Top Preschool & Daycare Art Supplies List: Must-Have Craft and Learning Tools
Finding the right art supplies and toys for preschoolers can make all the difference in creating a vibrant, hands-on learning environment. This carefully curated list features my favorite tools and materials that spark creativity and encourage self-expression. From painting and drawing to crafting and building, these supplies will keep your little learners engaged and excited about their daily activities.
Art is more than just fun—it’s a powerful teaching tool. Incorporating it into your daycare or preschool curriculum helps children develop fine motor skills, foster creativity, and gain a sense of pride in their work. Watching them bring their ideas to life is truly rewarding!
Let’s dive into the must-have preschool art supplies and toys that will help you create a dynamic and inspiring space for your little artists. Whether you're restocking your art center or looking for new tools to enhance your program, you’re in the right place!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links.
For a list of my absolute favorite daycare art supplies check out my Amazon list
Painting Supplies
Paint Trays
These paint trays are a game changer in my daycare! With 10 separate indents for paint, they give my little learners plenty of room to explore different colors without fighting over space. Whether we’re creating vibrant preschool art supplies or working on fun projects for special occasions, these trays make it easy to keep colors separate and organized. I love how durable they are and how they help minimize spills and messes, which is a must-have for busy daycare environments. If you're looking for daycare supplies that make art time easier and more fun, these paint trays are a total lifesaver!
Textured Art Tools for Creative Painting
These READY 2 LEARN Textured Art Tools are a fantastic addition to your daycare or preschool art supplies. This set of 4 jumbo paint brushes allows kids to experiment with different textures and patterns, encouraging creativity and sensory exploration. The sturdy plastic handles make them easy for little hands to grip, and their vibrant colors add extra fun to art time. Perfect for creating unique effects in craft projects, these brushes are a must-have for fostering artistic expression in young children.
Colorations Simply Tempera Paint (Bulk Set) - Ideal for Daycares and Preschools
When it comes to buying paint in bulk, the Colorations Simply Tempera Paint is by far one of the best investments for any daycare or preschool. With an 11-gallon set of vibrant, matte colors, it’s perfect for classrooms and craft centers that need large quantities of non-toxic, washable paint. This bulk set lasts forever, even with regular use, and offers a wide range of hues to fuel creativity in any art project. I’ve used this for everything from classroom murals to themed art days, and it never disappoints!
S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Paint (Smaller Bottles)
If you're a smaller home daycare or just want to try it out first, the S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Paint set is the perfect solution. The 32-oz easy-pour bottles come in 12 bright colors, ideal for a variety of arts and crafts activities. Whether it’s for creating masterpieces on paper, crafting posters, or just adding color to the day, these bottles are easy to store and use. I used to have a smaller daycare and still stocked up on this brand because it’s so affordable, and it lasts for a long time. The kids love the vivid colors, and it’s a great choice for preschool art supplies!
No Spill Paint Cups with Brushes
The U.S. Art Supply No Spill Paint Cups are an absolute game changer for daycare and preschool art activities! These handy paint cups come with colorful lids to prevent spills and messes, making them a must-have for creative kids. I love that each cup is designed to hold just the right amount of paint without any worry of it spilling all over the table (or the kids!). Plus, the set includes 10 large round brushes with sturdy plastic handles, perfect for little hands. This set keeps our painting activities neat and organized, ensuring that the kids can focus on creating without making a mess!
See-Thru Easel
I'm OBCESSES! How fun and unique is amazing see-thru easel! Getting kids excited for creative play with easel seriously won't be a problem (but then again, when is it ever- we love to finger paint). This is just SO fun, I really love these unique gadgets in my childcare classroom.
Artist Smock - Perfect for Mess-Free Creative Play
The Melissa & Doug Art Essentials Artist Smock is a must-have for keeping your little artists clean and focused on their masterpiece! This one-size-fits-all smock is designed to protect clothing from paint, glue, and other messy art supplies, allowing kids to get creative without worry. Featuring convenient pockets, it’s perfect for storing brushes, markers, and other art essentials. Ideal for toddlers and kids, this artist apron is a fantastic addition to your daycare or preschool art supplies, providing both practicality and fun. Whether it’s for painting, crafting, or drawing, this smock ensures a clean and enjoyable experience every time!
Drawing & Coloring Supplies For Daycare and Preschool
Must-Have Scented Markers for Fun Art Projects
I can’t not include these amazing Mr. Sketch Scented Markers! The kids and I absolutely love the delightful smells of these markers—they’re a staple in our daycare. With their vibrant colors and chisel tips, they’re perfect for all sorts of creative activities, from drawing to coloring large areas. The fun scents add an extra layer of excitement, making art time even more enjoyable. This 22-count set is a must-have for any daycare or preschool classroom!
Crayola Colors of the World Markers
These Crayola Colors of the World Markers are a must-have for your preschool and daycare art supplies! The 6-pack set includes 24 different skin tone shades, making them perfect for creating diverse and inclusive artwork. These markers encourage children to express themselves while recognizing the beauty of diversity in the world around them. Whether used for drawing, coloring, or classroom projects, these markers promote creativity, inclusivity, and education in a fun and engaging way. Great for kids ages 3+, the Crayola skin tone markers will be a favorite addition to your art center. Stock up and inspire your little artists!
Washable Jumbo Crayons for Toddlers
The Crayola Egg Crayons are an essential addition to your daycare art supplies. Designed specifically for little hands, these jumbo-sized crayons are perfect for toddlers ages 1 and up. Their unique egg shape makes gripping easy and fun, while the washable formula ensures stress-free cleanup. With 12 vibrant colors, these crayons encourage creativity and fine motor development. Whether used for scribbling, coloring, or crafting, the Crayola Egg Crayons are durable and designed to withstand the wear and tear of preschool classrooms. These toddler-friendly crayons are a must-have for any preschool art station!
Stencil Art Coloring Activity Kit
The Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Stencil Art Coloring Activity Kit is one of the best art kits I’ve used in my daycare! This kit comes with 170+ stencil designs, 6 vibrant markers, 2 crayons, and paper, all neatly stored in a convenient pouch. It's perfect for young children to create their own masterpiece using the stencils as guides, making it a wonderful activity for enhancing fine motor skills and creativity. The FSC-certified materials ensure this kit is eco-friendly, which I love! The variety of colors and designs will keep kids entertained for hours, and the stencils make it easy for them to create beautiful art independently or with a little guidance. It's a fantastic addition to any daycare or preschool art supplies!
Spirograph Jr. – Perfect for Preschoolers to Create Spiral Art Masterpieces
The Spirograph Jr. is an amazing toy for introducing young children to the world of geometric art! With jumbo-sized gears, this classic, retro design toy is tailored for smaller hands, making it ideal for kids as young as 3 years old. This kit allows little ones to create intricate, beautiful spiral drawings, sparking creativity and helping develop fine motor skills. It's a fun, engaging activity that also encourages pattern recognition and hand-eye coordination. Whether you’re adding it to your daycare or preschool art supplies, the Spirograph Jr. will provide hours of entertainment and artistic expression for your little learners!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel – The Best Easel for Preschool Art Projects
The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel is hands down my favorite easel for daycare and preschool art activities! This versatile easel features a dry-erase board, chalkboard, and a paper roller – everything you need to spark creativity in little ones. Its sturdy, high-quality design makes it perfect for busy classrooms and daycares. The FSC-certified wood ensures you're investing in a product that’s not only durable but also eco-friendly. This easel is ideal for a range of activities, from drawing and writing to painting and crafts. The height is adjustable, allowing it to grow with your children. It’s a fantastic addition to any art station and is sure to keep kids engaged for hours with endless creative possibilities!
The Best Paper Art Supplies for Preschool and Daycare
Colorful Tissue Paper for Art Projects
I can't even begin to tell you how much we go through these tissue papers! One of our go-to crafts every month is making these adorable window suncatchers. We create a new design each month based on our theme, and decorate all the daycare windows! The transparency of the tissue paper is perfect for letting the light shine through. I have the kids do their designs on lamination paper, so I can easily run them through the laminator when they're finished. These turn out so amazing each and every time! This versatile preschool art supply can be used in many other craft projects and is a must-have for your daycare or preschool art supply cupboard.
The Ultimate Craft Paper for Daycares and Preschools
This Colorations Color Construction Paper Smart Pack is a must-have in any daycare or preschool! With 600 vibrant sheets of assorted colors, this pack provides endless possibilities for art projects, crafts, and drawing activities. The sturdy construction paper is perfect for kids to color, cut, and create. Whether you're making collages, cutting out shapes, or just drawing, this paper holds up beautifully. Plus, it's ideal for both home and school use, making it a versatile addition to your preschool or homeschool supplies. I love how this pack keeps my daycare well-stocked for months of creative fun!
The Best Thermal Laminator for Your Daycare
If you're looking for a reliable and durable thermal laminator for your daycare or preschool, this is the one! I’ve owned my Scotch thermal laminator for over 5 years, and it still works as well as the day I bought it, even after almost daily use. It’s perfect for protecting important preschool supplies like activity sheets, artwork, and educational materials. Laminating keeps items safe from wear and tear, especially in busy environments like daycares and preschools. Whether you’re preserving preschool education supplies, crafting with your kids, or organizing materials, this laminator gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s easy to use and compact enough for limited space in daycare classrooms. This laminator is truly a must-have tool in every preschool teacher’s supplies toolkit!
Lamination Sheets
I swear by these lamination sheets—they’re hands down my absolute favorite and the only ones I’ll buy! Not only are they much more affordable than the name brand options, but they work so much better, too. These sheets provide a smooth, professional finish every time, and they’re the perfect fit for all of my preschool art supplies and daycare materials. Whether you're protecting activity sheets, labeling supplies, or creating durable learning tools, these lamination sheets give me the quality I need without breaking the budget. They’re a must-have for any preschool teacher’s supplies and are perfect for daycares, preschool classrooms, or any environment where you need to preserve and protect educational materials.
Children's Craft Supplies for Daycare or Preschool
Colored Popsicle Sticks
These Colored Popsicle Sticks are a fantastic addition to any daycare or preschool art station! With 1000 sticks in vibrant colors, they are perfect for a variety of creative craft projects that kids will love. From building structures to making fun art pieces, these 4.5-inch sticks are the ideal size for little hands. They’re also perfect for STEM activities, helping children develop fine motor skills while learning through play. These rainbow popsicle sticks are not only affordable but also incredibly durable, making them a go-to supply in my daycare for arts, crafts, and educational activities. Keep your daycare stocked with these colorful sticks to encourage endless creativity and fun!
Jumbo Craft Sticks
These jumbo craft sticks are a must-have in any daycare or preschool craft supply collection! With a generous 6" length and a pack of 100 sticks, they are ideal for larger-scale crafts, including fun and creative mask-making projects. Whether it's for building, decorating, or even creating intricate designs, these sturdy craft sticks are perfect for little hands. We love using them to make everything from animal masks to puppet sticks, giving children a chance to explore their creativity while enhancing their fine motor skills. Affordable and versatile, these jumbo craft sticks will quickly become a favorite in your daycare’s arts and crafts station.
Stamp and Dot Art Supplies For Preschoolers
A Dot Art! Markers – Perfect for Preschool Art and Activity Crafts
These A Dot Art! Markers are a game-changer for art projects in your daycare or preschool! This 6-pack of vibrant, rainbow-colored washable paint markers is ideal for toddlers and young children. The unique dot-tip design allows little ones to easily create fun and colorful dot patterns, helping them develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while enjoying hours of creative fun. Whether used for simple dot art, coloring, or crafting, these markers make it easy to add bold colors to any project. Plus, they’re washable, making cleanup a breeze for busy daycare environments. These markers are a must-have for your preschool art supplies, providing endless fun for children and teachers alike!
Check out all the colors available!
Ultra Bright Shimmer!
Stamp-a-Scene Wooden Stamp Set - Endless Creativity for Kids
These Melissa & Doug Stamp-a-Scene Wooden Stamp Sets are a fantastic way to inspire your little ones’ creativity while learning about the wonders of nature! The stamp set includes 8 hand-carved, wooden stamps featuring animals and plants of the rain forest, allowing children to create their own colorful scenes. Pair it with the scratch art mini-pad, where kids can use a wooden stylus to reveal vibrant colors beneath the black surface, creating unique and beautiful designs. Both activities are excellent for building fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Perfect for your daycare or preschool’s art supplies, this bundle provides hours of fun, creative exploration for kids aged 4 and up!
Craft Punch Set – Fun Shapes for Daycare and Preschool Art Projects
Circle Hole Punch Set
This versatile Circle Hole Punch Set is perfect for hands-on crafting activities in daycares and preschools. With three different sizes—2 inches, 1 inch, and 5/8 inch—it’s ideal for creating art projects, learning shapes, and building fine motor skills. The set includes 10 pieces of craft sticker paper, making it easy for kids to jump right into their next creative project. Durable and easy to use, these punches are a must-have for any art station!
Craft Supplies Organization For Your Daycare
Craft Storage Center-Perfect for Organizing Daycare and Preschool Art Supplies
This Create a Space Storage Center by Learning Resources is one of my favorite organizational tools for daycare and preschool settings! This 10-piece set is a game-changer when it comes to keeping all your preschool art supplies neat and accessible. Whether you’re organizing crayons, markers, glue sticks, or any other supplies, this storage center is perfect for keeping everything in its place. It’s ideal for both preschool classrooms and homeschool spaces, making it easy for little hands to access their materials independently. The sturdy design and colorful compartments not only keep things organized but also add a fun, interactive element to your space. This is a must-have for any educator or parent looking to create a well-organized, efficient art station for kids!
Want more art supply storage? I love this bundle!
The Ultimate Rolling Organizer for Craft Supplies: A Must-Have for Daycares and Preschools
Keep your daycare or preschool art supplies organized and within easy reach with this Craft Rolling Cart. Featuring 40 spacious storage pockets and smooth wheels, it’s perfect for holding everything from markers and scissors to popsicle sticks and beads. Its portable design allows you to roll it between classrooms or move it to your art station effortlessly. Whether you're running a large daycare or a small home-based preschool, this cart is an ideal solution for staying organized and prepared for any creative activity!
Art Drying Rack: Perfect for Daycares and Preschools
Say goodbye to messy drying tables with this 25-shelf mobile art drying rack! Its compact yet sturdy design makes it a must-have for daycare and preschool art centers. With ample space to dry multiple projects at once, this rack is perfect for everything from paintings to collages. The mobile feature allows easy transport between classrooms, and it can also be wall-mounted to save space. This drying rack helps keep your art area neat and ensures every masterpiece dries safely and smudge-free.
Kids Art Table and Easel Chair Set: A Creative Hub for Little Artists
This 3-in-1 art table and easel set is a game-changer for daycare and preschool art areas. Featuring a versatile design, it functions as a desk, easel, and storage solution all in one. The included paper roll keeps creative projects flowing, while the storage bins neatly organize art supplies like markers, paints, and brushes. Perfectly sized for toddlers, this set fosters independence and creativity, making it a favorite spot for drawing, painting, and reading. Its sturdy wood construction ensures durability, even with daily use in busy classrooms.
Montessori Crayon Organizer for Kids
This Montessori-inspired wooden crayon organizer is a must-have for any daycare or preschool art station. Designed to promote independent learning and organization, this sturdy caddy holds crayons, markers, or colored pencils in 11 separate cups, making it easy for little ones to find and use their favorite colors. The stand keeps everything neatly arranged, reducing mess and promoting clean-up skills. While crayons are not included, this organizer works perfectly with standard-sized coloring tools, offering a tidy and efficient way to store art supplies in any classroom or home daycare.
Art Tools & Accessories for Preschoolers
Mini Loop Scissors – Adaptive Self-Opening Scissors for Kids
The Mini Loop Scissors are a fantastic tool for young children learning to cut, as well as for those with special needs who may require extra support. These 5.5-inch scissors feature an adaptive loop design that helps little hands open and close them with ease, promoting independence and building fine motor skills. The set includes six bright colors, making it perfect for group activities in daycare and preschool classrooms. These self-opening scissors are an excellent addition to your preschool art supplies, providing a safe and accessible cutting experience for all children.
Trays for Kids' Art and Play
The Doodle Hog Art Trays are a versatile and colorful must-have for any daycare, preschool, or homeschool setting. This set of 8 sturdy, rainbow-colored trays is perfect for keeping art projects organized and mess-free. Whether you're using them for painting, crafting, sorting Legos, or sensory play with sand, these trays help contain materials and make cleanup a breeze. Their durable design works well in Montessori classrooms and is ideal for fostering creativity while maintaining a tidy workspace. A fantastic addition to your preschool art supplies collection!
Learning Resources Jumbo Colorful Eyedroppers
While this product will definitely be part of my upcoming favorite science tools for daycare and preschool blog post, I just couldn’t resist including it here too! These Jumbo Colorful Eyedroppers are an amazing art resource, perfect for helping little ones explore colors and liquids in creative ways. The set of 6 colorful, oversized eyedroppers encourages kids to engage in exciting color mixing and painting activities, all while building fine motor skills. Whether you’re adding vibrant splashes to a paper or using them for other creative projects, these eyedroppers will bring a new level of fun to your preschool art supplies. Plus, they make a great sensory activity and are perfect for exploring the science of liquids. These are an absolute must-have in any preschool classroom or daycare art center!
I hope this list of my favorite daycare and preschool art supplies has helped you discover some new essentials to make crafting and learning even more fun for your little ones. These supplies have been tried, tested, and loved by my daycare kids, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Be sure to check back soon, as I’ll be publishing more "Daycare and Preschool Resource Lists" to help you find the best tools for your classroom or home daycare. From toys and games to learning resources and decor, I’ll continue sharing my top picks to make your daycare or preschool run smoothly and creatively.
Thanks for reading, and happy crafting!
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