Drawing for Kids Buying Guide

Arts and crafts are one of the few things that just about anyone can do. Whatever your age, no matter your artistic ability, anyone can participate in some hands on creativity. Arts and crafts  are an excellent gift for children. Both boys and girls can gain valuable lessons about working individually, developing creative ideas, and letting their imagination take shape. Whether on a rainy day or on a late summer afternoon, there is always time for the arts!  When shopping for arts and crafts supplies for kids, be sure to get items that are age appropriate. In other words, the younger the child, the less complicated the art project should be

If your child is between six and 12 years-old, arts and crafts  are a great idea - 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.

If you don't know where to start or your buying for someone elses child, finding the right supplies can be tricky. Well, we're here to help! 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.