TL;DR: The Essentials If you’re short on time and just want to know what to click "Buy Now" on, here is the short list of art investments that actually move the needle for a kid’s creativity:
- The Digital Gold Standard: Procreate on an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
- The "Pro" Marker Hack: Ohuhu Alcohol Markers (The affordable alternative to the $8-per-pen Copics).
- The Gateway to 3D: 3Doodler Start+.
- The Best "How-To" Resource: Art for Kids Hub.
We’ve all been there. You’re at the store, and your kid sees one of those massive, 150-piece "Deluxe Art Sets" in a wooden or plastic suitcase. It looks impressive. It looks like it contains the soul of a young Picasso. But we know the truth: three days later, the "oil pastels" are just greasy sticks of disappointment, the watercolors have the pigment density of a wet napkin, and the markers are already drying out because the caps are impossible to click shut.
When our kids start moving past the "scribbling on the walls" phase and into the "I want to draw like the people I see on YouTube" phase, the stakes change. This isn't just about keeping them busy while you make dinner; it’s about supporting a hobby that is the literal antithesis of "brain rot."
In a world of Skibidi Toilet memes and endless TikTok scrolling, a kid who wants to spend two hours perfecting a character design is a kid who is winning at digital wellness. But to keep that momentum, they need tools that don't frustrate them.
Here is the Screenwise guide to what is actually worth the splurge and what is just "Ohio" (that’s kid-speak for cringey/bad, for those of us still catching up).
For a lot of us, "screen time" is the enemy. But digital art is the "veggies hidden in the brownies" of the tech world. It’s a high-level cognitive skill that translates directly into future careers in design, engineering, and media.
If your kid has shown even a passing interest in drawing, Procreate is the best $13 you will ever spend. It is a professional-grade tool that is somehow intuitive enough for a seven-year-old to figure out.
- The Investment: You need an iPad that supports the Apple Pencil.
- Why it’s worth it: No mess. No stained carpets. Unlimited "undo" buttons (which is a godsend for perfectionist kids who tend to melt down when they make a mistake).
- The Screenwise Take: This isn't "passive" screen time. This is active creation. We see about 35% of middle schoolers in the Screenwise community using digital art apps as their primary creative outlet.
Ask our chatbot about the best iPad models for student artists
If your kid is still a "paper and pencil" purist, the biggest upgrade you can make is moving away from water-based markers (like the classic Crayolas) to alcohol-based markers.
In the art world, Copic is the brand everyone wants, but they cost about $8 per marker. Unless your child is literally selling their work, do not buy these. Ohuhu markers give you 90% of the quality for a fraction of the price.
- Why Kids Love Them: They blend. You can layer colors without the paper pilling or tearing. It makes their drawings look like "real" anime or comic book art.
- The Downside: They will bleed through standard printer paper. You need to pair these with a Marker Paper Pad.
If your kid is into "customizing" things (think painting on hydro-flasks, sneakers, or rocks), Posca pens are the gold standard. They are opaque, vibrant, and work on almost any surface. They are a TikTok trend that actually lives up to the hype.
Sometimes "art" means building. If you have a kid who is obsessed with Minecraft or Roblox, they often have a high spatial intelligence that loves 3D creation.
3D pens can be hit or miss. Many of them get dangerously hot or clog constantly. The 3Doodler Start+ is designed for kids—no hot parts, and the plastic is BPA-free and biodegradable. It allows them to literally draw in the air to create sculptures. It’s a fantastic bridge between "playing with toys" and "engineering."
We talk a lot about "intentionality" at Screenwise. The goal isn't to reach zero minutes of screen time; it's to ensure the time spent is high-quality.
When a kid uses YouTube to watch Art for Kids Hub or Ross Draws, they are using the platform as a mentor. They are moving from being a consumer to being a creator.
High-quality art supplies act as a "hook" to keep them in that creator mode. If the tools are frustrating, they’ll put them down and go back to watching someone else play Fortnite. If the tools are rewarding, they’ll stay in the "flow state" longer.
Learn more about the benefits of "flow state" in creative play
Elementary (Ages 5-10)
At this age, it’s about durability and success.
- Invest in: Good colored pencils like Prismacolor Junior. They have softer lead, so kids don't have to press as hard to get vibrant colors.
- Skip: Expensive oil paints or professional watercolors. The cleanup isn't worth it yet.
Middle School (Ages 11-13)
This is the identity and niche phase.
- Invest in: The iPad and Procreate combo. This is also the age where a Drawing Tablet for PC (like a Wacom) becomes relevant if they are into coding or game dev.
- Skip: The "all-in-one" kits. They want specific tools for their specific style (e.g., manga, lettering, or charcoal).
High School (Ages 14+)
This is the professionalization phase.
- Invest in: Portfolio-grade materials. If they are serious, look into the Adobe Creative Cloud (though it’s a pricey subscription) or Clip Studio Paint for aspiring comic artists.
Real talk: better art supplies often mean more potential for mess. Alcohol markers are permanent. Paint markers don't just wash off the kitchen table with a damp paper towel.
Before you "splurge" on the good stuff, have the "respect the tools" conversation. High-end supplies are a privilege, and part of the investment is teaching them how to maintain them—capping markers until they click, cleaning brushes, and plugging in the Apple Pencil.
Check out our guide on setting up a "Yes Space" for messy art
If your kid is asking for an expensive set of markers or a tablet, use it as a moment to check in on their interests.
- "I see you’ve been spending a lot of time on your sketches lately. Tell me about this character you’re drawing."
- "If we invest in these markers, how do you think they'll change the way you work?"
- "Let’s look at some YouTube tutorials together to see if this is the style you're really interested in."
You don't need to turn your house into a Michael’s craft store. In fact, having fewer, higher-quality tools is usually better than a mountain of cheap junk. It teaches kids to value their equipment and take their own creative impulses seriously.
If you’re going to pick one thing to splurge on this year, make it the Procreate app. It’s the highest ROI for your dollar in terms of engagement, skill-building, and "quiet time" that actually feels productive.
- Audit the Art Bin: Toss the dried-out markers and the broken crayons. If it’s frustrating to use, it’s clutter.
- Pick a "Level Up" Item: Based on their current interest (Drawing? 3D? Digital?), pick one high-quality tool to introduce.
- Find a Mentor: Subscribe to a channel like Art for Kids Hub to give them a starting point for their new tools.
Ask our chatbot for a personalized art supply recommendation based on your kid's age