25 gifts for kids who love to draw

Good gifts for kids who love to draw include a drawing book matched to their age and favorite theme, a quality sketchbook, good pencils and markers, an art supply case, and experiences like a class or a museum visit. The best gifts help kids learn something new and give them a place to keep their art.

Drawing books

A book teaches skills a pile of paper can’t. Match the format to the age:

1. Trace Then Color (ages 3+) for preschoolers. See the Trace Then Color books.
2. How to Draw (ages 5+) for step-by-step lessons. Every step shows the complete drawing as a light gray outline, so kids can see where the black lines go. See the How to Draw books.
3. Draw by Grid (ages 5+, best from 7) for older kids. See Draw by Grid.
4. A themed set: the same theme in two or three formats, for siblings.
5. The Sketchbook to go with How to Draw books, for practicing their own versions.

Not sure which? See the best drawing books for kids, by age.

Art supplies

1. A set of quality colored pencils.
2. Washable markers (a big pack, plus a few fine tips).
3. Good erasers and a pencil sharpener with a catcher.
4. A sketchbook with thick paper.
5. A rolling or zip art case to keep everything together.
6. A lap desk or clipboard for drawing anywhere.
7. Window or gel crayons for something different.

For the full list by age, see best art supplies for kids.

Creative kits

1. A comic-making kit: blank comic book, fine pens, a lettering guide. See make a comic with kids.
2. A make-your-own-book kit. See make a picture book with kids.
3. A light box for tracing (great for ages 6 and up).
4. A display kit: front-opening frames or a clipboard wall. See how to display kids’ art.
5. A travel drawing kit for car trips. See road trip activities.

Experiences

1. An art class at a local studio or library.
2. A trip to an art museum, with a sketchbook.
3. A “drawing date” with a grandparent. See drawing with grandparents.
4. A home art show in their honor. See host an art show at home.

For kids who love one thing

1. Dinosaur fans: dinosaur and robot dinosaur drawing books. See why kids love dinosaurs.
2. Robot and space fans: robots, aliens and cyborgs. See robot activities for kids.
3. Unicorn and mermaid fans: see unicorn and mermaid activities.
4. Kids who love gross stuff: the Crusty Goobers.

Tip: Pair a book with one supply that matches it: a dinosaur book with a set of green and brown markers, or a robot book with a metallic pen set.

The book that helps

A drawing book in their favorite theme plus the Sketchbook for their own ideas makes a complete, affordable gift.

How to Draw: Cool StuffSee it on Amazon

How to Draw: SketchbookSee it on Amazon

Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon AnimalsSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Cartoon RobotsSee it on Amazon

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