Drawing for Kids

Children between the ages of six and 12 years-old will benefit greatly from arts and crafts,  especially drawing. Not only is it an easy art form to master, compared to other mediums, but it is also a mess-free art. Drawing supplies are great to give to children as gifts and since they are relatively inexpensive, they are easy to integrate into after-school activities. Because drawing allows children to express themselves and to develop a new skill, basic supplies are always a safe bet, especially when you don't know the child that well. Here are some pointers as to what to get children depending on their age.

Preschool and Kindergarten Crayons  are best since they are non-toxic and they don't stain clothes, furniture, or fingers. Plus, they are easy to hold. You can also go for fat, non-toxic, washable markers.  Another option is chalk and a chalkboard.  Sidewalk chalk  is also popular for children this age. Triangular shaped implements are easier to hold than round shaped ones. Coloring books  are a must-have. Opt for heavy duty construction paper  for these kids to draw on. It's cheap, colorful and durable. It's also great for doing other crafts. Some quick picks: Watch Me Draw Series  Ohio Art Doodle Doug

Primary School They will love pastels,  which are colorful, easy to use and great for blending. It can be messy, but it's a fun medium for kids to try out if they like art. Pencil sets,  whether colored  or watercolor  are great for kids aged six and up as well. Child safe markers are an option as long as the child is at an age where he or she know how to treat art supplies, e.g. not leaving caps off markers so that they dry out. "How-to" books are great inspiration. Cartooning, portrait drawing, animal figures, dinosaurs, etc... Here are a few examples: Curiosity Kit Make Your Own Comic Book Kit  Art for Kids: Drawing  The Draw 50 Way : How to Draw Cats, Puppies, Horses, Buildings, Birds, Aliens, Boats, Trains and Everything Else Under the Sun  Best of Nickelodeon (Nick How to Draw)

Middle School and Older An aspiring artist will enjoy charcoal,  graphite  or watercolor pencils,  colored pens  and fine tip markers.  Art technique books  and detailed "how-to" books are very helpful for kids with a background in art and an interest in taking their work a step further. Quality paper  is a must for all drawing endeavors. The best type to get will be spiral bound  with perforations. It makes it easier to draw and discard or save a picture. The heavier the paper, the better, especially if the child will use markers,  pastels  or watercolor pencils.  Watercolor paper can be accompanied by a set of watercolor pencils to make a great gift. Any kid who has a lot of talent or a serious interest in drawing will enjoy art supplies that really tap into his or her interests. Some kids are into realistic portrait drawing, while others love Manga, fantasy, geometric and 3D drawing -- the list is endless. The bottom line is, try and gear gift purchases towards these interests.

Drawing Games and Gift Ideas

Luck of the Draw Game	Pictionary Junior	My Art Desk	Gelly Roll Pen Sets	Prismacolor Graphite Drawing Set

Reeves Maxi Colour Box	Alex Toys Art Box	Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencil Sets	Fine Art Studio Drawing	Colored Pencil Drawing Box Set