Designers
ages 5 to 7
Early on in elementary school, a child's design sensibilities expand. This is when many kids connect lines and circles to make people—and are ready for more sophisticated supplies.
1 Buddha Board
Kids can paint designs on this absorbent board with a water-soaked brush, then watch their creations bloom. The board dries to a blank slate again in a few moments. $30, Romp
2 Bake & Bend Clay
The idea is to create a masterpiece, bake it, then enjoy its flexible form. Gumby, watch your back. $16 for eight two-ounce bars, Sculpey, Creative Wholesale.
3 Chunky Duo Colored Chalk
Each of these two-tone chalks looks like a mini-Rothko—and your own mini-Rothko will tear up the sidewalk with them. $8 for six pieces, Magic Cabin.
4 Soft Grip Colored Paint Brush Set
The shape, firm bristles, and rubber grips will make these jewel-toned brushes feel like a natural extension of their eager little hands. $10 for five, Royal Brush, Quincy.
5 Junior Artist Oil Pastels
Chunky and grippable, these are softer than crayons yet as vivid and intense as pastels. Perfect for texture-rubbing tree bark and making blended colors. $9 for a set of 12, Cray-Pas, Dick Blick.
6 Megapoint Markers
Miraculously, these won't dry out when their caps are left off, and the tips spring back even when pressed on "too hard." $10 for 10, Bruynzeel, Magic Cabin.
Next Page: Art supplies for "realists," ages 8 to 10
