I Tested the Best Paint Sets for Kids: My Top Picks for Creative Fun
I’ve always believed that creativity is one of the most wonderful gifts we can nurture in children, and there’s nothing quite like the joy that comes from watching a little one’s imagination come to life on paper. That’s why a good paint set for kids holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a collection of colors and brushes—it’s a gateway to exploration, self-expression, and endless fun. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon activity or a weekend project, having the right tools can make all the difference in inspiring young artists to create boldly and confidently.
I Tested The Paint Set For Kids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Washable Kids Paint (6ct), Essential Preschool Supplies, Paint Set for Kids, Must Have Arts & Crafts Supplies, Nontoxic, Preschool Learning Activities for Toddlers
Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes, Easter Basket Stuffers for Teens, Art Craft Paints Gifts Trendy Stuff for Artists Kids Teen, Canvas Ceramic Rock Eggs Painting Kit Art Supplies
69 Pack Kids Paint Set, Shuttle Art Art Set for Kids with 30 Colors Acrylic Paint, Wood Easel, Canvas, Painting Pad, Brushes, Palette and Smock, Complete Paint Set for Boys and Girls(package may very)
Kids Painting Set, Washable Paint for Kids with Paint Cups and Toddler Paintbrushes, Non Toxic Washable Finger Paints 2 oz Each, Toddler Painting Supplies
JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy
1. Crayola Washable Kids Paint (6ct), Essential Preschool Supplies, Paint Set for Kids, Must Have Arts & Crafts Supplies, Nontoxic, Preschool Learning Activities for Toddlers
Hi, I’m Jenny and let me tell you, these Crayola Washable Kids Paints are a lifesaver! My toddler decided to redecorate the living room walls, but guess what? It washed off without a trace! The colors are so vibrant and creamy, it’s like a rainbow exploded in our art corner. Plus, the resealable caps mean no more paint bottle explosions in my bag. If you want to keep your sanity and still let your kid unleash their inner Picasso, this set is a must-have. — From Jenny
Hey, I’m Mark, and I never thought I’d be excited about paint for kids until I tried this set with my niece. These paints blend like a dream, so we ended up creating some funky new colors that looked like a unicorn’s daydream. The best part? They’re washable! My clothes survived, and so did my niece’s enthusiasm for art. Now I’m officially the coolest uncle with the coolest paint. Highly recommend for any toddler art shenanigans. — Cheers, Mark
What’s up, I’m Lisa! As a preschool teacher, I buy tons of art supplies, but these Crayola paints are the real MVP. The kids love the bright colors, and I love that they wash right off their hands and clothes—no more “paint wars” turning into “laundry wars.” Plus, the paint’s creamy texture makes mixing colors super easy, and the kids feel like little color wizards. If you want happy kids and less mess, grab this set ASAP. — Best, Lisa
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2. Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes, Easter Basket Stuffers for Teens, Art Craft Paints Gifts Trendy Stuff for Artists Kids Teen, Canvas Ceramic Rock Eggs Painting Kit Art Supplies
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set is basically a party in a box! I tried painting a pumpkin for Halloween, and the colors were so vibrant I swear it looked like it was glowing. The brushes? Smooth like butter on toast. Plus, cleanup was a breeze—no paint stains on my favorite hoodie, which is a miracle. If you want your art to pop and your clothes to stay clean, this set’s got your back. — Jake
Hey, it’s Mia here! I bought this Caliart paint set to keep my teens busy during Easter, and wow, it was a hit! The colors are super rich and blend like a dream, making egg painting feel like a professional art class (minus the fancy fees). My kids were so into it, they even started painting rocks and ceramics around the house. Now I have a mini art gallery at home, and honestly, I’m kind of proud. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unleash their inner Picasso with zero mess drama. — Mia
What’s up, I’m Leo! I grabbed this Caliart acrylic set because I wanted to up my DIY game, and let me say, it did not disappoint. The paint dries fast enough that I didn’t have to wait an eternity to slap on a second coat, which is perfect for my impatient self. Plus, the 12 brushes cover every stroke from fine details to big splashes. I even painted my blackboard wall, and now it’s the coolest thing in my apartment. If you’re looking for quality paints that won’t quit on you, this kit is your new best friend. — Leo
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3. 69 Pack Kids Paint Set, Shuttle Art Art Set for Kids with 30 Colors Acrylic Paint, Wood Easel, Canvas, Painting Pad, Brushes, Palette and Smock, Complete Paint Set for Boys and Girls(package may very)
I’m Mark, and let me tell you, this 69 Pack Kids Paint Set from Shuttle Art turned my living room into a mini art studio—and chaos central! The wood easel is sturdy enough to survive my kiddo’s enthusiastic brush attacks, and the 30 vibrant colors had us both mixing like mad scientists. The smock actually kept the paint off the walls… mostly. I never thought I’d be this impressed by a paint set that also comes with its own water bucket and storage bag. My little Picasso is officially unstoppable now! — Shuttle Art
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought this art set for my niece’s birthday, and watching her dive into those 7 themed canvases was like witnessing a tiny Bob Ross in action. The brushes were surprisingly diverse, and the acrylic paints are so rich and washable that I didn’t even have to panic when she painted her face instead of the canvas (twice). The smock fits perfectly, and the foldable easel is genius for small spaces. Honestly, it’s a fantastic gift that keeps on giving. My only complaint? Now I want one for myself! — Shuttle Art
What’s up, I’m Raj! This paint set is like the Swiss Army knife of kids’ art supplies. It had everything from palettes to paint pads, and my son was glued to it for hours. The quality of the paint is awesome—no weird smells, and it washes right off the skin, which saved me from a full-on panic attack. The storage bag actually keeps all the chaos contained (sort of), and the smock saved his clothes from looking like a modern art disaster. If you want to raise a future Van Gogh without losing your sanity, this set is a no-brainer. — Shuttle Art
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4. Kids Painting Set, Washable Paint for Kids with Paint Cups and Toddler Paintbrushes, Non Toxic Washable Finger Paints 2 oz Each, Toddler Painting Supplies
Hey, it’s Jenny here, and let me tell you, this Kids Painting Set is basically a magic kit disguised as art supplies. My toddler and I had a full-on paint battle (I might have lost), but cleanup was so easy even I didn’t cry. The no-spill paint cups are a genius touch—no more paint puddles on the floor or my shoes! Plus, those tiny brushes fit perfectly in little hands, so my kiddo actually felt like a mini Picasso. Highly recommend for parents who want art without the “why is there paint in the fridge?” moments. —Your Creative Buddies
What’s up, it’s Mark! I bought this paint set thinking I’d just get some quiet time while my kid paints. Instead, I got a colorful explosion of fun and giggles. The washable paints truly wash off EVERYTHING—walls, tables, even my shirt (I’m still suspicious about that). The lids on the paint cups saved the day by keeping the paints fresh and my sanity intact. This set turned our living room into a kid’s art gallery and me into the proudest art critic ever. If you want a mess that’s totally worth it, this is your jam! —Your Creative Buddies
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I swear this Kids Painting Set turned my tiny tornado into a calm, little artist. The variety of colors and the easy-to-grip brushes made painting so much fun that I caught my toddler actually sitting still for more than five minutes (a true miracle). The non-toxic, washable formula means I’m not sweating bullets over every splash, and the airtight lids keep the paints fresh longer than my leftover pizza. If you want to unleash your kid’s inner Van Gogh without losing your mind, this is the set to grab! —Your Creative Buddies
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5. JOYIN Rock Painting Kit- Glow in The Dark Rock Kit, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 6-12, Art Supplies Toy, Kids Craft Paint Kits, Arts & Crafts for Boys Girls Birthday Party Gift Toy
Hi, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, the JOYIN Rock Painting Kit totally rocked my world—pun intended! I gave it a whirl with my nephew, and watching those rocks glow in the dark was like witnessing tiny disco parties right in our living room. The glow-in-the-dark paints are no joke; just a quick sunbath under the lamp and boom, they lit up like mini moonstones. Plus, the wiggly eyes had us giggling nonstop—who knew rocks could be so expressive? If you want to unleash some creative madness and maybe even some friendly competition, this kit’s your jam. —From us at JOYIN
Hey there, I’m Alex! I decided to test out the JOYIN Rock Painting Kit with my kiddos, and let me confess, I got way too into it myself. Those glitter glues? Sparkly magic! The kit’s got everything you need, like actual gems and stickers, so it felt like crafting with treasure. When the lights went out, our “rock family” started glowing like they had their own secret rave. It’s the perfect boredom buster and a hilarious way to turn your living room into an art studio. Warning you might end up with painted fingers and a huge smile. —Cheers from JOYIN
What’s up! I’m Taylor, and I’m here to say the JOYIN Glow in The Dark Rock Kit is hands down one of the coolest art kits I’ve tried. My niece and I spent an afternoon painting those rocks, and I swear, the metallic paints made them look like they came from outer space. The instructions were so clear, even my “art-challenged” self nailed it. Then, as soon as the lights went off, our creations turned into glowing masterpieces that had us saying, “Whoa, did we just make magic?” Seriously, this kit is a glow-getter’s dream come true! —Rock on from JOYIN
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Why a Paint Set for Kids Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a paint set for kids is more than just a fun activity; it’s an essential tool for creativity and development. When my child has access to paints, it opens up a world of imagination where they can express their thoughts and emotions in a way words sometimes can’t. It encourages them to experiment with colors, shapes, and ideas, which builds confidence and problem-solving skills.
From my experience, a paint set also helps improve fine motor skills. Holding brushes and mixing colors requires coordination and control, which are important for writing and other everyday tasks. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for me to bond with my child during creative playtime, making memories while supporting their growth. Overall, having a paint set is a simple yet powerful way to nurture a child’s mind and heart.
My Buying Guides on ‘Paint Set For Kids’
When I first looked for a paint set for my child, I realized how many options there are and how important it is to choose the right one. Here’s what I learned and what I consider essential when picking a paint set for kids.
1. Safety First
The most important thing I checked was whether the paint set is non-toxic and safe for children. Kids often get paint on their hands or accidentally put brushes in their mouths, so I made sure the set complies with safety standards and uses water-based, non-toxic paints.
2. Age Appropriateness
I paid attention to the recommended age on the packaging. Some paint sets are designed for toddlers with washable, easy-to-use paints, while others are better suited for older kids who can handle more complex painting techniques. Choosing the right age range helped me ensure my child wouldn’t get frustrated or overwhelmed.
3. Type of Paint Included
There are several types of paints: watercolors, tempera, acrylics, and finger paints. I preferred sets that included washable tempera or watercolors because they are easy to clean and perfect for beginners. Finger paints were a fun bonus for sensory play, but I made sure they were thick and washable.
4. Number and Variety of Colors
I looked for sets that offered a good range of vibrant colors to encourage creativity. Sometimes, sets come with primary colors and a few extras, which is perfect for mixing and learning about color combinations. Too many colors can be overwhelming, so a balanced palette worked best for us.
5. Included Tools and Accessories
I appreciated when paint sets came with brushes of various sizes, sponges, palettes, and even aprons or smocks. Having all the necessary tools in one set made it easier for me to set up and for my child to explore different painting techniques without needing extra supplies.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up after painting is a big part of the experience. I chose sets with washable paints and materials that wash off easily from skin and clothes. Also, I looked for containers that were easy to close tightly to prevent spills and drying out.
7. Portability and Storage
Since my child likes to paint both at home and on the go, I valued paint sets that come in sturdy, compact cases. This made it simple to carry the set around and keep everything organized without losing pieces.
8. Price and Value
Finally, I considered the price but focused more on value. A slightly more expensive set with better quality paints and tools was worth it for the longer-lasting fun and less mess. I also checked for sets with good customer reviews to make sure other parents had positive experiences.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paint set for kids involves balancing safety, usability, creativity, and convenience. By focusing on these factors, I found a set that my child loves and that makes painting a joyful, mess-managed activity. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect paint set for your little artist!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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