Helping your child tap into their creative side doesn’t have to break the bank. Kids of all ages love to get art supplies as gifts. But don’t feel like you have to spend the big bucks to give your kids hours of creative fun. Here are 14 gift ideas, most of which you can find at your local arts and crafts store.

1. Colored paper is essential for any artist’s ability to start their creative adventures. It can be used for drawing, cutting, gluing, etc. The paper is just the beginning. 
2. Every kid needs an assortment of markers on hand. There are lots of ways to spice it up. Buy an assortment of colors – tropical, bold, multicultural and classics. And, markers aren’t just for art work. They are also great for writing colorful notes, doodling and drawing.
3. You are never too old for a fresh pack of crayons and coloring books. The smell of new crayons, with their sharp points delights even adults. Choose your coloring books carefully because some images are too complex and difficult to color. Be sure the level of complexity matches the age and ability of your artist.
4. Colored Pencils require a bit more effort than coloring with markers, but they allow us to color and draw more detailed and refined pieces. Buy the fancier quality with lots of great colors, and include an electric pencil sharpener to make things easier for your artist.
5. Collage Materials such as pipe cleaners, craft sticks, felt pieces, glue, self-adhesive jewels, googly eyes, sequins, embroidery floss, beads, pom poms can be the inspiration your artist needs to be creative.
6. Modeling clay is always a great gift because it allows kids to build, make and create three dimensionally.  Younger children will enjoy less sophisticated Play doh. This inexpensive, non toxic modeling clay comes in a variety of colors and has a bevy of accessories available to keep the learning interesting.
7. Pastels are a great step up from markers and crayons. Soft pastels allow kids to layer and blend colors and are best used on construction paper. Buy a student grade, with lots of color choices (the 24 pack) and let the blending begin.
8. Younger kids enjoy using brushes and water to paint and there is not too much mess involved. But, for older artists who are past the basic tray of paints, try watercolors in tubes. Tubes offer more quantity, better quality paints and lots of blending and mixing opportunities for your artist. Look for a student grade and throw in a few brushes.
9. A sketchbook is great for keeping drawings in one place while you’re on the go. Small hands often enjoy small spaces to write so make the sketchbook a mini. Look for a 4 x 6 inch mini sketchbook at your local arts and craft store.
10. Oil pastels, similar to soft pastels, are an oil based and less messy version of pastels. The creamy colors offer lots of opportunity to blend, smear, over-lap and add texture to drawings. Again, choose a student grade with lots of color choices.
11. For small children, cutting with scissors helps them develop fine motor skills. For older kids, scissors are essential for just about every aspect of creation.
12. Our young kids need to make, see and do, and arts and crafts kits are the perfect way to keep them engaged in making. There are kits to match every interest. Look for glass painting, bead making, mosaics, leather work and much more.
13. Art Classes build communication skills, confidence and is the most natural way for visual kids to express themselves. Learning to draw improves fine motor and problem-solving skills and strengthens classroom learning.

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