The best art supplies of 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For the most versatile all-in-one starter set, the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set is our top pick because it combines quality materials with a thoughtful variety of mediums.
Choose the Crayola Inspiration Art Case if you want maximum pieces at a popular price; the Faber-Castell Young Artist set if you're ready to invest in premium supplies; the Art 101 Budding Artist set for a no-fuss budget option; or the Prina 50-Piece set if sketching and shading are the main focus.
A good art supply set can be the difference between frustration and creative flow for a budding artist. You want enough variety to explore drawing, coloring, and painting without overwhelming a beginner with dozens of poor-quality tools. The trick is balancing variety with quality: cheap sets often have dull pencils, chalky pastels, or crayons that break easily. A well-chosen set grows with the user, offering refillable or replaceable components. When shopping, look first at the mediums included – decent colored pencils, watercolors, pastels, and markers are a solid foundation. Next, consider the case design: a sturdy wooden or hard-plastic box that keeps everything organized is worth the extra cost. Finally, think about the age and skill level of the artist. Some sets are better for preschoolers who need oversized crayons and washable markers; others suit older kids and teens ready for sketching pencils and fine-tip pens. We’ve combed through owner reviews and expert roundups to find the sets that deliver the best value for each situation.
Crayola Inspiration Art Case, 140 Pieces
the crowd-favorite starter
4.3out of 5This 140-piece case is the go‑to for families who want a little bit of everything at a reasonable cost. The crayons, markers, and colored pencils are classic Crayola quality – predictable and reliable – though serious artists will outgrow it quickly.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set
the premium all-rounder
4.6out of 5This is the set we recommend most often. The wooden storage box is sturdy enough to last for years, and the included mediums – from watercolors to oil pastels – are a cut above typical kids’ sets. It’s an investment that pays off in creative confidence.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Faber-Castell Young Artist's Multicolored Art Set
the serious starter’s upgrade
4.5out of 5Faber-Castell brings its reputation for premium art supplies down to a beginner level. The set focuses on fewer but better items – richly pigmented colored pencils, smooth markers, and a proper sketching pencil. Ideal for a young artist who already knows what they like.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Crayola Inspiration Art Case, 140 Pieces | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Families with multiple children or a young beginner who wants a broad introduction to diff | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | A child or beginner who is serious about exploring different art mediums and will apprecia | Check price → |
| Best value | Faber-Castell Young Artist's Multicolored Art Set | 4.5 / 5 | $$$$ | A tween or teen who loves to draw and wants a step up from standard school supplies withou | Check price → |
| Best budget | Art 101 Budding Artist's Doodle & Draw Art Set | 4.0 / 5 | $ | Parents who want a low-commitment first set to see if their child shows interest. | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Prina 50-Piece Drawing Sketching Art Set | 4.2 / 5 | $$ | An older kid, teen, or adult beginner who wants to focus on realistic drawing and sketchin | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Crayola Inspiration Art Case, 140 Pieces: the crowd-favorite starter
Best overallThis 140-piece case is the go‑to for families who want a little bit of everything at a reasonable cost. The crayons, markers, and colored pencils are classic Crayola quality – predictable and reliable – though serious artists will outgrow it quickly.
Pros
- Huge variety of 140 pieces covers all the basics
- Hard plastic carrying case with a handle is easy to tote
- Crayola name means consistent, non-toxic quality
- Great value for the number of items included
Cons
- Colored pencils are waxy and not ideal for blending
- The case feels a bit flimsy and latches can break over time
- Includes many small pieces that can get lost easily
Who it’s for
Families with multiple children or a young beginner who wants a broad introduction to different mediums.Who should skip it
You need high-quality pencils or thick watercolor paint – this set is more about quantity than artist-grade performance.2. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set: the premium all-rounder
Runner-upThis is the set we recommend most often. The wooden storage box is sturdy enough to last for years, and the included mediums – from watercolors to oil pastels – are a cut above typical kids’ sets. It’s an investment that pays off in creative confidence.
Pros
- Beautiful, durable wooden case with a carrying handle and closure
- Excellent variety: colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, crayons, and more
- Quality materials that actually work well (good pigment, smooth application)
- Activities and instructions included to inspire guided creativity
Cons
- Pricier than most all-in-one sets
- Watercolor pan is small – fine for dabbling but not serious painting
- Some users wish the colored pencils were a bit softer for shading
Who it’s for
A child or beginner who is serious about exploring different art mediums and will appreciate quality tools that last.Who should skip it
Your budget is very tight – the value is there, but it’s a meaningful splurge.3. Faber-Castell Young Artist's Multicolored Art Set: the serious starter’s upgrade
Best valueFaber-Castell brings its reputation for premium art supplies down to a beginner level. The set focuses on fewer but better items – richly pigmented colored pencils, smooth markers, and a proper sketching pencil. Ideal for a young artist who already knows what they like.
Pros
- Faber-Castell colored pencils are among the best for blending and layering
- The case is compact and well-organized with elastic bands to keep everything in place
- Includes a fine-liner pen and a graphite pencil for more detailed work
- Materials feel grown-up – not like a toy
Cons
- Higher price point for fewer pieces than other sets
- No watercolors or pastels – strictly drawing and coloring
- Markers are not refillable and run out faster than expected
Who it’s for
A tween or teen who loves to draw and wants a step up from standard school supplies without jumping to professional stock.Who should skip it
You’re looking for a well-rounded set that includes painting – this is drawing-focused.4. Art 101 Budding Artist's Doodle & Draw Art Set: the budget-friendly option
Best budgetThis is a perfectly fine entry-level set that won’t strain your wallet. It covers the basics with colored pencils, markers, crayons, and a few extras. The quality is what you’d expect at this price – workable but not outstanding.
Pros
- Very affordable – one of the cheapest complete sets available
- Includes a sketch pad and step-by-step drawing instructions
- Lightweight carry case with a handle is good for on-the-go
- Good for preschoolers and early elementary kids
Cons
- Colored pencils are hard and scratchy
- Markers dry out relatively quickly
- The case is a thin cardboard box, not durable
Who it’s for
Parents who want a low-commitment first set to see if their child shows interest.Who should skip it
You want tools that will last through heavy use – this set is disposable in practical terms.5. Prina 50-Piece Drawing Sketching Art Set: the pencil-and-pastel specialist
Runner-upIf drawing, shading, and sketching are the primary interest, this set delivers excellent graphite and charcoal pencils, tortillons, and a kneaded eraser. The soft pastels are a nice bonus. It’s not a general art set, but it does its niche very well.
Pros
- Strong selection of graphite pencils (4H to 6B) and charcoal sticks
- Includes blending stumps, a sandpaper block, and a pencil extender – thoughtful professional touches
- Zippered nylon case is compact and durable
- Good for learning shading and tonal techniques
Cons
- No colored pencils, markers, or paints – drawing only
- Pastels can be messy and not ideal for young children
- The case has no individual slots, so pencils can rattle against each other
Who it’s for
An older kid, teen, or adult beginner who wants to focus on realistic drawing and sketching.Who should skip it
You want a colorful all-in-one for creative play – this is a monochrome tool for intentional practice.Best for specific needs
Best for all-around beginners
If you’re buying for a young child who wants to try every medium – crayons, markers, watercolors, pastels – the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set is the most balanced choice. Its quality materials and sturdy case mean it will survive the inevitable drops and still perform well. For pure variety at a lower price, the Crayola Inspiration Art Case is the runner-up. Our pick: Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set.
Best for the budding artist who values quality
When your child has moved past simple coloring and shows real interest in drawing, the Faber-Castell Young Artist Multicolored Art Set gives them tools that feel like an artist’s tool kit. The pencils blend beautifully, and the case is designed to be carried to a class or park. It’s an investment that encourages careful handling and pride in craft. Our pick: Faber-Castell Young Artist Multicolored Art Set.
Best for focused sketching and drawing practice
For older kids or teens who want to improve their pencil technique, nothing beats the Prina 50-Piece Drawing Sketching Art Set. The range of graphite and charcoal pencils lets them experiment with line weight and shading, and the blending tools are rarely found in beginner sets. It’s a focused, non-distracting set for serious practice. Our pick: Prina 50-Piece Drawing Sketching Art Set.
Our verdict
The right art set doesn’t just fill a box – it builds a creative habit. For most families, the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Art Set strikes the best balance of quality, variety, and longevity. If your budget is tighter or you need a quick starter, the Crayola Inspiration Art Case still delivers reliable fun. And for the young artist who’s ready to dive deep into drawing, the Prina set or the Faber-Castell set will support their growth without holding them back. Whichever you choose, pair it with a stack of good paper and the freedom to make messes.