Over the years I have noticed that certain supplies get children’s creative juices flowing.  I am providing a “top 15” supply list to help parents and friends who might be searching for a gift item.  Art supplies are a great investment that will hold a child’s interest long after the battery-operated-plastic-gismo has been shoved under the bed.  I have only included brand names when I know that the product is especially child friendly and/or affordable.  In many cases, brands are not important.

1. 1.  Watercolors (please note that “washables” tend to fade).
   

2. 2.  Crayola Model Magic
   

3. 3.  Sharpies or other fine permanent markers.
   

4. 4.  Oil pastels (also come in metallic and florescent colors which kids LOVE).
   

5. 5.  Watercolor pencil sets
   

6. 6.  Masking tape- they can’t get enough!
   

7. 7.  Glitter glue
   

8. 8.  Yarn for weaving (multicolored skeins seem to be the most popular)
   

9. 9.  Large plastic weaving needles (suitable for older grades)
   

10. 10.  Crayola markers
    

11. 11.   Any drawing books by Usborne
    

12. 12.  Any drawing books by Ed Emberley ( i like Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Weirdos) 
    

13. 13.  Ed Emberley’s Complete Fun-print Drawing Book
    

14. 14.  The Usborne Book of Origami
    

15. 15.  Tempera paint.  I highly recommend ordering this paint through an art catalogue, as retail stores tend to sell it in very small bottles.  If price is an issue, start with black, white and the primary colors!

The majority of these supplies can be found at a good arts and crafts store.   If you need a convenient source, I order from WWW.DICKBLICK.COM.  Please note that this is a commercial website and is not connected in any way with our school.