Essential Art Materials for Children's Creation
Best and Safest Art Supplies for Children's Creative Development
Children's creative development can flourish with the right art supplies. To ensure safety and promote learning, it's crucial to choose materials that are non-toxic, age-appropriate, and free from choking hazards. Here are some recommendations for the best art supplies for children:
Non-toxic Materials
Look for art supplies with the AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute. This certification guarantees that the materials are safe for children, especially important for young kids who may put items in their mouths.
Crayons
For crayons, opt for natural beeswax crayons such as Kid Made Modern Beeswax Crayons and Honeysticks Pure Beeswax Crayons. Made from natural beeswax and safe pigments, these crayons offer smooth application, resistance to breaking, and minimal choking risk. MIROLA KIDS banana-shaped crayons are also designed ergonomically for toddlers developing their grip.
Eco-Friendly Paints and Dough
Eco-Kids brand offers food-safe finger paints made from natural ingredients like potatoes and beans, as well as non-toxic beeswax crayons, eco-friendly dough, and child-safe face paints — all suitable for young artists.
Age-Appropriate Tools
Use age-appropriate tools such as safety scissors, large paintbrushes, and avoid small parts for toddlers to reduce choking hazards.
Additional Considerations
Additional important considerations include supervising very young children closely, especially with small pieces, and selecting materials that support dexterity and fine motor skill development while allowing creative expression.
Other essential art supplies for children include water-based paints, popsicle sticks, craft foam, a variety of drawing supplies like color pencils, markers, and sketching pencils, and paper types like white paper, construction paper, and coloured paper.
Safety Precautions
Remember that hot melt glue guns, scissors, craft knives, and liquid glue should only be used under adult supervision. Tissue paper has multiple uses in artwork and for cleaning up, while clear tape is useful for sticking paper, wood, plastic, and holding things together in a model.
Decorative and Advanced Art Supplies
Decoupage glue can be used as a sealant in advanced artwork, and Washi tape is decorative and available in designs and patterns. Pom poms are great for decorative displays and counting and sorting activities, and double-sided tape is useful for temporary poster board displays.
Solvent-Free Adhesives
Avoid solvent-containing adhesives for children or use them only under adult supervision and in well-ventilated spaces.
Storage and Maintenance
Keep art supplies in their original packaging to maintain safety and quality. A sketch pad, paint palette, canvas panels, and a paint apron are also essential for children's painting activities. Plastic cups are perfect for mixing paints, holding water, glitter, or as containers for other items.
Fun and Creative Additions
Googly eyes make artwork fun and can be used for humorous creations, while a variety of items like pom poms, glitter, and scented markers add a touch of creativity to children's art and craft activities.
By prioritizing non-toxic, certified safe, developmentally suitable, and hazard-minimizing art supplies, we can help children explore their creativity in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Incorporating a lifestyle that includes creative development for children can be achieved through careful selection of eco-friendly fashion-and-beauty products, such as natural cosmetics and dyes, that promote safe and non-toxic practices.
- While traveling with children, consider bringing along educational toys, books, and learning games to foster personal-growth and learning opportunities during travel.
- From food-and-drink options, offering home-cooked meals and locally-sourced snacks can contribute to a holistic approach to child's education-and-self-development, teaching them about healthy eating habits and supporting local farming communities.
- In home-and-garden settings, cultivating plants and encouraging pets can introduce children to various living beings, fostering empathy and compassion for relationships with both animals and nature.
- Engaging in pet-themed shopping, such as adopting a pet from a shelter, exploring pet-friendly stores and websites, and purchasing pet accessories can provide opportunities for teaching responsibility, caring, and nurturing relationships.
- To support dexterity, fine motor skill development, and creative expression, sewing kits, one-piece puzzles, and DIY craft materials are valuable additions to children's shopping lists in the realm of personal-growth and self-development.
