Art & Drawing Toys

Best Art & Drawing Toys for Kids: Top US Stores, Picks, and Buying Tips

Why art and drawing toys are more than just playthings

Art and drawing toys do more than keep kids busy — they build skills. From developing fine motor control to sparking imagination, these toys act like a mini classroom and a blank stage at the same time. Whether it’s a glowing drawing pad that lights up a child’s face at bedtime or a classic 9 x 12 inch sketchpad that becomes a window for storytelling, the right art toy encourages practice, patience, and pride. If you want a toy that helps a child think, feel, and create, art and drawing toys are a top pick.

Top places to buy art & drawing toys in the US

Shopping with the right store makes a difference — selection, price, and extras like craft supplies vary a lot. Below are reliable US options that suit a wide range of budgets and tastes, including big-box retailers, craft specialists, and online marketplaces.

Walmart — value and convenience

Walmart is a go-to for families who want reliable prices and fast one-stop shopping. You’ll find everything from drawing pads and washable marker sets to glow-in-the-dark drawing boards and kids’ easels. If you’re shopping on a budget, Walmart often carries affordable-brand kits and exclusive bundled deals that work well for school projects and rainy-day creativity.

Target — trendy kits and curated brands

Target blends affordability with style. Their toy aisles frequently stock art kits from brands kids love, plus Target-exclusive art bundles and seasonal sets. Look for compact sketchbooks, glitter glue kits, and themed drawing sets that appeal to specific age groups — great for gifting or classroom supply shopping.

Amazon — massive selection and customer reviews

Amazon is hard to beat for variety. You can compare brands, read dozens of reviews, and find niche products like light-up tracing pads or portable travel art sets. Shipping options make it easy when you need supplies yesterday, but always check seller ratings and read reviews to avoid low-quality knockoffs.

Michaels — for craft-level supplies and instruction

If you want to go beyond toys and build a serious art corner, Michaels is a craft-lover’s paradise. They sell quality sketchbooks in sizes like 11 x 14 inches, professional-grade colored pencils, watercolor sets, and instructional kits. Michaels also runs workshops and classes, which can be great for kids ready to move from free doodling to technique-based learning.

Hobby Lobby & JOANN — bulk supplies and seasonal finds

Both Hobby Lobby and JOANN shine when it comes to supply depth. Need a jumbo pack of washable markers, bulk construction paper, or a 12 x 18 inch paper pad for classroom use? These stores often carry large-format materials, seasonal craft collections, and ribboned kits for group activities. They’re especially helpful for teachers, daycare centers, or families planning craft-heavy parties.

Popular types of art & drawing toys to consider

Art toys come in many shapes. Some focus on sensory play, others on technique, and some combine learning with bright, screen-free fun. Understanding what each type offers helps pick the right tool for a child’s interests and stage.

Drawing pads and sketchbooks

Sketchbooks are the backbone of drawing practice. Standard sizes like 9 x 12 inches and 11 x 14 inches give kids room to experiment without overwhelming them. For beginners, look for pads with medium-weight paper that accept crayons, colored pencils, and light marker use without heavy bleed-through.

Light-up and glow boards

Glow-in-the-dark boards and LED tracing pads turn sketching into a sensory experience. These toys often include erasable pens and templates so kids can trace shapes and then invent their own designs. A small 8 x 10 inch light pad is perfect for travel; larger boards work well at home for collaborative drawing sessions.

Magnetic doodle boards and aqua pens

Magnetic sketch pads and water-drawing mats are low-mess favorites. They allow instant erasing and endless reuse, which is ideal when you want to avoid piles of loose paper. For toddlers, magnetic boards help introduce scribbling without worry; older kids enjoy the convenience for practicing letters and numbers.

Art kits and themed sets

Themed kits — like superhero drawing sets, animal watercolor packs, or slime-and-drawing combos — package materials and instructions for a complete creative session. Kits are great for parties or gifts because they remove decision fatigue and often include a project guide for kids to follow.

Slime and sensory art

Slime kits blend tactile exploration with color mixing and glitter play. While not strictly “drawing,” many kits include tools for shaping and decorating, which ties into visual arts education. Pick non-staining, washable versions and check for non-toxic formulas when shopping for younger children.

How to choose the right toy by age

Matching complexity to age keeps kids engaged and avoids frustration. Below are simple guidelines to pick products that are developmentally appropriate.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

At this age, choose chunky crayons, washable finger paints, and large-format doodle pads. Tools should be easy to grip and durable. Magnetic boards and water-drawing mats work great because they minimize mess and are nearly indestructible.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Preschoolers benefit from basic instruction and thematic sets. Sturdy coloring books, washable marker sets, and simple art kits help with grip strength and controlled strokes. Tracing pads and guided sticker-and-draw projects introduce the idea of composition and following steps.

Early elementary (5–8 years)

Children in this range are ready for technique. Sketchbooks in sizes like 9 x 12 inches, beginner watercolor kits, and simple drawing tutorials fit well. Consider beginner-friendly light pads that teach tracing and layering to help refine line work and proportions.

Older kids (9–12+ years)

Older kids often want tools that feel “grown-up”: better-quality colored pencils, acrylic paint sets, and larger 11 x 14 inch sketchbooks. Look for kits that teach perspective, shading, and mixed media techniques. Digital drawing tablets can also be introduced for kids interested in illustration and animation.

Safety, materials, and durability to prioritize

Safety matters as much as fun. Always check labels and product descriptions to ensure items are age-appropriate and non-toxic. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when shopping.

Non-toxic and washable materials

Choose non-toxic markers, paints, and glues that explicitly state ASTM or CPSC compliance. Washable formulas save both clothing and patience — especially for younger artists whose sleeves tend to be the first canvas.

Choking hazards and small parts

Be cautious with kits that include small beads, sequins, or detachable parts if you have children under 3. Some art kits come with tiny accessories that are super for older kids but unsafe for toddlers. Check the age recommendation on packaging.

Durability and reuse

Kids’ toys should stand up to rough handling. Look for sketchbooks with strong bindings, plastic cases that snap shut, and markers with ventilated caps. Reusable toys like magnetic boards and light pads give more creative hours per dollar.

Budget-friendly finds and shopping strategies

Art and drawing toys don’t have to break the bank. With a few smart moves, you can assemble a productive art corner for a fraction of the cost of a full studio setup.

Buy basic supplies in bulk

Purchasing markers, crayons, and construction paper in larger packs saves money in the long run, especially if you have multiple kids or plan regular craft days. Stores like Walmart and JOANN often offer multi-packs and teacher-sized bundles.

Prioritize one high-quality item

Instead of buying many low-end sets, consider one higher-quality item like a solid sketchbook or a reliable set of colored pencils. Kids quickly recognize the difference in performance, and a single better tool goes further than several cheap ones that fall apart after a week.

Look for kits that include tools and instructions

Complete kits reduce the number of separate supplies you must buy. A good kit provides paper, drawing tools, and step-by-step instruction — perfect for beginners and gift-giving. Watch for seasonal sales at Target and Michaels for kit deals.

Educational benefits and developmental gains

Art is a bridge between play and education. When kids draw and create, they’re practicing dozens of skills at once — here’s how that translates into real developmental wins.

Fine motor skill development

Gripping a crayon, controlling a paintbrush, and erasing mistakes all sharpen fine motor muscles. These small actions prepare children for handwriting and other precision tasks like buttoning and tying shoes.

Cognitive and problem-solving skills

Planning a scene, mixing colors, or fixing a composition problem encourages flexible thinking. Art tasks require sequencing, spatial reasoning, and the ability to try, fail, and try again — essential problem-solving skills for school and life.

Emotional and social growth

Art gives children a safe way to express feelings. Collaborative projects build communication and turn-taking skills. A simple drawing can open conversations that words sometimes can’t reach.

Care, storage, and maintenance tips

Keeping art supplies organized extends their life and keeps your home manageable. Simple routines and storage solutions help the creative flow and reduce cleanup time.

Designate a supply station

Create a small art station with labeled bins for markers, pencils, and paper sized 9 x 12 inches or 11 x 14 inches. Clear containers let kids see what’s inside, which encourages independence and reduces the “I can’t find my red marker” meltdown.

Protect works in progress

Use a flat drawer or portfolio folder for finished pieces and ongoing projects. A simple artist’s portfolio keeps artwork flat and safe for future display or gifting. For long-term keepsakes, use acid-free folders to prevent yellowing.

Cleaning tips for tools

Washable markers and paints are easiest to maintain. For stubborn stains on plastic surfaces, a damp cloth with mild soap usually does the trick. For fabric stains, treat them quickly with a stain remover that’s safe for colors.

Best product picks and what to look for

When scanning product pages or walking store aisles, focus on features that deliver value: non-toxic labeling, paper weight, tool variety, and user reviews. Here are types of products that consistently earn thumbs-up from parents and teachers alike.

All-in-one beginner kits

Look for kits that include a small sketchbook, a 12-piece colored pencil set, washable markers, and a beginner’s guide. These sets cover multiple techniques and are perfect for holidays and birthdays.

Tracing and light pads

A compact 8 x 10 inch LED light pad helps kids learn proportions and layering. It’s great for tracing, creating repeated characters, or practicing handwriting. Choose one with adjustable brightness and a travel-friendly size.

Reusable magnetic and water-based pads

For low-mess doodling, magnetic doodle boards and water-drawing mats are ideal. They’re wipe-clean and encourage repeated practice without paper waste. These tools are particularly handy for travel and quiet moments in restaurants or cars.

Quality sketchbooks

Select sketchbooks with medium-weight paper that accepts pencil, ink, and light watercolor washes. Sizes like 9 x 12 inches and 11 x 14 inches are versatile and allow kids to grow into their skills without feeling cramped.

Encouraging creativity beyond the toy

Toys are tools; your encouragement is the spark. Ask open-ended questions, display finished pieces, and give kids a safe space to experiment. Simple changes like setting aside a weekly “studio hour” or mounting a rotating gallery on the fridge can make a big difference.

Make art time routine

Consistency beats intensity. A short daily sketch or weekly craft session builds habits that lead to real skill growth. Keep supplies accessible so creativity doesn’t require a scavenger hunt.

Blend free play with guided projects

Mix structured kits with free drawing time. Guided projects teach technique and confidence; free play fosters imagination. Both are important, so alternate and watch how skills transfer from one to the other.

With the right toys, a splash of encouragement, and a small investment in quality supplies, you can set kids up for hours of creative development. Whether you shop at Walmart for value, Michael’s for craft depth, or Amazon for variety, there are excellent options across the US to fit every family’s needs. Now, pick a pad, hand over a pencil, and see where their imagination goes.

Conclusion: Art and drawing toys are powerful tools for learning and play. By choosing age-appropriate items from trustworthy stores and balancing low-cost supplies with one or two quality picks, you can create a lasting creative habit. Keep safety and ease of cleanup in mind, encourage practice, and celebrate the messy progress — that’s where the magic happens.