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.

If you ever wonder what our go-to, must-have art and play materials are, this is our list!

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.

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.

Children’s lives are busy and at times stressful: transitions from home to school, classroom to classroom, each space with its specific expectations and rules.

When children are accustomed to teacher-directed projects, it can take time to adjust to the flexibility and open-ness of more creative experiences.

I have been thinking a lot recently about how much of a child’s day is spent doing isolating, independent tasks.

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

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.