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If you’ve ever stared at a toy aisle wondering which art goodies are actually worth your money, this post is for you. I love picking little, useful gifts that spark creativity without breaking the bank — perfect for party favors, stocking stuffers, or a surprise on the kitchen table. Every gift below is under $20 (at the time I checked) and available on Amazon so you can grab one fast. I’ll explain what makes each item useful, how it solves common parent problems (mess! boredom! short attention spans!), and how to use them for meaningful art time.
Why cheap doesn’t mean cheap experience
Kids don’t need expensive kits to build skills or confidence — they need accessible, safe materials that invite play. These picks focus on durability, washability, and open-ended creativity so they actually get used again and again (and don’t leave you scrubbing markers off the couch).
My top 10 under-$20 gifts (with Amazon sources)
Markers that actually wash out of clothes and off skin = huge win. Great for drawing, journaling, and color-coding projects. Washable means less stress for parents and more experimentation for kids. Amazon
This 12-color set features self-outlining metallic ink that adds a magical shimmer to every doodle, journal, or craft. Perfect as a stocking stuffer for kids and teens ages 4–16, these trendy pens are fun for art projects, cards, and school crafts. A colorful, eye-catching gift that brings extra shine to any creative moment! Amazon
3. DIY Wooden Magnets, 36 pcs.
This 36-piece set lets kids paint and decorate their own magnets, making it perfect for arts and crafts. Ideal for ages 4–12, it’s a fun, hands-on activity that encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and colorful DIY fun. Amazon
Watercolors introduce kids to painting without complex cleanup. Prang is a classic kid-friendly brand with vivid, washable pans that are easy for small hands to use. Pair with a small brush and paper pad for an instant gift bundle. Amazon
A proper sketchbook makes artwork feel official. Kids love having a "special book" for their drawings, and parents love one place for artwork to live (less paper everywhere!). Look for 60–100 sheets of heavier paper so markers & light watercolor don’t bleed through. Amazon
Dot markers are perfect for little hands and early-learning art: stamp, pattern, and explore color without needing a brush. They’re great for preschooler fine motor practice and mess-controlled projects. Amazon
Modeling clay that air-dries is ideal for sculpting, storytelling props, and sensory play — no oven, no kiln. Lightweight and easy to decorate when dry. Excellent for STEM + art crossovers (build a creature, then write its story!). Amazon
Reusable sticker pads and scene builders are low-mess, high-imagination. They’re perfect for travel, quiet time, or creative storytelling practice. Kids can rearrange stickers and compose scenes without art supplies or cleanup. Amazon
These give kids brush-style strokes without the fuss of jars of water. Refillable water brushes and watercolor pens make painting portable and intuitive; great for sketchbook play, travel, and introducing wash techniques. Amazon
This book is a fun and easy drawing book packed with step-by-step lessons for young artists! Kids will learn how to draw animals, plants, sports, foods, and so much more — all through simple, beginner-friendly instructions. Perfect for ages 6–12, this book builds confidence, sparks creativity, and makes art time exciting and stress-free. A great gift for budding artists who love to draw everything! Amazon
How these solve real parent problems
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Mess anxiety: Washable markers, tempera paints, and dot markers reduce cleanup stress so you’re more likely to say “yes” to art time. (Markers and paints above are specifically labeled washable.)
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Short attention spans: Open-ended tools (stickers, sketchbooks, modeling clay) invite repeat play in small bursts — perfect for short attention spans.
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Budget limits: Every item here is inexpensive on Amazon and versatile — one small kit can supply weeks of creative play. (Check current Amazon pricing for deals.)
Gift-ready bundles (three quick ideas)
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Starter Painter Bundle: Prang watercolors + small sketchbook + refillable water brush pen.
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On-the-Go Art Pack: Colored pencils + compact sketchbook + Melissa & Doug sticker pad.
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Toddler Creativity Kit: Do-A-Dot markers + chunky crayons + Model Magic.
Each bundle stays well under $20 if you pick single packs and seasonally watch Amazon deals. (I often watch “Amazon’s Choice” or check small sellers for lower prices.)
Tips to make these gifts even better
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Wrap a couple of items in tissue and tuck a small handwritten “art prompt” inside (e.g., “Draw your favorite animal doing something silly”). Prompts jump-start creativity and reduce that “I don’t know what to draw” pause.
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Pair supplies with a cheap roll of craft paper or a clipboard — both extend play and protect surfaces.
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Use a small ziploc or pencil case to make a travel kit — sketchbook + pencil set + sticker pad fits in a backpack.
Quick buyer’s checklist (what to watch for on Amazon)
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Look for “washable” on markers/paints if cleanup matters.
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Check the pack size (12 vs. 24) and paper weight for sketchbooks (60–100gsm is better for markers/washable watercolor).
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Read recent reviews for spill or quality issues — product pages on Amazon typically show what other parents noticed. (I linked the product pages above so you can check the latest prices and reviews.)
Final thoughts
Affordable, high-use art supplies are one of the best investments for a child’s curiosity and confidence. If you want one foolproof starter gift, go with a small sketchbook + colored pencils + a set of washable markers — it covers drawing, coloring, and mark-making without being intimidating.
Did this help? Drop a comment below — what’s your kid’s favorite art material? Leave a comment and tell me which of these you’d buy (or what creative budget find I missed!).
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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