Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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A kids' art station is the cheapest way to buy yourself 40 quiet minutes. Start with an art set so there's a bit of everything, then add a big bin of washable markers, because washable is the most important word in this whole hobby.
For toddlers who can't really color in the lines yet, dot markers are pure joy, and paint brush pens give you painting without the spilled water cup. An easel (a fold-up one or a full desk) gives it all a home. Every pick here comes from BestReviews, whose kids' art guides were last updated between 2021 and 2023, so double-check the listing before you buy. Each card shows the drawback the outlet called out.
Who this is not for. Skip this if the artist is a teen or grown-up; the Painting Starter Kit has real paints, brushes and paper.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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Best art setbudget pick · Portable case
Best for one case that covers the basics
A BestReviews top pick from a trusted brand: crayons, washable markers, colored pencils and paper in one portable case.
Heads up. The case isn't as durable as it could be, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick art set for kids.
$25-50
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mid pick · 142 pieces
Best for kids who want to try every medium
BestReviews' best of the best art set for kids: a comprehensive kit with watercolors, oil pastels, crayons and pencils in a carrying case.
Heads up. Not professional quality, but a good choice for beginners
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best art set for kids.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crayola Washable Broad Line Markers, 40 Classic Colors | budget | $15-25 | the everyday marker bin | 1 outlet |
| Mr. Sketch Washable Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, 14-Count | budget | under $15 | little hands (and noses) | 1 outlet |
| Cameron Frank Products 8-Pack Washable Dot Markers | budget | $15-25 | toddlers who can't color in the lines yet | 1 outlet |
| Do A Dot Art 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers | budget | $15-25 | first painting without a brush | 1 outlet |
Best washable markersbudget pick · 40 markers
Best for the everyday marker bin
BestReviews' best of the best washable markers: 40 washable colors from a trusted brand, with a water-based formula and no harsh fumes.
Heads up. BestReviews notes some markers can arrive dried out
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best washable markers.
$15-25
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budget pick · 14 markers
Best for little hands (and noses)
A BestReviews top pick for kids: scented markers with a big barrel that's easier for younger kids to control.
Heads up. Not everyone likes the scents, per BestReviews
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick washable markers.
under $15
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Best dot markersbudget pick · 8 colors
Best for toddlers who can't color in the lines yet
BestReviews' best bang for the buck art set, its best for young kids: easy-to-hold dot markers with activity sheets.
Heads up. Tend to dry out quickly and aren't as washable as other markers
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck art set for kids.
$15-25
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budget pick · 6 colors
Best for first painting without a brush
A BestReviews top pick for beginners: paint-based dot markers with big sponge tips and six bold colors.
Heads up. Not completely washable, so it can stain skin and other surfaces
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick washable markers.
$15-25
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Best paint and brushesbudget pick · 5 pens
Best for painting with zero spills
BestReviews' best of the best kids' paint brush set, its easiest to use: the paint is already inside the pen.
Heads up. Not a lot of colors to choose from
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best kids' paint brushes.
under $15
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budget pick · 8 brushes
Best for kids moving on to real paint
A BestReviews top pick, its most versatile: eight brushes in assorted sizes that store easily.
Heads up. The thin handles may be hard for younger kids
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick kids' paint brushes.
under $15
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Best art easelbudget pick · Carry case
Best for an easel that packs up for trips to Grandma's
BestReviews' best bang for the buck drawing kit, its best for kids: an easel pops up from the case, and the set comes with crayons, pastels and pencils.
Heads up. Some of the supplies are lower quality than other kits
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck drawing kit.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Desk, bench and easel
Best for siblings who share one art corner
A BestReviews top pick among Step2 playsets: a desk, a bench and a double-sided easel with room for up to three kids.
Heads up. No art supplies included, and no pre-drilled holes makes assembly a chore
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick Step2 playset.
$150-200
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
An art set and washable markers are the essentials. Dot markers, paint brush pens and an easel are nice to have, depending on age. BestReviews' best of the best art set for kids, the Art 101 142-Piece set, packs watercolors, oil pastels, crayons and pencils into one carrying case.
Mostly, but not all of them. BestReviews' best of the best washable markers are the Crayola Broad Line set, with a water-based formula. It also notes that Do A Dot paint markers aren't completely washable and can stain skin and other surfaces, so keep a smock handy.
BestReviews calls the Cameron Frank dot markers its best for young kids: they're easy to handle and don't bleed through paper. The Mr. Sketch markers have a big barrel that BestReviews says is easier for younger kids to control.