
Paint Shirt
Any type of paint shirt will work, as long as it’s long enough to cover your kids’ clothes. For example, these waterproof smocks are long-sleeved and long enough to cover young children from ages 2-6. It even has pockets!
Or, you can even consider painting aprons.
Iron
An iron is super helpful for projects that need heating, such as iron-on art projects and other crafts that need melting.
Craft Supplies Found in the Kitchen
Paper Plates
Paper plates are an absolute must-have on the craft supplies for kids list! You’d be surprised how many crafts use them. Definitely keep a stack of these on hand if you plan on crafting with your kids.
Styrofoam Cups
Another great thing to have on hand is a package of Styrofoam cups. They’ll be used super often, too, just like paper plates!
Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are great for all sorts of things, whether they’re holding craft pieces together, blocking gathered sections of t-shirts during tie-dying, or in a multitude of other crafty uses. They can be used is so many ways and are nice to have on hand.
This mini multicolored set is adorable. But you can also get bigger, more basic rubber bands if that better suits your needs.
Cheese Grater
A cheese grater is one of those obscure craft supplies for kids that you might not realize you would use. It works well for projects that need shavings of soft materials like crayons.
Sponges
There are several kinds of sponges that work well for kids’ crafts. These stippling sponges are nice because the handles make them pretty mess free.
Depending on your project, you can also use basic sponges or this fun package of craft sponges!
Tablecloth
A tablecloth is a good tool to have on hand, as it works well for protecting against messes. You can use it in the traditional sense of placing it on the table under your kids’ crafts, or you can even lay it out on the floor so kids have a large work space where they can create on their hands and knees. Clean up is as easy as gathering up the cloth to throw away or be taken outside to shake.
Food Coloring
Anything from making your own Play-Doh to cooking in the kitchen, a pack of food coloring is a helpful tool to have in your crafting arsenal.
Straws
Straws are a fun and whimsical addition to your kids’ crafts. You’ll love all the ways you can use them.
You can use these straight straws, or you can use flexible straws instead.
Cookie Cutters
This product has a wide variety of cookie cutters that could be used for cooking or for play. An assortment of 101 means you’ll likely have shapes for just about any holiday or event you need it for.
Adhesive
Glue Sticks
This extra strength glue stick is AMAZING! It works SO much better than traditional glue sticks, trust me.
Liquid Glue
For heavier duty crafts, such as wood, etc., liquid glue is a good choice.
Tape
Sometimes projects just call for tape. This one is basic Scotch tape, but you can also look into double stick and other types.
Masking Tape
Masking tape is great for all kinds of crafts. The fact that it can be placed somewhere and then removed with little-to-no residue make it great for painting and several other projects.
Paper
Construction Paper
Construction paper is a staple when it comes to craft supplies for kids. Coming in tons of colors and thicknesses, construction paper is used in so many craft projects, it’s amazing.
Cardstock
Cardstock is another nice thing to have in your craft stash. It’s great when you need to use paper but want something stiff and durable. It comes in basic white but also in multiple colors.
Lined Paper
Lined paper is thin but it’s nice for any project that involves a writing component. If your kids will be writing along with their craft, check into implementing lined paper.
Printer Paper
Printer paper is thin and usually comes in white or some other light color. It works well for printing things off the computer.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is typically used to stuff presents, but in crafts, they are used in lots of different ways. So thin it’s slightly translucent, tissue paper is lightweight and comes in lots of colors.
Graph Paper
Graph paper is fun for coloring projects and for drawing out architectural designs, among other things.
Writing Supplies
Crayons
Crayons are a definite tool to keep in your craft room. They’re used all the time!
Washable Markers
Washable markers are great for drawing on certain materials, things that aren’t too thin. But since they can potentially make a mess, they’re best for grade school children who have more control.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are great for any age and they come in several colors. Tip: if you use colored pencils, you’ll probably want a pencil sharpener on hand.
Permanent Markers
Best for older kids, permanent markers can be used on a ton of different materials. They come in several colors and also several thicknesses, so you should be able to find what you’re looking for!
Chalk
Chalk comes in various colors and is used in various projects. White chalk like this can be used for writing or coloring indoor projects, and there are several kinds of outdoor sidewalk chalk as well.
Paint
Basic Watercolors
Watercolors are a fun medium for children and adults alike. Watercolors are water soluble and translucent.
Paint Pens
Paint pens are great for drawing on t-shirts and other materials with a paint medium.
Watercolor in Tubes
Watercolor in tubes work the same way as palettes of watercolor, except the medium is more concentrated. A little goes a long way. If you’re going to be using a lot of the same color in watercolor, than tubes is probably your best choice.
Tempera Paint
Similar in texture to acrylic paint, tempera paint is a little thinner and less permanent. It’s great for projects on materials like poster board, paper mache’, and newspaper print.
Fabric Paint
If you want a fun way to spend your afternoon, one thing you could do is paint on shirts with fabric paint like these from Arteza. They take a bit to dry, but then your kids can wear their creations anytime they want!
Acrylic Paint
A versatile paint choice, acrylic paint is a perfect for painting on paper, canvas, and even rocks. It dries quickly and comes in vibrant colors for any project
Clay
Polymer Clay
Ideal for sculpting miniatures or detailed creations, polymer clay hardens when baked, allowing your kids to make lasting pieces like jewelry, figurines, or Christmas ornaments!
Play-Doh
A classic for younger children, Play-Doh modeling clay is soft, colorful, and easy to mold into fun shapes—perfect for sensory play and creativity. It does air dry, though, so keep it tight in its container when not in use.
Kinetic Sand
This moldable, mess-free sand allows kids to build sandcastles and sculptures indoors. It’s easy to clean up, doesn’t really air dry, and is endlessly entertaining.
Slime
Whether homemade or store-bought, slime offers a sensory delight that kids can stretch, squish, and shape into all sorts of fun forms.
Textiles
Denim Scraps
Leftover denim fabric (or denim yardage) is great for teaching kids about sewing or adding texture to craft projects like collages or fabric painting.
Quilting Fabric
Colorful quilting fabric can be used for patchwork projects, doll clothing, or learning basic sewing techniques. If you’re a beginner who is looking to grow yours stash, something like these patchwork squares could be helpful. (*a little thin, but great for beginners)
Felt Sheets
Soft, easy-to-cut felt sheets are perfect for making DIY puppets, ornaments, and other fabric-based crafts. Available in every color, felt is a staple in any craft kit.
Leather Scraps
For older kids, leather pieces can be used to create bracelets, bookmarks, or other rugged, durable craft items.
Faux Leather/Vinyl
Faux leather and vinyl offer a durable and inexpensive alternative to leather for projects like keychains, bag charms, and patches.
Embellishments
Pipe Cleaners
These bendable, fuzzy sticks are great for forming shapes, creatures, or as decoration in various craft projects. Kids can twist, loop, and create anything they imagine with pipe cleaners!
Sequins
Shiny and colorful, sequins can be glued onto almost any surface to add sparkle to craft projects like cards, ornaments, or fabric crafts. Kids will love turning anything from drab to fab with these embellishments!
Yarn
Yarn is not only an essential for knitting, weaving, or wrapping projects. It’s also excellent hair for puppets, for example, or can be used as string for hanging crafts. It’s super colorful and comes in lots of textures, too.
Buttons
Great for both sewing and gluing, buttons come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for making doll eyes, patterns, or embellishments.
Beads
Beads are perfect for stringing onto necklaces or bracelets, giving your kids endless creative potential for jewelry making and decoration.
Rhinestones
Add some glitz to your kids’ crafts with rhinestones. These sparkly gems can be glued onto everything from picture frames to fabric projects to homemade cards.
Stickers
Whether used for decorating notebooks, scrapbooks, or cards, stickers are a fun and easy way for kids to personalize their creations.
Pom-Poms
Soft and fluffy, pom-poms add texture and color to any craft. Kids can glue them to create animals, flowers, or use them in imaginative play.
Glitter
No crafting kit is complete without glitter! Sprinkle some sparkle on just about any project to give it extra flair and shine. However, keep it out of reach when not in use, if you’ve got creative kiddos that may be tempted to use it without adult supervision! (Ask me how I know. Haha.)
Ribbon
Ribbons can be used for wrapping gifts, creating bows, or adding extra detail to any project. From satin to grosgrain, there’s a ribbon for every occasion.
Rickrack
This zigzag trim is a great for sewing projects, scrapbooks, or adding a fun edge to paper crafts.
Googly-Eyes
Bring any craft to life with googly eyes. These wiggly little additions are perfect for creatures and puppets!
Other Supplies
Snaps
Perfect for introducing kids to basic sewing or clothing projects, snaps are easy to attach and great for making fabric-based crafts like coin purses, pouches, or doll clothing. All you need is a little device that attaches snaps to your project.
Zippers
Zippers are a fun way to teach kids sewing and construction skills. They’re useful for creating small bags, pencil cases, or DIY accessories.
Popsicle Sticks
Versatile and easy to use, popsicle sticks can be used to build houses, picture frames, and more. Honestly, they are a staple in any craft kit!
Cotton Balls
These fluffy, soft cotton balls are also super versatile. They are great for crafting clouds, snow scenes, or creating texture in paintings. Kids can also use them for making animals or as filler/stuffing in craft projects.
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream is an awesome sensory material that most people don’t think of. It’s not just for hair removal! It can also be used for foam painting, creating marbled effects, or even as a base for fluffy slime. It adds a fun, tactile element to any craft!
Thread
An essential for any sewing project, thread is used to stitch fabric together. And bonus! It comes in tons of colors!
Conclusion: 100+ Easy Craft Supplies for Kids
Building up your craft supply collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By using this list, you can handpick the craft supplies for kids that suit your family best, setting the stage for a more creative and imaginative home. With these essentials, you’ll be ready for any craft project your kids can dream up, sparking their creativity, encouraging artistic expression, and making plenty of wonderful memories together.
Now it’s your turn—did I miss any must-have supplies? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s keep the creativity flowing!
