Short answer: for toddlers and kindy kids, start with washable poster paint, chubby brushes and crayons. From about 5 to 8, add a small acrylic set and a paint-by-outline canvas, and from 9 up they can use the same paints, air-dry clay and visual diaries as adults. For the summer holidays, one boxed kit per child keeps things simple, and schools and ECE centres can buy class lots of 20 to 30.
- Kiwi-owned, Morningside, Auckland
- Dispatched in 1 to 3 working days
- Free NZ shipping on $75+
- 14-day change-of-mind returns
I'm Tracey, and most of the questions we get from parents and teachers come down to the same few things: what's safe for their age, what washes out, and what will keep them busy for more than ten minutes. This page pulls it all together. Browse the full kids art supplies collection, or jump to the section you need.
Kids art supplies by age
Toddlers and kindy (ages 2 to 5)
Little ones paint with their whole arm, so they need thick handles and paint that comes out of clothes. The Mont Marte Kids Chubby Brushes 3pc ($7.49) have fat wooden handles made for a whole-hand grip, sized for ages 2 to 5. Pair them with Bright Poster Paint 250ml 4pc ($17.99). It's labelled non-toxic and washable, and the flip-top lids mean nobody loses a cap. A tin of Mont Marte Crayons 36pc ($3.99) rounds it out for quiet colouring. Running a centre? Our guide to art supplies for kindy and ECE centres covers quantities and storage.
Ages 5 to 8
This is when kids want their painting to look like something. The Kids Canvas Painting Set ($14.99) has the picture already outlined on a stretched canvas, with six paints, brushes and a palette, so it turns out like the box. It isn't suitable for under 3s because of small parts. For drawing, the Kids Draw and Stick Pack ($19.99) has colour pencils, crayons, washable glue and an A5 sketchbook. Not sure which paint suits which age? Read our best paints for kids by age guide.
Ages 9 to 12
Older kids are ready for proper acrylics. The Signature Acrylic Paint Set 12 x 12ml ($8.99) is the one we hand to anyone starting out: twelve colours including white and black, dry in 20 to 30 minutes. Acrylic is permanent once dry, so use an old shirt. Air-dry clay is the other big hit at this age. A 500g block of Mont Marte Premium Air Hardening Clay is $5.99, sets at room temperature in 24 to 48 hours and needs no oven. More ideas in our clay and sculpting supplies guide.
Teens and NCEA students
Secondary students need adult materials and a good place to keep their thinking. Start with a visual diary: the Signature Visual Art Diary A4 is $9.99 for 120 pages. Add the Sketching Set in Wallet 18pc ($24.99), which has graphite pencils from 2B to 8B, charcoal pencils, blending stumps, a sharpener and an A5 pad. The full list is further down.
Summer holiday craft ideas for kids in NZ
The summer school holidays run from mid-December to late January, which is a long stretch to fill. What works best for most families is one boxed project per week, with everything in it, so there's no last-minute trip to the shops.
- Mini Masterpiece Kit ($26.99): two mini easels with canvases, poster paint, a palette and chubby brushes. Ages 4 and up. One painting to keep, one for Nana.
- Rainy Day Kids Art Box ($39.99): play dough, poster paint, an A3 pad and brushes for wet days indoors.
- Paint Your Name Kit ($19.99): a 20cm wooden letter with gold, silver and glitter paint. Good for bedroom doors.
- Family Night In Air Dry Clay Pinch Pot Kit ($69.99): 4kg of clay, paints, brushes and tools for 4 to 6 people.
Browse everything in school holiday craft supplies, then pick a project. We've written up 14 air-dry clay projects for the school holidays, 12 school holiday craft ideas, easy holiday activities with simple supplies and rainy day crafts using what you already have. For safety tips on materials, see safe materials and fun projects for kids.
Teacher gifts NZ: end-of-year ideas
Teachers write lists all day and rarely get time to make anything for themselves. A Signature Visual Art Diary A5 ($5.99) and Mont Marte Mini Fineliners 12pc ($8.99) come to $14.98. Our ready-packed Secret Santa gifts at $9.99 and $14.99 work just as well for teachers, and the sketching set above makes a lovely gift for an art teacher. There are more ideas under $15 and $30 in our end-of-year teacher gifts guide. Order in the first week of December to be safe. Our Christmas delivery cut-off is Monday 14 December.
Classroom and ECE bulk art supplies
For end-of-year class gifts or stocking up for Term 1, our End-of-Year Class Lots save you buying 30 of everything separately.
| Lot | What's in it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-Year Class Gift Lot | 30 pocket art diaries and 30 glitter paints, one each for 30 kids | $109.99 |
| ECE Messy Play Paint Bundle | Six 500ml washable poster paints, chunky brushes, foam rollers and palettes | $79.99 |
| Class Lot: Kids Paint Brushes x 20 Sets | 60 thick, short-handled brushes for kindy and junior classes | $59.99 |
| Class Lot: Pocket Art Diaries A6 x 30 | 30 A6 visual diaries, one per child | $69.99 |
See every lot and pack in classroom and school packs. For a quote, a bigger order or a GST invoice, use our school and teacher orders page or email info@handymandy.co.nz.
NCEA and back to school art supplies
School goes back in late January and early February, and NCEA Visual Arts lists tend to arrive in the first week. Most students need:
- An A4 or A3 visual diary for the workbook
- Graphite pencils from 2B to 8B, an eraser and a sharpener
- A basic acrylic set and a few brushes
- Canvas panels or heavier paper for finished pieces
Always check your school's own list first. Our NCEA art supplies checklist goes item by item, and how to build an NCEA visual arts portfolio kit helps with the folio itself. Pencil cases, diaries and paints for younger students are in back to school supplies.
Shipping: $5.99 on orders under $25, $8.99 from $25 to $74.99, and free on $75 or more, NZ only. Black Friday runs 27 to 30 November, a good time to stock up for summer.
Frequently asked questions
What art supplies does a 3-year-old need?
Chubby brushes, washable poster paint, crayons and big sheets of paper. Cover the table, use an old shirt as a smock and stay close by.
Which kids paint is washable?
Mont Marte poster paint is labelled non-toxic and washable, so it's the one for little kids. Acrylic paint washes off brushes while wet but is permanent once dry.
What are cheap school holiday activities in NZ?
A $5.99 block of air-dry clay will keep kids busy for an afternoon making pinch pots or animals, and it dries without an oven. Painting rocks or shells collected at the beach costs nothing but paint.
What is a good teacher gift under $15?
A Signature Visual Art Diary A5 with Mini Fineliners 12pc comes to $14.98. Our ready-packed $9.99 and $14.99 gifts are another easy option.
What art supplies do I need for NCEA?
Usually a visual diary, a range of graphite pencils, acrylic paints, brushes and canvas or heavy paper. Check your school's list, then use our NCEA checklist.
Can schools and ECE centres get a quote or GST invoice?
Yes. Use the school and teacher orders page or email info@handymandy.co.nz. Orders of $75 or more ship free anywhere in NZ.