Parents and teachers don’t always consider craft supplies to be a significant part of their educational tool arsenal, but rather a fun supplement to learning. However, arts and crafts activities are more valuable than their final products—they’re not just about making a pretty picture to hang on the fridge or a handwoven basket. The process of creating art provides children with opportunities to build problem solving and critical thinking skills. Art opens up new ways to discover and discuss other fields of learning, from geometry to ancient history. Check out the exciting craft products we’ve compiled for fun, interdisciplinary art activities!
Top Creative Craft Supplies Kits For Kids
 | Spirograph Design Set | Check price at |
 | SunPrint Paper Kit | Check price at |
 | 3Doodler Start | Check price at |
 | Recycled Paper Beads Kit | Check price at |
 | Rainbow Scratch Notes Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Doodling Robot | Check price at |
 | Weaving Loom | Check price at |
1. Spirograph Design Set
The spirograph is a tried-and-true tool for drawing and designing. Loved by children around the world since 1965, the spirograph makes complicated geometric drawings simple! Revisit the Renaissance with your children by combining art and math to create a masterpiece. The comprehensive set includes a built-in storage tray with 7 wheels, 1 gear ring, 1 gear rack, 2 ball point retractable pens, Spiro-Putty, a 12 page design guide and a 24 page, 5″x7″ design pad.
Ages: 8+
2. SunPrint Paper Kit
Solar print paper harnesses the power of the sun for a truly unique art experience. In a dimly lit environment, arrange objects on the paper, then expose to the sun to develop your masterpiece in an instant. Children love the “wow factor” of solar prints and the mystery of their final composition. Experiment with sunscreen for a lesson in UV rays, or teach your child about “old fashioned” film.
Ages: 6-12 years
3. 3Doodler Start
Children can bring their drawings to life with this innovative 3D pen. Start is specifically designed with children in mind and the ultimate art tool for spatial thinking and model making. Simply turn the pen on, load it with a plastic filament and start drawing—on paper, in the air, anywhere! This child-friendly pen operates without giving off heat and features a colorful range of eco-friendly plastic filaments. 3D pen enthusiasts have been able to create a wide range of designs, from simple textural drawings to wearable art—the possibilities are endless!
Ages: 8+
4. Recycled Paper Beads Kit
Create art with a conscience! This machine from 4M turns strips of otherwise unwanted scrap paper into beautiful, functional beads. Within minutes, your child can produce hundreds of beads perfect for jewelry-making or mosaic designs. Just think—those stacks of old magazines cluttering up your closet could be transformed into wearable art. Reduce, reuse, recycle and keep on crafting!
Ages: 5+
5. Rainbow Scratch Notes
Rainbow scratch paper puts an new twist on drawing and writing—and these note-sized cards are perfect for kids. Create unique holiday cards and birthday invitations or make writing the dreaded “chore list” a bit more exciting. Simply scratch the surface of the notepaper with the included stylus to reveal the rainbow pattern beneath, or try using different tools to create funky textures and designs. The kit includes 125 rainbow scratch notes, a wooden stylus and a reusable note dispenser.
Ages: 3+
6. Doodling Robot
The Doodling Robot is all about the A for Art in STEAM learning. Introduce your children to the world of robotics and engineering with this simple robot-building project—then watch as the Doodling Robot creates it’s own works of art with vibrations and spinning force. Swap out the markers with with other drawing tools or experiment with angles to create new patterns.
Ages: 8+
7. Bath Bomb Kit
Boom! With this bath bomb kit, children combine science and art to create fragrant, fizzling bath bombs (and hopefully get squeaky clean in the process!) The bath bomb ‘cupcake’ recipe supplies include all natural, GMO-free, pharmaceutical grade ingredients and 100% pure essential oils. The kit also comes with step-by-step instructions, a cupcake-shaped mold and gloves—because there’s nothing like a science experiment with real scientist gear! Make the project even more creative by experimenting with food coloring or glitter.
Ages: 3+
8. Creative Mosaic Pegboard
This mosaic pegboard from LiCB is fun for children of all ages—from building basic fine motor skills for younger children, to composing colorful creations for older children. The pegs come in different sizes and colors, so it’s easy to create representational “drawings” or textural geometric designs. The kit also comes with a picture guide, perfect for reinforcing spatial thinking concepts (or when you’re just feeling plain uninspired!)
Ages: 3+
9. Weaving Loom
This giant loom from Melissa and Doug not only encourages creativity, but helps children improve gross and fine motor skills. The loom can be used with a wide range of materials, from traditional fibers and yarns to paper or plastic products. Children will enjoy learning about this ancient art and it’s rich history, while creating their very own textiles. The kit includes an adjustable wooden loom, oversize wooden needle, craft materials, illustrated design booklet, 91 yards (83 m) of rainbow yarn and 42 picture strips.
Ages: 6+
What are some of your favorite arts and crafts activities for kids? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, nick.amoscato.