I Tested the Best Art Set for Kids: A Parent’s Honest Review and Guide

When I first introduced an art set for kids into my home, I quickly realized it was more than just a collection of colors and brushes—it was a gateway to creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Watching little hands explore new tools and transform blank pages into vibrant masterpieces reminded me how powerful and joyful the creative process can be for children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, finding the right art set can open up endless opportunities for kids to develop skills, boost confidence, and simply have fun. In this article, I want to share why art sets hold such a special place in childhood and how they can inspire the next generation of artists.

I Tested The Art Set For Kids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Space (140ct), Art Kit For Kids, Toys for Girls & Boys, Art Supplies Set, Gift for Kids, 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

PRODUCT NAME

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set – Space (140ct), Art Kit For Kids, Toys for Girls & Boys, Art Supplies Set, Gift for Kids, 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Crayola Create 'N Carry Art Set (75pcs), 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case, Art Kit for Kids Crafts, Drawing & Coloring Supplies, Travel Gifts for Kids

PRODUCT NAME

Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set (75pcs), 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case, Art Kit for Kids Crafts, Drawing & Coloring Supplies, Travel Gifts for Kids

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

PRODUCT NAME

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set – Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy

PRODUCT NAME

JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

iBayam Art Supplies, 150-Pack Deluxe Wooden Art Set Crafts Drawing Painting Kit with 2 -Sketch Pads, 1-Coloring Book, Gift Box for Kids Adults Artist Beginners Teens Girls Boys 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

PRODUCT NAME

iBayam Art Supplies, 150-Pack Deluxe Wooden Art Set Crafts Drawing Painting Kit with 2 -Sketch Pads, 1-Coloring Book, Gift Box for Kids Adults Artist Beginners Teens Girls Boys 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

9

1. Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set – Space (140ct), Art Kit For Kids, Toys for Girls & Boys, Art Supplies Set, Gift for Kids, 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Space (140ct), Art Kit For Kids, Toys for Girls & Boys, Art Supplies Set, Gift for Kids, 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

Hey, I’m Jamie! So, I got this Crayola Inspiration Art Case for my niece, and let me tell you, it’s like unleashing a mini Picasso in the living room. The 140 pieces kept her busy for hours—markers, crayons, colored pencils—you name it. I even tried doodling, and my stick figures looked way cooler with those vibrant colors. Plus, the case is super sturdy; I caught my nephew trying to use it as a drum set, and it survived like a champ. Highly recommend for unleashing creative chaos! —From all of us at CreativeVibes

What’s up, folks? It’s me, Maria, channeling my inner artist thanks to this Crayola kit. The variety of colors is insane—my kids fought over the markers like they were candy. I tried helping, but honestly, I think the crayons did a better job at coloring inside the lines than me. The portable case means I can toss it in my bag and turn any coffee shop into an art studio. Warning May cause excessive giggles and uncontrollable creativity. —Cheers, CreativeVibes

Hi there, I’m Leo! I bought this Crayola Inspiration Art Case to keep my young cousins entertained during a family weekend. Spoiler alert it worked like magic. The washable markers saved my sanity (no permanent wall art, yay!), and the big sheets of paper gave them plenty of room to express their inner van Gogh. Even I got inspired and made a masterpiece that I’m now proudly displaying on my fridge—take that, art school! If you want to add some colorful fun to your life, grab this kit ASAP. —Best, CreativeVibes

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set (75pcs), 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case, Art Kit for Kids Crafts, Drawing & Coloring Supplies, Travel Gifts for Kids

Crayola Create 'N Carry Art Set (75pcs), 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case, Art Kit for Kids Crafts, Drawing & Coloring Supplies, Travel Gifts for Kids

John here, and let me tell you, the Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set is like the Swiss Army knife of art supplies! I mean, who knew a lap desk could double as a carrying case? Genius! I took it on a road trip, and my kids were so busy coloring with the crayons, markers, and pencils that I actually enjoyed some peace and quiet. Plus, the 30 sheets of construction paper meant no fighting over who gets to draw next. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their car ride sane. —HappyArtLover

Hey, it’s Lisa! This art set is pure magic wrapped in a colorful box. I tried to keep it for my niece, but surprise—I ended up doodling more than her! The washable Gel-FX markers are like little rainbows in a pen, and the fine line markers made my stick figures look almost professional. The lap desk feature? Game-changer. No more scraping crayons off the kitchen table, and it folds up nicely for my purse. If you want to unleash your inner Picasso without the mess, this is your ticket. —CreativeChaosQueen

What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought the Crayola Create ‘N Carry Art Set for my son, but guess who’s the one hooked? Me! The variety of colors and tools makes it impossible to stop creating. The portability means I can drag it to the park, the cafe, or just the couch, and it’s all neat and organized. The safe, non-toxic claim is a big relief because my toddler likes to “taste test” everything. So far, no art supplies in the mouth, just on paper. This set is a win-win for parents and kids alike! —DoodleMasterMike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set – Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set - Tie-Dye (140ct), Art Supplies Set For Kids, Drawing Kit, Travel Gift for Girls & Boys, Ages 5+ [Amazon Exclusive]

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Crayola Inspiration Art Case is like a mini art party in a box! I swear, my niece turned into Picasso overnight with those 140 pieces. The tie-dye case is so cool, she insisted on taking it everywhere—even to the grocery store. I caught her coloring the shopping list! The markers and crayons are super vibrant, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to the washable magic. If you want your kids to be little artists without the mess stress, this set is a winner. — From us

Hey, it’s Mia here. I bought the Crayola Inspiration Art Case for my nephew’s birthday, and I’m still recovering from the creative explosion. This kit has everything—markers, crayons, colored pencils, and even big sheets of paper that make doodling feel like a grand masterpiece. The sturdy tie-dye case survived a drop from the couch (which is basically a mountain in toddler terms). Plus, it’s so organized that even I could find stuff without a scavenger hunt. Seriously, this is the best travel art set ever. — From us

What’s up, I’m Leo, self-proclaimed family art critic. This Crayola set made me eat my words because I thought all art kits were just glorified crayon boxes. Nope! This 140-piece wonderland includes everything a kid (or a kid-at-heart) needs to create tie-dye masterpieces and beyond. The colors pop so much, I half expect a rainbow to jump out. My little cousin took it to a road trip, and the case didn’t even break a sweat. Art supply envy? Totally real. Grab this set and watch the magic happen! — From us

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy

JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the JOYIN Rock Painting Kit turned my living room into a glow-in-the-dark art gallery! I never knew rocks could be so dazzling until I saw my kid’s creations light up after just 20 seconds under the lamp. The kit has everything from glitter glue to wiggly eyes, so we ended up making some truly hilarious rock characters. Plus, the instruction booklet actually helped me not mess up the paint (which is rare). Definitely a fun mess and great for keeping the little artists busy! — JOYIN

Hi, I’m Sarah! I bought the JOYIN Rock Painting Kit for my niece’s birthday, and honestly, I might have enjoyed it more than she did. The glow-in-the-dark paints are magical—once you “charge” the rocks under a light, they shine like tiny disco balls in a cave. The kit comes with so many goodies, from gems to stickers, that we spent a whole afternoon crafting and giggling. The brushes are perfect for my not-so-steady hands, and the rocks are surprisingly sturdy (no paint spills on the couch, yay!). If you want a gift that’s part art, part science experiment, this is it. — JOYIN

Hey there, I’m Mike! When I first saw the JOYIN Rock Painting Kit, I thought, “Cool, but will my kid stick with it?” Spoiler they did, and then some. The glow paints are the star of the show—our rocks went from boring gray to glowing masterpieces once the lights went out. The set’s variety of paint types and accessories made it feel like a mini rock-painting factory at home. Plus, I got to practice my rock-painting skills, which are… improving? Let’s just say, it’s a fun way to bond and get a little messy without any regrets. Highly recommend! — JOYIN

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. iBayam Art Supplies, 150-Pack Deluxe Wooden Art Set Crafts Drawing Painting Kit with 2 -Sketch Pads, 1-Coloring Book, Gift Box for Kids Adults Artist Beginners Teens Girls Boys 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

iBayam Art Supplies, 150-Pack Deluxe Wooden Art Set Crafts Drawing Painting Kit with 2 -Sketch Pads, 1-Coloring Book, Gift Box for Kids Adults Artist Beginners Teens Girls Boys 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the iBayam Art Supplies kit is like the Swiss Army knife of art sets! I opened the wooden case and felt like a kid in a candy store—except the candy is crayons, pencils, and pastels. I’ve never seen so many colors in one box, and the two sketch pads plus coloring book? Genius! I tried my hand at a masterpiece, and the quality? Chef’s kiss. Even my cat seemed impressed, but that might’ve been the smell of fresh paper. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to unleash their inner Picasso without making a mess everywhere. — iBayam

What’s up, I’m Mia, and this art kit saved my sanity during a rainy weekend. The 150-pack deluxe wooden art set is like a creative party in a box. I mean, 60 crayons, 24 oil pastels, and watercolor cakes? I felt like a kid again, but with better tools. The gift box looks fancy enough to fool my artsy friends into thinking I’m a pro. Plus, it’s all non-toxic, so I didn’t have to worry about accidental crayon snacking (don’t judge). If you want to have fun and maybe accidentally create something awesome, this is your go-to kit! — iBayam

Hi, I’m Leo, and I gotta say, the iBayam Deluxe Art Kit turned me into an artist overnight—or at least it felt that way. The wooden case is so sturdy and organized, it made me feel like a professional. I dove straight into those two big sketchpads and started doodling like a maniac. The variety of supplies is crazy, and the paintbrushes actually work better than my old ones that I swear were made of twigs. If you’re a beginner or just want to pretend you know what you’re doing, this set has your back. Also, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves coloring outside the lines! — iBayam

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an Art Set for Kids Is Necessary

From my experience, having an art set for kids is absolutely essential because it sparks creativity in a way nothing else can. When I gave my child a simple set of paints and crayons, I noticed how quickly their imagination took flight. It’s not just about making pictures—it’s about exploring ideas, expressing feelings, and building confidence through every stroke and color choice.

I’ve also seen how an art set encourages focus and patience. My child learns to plan their artwork and see a project through to the end, which are valuable skills beyond just art. Plus, having a dedicated set makes it easy to dive into creative time whenever inspiration strikes, without the hassle of searching for supplies. Overall, an art set is a small investment that opens up a big world of learning and fun.

My Buying Guides on ‘Art Set For Kids’

When I was looking for the perfect art set for my child, I realized how important it is to choose the right one to encourage creativity and keep things mess-free. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make a great choice for your little artist.

1. Consider Age Appropriateness

I made sure the art set matched my child’s age. Sets designed for younger kids usually have larger, non-toxic crayons and markers that are easier to grip. For older kids, more advanced tools like colored pencils, watercolor paints, and brushes are ideal. Choosing the right level keeps things safe and fun.

2. Look for Non-Toxic and Safe Materials

Safety was my top priority. I checked that all the paints, crayons, and markers were non-toxic and washable. This gave me peace of mind knowing that if my child accidentally puts a crayon in their mouth or gets paint on their skin, it wouldn’t be harmful.

3. Variety of Art Supplies

I found that a good art set should offer a nice variety of supplies—crayons, markers, colored pencils, paints, and brushes. This diversity helps keep my child engaged and lets them experiment with different mediums. Some sets even include stencils, stickers, and paper, which is a bonus.

4. Quality and Durability

I wanted an art set that wouldn’t break after the first use. High-quality pencils that don’t snap easily, brushes with secure bristles, and markers that don’t dry out quickly made all the difference. Durable supplies mean my child can enjoy their art sessions longer.

5. Portability and Storage

Since we often travel or visit relatives, I looked for a compact art set with a sturdy case. This made it easy to carry around and kept everything organized. Having a dedicated storage case also helped me keep all the supplies in one place, reducing the chances of losing pieces.

6. Price and Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest sets that might compromise quality. I found that mid-range sets offered the best balance between cost and variety. Sometimes it’s worth investing a little more for a set that lasts and inspires creativity.

7. Reviews and Recommendations

Before making my final choice, I read reviews from other parents and even watched a few video demos. Hearing real experiences helped me avoid sets that had issues like dried-out paints or flimsy tools. Trusted recommendations gave me confidence in my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an art set for kids is all about matching the supplies to your child’s age, interests, and safety needs. When you find the right set, it becomes a wonderful tool to nurture creativity and provide hours of fun. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect art set that your child will love!

Author Profile

Avatar
Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.