Essential Arts and Crafts Supplies for Home Preschool: Expert Tips from an Educator
Creating a home preschool filled with engaging arts and crafts activities starts with having the right supplies on hand. As an educator with 15+ years of experience, I’ve curated this list of must-have arts and crafts items to make your home preschool creative, educational, and fun. This comprehensive guide will help you stock up on versatile, high-quality materials that inspire imagination and hands-on learning.
Here’s a breakdown of essential arts and crafts supplies, organized by product type:
1. Drawing and Coloring Supplies
Encourage creativity with these versatile coloring tools:
Crayola Assorted Color Crayon Set (24-Count Box) – A classic staple for every preschooler.
FUNLAVIE Colored Pencils (24-Count) – Great for detailed drawings and fine motor skills.
Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers (10-Count) – Washable and perfect for coloring activities.
2. Paints and Brushes
Get messy (or stay mess-free) with these mediums:
Crayola Washable Kids Paint (6 Colors) – Safe and vibrant, ideal for young artists. Perfect for 3d projects and finger painting.
Upgraded Washable Watercolor Paint Set (48 Colors) – Comes with brushes and a palette for variety.
TBC The Best Crafts Tempera Paint Sticks (12 Colors) – Easy to use, non-toxic, and mess-free- perfect for paper.
3. Paper and Cardstock
The canvas for countless activities:
HP Papers All-In-One Paper (750 Sheets) – Perfect for everyday crafts and drawings.
Neenah Index Cardstock (300 Sheets) – Sturdy for crafts like card-making or 3D projects.
Crayola Construction Paper (480 Sheets) – A bulk supply in assorted colors.
Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad (2-Pack, 50 Sheets) – Ideal for finger painting with its glossy surface.
4. Adhesives and Glue
Everything you need to stick and secure:
Amazon Basics Washable Liquid School Glue (6-Pack) – For larger craft projects - and remember “dot dot, not a lot!”
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks (3-Count) – Easy for kids to use and clean up.
Secopad Scrapbook Tape Rollers (4-Pack) – Perfect for paper crafts and journaling, and easier for little hands than tape rolls.
5. Scissors and String
Safe and effective tools for little hands:
LIVINGO 5" Kids Craft Scissors (3-Pack) – Blunt tips and comfortable grips for safety and precision.
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn – Unlimited uses! Jewelry, 3D art, science projects, etc.
6. Modeling and Sculpting Materials
Encourage tactile exploration and fine motor skills:
Crayola Air Dry Clay (5 lbs) – Ideal for sculpting and creating long-lasting projects.
Why These Supplies are Essential
Having these supplies on hand ensures your preschooler can explore all aspects of creativity, from drawing and painting to cutting and sculpting. The variety of materials will keep activities fresh and exciting while supporting key developmental skills like fine motor coordination, problem-solving, and self-expression.
Tips for Organizing Supplies
Use clear storage bins to group similar items (e.g., drawing tools, paints, adhesives).
Label bins or drawers for easy access and cleanup.
Keep messy items like paint and glue in a separate, easy-to-clean area.
That’s all folks!
With this curated list of arts and crafts supplies, you’ll have everything you need to create a vibrant and engaging home preschool. Each item was chosen for its versatility, safety, and ability to spark creativity in young learners. Stock up, get organized, and let your child’s imagination soar!
With joy, Miss Sarah
Affiliate Disclosure:
Hey there, awesome parents! Just a heads up—this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through these links. Think of it as your way of helping me keep the coffee flowing while I bring you more helpful and fun recommendations. Thanks for your support! :)
