Finding art supplies for a 5 year old means juggling vibrant creativity with the reality of tempera on the sofa, dry markers, and tiny pieces scattering across the floor. The right set delivers hours of independent play without turning cleanup into a second chore, letting your child’s color mixing and sketching happen freely.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent countless hours researching children’s art kits, comparing the washability claims, the ASTM D-4236 certifications, the number of usable crayons versus filler paper, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to find the sets that truly survive a busy household.
After sorting through dozens of bundles, these five kits consistently earned the highest marks from parents. This roundup of the best art supplies for a 5 year old cuts through the noise to deliver clear recommendations based on real-world durability and safety testing.
How To Choose The Best Art Supplies For A 5 Year Old
Five-year-old artists are at a sweet spot: they can hold a paintbrush with control, draw recognizable shapes, and mix colors, but they still lack the patience for delicate, easy-to-break supplies. The ideal kit balances generous creative freedom with parent-friendly cleanup and storage.
Washability and Non-Toxic Certification
Every item in the set should be labeled washable from skin, clothing, and most surfaces. Look for tempera paint formulas that are water-based. The kit must also carry ASTM D-4236 certification, which confirms the materials contain no harmful chemicals and are safe for repeated use by young children.
Usable Piece Count and Variety
A 335-piece set sounds impressive, but what matters is how many of those pieces are real creative tools. Five-year-olds benefit from a range that includes both thick crayons and thin markers for fine-motor practice, plus at least one type of paint (watercolor cakes or tempera). Skip kits overloaded with paper clips or tiny items that add count but create clutter.
Storage and Portability
A sturdy case with individual slots or elastic straps prevents the classic “three colors left in the box” scenario. Look for a trifold or clamshell design that keeps every crayon, pastel, and brush in place during car rides or storage. The case itself should be durable enough to withstand being dropped off a sofa or thrown into a backpack.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMOL 237-Piece Set | All-in-One | Creative variety with an easel | Double-sided trifold easel | Amazon |
| AOTEMOON 243-Piece Set | All-in-One | Two artists sharing the kit | 243 pieces with origami & scissors | Amazon |
| Shuttle Art 335-Piece Set | All-in-One | Maximum piece count per dollar | 335 pieces with oil pastels | Amazon |
| The Mega Deals Paint Set | Paint Focused | Mess-free painting with no-spill cups | 10 no-spill cups with lids | Amazon |
| The Mega Deals Premium Paint Set | Paint Focused | Painting beginners with brush control | 10 brushes + 10 paint cups | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. TMOL 237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel
The TMOL set earns the top spot because it brings a real double-sided trifold easel into the mix at a budget-friendly price, turning any flat surface into a mini studio. The 237-piece count is lean but purposeful: 24 crayons, 48 oil pastels, 12 thick markers, 24 thin markers, 24 colored pencils, 18 watercolor cakes, a palette, two sketchbooks, and a sponge. The easel has a chalkboard side and a whiteboard side, giving a five-year-old two distinct surfaces to explore without needing extra boards.
Parent feedback consistently highlights the sturdy metal and wood construction of the case, which keeps all components organized with interior elastic straps. Many note that the thick markers are especially forgiving for small hands that haven’t yet mastered a perfect grip, and the non-toxic certification (ASTM D-4236) means no worries when a crayon inevitably ends up in a mouth. The only common complaint is that some users wish the watercolor cakes were a touch larger, but the included paintbrush and sponge make mixing straightforward.
For a five-year-old who wants to switch between drawing, painting, pastel blending, and even chalkboard fun, this kit covers four creative modes in one organized case. It balances variety with real durability, making it the most practical everyday art station for a family with limited space.
What works
- Double-sided easel (chalkboard + whiteboard) encourages two kids to work simultaneously
- Thick markers are easy for 5-year-old hands to control
- Sturdy case with elastic straps keeps everything organized
What doesn’t
- Watercolor cake size is smaller than some standalone sets
- Instruction booklet for origami is missing from the kit
2. AOTEMOON 243-Piece All in One Art Supplies
The AOTEMOON set leans into creativity beyond traditional drawing by including 30 origami sheets, a paper-cutting craft with a child-safe scissor, and a double-sided easel. At 243 pieces, it sits comfortably between the mega-count kits and the more focused paint sets. The total includes 24 colored pencils, 24 crayons, 24 watercolor pens, 48 oil pastels, 18 watercolor cakes with a brush and palette, 12 watercolor markers, a drawing book, a coloring book, and the easel.
Verified buyers consistently praise this kit for enabling shared play. The double-sided easel lets a parent and child work opposite each other, or two siblings can each have a side. The origami paper and scissors add a tactile dimension that many five-year-olds crave—folding and cutting engages fine motor skills in a way that markers alone cannot. One reviewer noted that the set was still in heavy rotation weeks after purchase, which is a strong durability signal in the world of children’s art supplies. The case itself is compact (16 x 12 x 2.3 inches) and lightweight enough to carry to a grandparent’s house or a restaurant tabletop.
The most consistent feedback is that the watercolor pens and markers are washable and stain-free, which is the deciding factor for parents who have already scrubbed tempera off a wall. The non-toxic, washable formulation means you can say yes to a spontaneous painting session before dinner without regret.
What works
- Origami sheets and paper-cutting tools extend creative play beyond drawing
- Easel allows two children to draw simultaneously
- Washable materials clean off skin and surfaces easily
What doesn’t
- Oil pastels are slightly smaller than standard size
- No dedicated slot for the easel within the case
3. Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set
With 335 pieces, the Shuttle Art set delivers the highest item count in this roundup, and it earns its place by making nearly every piece genuinely usable. The breakdown includes 48 oil pastels, 24 crayons, 24 colored pencils, 24 mini markers, 12 colored markers, 18 watercolor cakes, two drawing pads, two coloring books, and origami papers. The trifold easel is built into the case, providing a stable surface for painting or drawing on any level tabletop.
Buyers mention that the variety of marker types—mini and standard—helps a five-year-old practice different grip styles without frustration. The coloring books are a smart inclusion: many children this age still love staying within lines, and the printed pages give them structure while they experiment with color choice. The case organizes everything in recessed compartments, so cleanup is as simple as snapping the lid shut. Multiple reviews note that the case survived being tossed into car trunks and dropped on hardwood floors without cracking or spilling.
The main compromise for this volume is that the oil pastels and colored pencils are shorter than full-length professional supplies. For a five-year-old’s hands, however, the shorter length actually improves control and reduces breakage. The non-toxic certification and lack of strong odor make this a safe choice for a child who likes to hold crayons close to their nose while concentrating.
What works
- Highest piece count with no filler items
- Two full drawing pads and two coloring books included
- Durable case with recessed compartments for easy cleanup
What doesn’t
- Oil pastels and pencils are shorter than standard
- No paintbrush for the watercolor cakes is included
4. The Mega Deals Kids Painting Set – 10 Colors with Smock
This set strips away the extraneous items and focuses entirely on tempera painting, making it a strong pick if your five-year-old’s main creative outlet is mixing and spreading paint. The bundle includes 10 bottles of 2 oz washable tempera paint, 7 paintbrushes, a mixing palette, and a waterproof smock sized for ages 2–7. The paint is water-based, non-toxic, and washes off skin, walls, and clothing with just soap and water.
Parent reviews are nearly unanimous on two points: the paint has bright, vibrant pigment that doesn’t look watered down, and it lacks the strong chemical smell that some budget paints carry. The smock is machine-washable and made from lightweight polyester fibers that don’t feel like plastic against a child’s skin. The palette has multiple wells, so a five-year-old can experiment with color mixing without having to ask for a new tray.
The tradeoff is that this kit is paint-only—no crayons, pencils, or paper. You will need to supply your own drawing paper or watercolor paper separately. However, for families who already have markers and crayons at home, this focused paint set eliminates the waste and clutter of a mega-kit’s extra items that might never get used.
What works
- Vibrant, washable tempera paint that cleans up easily
- Machine-washable smock fits ages 2–7
- No strong chemical odor reported by buyers
What doesn’t
- No paper or canvas included; must supply separately
- Only 7 brushes, some users prefer a wider variety
5. The Mega Deals Premium Paint Set – 10 Colors with No-Spill Cups
The premium Mega Deals set solves the biggest paint-time frustration: spilled cups. Each of the 10 paint colors comes in a no-spill cup with a screw-on lid that has a small opening for the brush, drastically reducing the chance of an entire cup of red tempera landing on the carpet. The kit also includes 10 ergonomically sized paintbrushes designed for small hands to grip without slipping.
Parents consistently describe this as the set their toddler uses “almost every day.” The airtight lids keep the paint fresh for weeks between sessions, so you don’t have to wash and refill cups every single time. The paint itself is the same washable, non-toxic tempera formula as the standard set, but the cup-and-lid system makes the difference between a structured painting activity and a chaotic spill. Multiple reviews note that a two-and-a-half-year-old could manage the cups independently, which builds confidence and reduces parental hovering.
Like the standard paint set, this bundle does not include paper or a smock. The 1.15 kg case is compact and easy to store, but the cups are individual, not housed in a single tray, so you will need a flat surface to arrange them. For a household where painting happens at least weekly, the no-spill cups more than pay for themselves in saved cleanup time.
What works
- No-spill cup design prevents major paint messes
- Airtight lids keep paint fresh for repeated use
- Ergonomic brushes fit small hands securely
What doesn’t
- No smock or apron included in the kit
- Cups are individual; no tray keeps them organized together
Hardware & Specs Guide
Washability and Paint Type
All the kits in this roundup use washable, water-based tempera paint. Tempera is the industry standard for young children because it offers good pigment density without requiring solvents for cleanup. The washability claim should extend to skin, most clothing fabrics, and non-porous home surfaces. The ASTM D-4236 certification on each kit confirms that the materials have been tested for chronic health hazards and are safe for repeated use.
Easel Types and Stability
Three of the reviewed kits include a fold-out easel. The double-sided easel (chalkboard on one side, whiteboard on the other) offers the most creative flexibility, allowing a five-year-old to switch between dry-erase drawing and chalkboard sketching. A trifold easel is lighter and more portable but less sturdy on uneven surfaces. For a five-year-old, look for an easel that measures at least 10 inches tall when unfolded so the drawing surface is at a comfortable angle, not flat on the table.
FAQ
How do I know if a kids art set is truly non-toxic?
What does washable tempera paint mean for cleanup?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most families, the best art supplies for a 5 year old winner is the TMOL 237-Piece Set because its double-sided easel and balanced component list give a five-year-old the most creative variety without overwhelming them with filler pieces. If you want a set that includes origami and paper-cutting crafts, grab the AOTEMOON 243-Piece Set. And for painting-focused play where no-spill cups are a must, nothing beats the Mega Deals Premium Paint Set.