We love painting at home! It’s one of our favorite activities, whether it’s a structured project I’ve set up or just letting my toddler dive into the materials and create whatever he wants. I believe in giving him the freedom to use his creativity and explore different materials at his own pace. Art time is not just about making pretty pictures, it’s about learning how to use the materials, developing fine motor skills, and most importantly, having fun! Watching him discover new textures, colors, and techniques is always fun!
Over time, we’ve accumulated bins full of art supplies, from the basics like crayons and markers to more unique items. I’ve found that having a variety of materials on hand encourages him to experiment and keeps him engaged. While we have a ton of supplies, there are a few that stand out as our absolute favorites. These are the go-to painting materials that never fail to spark his interest and creativity. Here is a list of these favorite paint materials for toddlers, all tried and tested, providing endless hours of fun and creativity. Here’s a list of some of the best paint materials for toddlers that we keep coming back to!
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Easel for Kids
First on our list is the easel we use, and we absolutely love the this easel from Amazon. We used to have a Kidkraft easel, which was really nice quality and sturdy, but it had a couple of drawbacks. It wasn’t foldable which made it difficult to store, and wasn’t magnetic which was something I wanted.
This easel, on the other hand, has everything I wanted. It has a whiteboard, chalkboard, paper reel, and is magnetic. It also has a convenient space to put materials and, best of all, it’s foldable and lightweight! A foldable easel was a non-negotiable for me because we could never find anywhere to put our last easel, and it always got in the way. This one folds up easily and slides right into a closet, making it perfect for our space.
Another great feature is its adjustable height, so it will grow with the kids. The only downside is that it’s a little lightweight, so if the kids push on it, it moves a bit. But overall, it has been perfect for us and has made art time so much more enjoyable and convenient.
We’ve used this easel to do so many crafts including eyedropper painting and bubble painting!
Crayola Washable Project Paint
Next on our list is the paint we always use: Crayola washable project paint. This paint is a lifesaver because it’s super washable and never stains anything, which is a huge deal when you have little kids. We’ve had our fair share of messes, but this paint always washes right out, making cleanup a breeze.
You can get sets of this paint in lots of different colors, and it always lasts us a while. The only downside is that I wish the bottles had a more squeezable nozzle instead of the twist top, which can get a bit messy sometimes. But hey, when doing art with a toddler, you have to expect some mess, right?!
If you have little kids, you might also like our taste safe finger paint recipe!
No Spill Paint Cups
Another must-have in our art supplies are no spill paint cups. These are seriously awesome for kids. They can dip their paintbrushes into the cups just like they would with regular paint cups, but you don’t have to worry about the paint spilling out everywhere.
Plus, they come with lids, so when you’re all done, you can just pop the lid on top, and the paint won’t dry out. This way, you can use it again later without any waste. It gives them the freedom to explore and create without the constant worry of making a huge mess. No spill paint cups have definitely made our painting sessions much less stressful and a lot more fun!
Long Sleeve Smocks
To help stay clean during our art projects, we use long sleeve smocks. I originally got these for my son when he was a baby to keep him clean during mealtime, and they still fit now that he’s a toddler! These smocks are great because they cover his entire shirt, keeping paint, markers, and other art materials off his clothes.
The long sleeves provide extra coverage, and they’re super easy to clean—just toss them in the wash after a messy art session. It’s great to have a product that has grown with him and serves multiple purposes.
Paint Brush and Sponge Set
Another favorite in our art supplies is this paint brush and sponge set. It comes with 4 different rollers, various sizes and shapes of sponge stampers, and a bunch of other fun tools. My son loves testing out all the different tools when he’s painting.
The rollers create fun patterns, the sponge stampers make cool shapes, and there are plenty of brushes for all kinds of painting techniques. It’s always exciting to see what my son will come up with next as he experiments with all the different tools!
Spill Proof Washable Paint Cups
We also love using these spill proof washable paint cups. The paint inside the cups is solid, so it won’t spill, making it perfect for little ones. To use it, just add a little water to your paint brush and dip it into the paint cup. The paint is also washable, and we’ve had no problems with any stains on clothes or surfaces.
These cups are great because you can also use them with your fingers to paint. My son loves to stick his entire finger in the cup and paint with his hands.
Crayola Mess Free Finger Painting
Another must-have in our art supplies is the Crayola Mess Free Finger Painting set. You simply put a piece of paper with some globs of paint inside the tray and close it up. Then, kids can move the paint around with their fingers without getting messy! My kids have always loved using this.
This is a fun option when I’m doing a messier craft with my toddler and need to give my baby something to do that won’t be as messy and that she can’t put in her mouth. It allows her to enjoy the sensory experience of finger painting without the risk of making a huge mess or eating anything she shouldn’t. This set has been a real lifesaver for keeping both kids happily occupied during art time!
Watercolor Paint Set
One of our favorite art supplies is this innovative watercolor paint set. It’s super cool because instead of traditional paint, you use little paper tabs of paint that fit into the tray. The paintbrush is filled with water, and you squeeze the water through the bristles to get the paint.
To rinse off the brush, you just squeeze the water through it again until it runs clear. This set is great because you don’t need to have a cup of water out in the open, which is a common spill hazard with regular watercolors. It makes watercolor painting so much easier and cleaner. My son loves using it, and I love that it keeps our art sessions mess-free.
Melissa & Doug Paint with Water Books
Another great addition to our paint supplies is the Melissa & Doug Paint with Water books. These are so simple and fun to use! Each book comes with 20 painting pages, each with its own paint palette at the top of the page. All you need to do is wet the paintbrush, moisten the paint palette, and fill in the pictures.
These books are great for young artists because they combine coloring and painting in a mess-free way. My son enjoys choosing different colors from the palette and seeing the pictures come to life. It’s a great activity that keeps him entertained and engaged, and it’s so easy to clean up afterward. These paint with water books have been a favorite in our household and are perfect for on-the-go art sessions.
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