We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
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Whether you’re a long-time artist or you’ve always wanted to pick up a drawing habit, choosing art supplies can be time-consuming and confusing. With the endless variety of pencils, paints, erasers, and other drawing materials available, how does one choose? An art set simplifies everything. These sets include an assortment of drawing and painting tools that cater to every experience level.
Before you add an art set to your cart, it would be useful to consider some factors. Is this art set for an absolute beginner? If so, you might search for one that comes with a drawing guide with expert tips. Some art sets are meant for drawing only, while others include both drawing and painting tools. And, of course, you’ll want everything in a neat, attractive box.
Our top pick is the iBayam 150-Pack Art Supplies, which comes with everything an artist needs to get started.
Editors’ Favorite
Number of Pieces: 150 | Types Included: Colored Pencils, Crayons, Oil Pastels, Watercolor Cakes, Sketch Pencils, Paint Brushes | Sketchbook Sheets: NA
The iBayam 150-Pack Art Supplies is a comprehensive art kit that includes a wide selection of tools for drawing, painting and sketching. It features colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, sketch pencils, paintbrushes and paper pads.
Everything included in the set is nontoxic, making it safe for kids and adults. Tools are neatly organized in a durable storage case that keeps them accessible and protected, so it’s easy to take them with you to school, work or when traveling.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into art or an experienced artist, this kit is excellent for coloring, illustration, painting and other creative projects.
Great Value
Number of Pieces: 176 | Types Included: Graphite pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal pencils, white charcoal pencils, metallic pencils | Sketchbook Sheets: 100
The CALIART 176-Piece Art Set is the best option for beginners who want something comprehensive yet affordable. It includes a 100-sheet sketchbook with white, tan and black paper and provides multiple drawing surfaces for sketching, shading and more.
Included in the kit are graphite, colored, watercolor, charcoal, white charcoal and metallic pencils, along with blending stumps, a refillable water brush, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, a pencil extender, and a sandpaper block. Everything is organized in a compact travel case for easy storage and traveling.
It’s a versatile set, and the quality is surprising given its lower cost compared to other art sets. Whether you’re a student, artist or design enthusiast, this set offers everything you need to get started and put your creativity to paper.
Best for Kids
Number of Pieces: 140 | Types Included: Crayola crayons, washable markers, short colored pencils | Sketchbook Sheets: 15
This Crayola Inspiration Art Case Space Coloring Set is the best option for those who want something comprehensive yet compact for convenient transport. It includes crayons, washable markers, colored pencils and 15 large drawing sheets.
The durable carrying case keeps everything neatly organized with compartments, secure latches and a handle for easy transport, making it one of the best kits for drawing while commuting or traveling by air. All tools are nontoxic and safe, making them suitable for kids as young as 5 and an excellent set for teachers to keep in the classroom.
It’s not as comprehensive as other kits, but it’s a terrific value pick for beginners looking to explore their artistic and creative sides.
All artists, aspiring or veteran, must have a good-quality art set. But a beginner can be intimidated by a 180-piece kit. In that case, beginners should lean toward sets that include a drawing booklet for reference. You may also want a smaller art set, with no more than 60 pieces. That should be plenty to master the basics, play around, and figure out the drawing techniques you like before you move on to a more comprehensive kit. Veteran artists already know their style and will have an easier time deciding on a set. While experts can certainly benefit from a 145-piece set, there’s no harm in choosing a simpler model, too.
Drawing: Of all the art-making tools, the pencil is the most utilitarian and common. Chances are you’ve already used a No. 2 pencil for doodles in the margins of your notes or for quick sketches in lieu of an art set. Here are some of the drawing tools an art set might contain:
Painting: If you know that you want to stick with paint, then a painting set isn’t a bad idea. Some of these include a mini palette and arrive in a wooden box that can be turned into an easel.
Multimedia: Whether you’re a multimedia artist or you want to dabble, a multimedia art set can cover all your needs. Many of these sets contain graphite pencils, colored pencils, watercolors and/or acrylic paints, a pencil sharpener, one or two erasers, and a miniature palette.
Container: Art sets include dozens of pieces, so it's imperative to have a sturdy container that keeps your things in order. Many painting or multimedia sets arrive in a wooden box, and some boxes turn into a desktop easel. If you anticipate traveling with your art set or sketching or painting outdoors, a container with a handle is especially useful. Some more streamlined sets come in a zippered case that you can easily toss in your bag or backpack.
Sketchbook: If you’re particular about the paper you use, you may already have a sketchbook on hand. For those who aren’t, it’s always helpful to get an art kit that includes one. Sketchbooks aren’t a given with all art sets, so be sure to check carefully. Sketchbooks aren’t terribly expensive, and art supply and craft stores have a wide selection.
Art sets range in price from $10 to $150, with most sets in the $10 to $50 range.
Inexpensive: As with many things, when it comes to art sets, you get what you pay for. An art set in the $10 to $15 range is a great gift for kids and a small investment for you. However, someone who’s worked with high-quality pencils and paints will immediately notice the diminished quality, especially if the art set contains 80 or more pieces.
Mid-range: Art sets that cost between $15 and $25 are a step up in terms of quality. You can find a compact set of drawing pencils or acrylic paints at this price point.
Expensive: If you’re looking for a quality art set with over 100 pieces, $25 to $50 is the sweet spot. These sets will likely arrive in a nice wooden box. The higher the price point, the higher the quality and more comprehensive the components.
Premium: Over $50 is the price category for artists who know what they’re doing. Professional-quality pens, pastels, and paints aren’t cheap. Many of these sets can be transformed into a desktop easel, too.
A. Different materials have different shelf lives, but a well-kept art kit can last a few years. Just remember to store the set in a cool, dry place and avoid dropping the materials.
A. Not all kits are nontoxic. Oil paints, for example, should be used in an open and well-ventilated space. Most of our recommended art kits don’t include oil paints, however. Acrylic paints are non-toxic when used for conventional painting. Check the kit’s ingredients and labels to be sure.
A. Yes, there are sets suitable for children, grandchildren, or prized art students. Just check the materials to make sure they’re nontoxic. Also note that art kits contain small pieces, therefore they’re not suitable for children under age three.
We searched for comprehensive art kits with a wide selection of tools and drawing surfaces for beginners and experienced artists to get started right out of the box. The best sets include a case for travel and organization and multiple tools, such as colored pencils, watercolor markers and oil pastels, to give artists more creative options to explore.
