Rainy-Day Art Supplies for Kids: 10 Kits and Materials Worth Buying

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It's 2 p.m., it's been raining since breakfast, and someone has just asked "what can I do?" for the eleventh time. A well-stocked art bin won't fix the weather, but it can buy you a peaceful hour and a fridge full of new masterpieces. The best art supplies for kids aged 3 to 9 aren't the fanciest ones. They're the ones that are easy to set up, forgiving to use and quick to clean up. Here are ten worth buying, with an honest mess rating for each.

The Best Art Supplies for Kids, Rated by Mess

1. Washable Kids' Paint

Washable tempera or poster paint in squeeze bottles is the backbone of rainy-day art. It's thick, bright and opaque, so even a three-year-old's painting looks bold. Good for ages 3 and up. Mess level: high, which is exactly why "washable" matters. Look for paint labelled washable and non-toxic, in bottles with flip caps so kids can squeeze small amounts onto a plate. Cleanup tip: rinse brushes and hands before paint dries, and wash clothes promptly in cold water, since washable doesn't always mean every fabric comes clean. Crayola makes a widely available washable kids' paint range.

2. Chunky and Beeswax Crayons

Crayons are the low-effort, low-mess option you can hand over without a second thought. Chunky or triangular crayons are easier for small hands to grip and harder to snap, which suits ages 2 to 5. Beeswax block crayons are a lovely alternative for toddlers, because the flat sides make broad strokes of colour. Mess level: low, apart from the occasional wall mural. Cleanup tip: a little baking soda on a damp cloth removes most crayon from painted walls. Crayola sells chunky crayons, and Stockmar is known for beeswax blocks and sticks.

3. Washable Markers

Markers give brighter, smoother colour than crayons with less pressure, which younger kids love. Broad-tip markers suit ages 3 to 5, and fine tips work for older kids who like detail. Mess level: medium, mostly on hands and faces. Look for washable, non-toxic markers with caps that click on firmly, because a set without caps is a dried-out set by Friday. Cleanup tip: soap and warm water removes most washable ink from skin, and baby wipes work surprisingly well. The drawback is that "washable" varies by fabric. Crayola is the common choice for washable markers.

4. Play Dough and Modelling Clay

Play dough is a squishy, open-ended material that keeps kids busy for ages, rolling snakes, cutting shapes and making increasingly strange "birthday cakes." Suits ages 2 to 8 with supervision for the youngest, who may try to eat it. Mess level: medium. It gets into carpets and dries into crumbs. Look for soft dough in tubs that seal well, plus a few cheap tools like a rolling pin, plastic knife and cookie cutters. Cleanup tip: let dropped dough dry, then vacuum or brush it up rather than rubbing it in. Homemade dough is cheap and easy if you have flour, salt and oil in the cupboard.

5. Watercolor Paint Sets

A pan watercolour set is compact, cheap and much less messy than liquid paint, which makes it a great rainy-day option for ages 4 and up. Kids love watching colours bleed into each other on wet paper. Mess level: low to medium, mostly water spills. Look for a set with a lid that closes, a decent brush, and around eight to twelve colours. Use thick watercolour paper if you can, because thin printer paper curls and tears. Cleanup tip: use a heavy mug for water, not a light plastic cup that tips. The drawback: cheaper sets can give pale, chalky colour. Crayola makes an affordable kids' set.

6. Sticker Books and Reusable Sticker Pads

Stickers are the lowest-mess art supply there is, and they're great for building fine motor skills in younger kids. Themed sticker books with scenes to fill suit ages 3 to 6, while older kids enjoy sticker mosaics and design books. Mess level: very low, unless you count stickers on the dog. Look for thick stickers with easy-peel backing for younger children, since tiny stickers frustrate small fingers. Reusable sticker pads are a clever pick for car journeys too. The drawback: stickers get used up fast. Melissa & Doug makes popular reusable sticker pads.

7. Craft Kits

A craft kit comes with everything needed for one project, such as a bracelet, a painted wooden box or a pom-pom creature, which is handy when you have no energy to plan. They suit ages 5 to 9, and the step-by-step instructions help kids feel accomplished. Mess level: varies from very low to glitter. Look for a kit matched to your child's age and patience, with materials that are sturdy enough to actually work. The drawback: kits can be pricey per project and often contain small parts, so check age labels. Cleanup tip: work on a tray to contain beads. Melissa & Doug sells craft kits for younger kids.

8. A Kids' Easel

An easel gives kids a standing workspace that feels special, with a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard or paper roll on the other. Good for ages 3 to 8. Mess level: medium, since paint drips downwards. Look for adjustable height, a paper roll holder, trays for paint pots, and a stable, wide base that doesn't wobble. Put a splat mat or old sheet underneath. The drawback: easels take up floor space, and some families find the kitchen table gets more use. Melissa & Doug and IKEA both sell kids' easels.

9. A Big Roll of Paper

A roll of paper is the most underrated art supply on this list. Roll a long strip across the floor or table and let kids draw a road, a giant self-portrait or a family portrait in which Dad is somehow the size of a house. Suits all ages. Mess level: depends on what goes on it. Look for a roll that fits your easel, or a standalone floor roll. Cleanup tip: tape the edges down so paint stays on paper. The drawback is honest: it creates enormous artwork that you'll need to find a home for (or quietly photograph and recycle). IKEA sells an inexpensive paper roll.

10. Kids' Scissors and Glue Sticks

Safety scissors and glue sticks open up collage, card making and cutting practice, all of which older preschoolers love. Rounded-tip scissors suit ages 3 and up with supervision, and school-age kids can move to pointed kids' scissors. Mess level: low for glue sticks, higher for liquid glue. Look for scissors sized for small hands with a comfortable grip, and left-handed versions if needed. Glue sticks are easier and cleaner than bottles for young kids. Cleanup tip: keep a damp cloth nearby for glue fingers. The drawback: prepare for surprise haircuts. Fiskars makes kids' scissors in several ages.

Safety First

Look for art materials labelled non-toxic, and read the safety label on every product, especially for kids under 3, who still put things in their mouths. In the US, the Art and Creative Materials Institute certifies art products and runs a seal program that tells you a product has been reviewed for safety. Supervise young children with scissors, small parts and play dough, and keep adult art supplies out of the kids' bin.

Set Up a Mess-Friendly Art Corner

You don't need a craft room, just a spot where mess is expected. Cover the table with an old shower curtain or a wipeable tablecloth. Keep an old adult T-shirt as a smock. Store supplies in a clear bin with small containers inside, so kids can see and put away what they use. Set out only two or three materials at a time, which leads to more creative play and less chaos. Have a damp cloth and a wash bowl ready before you start, not after, and put up a line of string with clothes pegs for drying artwork.

A Starter Art Bin on a Modest Budget

You can build a great rainy-day bin without spending much. Start with a box of chunky crayons, a set of washable markers, a watercolour set, a tub or two of play dough, a glue stick, kids' scissors, a sticker book and a pack of paper. Add washable paint and a paper roll when you're ready for bigger projects. Everything fits in a single plastic tub, and when the rain rolls in next time, you'll be ready.