Looking for gifts that spark joy, inspire creativity, and transform learning? Whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler, a budding artist, a beloved teacher, or yourself, this guide is packed with thoughtful, open-ended materials that invite endless possibilities for art and play.

The process of wet felting is very simple and can be enjoyed by both toddlers and adults alike. It is a fully immersive, water-filled, sensory experience that can be experienced at home in a sink, or in a classroom with some bowls.

What kind of makers do you have in your classroom? Do you have collectors, arrangers, or attachers? Read on to find out what we mean.

Clay is a flexible and responsive material and offers a comforting, satisfying means for expression and communication, encouraging children to shape their thinking into tangible forms.

Stickers and tape are an easy and wonderful addition to any process art or play experience. Read on to better understand how early learning skills are developed through open-ended exploration with tape and stickers.

Incorporating shells into process art and play-based learning is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and creativity in children. They can practice fine motor skills, develop their sense of wonder, and connect with nature.

Pattern-making is an interdisciplinary practice that builds critical thinking skills. It helps children make predictions about what happens next and hone their reasoning skills, both of which help in early literacy and math, and of course, are elemental and innate in art-making.

Cardboard is free, abundant, and sturdy! It never rips like easel paper, and it is actually quite absorbent. These are all the qualities that make it the perfect choice for beginning painters.

Self-portraits are such a wonderful way to record your child’s growth throughout the years. In the classroom, we try to do one self-portrait at the beginning of the year, and one at the end. Parents and caregivers love to see how their child has developed their skills and their sense of self.

Using chalk pastels on wood is instantly captivating for young children. The feel of the chalk gliding on the wood, the vibrant colors that chalk pastels create, and the 3-dimensional exploration of color and blending make these materials so compatible.

Transform recycled and repurposed materials into a giant heart shaped, multi-texture, multi-dimensional painting experience.

If you are looking for a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision for a just and equitable society, consider pairing these hands-on art experiences with intentional dialogue around the meaning of his words. Promote critical thinking about topics of racism, social justice, and equity at all ages and stages of development.

Homemade playdough is so easy to make and lasts for months! You can also change its color and add scented oils or glitter for an even fuller sensory experience.

A creative invitation is a simple set-up with a few appealing or interesting materials that spark your child’s curiosity and invite them over to create and explore.

Children love painting on an easel. Painting in a vertical position is also important for building arm and wrist strength, developing spatial awareness, engaging the core, crossing the midline, and more.