Making an art box for your child is a great way to help them learn about the world around
them and also introduce them to the world of art. A collection of age appropriate art
supplies is an essential fun learning toy for any child and will help them learn about colors,
shapes and textures, as well as introduce them to different arts and crafts materials. Help
feed your toddler’s desire to explore their world with a collection of art and craft supplies in
their very own art box!
Above all, anything you include in your toddler's art box should first and foremost be safe.
That means any art or craft supplies included in their box should be non-toxic and have no
sharp edges or harmful chemicals. Be sure to read and adhere to age recommendations for
any art supplies that you include in your toddler’s art box. Also, no matter how safe or
harmless the materials you include in your art box seem to be, be sure to always supervise your children during their art playtime.
All you need to get started is an old sturdy shoe box or inexpensive plastic tote to hold your
art supplies. Minimize mess by including an art smock or old t-shirt that your toddler can
wear to protect their clothing. Include a variety of craft items that will help introduce your
child to color, shapes, and textures. These items can be found at most craft stores, but take a
look around your home and you will most likely find some cost-free additions!
Here are my suggestions for some supplies that you may want to include in your child's
art box:
Items that introduce a child to color:
Introduce your child to the world of color by including crayons, washable markers, colored
pencils, finger paints, and different colored construction paper in your art box.
Items that introduce a child to shapes:
Items that help introduce your child to the world of shapes include wooden Popsicle
sticks, wooden cut-out flat shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles, that are about
four inches or larger in size and that can be painted or colored are available at most craft stores and are a great way to teach your toddler about shapes. Peel-off sticker-back foam shapes are also a toddler favorite for sticking on construction paper.
Items that introduce a child to texture:
Things that introduce your child to the world of texture include pieces of felt, lengths of yarn and ribbon, material scraps, construction paper, clay or play-doh, pipe cleaners, feathers, pom-poms and cotton balls.
Don't forget!
Other essentials for your art box include washable glue, a glue stick, masking tape,
stickers, coloring books, tissue paper, a ruler, and simple, traceable stencils.
With a little guidance from you and their own imagination, an art box is a wonderful way to entertain your toddler and help them learn all about art! Check out some of the neat family
friendly craft ideas below.
Family craft idea: Maracas made with plastic Easter eggs & plastic spoons. Fill eggs
with dry rice or beans, place egg between spoons and wrap with masking tape around
spoon ends and around spoons and eggs. Decorate tape with markers.
What do you think?
I hope you have a great week
Love, Laura
