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Kids who like to draw are a joy to shop for, because the gift gets used straight away. The trick is to pick something that suits their age, is not too messy for the place it will be used and has enough in it to last.
This guide picks seven art gifts, from a small pack of markers to a tabletop easel. Each pick is described from its Amazon listing, so check the age range, pack contents and any safety notes before you order.
Quick comparison
Comparison of the products recommended in this guide
Toddlers do best with chunky crayons, washable markers and dot markers that are easy to hold. Older kids can use pencils, watercolors and bigger kits. Always check the age range and any small-parts warnings on the listing.
Washable is worth looking for
Washable markers and paints save a lot of stress. Even so, "washable" is not the same as "never stains", so cover the table and check the listing for what surfaces it is meant for. Our guide to art supplies for kids goes through washable options in more detail.
A kit makes a better present than a single item
A large case of crayons, markers and pencils looks and feels like a real gift and gives the child choices. A single pack of markers is better as a stocking stuffer.
Think about where they will use it
A tabletop easel needs table space, and paints need a surface you do not mind. If the child will draw on the couch or in the car, a case or a pad is easier. For stocking-sized ideas, see our best stocking stuffers for artists.
Turn their drawing into something
Kids love to see their art turned into something real. Scan or photograph a favorite drawing and use Image to SVG to turn it into an outline, then print it as a coloring page or cut it as a sticker. Our guide to making stickers at home shows what you need.
Order early and check what is included
Kits are often sold in several versions and themes, so check which one the listing shows. Order early, as popular kits sell out before the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good art gift for a toddler?
Chunky crayons, washable markers and dot markers are easy for small hands. Check the age range and small-parts notes on the listing.
What is a good art gift for a child who already has lots of supplies?
Something different from their usual crayons: scratch art notes, a tabletop easel or a watercolor set. A set of refills for the supplies they use most also works.
Are washable markers really washable?
They are meant to wash off skin and many fabrics, but results vary by surface and how long the ink sits. Check the listing and test on a small area.
What is scratch art?
Scratch art paper has a dark coating over a colorful layer. The child scratches it away with a wooden stylus to reveal the color underneath, which is a low-mess way to make a picture.
What is a good small art gift for a kid?
Dot markers, a pack of washable markers or a small set of watercolors are the lower-priced picks here and are easy to wrap.
More from Sketch Studio
Image to SVG — turn a child's drawing into a coloring page or a sticker
Ten holiday gift ideas for artists and writers: pencils, ink, a sketch pad, a drawing tablet, fountain pens, notebooks and an e-reader, at every price level.
