14 Must-Have Craft Supplies for Easy and Fun Activities with Kids

CRAFT SUPPLIES ESSENTIALS

Ever tried to sit down for a peaceful craft session with your kids, only to realize you’re missing literally everything you need—or worse, your toddler has already painted their hands, the table, and the dog? Yeah, same. Crafting with kids can either be a magical bonding experience or an absolute circus, depending on your prep game. That’s where the right supplies (and a sprinkle of sanity) come in.

Here’s a roundup of my must-have craft supplies that’ll save your mornings, keep the mess (mostly) contained, and make you feel like the organized mom Pinterest pretends you already are. Bonus: they’ll actually keep your kids entertained.

1. 3-Tier Art Cart

Meet your new BFF. A 3-tier art cart is your one-stop shop for corralling the chaos—markers, paints, stickers, you name it. The best part? You can wheel it into whatever room they’re currently destroying…I mean, creating in.

2. Rotating Supply Organizer

Picture this: no more rummaging for that one purple marker your kid swears they absolutely need to finish their masterpiece. Spin this beauty, and voilà—all your supplies at your fingertips. It’s like a Lazy Susan but for art stuff.

3. Painter’s Tape

Don’t underestimate this MVP. Painter’s tape is the hero of clean lines in kid art and an underrated babysitter when you need 10 minutes to drink your coffee hot. (Tape roads for toy cars? Boundaries for finger painting? Endless entertainment.)

4. Paintbrushes

Grab a mix of thick and thin brushes to cover all your bases. Big strokes for little hands and fine brushes for when they insist on adding “just one more detail” to their third rainbow of the day. It is beneficial to have both thin paintbrushes and thick paintbrushes available!

5. Dot Markers by Do-A-Dot

Want paint without the mess? These dot markers are your answer. No spills, no tears, and they keep little hands busy for way longer than you’d expect.

6. Paint Palette

Say goodbye to those “oops, I spilled all the paint” moments. A sectioned paint palette keeps colors separate and spills to a minimum. Independence for them, fewer headaches for you.

7. Art Trays

These art trays are everything. They catch glitter, paint, and even rogue Cheerios your toddler somehow snuck into craft time. Plus, they make cleanup a total breeze.

8. Art Smock

Unless you enjoy scrubbing paint out of clothes (spoiler: you don’t), invest in a water-resistant art smock. Bonus points if it’s easy to wipe down because you know they’ll test its limits.

9. Spill-Proof Paint Cups by Melissa & Doug

Is it just me, or do kids have a sixth sense for tipping over every open container? These cups are a lifesaver. Spill-proof = sanity saved.

10. Dot Stickers

Simple, cheap, and endlessly entertaining. Dot stickers are perfect for crafts, patterns, or even as bribes—I mean, rewards—for keeping their creativity flowing.

11. Fine Motor Tweezers

These fine motor tweezers are secretly a learning tool disguised as a craft supply. Kids love them, and they sneakily build fine motor skills while they play. (Parenting win!)

12. Art splat Mat

Protect your floors, your sanity, and your relationship with your landlord. Enough said. An art mat is a must-have.

13. Roll Paper by Melissa and Doug

When in doubt, roll it out. This giant paper roll is perfect for scribbles, murals, and spontaneous “can we paint the entire world?” moments.

14. Collapsible Toddler Kitchen Helper Stool

Sure, it’s technically for cooking, but this collapsible toddler kitchen helper stool doubles as a height booster for crafting at the table or counter. (Because nothing says independence like “I do it myself!”)

The Secret to Less Chaos? Organization.

Now that your cart is fully stocked, let’s chat about keeping the madness under control. A few quick tips:

1. Create a Craft Zone – A designated space (even a corner of the kitchen) keeps the mess contained and the supplies handy.
2. Label Everything – Grab some bins and slap on labels. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself the next time your preschooler is hunting for glue sticks.
3. Rotate Supplies – Keep things fresh by swapping out crafts. (Hint: stash some supplies away and reintroduce them later for maximum excitement.)
4. Teach Clean-Up Habits – Even the tiniest hands can help. Make it a game, set a timer—whatever works to avoid you being the cleanup crew.

Let the Creativity Begin

With these supplies (and a smidge of patience), you’re ready to turn your kids’ wild ideas into fridge-worthy masterpieces. You’ll laugh, you’ll make memories, and hey—maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself. So stock up, set up, and embrace the beautiful, colorful chaos.

Your future self sipping a hot coffee thanks you. 

3-Tiered Rolling Cart

Paper Roll

Sponge Brushes

Thin Paintbrushes

Thick Paintbrushes

Dot Markers

Art Smock

Rotating Supply Organizer

Spill-Proof Paint Cups

Kitchen Helper Stool

Paint Palette

Art Trays

Jumbo Tweezers

Dot Stickers

Art Splat Mat

Painter’s Tape