Back-to-school season comes with its own little rituals: the clean smell of new notebooks, pencils so sharp they could write in whispers, and fresh boxes of crayons waiting to make their mark.
But for artists (and artists-in-the-making), it’s also the perfect moment to give their kids’ art space a fresh start.
Maybe it’s a cozy home art station in the living room, a shared school art corner in the classroom, or for the truly dedicated, the entire dining room. Wherever it is, the goal stays the same: make it bright, organized, and stocked with kid-friendly art tools that spark big ideas… without leaving big messes behind.
Here’s your go-to guide for building a creative haven that inspires masterpieces without inspiring chaos.
1. Start with the Space: Kid-Friendly and Easy-to-Clean
The best kids' art spaces have two main qualities:
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Everything’s within reach (so kids can help themselves).
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Everything’s easy to clean (so parents don’t lose their minds).
Look for a table that’s the right height for your child, and don’t be afraid of a little color. A bright, cheerful space invites more creativity.
The good news is that TPG Creation coloring and writing products are designed to be mess-free, giving way for more creative fun and less time for clean-ups!
Pro Parent Tip: Keep a small trash bin or recycling basket right by the table so scraps don’t travel across the house.
2. Stock the Essentials (and Make Them Fun)
Here’s where the magic happens. The right back-to-school art supplies can turn “I’m bored” into “Look what I made!” in seconds.
A few must-haves for your kids' art materials kit:
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Kwik Stix Paint Sticks – Vibrant colors without the mess of traditional paints. Just uncap, twist, and create. Bonus: they dry in seconds, so no smudgy hands or “Oops, I sat on it” moments.
Check out this craft on Instagram @mrsmartin_art -
AirColor Airbrush Kit – Bring that “Wow!” factor with easy airbrush effects. It’s like magic in a handheld kit and it works with washable inks, so cleanup’s still quick.
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Wonder Stix + Reusable Playmats - Draw on almost anything, from windows to whiteboards to playmats. Bold colors wipe clean with water, so kids can create again and again, mess-free.
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Magic Stix Markers - Bright, washable markers with a cap-off guarantee! They won’t dry out, even if left uncapped for 7 days. Always ready for spontaneous art bursts.
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Washable Acrylic Markers - Paint-like coverage in a marker that washes off easily. Perfect for bold designs, school projects, and worry-free creativity. Plus, it’s the first-ever acrylic marker to cater to kids!
Organize supplies in clear bins or caddies so kids know exactly where to find (and return) each item.
3. Keep It Safe and Tidy
A home art station can get wild if supplies aren’t stored smartly. Here’s how to avoid stepping on a rogue glue stick in the middle of the night:
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Label everything. Even younger kids will start to learn where things go.
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Use child-safe scissors and non-toxic paints so they can create independently.
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Set a “one project at a time” rule. It sounds strict, but it keeps the space usable and keeps your sanity intact.
Pro Parent Tip: Store less-used or “messier” items (think glitter, permanent markers) on a higher shelf and bring them down for special projects.
4. Encourage Independent Creativity
The best part of having a stocked, organized kids' art space? You don’t have to be the on-call activity director 24/7.
When kids know where their kids' art materials are and can use them safely, they can dive into creative play anytime. Encourage open-ended projects such as a blank sheet of paper and a set of Stix can become anything from a rainbow to a treasure map.
If you have the space, create an Inspiration Wall where kids can hang their favorite pieces. It’s a great way to celebrate their work and give them a sense of ownership over their school art corner or home art station.
5. Before & After: See the Transformation
If your child’s current art space is more like a craft explosion, don’t worry. We’ve all been there. With a little organization, the right storage, and kid-friendly art tools that are actually fun to use, you can transform it into a creative haven.
(Imagine a “before” of a table buried in paper, and an “after” where bright supplies are neatly stored and ready for action… ahhh, instant calm.)
Make This the Year Creativity Has a Home
Back-to-school season is a fresh start not just for learning, but for creativity too. By setting up a kid-friendly art station and stocking it with tools like Kwik Stix Paint Sticks, the AirColor Airbrush Kit, Wonder Stix and playmats, Magic Stix, and Washable Acrylic Markers, you’re giving your child the space (and the supplies) to create, explore, and express themselves all year long.
Ready to stock your art space?
Browse our full collection of back-to-school art supplies and find your child’s new favorite kid-friendly art tools.