The Art Teacher’s Gift Guide for Creative Kids

Let’s be honest, all kids are creative! That’s what I teach my students. No matter where they think their “natural” talent level is, they can grow and learn and become a talented artist if they want to be.

This year I’ve put together a list of fun art kits, books, games, and supplies for your creative kid(s) or for an adult creative in your life! (yourself, perhaps?) I hope you find some fun inspiration here! There are a LOT of cool things out there, so this is my edited list as an art teacher. If you have questions for me or want other ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

A note or two about this list:
I have mostly used Etsy and Blick, but if Amazon is easiest for you, you can find similar items there as well. I am not an affiliate marketer, and do not receive proceeds when you buy items from this list.

Joy to you this season!


Kits


If you are up for a little prep-work, this is an amazing, affordable, print-yourself watercolor cut-out set along with lessons from the artist Ciera Rose. Enjoy learning together this season!

On sale now for $29.00

Djeco Les Demoiselles Fashion Coloring Silhouettes

Artist designed, these “color yourself” doll kits make such a lovely gift! If you live in Central Oregon, you can pick up a set at the locally owned Learning Express Toys of Bend. They also have a wide variety of other art kits (like 3D pop-up paper plants you can color, a tiny easel, and bead sets) and lots of other unique toys for kids. If you like to get your shopping done all in one place for your elementary aged kids, this is the spot.

If you aren’t local, you can find these online at Blick Art Supply. Scroll down to see all the options.

$9.99 at Learning Express

I own this beautiful little weaving set, and it is absolutely perfect for a beginner of any age. It comes with incredible wool yarn and an instruction book! 6th Graders will be learning to weave on a similar loom this year.

$19.72 On Etsy

This is a really fun process that I plan to teach in the near future! This kit comes with everything you need to make beautiful paper marbling creations.

$34.00 on Etsy

Explore the world of contemporary collage with this lovely floral kit. It comes with 10 prompts, floral paper, stickers, washi tape, and a notebook!

$24.98 on Etsy

If you’ve got a lego kid who likes making things and following directions, this could be a fun gift for them! 20 projects and 184 pages of oragami paper.

On sale now for $11.24

A charming National Park watercolor set by artist Kristin Douglas for any age! Includes: Arches, Yosemite, Glacier and Great Smoky Mountain, a paintbrush, and even hand curated watercolors. By Artist Kristin Douglas.

$45.00 on Etsy

All of my Art 1 students and above have learned how to do block printing! This would be a great gift for older kids or an artsy adult in your life (This kit comes with sharp carving tools).

$56.53 on Etsy

For anyone who is old enough for sharp needles and interested in sewing, this is a great little beginners kit to learn different stitching techniques.

$24.80 on Etsy


Supplies


In a dazzling array of colors and sizes, these hardy, mixed media sketchbooks are fun and useful. All of the supplies I’ve listed below will work in them! Scroll down when you select the link to view the many colors and sizes available.

$6.39 - $13.62

Watercolor Paint Kit By Ciera Rose

This kit fits more in the “supplies” list as it’s a great little bundle to get any age started with watercolor! All ages at Trinity learn watercolor techniques, terminology, and color theory.

$35.00

Probably best for older kids, these paint markers were designed to be used on a variety of materials like photos, glass writing, skateboarding, t-shirt designs, coloring potted plants, rock painting, embellishing caps, and more!

On Blick starting at $17. 31. You can scroll down and pick different colors or larger sets.

Because, how magical! How delightful! How fun!

$13.23 on Etsy

Use them like a pen or with a watercolor brush to create beautiful artwork! Less mess on the go as well for those who want to watercolor on the road or out in nature.

$14.99 on Blick

Having a strong drawing practice is the best art base you can have. We work on building our drawing skills every year. This is a great little set for any student who wants to draw more! If you have a students who is taking or did take 6th grade art with me, they will know what the pencil grades in this set mean and how to use them to draw what they actually see and not what they “think” they see!

$19.49 on Blick

The best of the best drawing pens in every size you can imagine. They draw very smoothly and don’t bleed. A favorite for artists! Make your student feel like a pro.

$19.99 on Blick


Books and GAmes


Check out these books and games as well for a different angle on art gifts! These are all Amazon links, but you can find them at Barnes and Noble and other locations as well.

This is Not a Sketchbook: Made by an art teacher for those who want to dive further into drawing!

365 Days of Art

How to Draw ALL the Animals

How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way

How to Draw Anime and Manga for Beginners

Art Dice Game

Telestrations Game

Doodle Heist