I have been an arts and crafts lover for as long as I can remember. Coming from a big family, we used to make so much fun decor for everyone’s birthdays. I have always dreamed about working on art projects with my own kids and have a craft room full of fun stuff. I want to foster their creative minds….in a cleaner way. (Hide the glitter). This post will include art supplies you should have on hand for the toddler in your life.

Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Large Washable Crayons: Crayons are a great place to start for a kid at any age. We started with Jumbo sized crayons because they fit perfect in their little hands.

Tip: A Bonus must have to go with crayons are Magic Erasers. Kids inevitably color on things they’re not supposed to, like toys, furniture and walls. Magic Erasers really are magic and do the trick every time.

Watercolor Paints: Watercolor paints are the perfect introduction to painting for a toddler. They’re cheap to buy, easy to use, and the best part – easy to clean up. My son Nico loves to paint. We even made fun wrapping paper this past Christmas.

Paintbrushes: This Melissa & Doug Jumbo Paint Brush Set has four paint brushes with jumbo tips and easy-to-grip handles packaged in an easy to store pouch. They are easy to clean with warm water and soap.

Large Paper Pad: What else goes with paint and paint brushes…this Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad. This pack includes 2 50 sheets pads. It is extra-large glossy paper designed specifically for finger painting. It is made with nonabsorbent paper with a smooth surface and is coated on both sides.

These Markers are so much fun to have in your Art Supplies storage.

Do-a-Dot Markers: These markers are perfect for little ones. They are easy grip bottles for little hands with a large sponge tip that makes them mess free. They are easy to set up and clean up.

Stamps and Stamp Pad: Stamps are a great easy thing for kids to use. These Melissa & Doug art supplies are great for kids to help explore their creativity. They feature washable ink, making cleanup convenient and easy.

Construction Paper: Construction paper is definitely one of the art supplies everyone should have in their craft closet. The paper is great quality and there are many projects that can be made with it. There are so many colors to let your little one’s creativity go crazy.

Safety Scissors: These scissors come with a Melissa & Doug Scissor paper cutting practice book. This encourages children to learn how to use scissors safely. These are also great for the development of fine motor skills and cognitive skills.

Stickers: These are Reusable Sticker Pads that include multiple backgrounds and repositionable stickers. It is a nature-inspired theme with scenes that include a desert oasis, prehistoric landscapes, farm, jungle, and deep blue sea. This sticker pad helps kids develop strong fine motor skills and promotes creative play.

Chalk: Chalk is such a fun item to have in your art supply caddy. They are so much fun to use outdoors and the best part is that you can just hose down the sidewalk to clean it up.

Elmers Washable Glue: There are so many projects that would require the use of glue. This disappearing purple formula helps kids see where the glue is and then dries clear.

Glitter Glue: Having a glitter glue stick is a much better option then having loose glitter. These sticks are great for adding color and glitter in an easy way.

Popsicle Sticks: These colored craft sticks are so much fun to use for arts and crafts. They have rounded edges that make them safe for kids.

Pipe Cleaners: Pipe Cleaners are so much fun. These are made of high-quality wire which are soft and flexible making them easy to bend, twist, curve or wrap into shapes. They are a great tool for identifying colors.

Coloring Books: What kid doesn’t love a coloring book? This book has large and simple illustrations that make it easier to stay in the line, focused, and entertained. You can introduce your child to the alphabet, counting, number tracing, and even shapes.

How many of these items do you already have in your art supply storage? Kids have a great ability to be creative without much guidance. If all you can ever get your child is a pen and paper, they will come up with some amazing masterpieces. If you are able to grow their art supply stockpile, then use this list as your shopping guide.