As a parent, you want to encourage your child’s creativity and imagination from a young age. Arts and crafts are an excellent option to do so, and with the right toys, you can provide your little ones with endless hours of fun and learning.
From colorful paints to tactile playdough, we’ve curated a list of the best arts and crafts toys for kids and toddlers that will inspire their inner artist and help develop their fine motor skills.
And as with all of our hobby supply review content, we have spent time scouring the reviews to ensure these are both highly rated AND have a good score for honest, REAL reviews. If we see any anomalies in the reviews, we will omit the products even if they’re rated >4.5.
V-Opitos Simple Animal Paper Plate Crafts
Before you look into the world of arts and crafts with your little ones, consider the V-Opitos Simple Animal Paper Plate Crafts.
This delightful kit has been a staple in our playroom, providing hours of creative fun for kids and toddlers alike.
Simple to use and requiring minimal supervision, this papercraft set allows children to easily remove and paste pre-cut animal parts onto paper plates, promoting hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
The absence of scissors and other sharp tools ensures a safe and worry-free crafting experience.
The V-Opitos Simple Animal Paper Plate Crafts truly shines with its adorable animal designs and vibrant colors, featuring 12 lovable creatures that will captivate your child’s imagination.
We love how this set encourages creativity and self-expression, making it an excellent addition to any playroom or classroom.
What we’re not too fond of is the somewhat flimsy paper quality, which may not withstand rough handling. However, this minor drawback is easily outweighed by the kit’s numerous benefits and value for money.
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Crayola Mess Free Fingerprint Ink Painting
To find a mess-free and engaging arts and crafts toy for your little ones, look no further than the Crayola Mess Free Fingerprint Ink Painting set.
As a parent, you’ll appreciate the innovative design that allows your kids to express their creativity without making a mess.
Crayola’s clever use of special paper that only reveals the ink colors when used with the provided ink pads ensures that your walls, furniture, and clothes remain stain-free.
Painting with the fingerprint ink pads is a unique and fun experience for kids.
They’ll love experimenting with different colors and patterns. And YOU”LL love watching them develop their fine motor skills and creativity.
What we love most about this product is its ability to encourage imagination and self-expression without the hassle of cleanup.
One thing we don’t like about this product is that the ink pads can be prone to drying out if not stored properly.
However, Crayola’s design does help to minimize this issue, and with proper care, the inks should last for a long time.
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Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stamp Set
While there are many arts and crafts toys on the market, few have impressed us as much as the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stamp Set. It’s a must-have for any young artist.
To start, the quality of the stamps and ink pads is exceptional.
The wooden stamps are sturdy and easy to handle, and the washable ink pads provide vibrant colors that won’t stain skin or surfaces.
We also appreciate the inclusion of six markers, which add an extra layer of creativity to the stamping experience.
You’ll love how this set encourages kids to express themselves through art and storytelling.
The 30 elegantly designed stamps feature a range of animals, from farm friends to ocean creatures, and are sure to spark imagination and creativity.
We’ve seen kids spend hours creating scenes, telling stories, and experimenting with different stamp combinations.
One thing we don’t love is the storage container, which can be a bit flimsy and prone to tipping over. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent product.
What we love most about this product is its ability to grow with your child.
Whether you’re working with a toddler just learning to stamp or an older kid refining their artistic skills, this set has something to offer.
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JOYIN Glow in The Dark Rock Painting Kit
There’s something undeniably magical about watching your child’s artwork come to life in the dark
. The JOYIN Glow in The Dark Rock Painting Kit delivers just that. This comprehensive craft set has everything you need to get started, from rocks to paints to glitter glue and more.
These paints are the real star of the show, with five glow-in-the-dark options that will delight kids aged 6-12.
We love how easy it is to use the paints, and the effect is truly mesmerizing.
The instruction booklet is also a nice touch, providing inspiration and guidance for kids who might need a little help getting started.
JOYIN has clearly put a lot of thought into creating a well-rounded crafting experience.
The kit includes a range of materials and tools, from fine-tip paintbrushes to transfer stickers, which allows kids to express their creativity in different ways.
We also appreciated the sturdy rocks, which provide a solid foundation for young artists to work on.
One thing we didn’t love was the quality of the brushes, which felt a bit flimsy and prone to shedding. However, this is a minor issue for an otherwise excellent kit.
Overall, we think the JOYIN Glow in The Dark Rock Painting Kit is a great choice for kids who love arts and crafts, and it makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
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FUNZBO Dinosaur Toy Painting Kits for Kids
Clearly, the FUNZBO Painting Kits for Kids with Art Supplies is a standout among arts and crafts toys for kids and toddlers.
It offers an unparalleled painting experience for your little ones.
Kits like this one often fall short in terms of quality and variety, but the FUNZBO Painting Kits exceeds expectations.
The set includes 3 large and 4 small dinosaur figures, 12 pigments, a color palette, 3 paintbrushes, a 3D dinosaur sticker sheet, and a map – everything your child needs to unleash their creativity.
The thing I love most about this product is its ability to spark imagination and creativity in kids.
The adventure map and paper-cut background add an extra layer of fun, transforming the painting experience into a thrilling adventure game.
Kids will literally spend hours painting and playing with the dinosaur figures, completely absorbed in their creative journey.
One thing I don’t like about this product is that the paint can be a bit tricky to wash off surfaces, although it does come off hands easily with soap and water.
Additionally, some parents might find the number of small parts overwhelming, but I think the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
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YPLUS Paint with Water Books for Toddlers
One of the most delightful arts and crafts toys for toddlers we’ve tested is the YPLUS Paint with Water Books for Toddlers.
This cleverly designed book combines the joy of painting with the simplicity of a water-based system, making it an ideal introduction to the world of art for your little ones.
If you’re looking for a mess-free and easy-to-use painting experience for your toddler, this book is a great choice.
The high-quality brush pen is designed for small hands to grasp. The super thick coloring paper prevents water bleeding, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your child.
Toddlers will love exploring the 20 pages of non-repetitive patterns across five different themes, which will transport them to a fantastic universe of color and creativity.
The specially designed numbers on each pattern guide the coloring process, allowing your child to complete the design without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
What we love most about this product is its ability to foster creativity and color recognition while improving hand-eye coordination, all while keeping your child engaged and away from screens.
The fact that each page can be easily torn off along the cut lines makes it a great option for on-the-go creativity.
One minor drawback is that the book may not be as durable as some other options. So be sure to to supervise your child during use to ensure the pages aren’t torn or damaged.
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Skillmatics Foil Fun Animals No Mess Art
Some arts and crafts toys promise a mess-free experience, but few deliver like the Skillmatics Foil Fun Animals No Mess Art kit.
We’re impressed by its ability to keep little ones engaged and creative without leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
For parents who value ease of use, the Foil Fun kit is a dream come true.
The included instruction manual is clear and concise, and the process of applying the foil sheets to the picture canvases is intuitive enough for even the youngest toddlers to follow.
We love that you don’t need to worry about glue, scissors, or any other messy supplies – just the stickers, foil sheets, and your child’s imagination.
These features, combined with the sheer variety of stickers and foil sheets included, make the Foil Fun kit an excellent value.
We’ve seen our kids spend hours creating elaborate scenes and characters, and the sense of pride they feel when they complete a project is priceless.
What we don’t like is that the picture canvases can be a bit flimsy, and may not withstand repeated use.
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Bluey Window Art Suncatchers Kit for Kids
Now, if you’re looking for a fun and creative way to engage your kids in arts and crafts, the Bluey Window Art Suncatchers Kit is an excellent choice.
This kit is designed for kids aged 3-8, and it’s perfect for developing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity.
Your kids will love transforming their windows into colorful works of art with the 7 ready-to-customize suncatcher frames featuring their favorite Bluey characters.
They can also use the acetate sheet to create their own unique window cling designs.
The kit includes 8 vibrant window paints that are easy to use and mix, allowing your child to experiment with different colors and textures.
There’s no need to worry about messy paint pots or brushes, as the paint tubes are designed for easy application and minimal cleanup.
Once the paint is dry, your child can press and stick their suncatchers onto a window or glass surface, watching in wonder as the sunlight transforms into rainbows.
What I love most about this product is its ease of use and versatility.
The paint tubes are easy to squeeze and control, making it perfect for little hands.
The acetate sheet also provides endless possibilities for creative expression.
However, I do wish the kit included more suction cups and thread, as you may need to reuse them if you want to display multiple suncatchers at once.
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| – Easy to use and minimal cleanup |
| – Encourages creativity and fine motor skills |
| – Includes a variety of colors and materials for customization |
| – Perfect for kids aged 3-8 |
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| – Limited suction cups and thread included |
KIZZYEA Water Doodle Mat for 2-5 Years Old
Despite its simplicity, the KIZZYEA Water Doodle Mat for 2-5 Years Old has become a staple in your playroom, providing hours of creative fun for your little ones. This mat is designed with both kids and parents in mind.
With its large 30 x 30-inch surface, multiple children can engage in collaborative art projects, fostering social skills and encouraging sharing.
The mat’s portability is another major plus, making it easy to take on-the-go or store away when not in use.
Doodle away, and watch as the marks magically disappear after 3-10 minutes, allowing your child to start anew without the mess and hassle of traditional art supplies.
What we love most about this product is its ability to stimulate children’s imagination and creativity, making it an excellent tool for learning ABCs, shapes, and colors.
One minor drawback is that the magic pens can be prone to leaking if not properly sealed, resulting in water spills.
Additionally, the design booklet and templates, while a nice touch, feel a bit flimsy and could be improved upon.
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Try One of These Arts and Crafts Toys for Kids and Toddlers
In a time when electronic devices command your kids’ attention, it’s refreshing to see them creating art with their own two little hands.
Creativity is important to their development. These toys can help you foster that development, and give them something fun to do in the real world.
By introducing your little ones to the world of arts and crafts, you’ll be giving them a lifelong gift – the ability to express themselves, think outside the box, and bring their unique ideas to life.
