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Teacher-Approved Toddler & Preschool Art Supplies
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items As a preschool teacher, these are the art supplies I reach for again and again. They’re easy for little hands, encourage creativity, and hold up in busy classrooms. Whether you’re shopping for home or school, these are my favorite tried-and-true pick...
Sections
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✏️ Crayons, Coloring, & Mess-Free Fun
🖌️ Washable Paint Favorites
🧩 Sensory Play Favorites
✂️ Craft Supplies
✏️ Crayons, Coloring, & Mess-Free Fun
Perfect for little hands, these crayons and mess-free sets make early coloring fun and frustration-free. Great for encouraging grip strength, creativity, and independent art play.
I recommend these for kids just learning to color. They’re easier to grip than regular crayons and don’t break as easily.
Assorted 8 Count Giant Crayons for Kids 2+
These are one of my go-to quiet activities. Kids love revealing the pictures with water, and I love that there’s no paint, markers, or mess to clean up. They’re also perfect for restaurants, travel, or waiting rooms.
Water WOW! Animals - ON the GO Travel Activity
If you’re worried about marker stains, these are a lifesaver. The markers only work on the Color Wonder paper, so kids can color independently without getting ink on furniture or clothes.
Color Wonder
I love these for preschoolers who are starting to develop a pencil grip. The triangular shape is easier to control, and they don’t roll off the table every five seconds.
Triangular Crayons
🖌️ Washable Paint Favorites
From dot markers to finger paints and paint sticks, these are my favorite painting supplies for toddlers and preschoolers. They’re easy for little hands, washable, and make art time much less stressful.
Dot markers are always a hit in my classroom. They’re great for practicing colors, patterns, and fine motor skills without the mess of traditional paint.
Dot Markers
This is the paint I think of when I picture preschool art. It has bright colors, washes off easily, and works well for everything from handprint crafts to easel painting.
Colorations: Simply Tempera - Paint
These are one of my favorite alternatives to regular paint. They dry quickly, don’t require paint trays or water, and make cleanup so much easier. One of the most used art supplies in my classroom!
Kwik Stix
Finger paint is a classic sensory activity for toddlers. It’s a fun way to explore colors and textures, and washable formulas make cleanup much easier.
Crayola Washable Finger Paints 6ct Toddler
🧩 Sensory Play Favorites
Hands-on favorites like Play-Doh and floam give kids a chance to squish, mold, and build. These activities support sensory exploration while building fine motor skills.
We use Play-Doh for everything from free play to practicing letters, numbers, and shapes. It’s one of my classroom staples.
Play-Doh: New & Trending
Floam is a fun sensory alternative to slime. Kids love squeezing, stretching, and building with it, and it’s a great way to encourage creativity while working little hand muscles. Great for independent play!
Floam
✂️ Craft Supplies
If I were building a preschool craft cabinet from scratch, these are the supplies I’d buy first. They’re versatile, easy for little hands to use, and perfect for everyday art activities.
One of my classroom must-haves. The purple color helps kids see where they’ve glued, and it dries clear for less frustration during crafts.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks, 4 Pack
A preschool classroom essential! These child-safe scissors are easy for little hands to hold and are great for practicing cutting, building hand strength, and creating simple crafts.
Westcott 5" Hard Handle Kids Scissors, 2-Pack
I like using these for kids who are just starting to learn scissor skills or need a little extra support. They’re easier to control than standard scissors and encourage independence.
3Pcs Loop Self-Opening Safety Scissors 5.5"
One of the most-used supplies in my classroom. Construction paper is great for everyday crafts, seasonal projects, and helping kids practice cutting and gluing skills.
Crayola Construction Paper, 96 Sheets