top of page
  • Writer's pictureMette

Best Art Supplies: Creativity, Learning, and Fun

Art is a wonderful way for kids to express themselves creatively and develop their fine motor skills.

Art is essential for children's cognitive, emotional, and social development.

By giving children access to art supplies and encouraging them to be creative, you can help them reach their full potential.

It can also be a lot of fun! But with so many different art supplies available, it can be hard to know where to start.



If you have a child between the ages of 1 and 5, you're probably looking for art supplies that are safe, easy to use, and fun. Here are a few tips for choosing the right supplies for your child, as well as some ideas for activities you can do together:

Here are some of my best art supplies for 1–5-year-olds:



Crayons​

This was one of the first things I introduced to our daughter when she was just around 1 year old. Crayons are a classic art supply that is perfect for little hands. They are easy to grip and control, allowing children to make bold marks and explore different colors.





Washable paint

Washable paints are a great way for children to explore color mixing and sensory experiences. They can be used to create finger paintings, brush paintings, ceramics, etc. We've been on quite a journey with paint. I introduced it when she was about a year old. When she was

younger, I always had to time with a bath because she would end up covered in paint from head to toe, but now she is 3 years

old and paints more on paper than on herself. But she love it!




Markers

My daughter is now 3 years old, and this is her favorite when she wants to draw. Markers are a fun and versatile art supply that can be used for drawing, writing, and coloring. They come in a wide variety of colors, allowing children to experiment with different shades and hues






Construction paper:

Construction paper is a versatile material that can be used for various art projects. Children can use it to create collages, mosaics, and other constructions.


Stickers What kid doesn't love stickers? We use both sticker books or stickers to decorate drawings and more.


Scissors and glue We always have several different types of scissors and glues available at her table. We have both zigzag scissors and regular children's scissors. Remember that younger children should have an adult next to them when cutting.


Collage materials: Collage materials such as tissue paper, magazine clippings, and glitter can be used to create unique and textured artwork. They encourage children to think creatively and experiment with different materials.



Colored pencils

Colored pencils allow children to create intricate details. For my daughter, pencils don't hold the same interest as the other materials. As she must press harder than with the marker, for example. I'm sure this may change as she gets older and gets more interested in the details.



Watercolor

Its fluidity and transparency allow for effortless experimentation and discovery, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement as colors blend and mingle on the page. The unpredictable nature of watercolor encourages children to embrace the unexpected, teaching them to adapt and be flexible in their creative process.


 

I have enjoyed doing creative things with my daughter since she was very little,

and she loves it too!

We have now made a small table where she always has access to watercolors, different markers, glue, scissors, etc. We also always have different bowls with different materials such as cut-out colored paper, glitter, etc.

I used to have to pull it out every time we wanted to make something, but now that it's out there, she can start on her own or ask me to join in.

What are your favorite materials to foster creativity?

Share your best tips! :)


Comentarios


bottom of page