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 new products and innovations from companies like Crayola  have made drawing virtually mess-free. 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 art supplies children should have 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 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, in addition to watercolor paints,  it's a fun medium for kids to try out if they like art Pencil sets,  whether colored  or watercolor and a sketch pad  are great for kids ages 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 a 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, gear purchases towards these interests.

Drawing Games and Gift Ideas

Looking for a gift for your budding artist? Or maybe you just want to find some fun drawing games  to play. No matter what you choose to pick up, remember to determine what type of art your child likes first and what medium they feel comfortable drawing with- this way you know that you won't be wasting your money on supplies they won't use. Have fun with these gifts and happy drawing!

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

Related Guides

Arts and Crafts Whether your child is into pottery  or beadwork,  make sure you have all of the supplies to help them get started!	School Supplies Back to school can be exciting for kids but stressful for you. Make sure that you are prepared by reading through our guide.	Gifts for Artistic People From paintings to brush sets,  if you are buying gifts for an artist, there are a number of things you can purchase.	Painting for Kids If your child is into painting instead of drawing, pick up some kid-friendly paint sets and canvases  to help them work on their skills.