What are the essential art supplies for toddlers I should start with?

For toddlers just starting out, I'd recommend Crayola Washable Fingerpaint , Jumbo Crayons , and Washable Markers as essential art supplies. Don't forget to grab some finger paint paper and a kids' art smock – trust me, you'll thank me later when your walls (and their clothes) remain masterpiece-free!

How do I get Play-Doh out of the carpet?

Ah, the age-old question! Let it dry completely, then break it up and vacuum. For stubborn bits, try working it out with a stiff brush and soapy water. When all else fails, consider it modern art and throw a rug over it. (Just kidding... kind of.)

At what age can I introduce scissors?

Every child develops differently, but generally, around 2-3 years old is a good time to start with safety scissors. Just remember to supervise closely, unless you're going for the "toddler haircut" look.

How do I store all these art supplies without losing my mind?

Clear, labeled containers are your friends! You can a combination of plastic bins, art caddies, and yes, even an old shoe organizer. If you want to get a little fancier, we recommend a desk Lazy Susan organizer .

My toddler ate some paint. Should I panic?

Don't worry, I've been there! Most kid-friendly paints are non-toxic, but it's always best to check the label. If it's washable and non-toxic, a quick call to your pediatrician should ease your mind. And remember, this too shall pass... literally.

The Ultimate Art Supplies For Toddlers In 2025

Oh, toddlers and their love for all things messy and creative – I can totally relate! As a mom who’s been there, done that, I know firsthand how important it is to have the right art supplies on hand to stimulate those little artists’ imaginations.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to art supplies for toddlers – a one-stop-shop for all the must-have tools and materials to fuel your child’s creativity. From the classics like finger paints and Play-Doh to the more unique finds that’ll have them experimenting for hours, this list has got you covered.

Quick tip before we start: when shopping for your tiny tornado of creativity, look for natural ingredients and washable everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. You’ll thank me later when you’re not scrubbing the walls at midnight.

Best Art Supplies for Toddlers: Our Top Picks

Child with a green shirt smiles while sitting at a desk with art supplies and a globe. Colorful posters are on the wall behind.

Let’s dive into the list of the best (in my opinion) art supplies for toddlers:

1. Crayola Washable Fingerpaint – A staple in our house and one of the best art supplies for toddlers! These Crayola Washable Fingerpaints are vibrant and easy to clean. We also recommend using a kids art smock just to make sure those pretty little clothes remain clean. If you’re looking for non toxic alternatives, check these out.

2. Markers – Crayola Washable Markers are our go-to. They’re bold, kid-friendly, and won’t leave permanent stains on clothes (trust me, I’ve been there!).

3. Washable Tempera Paint – This washable tempera paint is vibrant, non-toxic, and, you guessed it, easy to wash off surfaces and skin.

4. Play Dough – Play dough is one of our favorites! Are you looking for a great DIY recipe? Check this no cook play dough recipe which can be a fantastic activity for you and your little one. Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Check out this homemade play dough if you’re still looking for homemade options. We also recommend this modeling tool set!

5. Crayola Jumbo Crayons – Extra thick crayons perfect for little hands.

6. Dot Markers – Fun, easy-to-use dot markers for toddler art projects.

7. School Glue – Essential for all sorts of crafting and collage activities. We recommend this combo with liquid glue and stick, perfect for any crafting activity for tiny hands.

8. Watercolor Paint – Vibrant, easy-to-use liquid watercolors for young artists. If you’re looking for a solid watercolor palette, we recommend this one.

9. Sidewalk Chalk – Take the creativity outdoors with the Crayola Sidewalk Washable Chalks. For rainy days, try these Chalk Markers that work great on windows and mirrors (and wipe off easily!).

10. Finger Paint Paper – This durable paper from Melissa & Doug is perfect for finger painting adventures. Want to try something different? Check out our post on alternative painting surfaces for toddlers!

📌 Related article: 15 Delightful Easy Fall Crafts for Toddlers

Best Toddler Art Tools

Four paintbrushes with varying shades of blue paint strokes on a white background.

1. Easel – A toddler-sized easel like the Step2 Easel for Two is great for encouraging your little artist. We also recommend the multifunctional kids’ easel, which grows with your child and has a wooden chalkboard, a magnetic whiteboard, painting paper stand and storage for supplies.

2. Smocks – Keep those cute outfits paint-free with these kids art smocks. They’re waterproof and easy to clean.

3. Paint Cups – No-spill paint cups like the Colorations No-Spill Paint Cups are a lifesaver. Trust me, they’ll save your carpet!

4. Chubby Paintbrushes – These jumbo paint brushes are perfect for toddlers. They’re easy to grip and make broad strokes. If you’re looking for something different, we recommend this paint brush set for toddlers.

5. Paint Sponges – Large paint sponges are great for experimenting with texture. Try these sponge stampers for mess-free painting fun.

6. Scissors for Kids – if you’re afraid to let your toddler use scissors, we highly recommend using plastic training scissors until they are ready for older kids scissors.

FAQs About Toddler Art Supplies

Wooden table with scattered colorful pom-poms, googly eyes, flower-shaped cutouts, and crayons.

What are the essential art supplies for toddlers I should start with?

For toddlers just starting out, I’d recommend Crayola Washable Fingerpaint, Jumbo Crayons, and Washable Markers as essential art supplies. Don’t forget to grab some finger paint paper and a kids’ art smock – trust me, you’ll thank me later when your walls (and their clothes) remain masterpiece-free!
How do I get Play-Doh out of the carpet?

Ah, the age-old question! Let it dry completely, then break it up and vacuum. For stubborn bits, try working it out with a stiff brush and soapy water. When all else fails, consider it modern art and throw a rug over it. (Just kidding… kind of.)
At what age can I introduce scissors?

Every child develops differently, but generally, around 2-3 years old is a good time to start with safety scissors. Just remember to supervise closely, unless you’re going for the “toddler haircut” look.
How do I store all these art supplies without losing my mind?

Clear, labeled containers are your friends! You can a combination of plastic bins, art caddies, and yes, even an old shoe organizer. If you want to get a little fancier, we recommend a desk Lazy Susan organizer.
My toddler ate some paint. Should I panic?

Don’t worry, I’ve been there! Most kid-friendly paints are non-toxic, but it’s always best to check the label. If it’s washable and non-toxic, a quick call to your pediatrician should ease your mind. And remember, this too shall pass… literally.

Conclusion

Children sit around a table, painting with watercolors using art supplies perfect for toddlers. Various tools are spread out, including paint palettes and brushes.

Embrace the Messy Masterpieces!

With these art supplies for toddlers, you’re all set to nurture the next Picasso or, at the very least, survive until naptime.

Remember, it’s not about creating perfect little masterpieces (though if your kid manages that, kudos to you!). It’s about letting those tiny hands explore, create, and yes, make a glorious mess.

As someone who’s weathered countless art storms, I can tell you that the joy on your little one’s face when they proudly present you with their latest creation (even if it looks like a rainbow threw up) is worth every stain, every cleanup, and every “what on earth is that?” moment.

So stock up on these supplies, take a deep breath, and dive into the colorful chaos of toddler art. Who knows? You might even find yourself joining in the fun. And if all else fails, remember: washable paint exists for a reason, and wine pairs excellently with post-art-session cleanup.

Happy painting!

Xx Kinga