Kids Art Sets That Won’t Dry Out After One Project
Crayola’s Inspiration Art Case ranks first for its media variety and an organized case that keeps supplies usable. Faber-Castell’s Young Artist Essentials Gift Set fits older children wanting stronger pigment, and KIDDYCOLOR’s Deluxe Art Set covers the widest range of media for less money.
Crayola’s Inspiration Art Case leads this list as a gift that actually gets used, not shelved. Faber-Castell’s Young Artist Essentials Gift Set steps in for older children, and KIDDYCOLOR’s Deluxe Art Set gives the broadest media range for the money.
Piece count dominates listings, yet it says nothing about whether markers dry out within a month or a case latch survives a drop. Age suitability trips buyers up too: fine tipped pens frustrate a four year old, while chunky crayons bore a ten year old. We ranked these seven sets using published contents, media types, case construction and what owners report about durability and refills.
The top picks, ranked
Crayola Inspiration Art Case (140 Count)
Crayola packs crayons, colored pencils, markers and paper into one hinged case with molded trays, so cleanup has an obvious home for each item. Every medium comes from Crayola’s standard lines, meaning a dried out marker is simple to replace individually. Owners report the case itself, not the contents, is what keeps this set in rotation.
Pros
- Four media types organised in one hinged case
- Individually replaceable Crayola refills
- Latch and handle hold up to repeated carrying
Cons
- Pigment quality suits everyday use, not fine art
- Trays stay tidy only when items go back in place
Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel
Rather than a box of supplies, this easel gives a toddler a fixed place to create, with a chalkboard on one side and a dry erase board on the other. A paper roll holder sits between them for drawing at standing height. Assembly takes real time, but owners say the paper clips and accessory tray earn their keep daily.
Pros
- Three work surfaces in one wooden unit
- Standing posture suits toddlers who tire of sitting
- Solid wood frame holds up for years
Cons
- Assembly requires tools and patience
- Supplies are minimal, so paper and chalk are bought separately
KIDDYCOLOR Deluxe Art Set (150 Pieces)
KIDDYCOLOR crams oil pastels, coloured pencils, watercolour cakes, markers and accessories into one folding case. Breadth is the selling point here, since a child who has never tried pastels can sample them cheaply. Based on the contents list, individual pieces run basic rather than premium, so treat this as an exploration kit.
Pros
- Widest media variety in this group
- Layered trays keep categories separated
- Low cost way to find which medium a child enjoys
Cons
- Individual pieces are entry level quality
- Case hinges need gentle handling
Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set
Faber-Castell targets kids who have outgrown colouring books and want their work to look better. Pigment quality is where the difference shows, since this set combines drawing and colouring media from a brand built on proper art supplies. Owners report the colour laydown is noticeably richer next to bargain sets.
Pros
- Richer colour output than budget sets
- Encourages kids getting serious about drawing
- Gift box presentation suits birthdays and holidays
Cons
- Fewer total pieces than bargain sets
- Gift box is less durable than a latching case
Caliart 150 Pack Deluxe Art Set
Caliart leans toward drawing over painting, with a strong pencil and pastel lineup inside a zip up portfolio case. That focus suits a child who draws characters and comics rather than one who wants to splash paint around. Storage is easier too, since the portfolio lies flat on a shelf instead of taking up box space.
Pros
- Strong pencil and pastel selection for shading
- Zip case stores flat on a shelf
- Compact enough for holidays and car trips
Cons
- Less suited to painting projects
- Elastic pencil loops loosen with heavy use
Cra-Z-Art Super Art Set
Cost per piece is the whole pitch here, which makes this a practical choice for classrooms, party bags or a rainy afternoon. Most markers and paints in the line wash out of fabric and skin. Do not expect the case to survive years of transport, though the contents do their job while they last.
Pros
- Lowest cost per piece in this group
- Works well for classroom and group activities
- Washable formulas cut down on cleanup
Cons
- Case latch and hinges are flimsy
- Colour laydown trails premium brands
Ohuhu 208-Piece Art Supplies Set
Ohuhu goes big on count, and several included media lean toward older users, which suits a tween or teenager better than a young child. A hard shell case opens into tiers for organisation. Based on the contents list, this works best as a broad starter kit for someone exploring several disciplines at once.
Pros
- Large selection spanning several media types
- Hard case protects contents inside a backpack
- Good fit for a teenager exploring different styles
Cons
- Too advanced and fiddly for young children
- Bulky and heavy to carry around
What to look for
What should you look for in a kids art set? Media type matters more than the piece count printed on the box. Age fit narrows the choice fast, since young children need chunky, forgiving tools while older kids want depth and better pigment. Case construction decides whether the set survives past the first month. Refillability determines whether a favourite colour can be replaced once it runs dry.
Which art set matches your child’s age? Under about five, chunky crayons, washable markers and big surfaces work best, since fine motor control is still developing. Between six and nine, mixed sets that introduce pastels and watercolours hold interest longer. From ten upward, pigment quality starts to matter more than variety, which is where brands such as Faber-Castell earn their price. A high piece count often just means more near identical pencil shades, which can overwhelm a young child rather than help.
Does the case matter as much as the supplies? Loose supplies scattered across a drawer stop getting used within weeks. Moulded trays, latching lids and clear compartments make it obvious where each item belongs. Hard shell cases protect contents inside a bag, while zip portfolios store flat on a shelf. Check that the hinge and latch feel substantial, since that is usually the first part to fail.
How do washable formulas and refills affect long-term use? Washable marker and paint lines are formulated to release from skin, most fabrics and many hard surfaces, cutting down on cleanup. Oil pastels, permanent markers and acrylics do not wash out, so save those for older kids working on a protected surface. Standard media, such as Crayola’s individual lines, can be topped up once favourites dry out. Bargain sets often use proprietary or unlabelled colours that cannot be replaced, so the set feels incomplete once one shade runs out.
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Contents | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crayola Inspiration Art Case (140 Count) | Crayons, coloured pencils, markers and paper | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel | Chalkboard, dry erase board and paper roll | Best for young children | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | KIDDYCOLOR Deluxe Art Set (150 Pieces) | Pencils, oil pastels, markers, watercolours | Best value | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set | Drawing and colouring media in a gift box | Best for older kids | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Caliart 150 Pack Deluxe Art Set | Coloured pencils, sketch pencils, pastels and markers | Best for sketching | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Cra-Z-Art Super Art Set | Crayons, markers, coloured pencils and paper | Best budget | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Ohuhu 208-Piece Art Supplies Set | Pencils, pastels, watercolours, markers and accessories | Best for teens | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What age is right for a full art set?
Five is typically when children can handle a mixed set of pencils and markers without constant supervision. Younger kids do better with a few chunky, washable items paired with a large surface such as an easel. Sets with fine tips or small parts suit eight and up.
Do bigger piece counts mean better value?
Not usually. Beyond a certain point, extra pieces are near duplicate shades that add clutter, not capability. Fewer, better quality items, or a set spanning several media types, tends to get used more than two hundred similar pencils.
Which kids art sets create the least mess?
Coloured pencils and washable markers cause the least cleanup. Watercolour cakes come next, since they rinse away easily. Oil pastels, acrylics and glitter media end up on the table and carpet, so pair those with a protective mat and an older child.
Can you replace individual pieces once they run out?
With mainstream brands such as Crayola and Faber-Castell, yes. Their pencils, crayons and markers sell as standard lines, so a dried out marker swaps for the same shade. Unbranded bargain sets often use unlabelled colours that cannot be matched.
Are art sets good gifts for kids who say they cannot draw?
Often, yes, since the real barrier is usually materials rather than ability. Sets spanning several media give a child a chance to find what clicks, and pastels or watercolours reward experimentation in a way pencil drawing does not.
How do you stop markers from drying out?
Cap them firmly and store them horizontally so ink stays distributed across the nib. Standing tip up dries the nib, tip down floods it. A case with individual slots helps, since it keeps caps on and stops markers rolling loose.
Is an easel worth buying alongside a set?
Not strictly necessary, but a dedicated surface makes a real difference for younger children, who tend to work standing and lose interest at a cluttered table. A unit such as the Melissa and Doug easel adds paper, chalk and dry erase options in one spot.
Is a pricier art set worth it for a total beginner?
For a child under about eight, no. Volume and washability matter more than pigment quality at that stage, and supplies get used hard. For a child who already draws regularly, a smaller set of better materials motivates more, since results on paper visibly improve.
The bottom line
Crayola’s Inspiration Art Case is the set most children will still use next year, since media variety and an organised case work together. For a child who has outgrown colouring books, step up to the Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Gift Set. For the widest range of media for the money, KIDDYCOLOR’s Deluxe Art Set covers the most ground.
Rachel Simmons
Rachel previously worked in child-product retail and brings a practical, detail-first eye to gear reviews, focusing on safety standards, ease of use and the fine print that matters most for new caregivers.
