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Eight-year-olds draw constantly, color inside the lines when they feel like it and outside them when they do not, and are just starting to care whether a picture looks “right.” An art set for 8 year olds should therefore lean toward drawing and coloring media (pencils, markers, crayons, oil pastels) with a taste of paint, come in a case they can carry to the kitchen table and back, and hold enough paper that they are not raiding the printer tray.
The six sets below all fit that description but make different trade-offs. Two are big wooden-case kits from iBayam, one is Crayola’s plastic art case, one is a 237-piece kit with a built-in easel, one is a compact Darnassus case, and one is a Caliart pencil-focused sketching kit for the 8-year-old who already draws seriously. None of them is a canvas painting kit; if that is what you want, see our separate guide linked below.
Quick answer: The TMOL 237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel is the best art set for 8 year olds who want a bit of everything: crayons, oil pastels, markers, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, stickers and a folding easel in one case, listed for ages 4–8. For a kid who draws more than they paint, the iBayam 150-Pack Deluxe Art Set in a wooden case is the better value, and the Crayola Inspiration Art Case is the safest choice for a child who lives on markers and crayons.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- TMOL 237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel — Best overall art set for 8 year olds
- iBayam 150-Pack Deluxe Art Set, Cherry Wood Case — Best wooden-case drawing and watercolor kit
- Crayola Inspiration Art Case, 140 Count — Best for marker and crayon kids
- Darnassus 132-Piece Art Set, Compact Case — Best compact travel set
- iBayam Pink Art Supplies Case — Best gift version of the iBayam kit
- Caliart 176PCS Sketching Kit with 3-Color Sketchbook — Best for an 8 year old who draws seriously
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMOL 237-Piece Set | Everything plus easel | Crayons, pastels, markers, pencils, watercolor; easel | Built-in trifold easel | $$ |
| iBayam 150-Pack | Drawing and watercolor | 24 pencils, 24 pastels, 24 watercolors, 60 crayons | Wooden case, 2 sketchbooks | $$ |
| Crayola Inspiration Case | Markers and crayons | 40 markers, 64 crayons, 20 pencils, 15 sheets | Washable markers, trusted brand | $$ |
| Darnassus 132-Piece | Travel and small spaces | 22 pencils, 40 pastels, 24 markers, 18 watercolors | Compact portable case | $$ |
| iBayam Pink Case | Gift giving | Same contents as 150-pack | Pink wooden case | $$ |
| Caliart 176PCS Sketching | Serious young drawers | 12 graphite, 12 colored, 12 watercolor, 12 charcoal pencils | 100-sheet 3-color sketchbook | $$ |
How We Chose
These rankings come from the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, from how well each kit’s media mix suits an 8-year-old’s drawing-first habits, and from how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not handled these kits. Where a listing gives an age range that does not include eight, we flag it.
We weighted:
- Media mix: colored pencils, markers, crayons and oil pastels first, watercolor second.
- Paper included: sketchbooks, pads or sheets, because supplies without paper go unused.
- Case quality: wood or sturdy plastic with trays that keep things sorted.
- Age fit: listings naming ages that include eight, and nothing too babyish or too advanced.
- Safety: ASTM D4236 or a clear non-toxic statement.
- Honest piece counts: we looked past inflated totals padded with clips and stickers.
Best Art Sets for 8 Year Olds Reviewed
1. TMOL 237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel — Best for 8 year olds who want a bit of everything
The TMOL set’s headline feature is a built-in double-sided trifold easel that holds paper at a drawing angle on any flat surface, something no other kit here offers. Inside the case are 24 crayons, 48 oil pastels, 12 thick and 24 thin markers, 24 colored pencils, 18 watercolor cakes, a palette, sharpener, ruler, 30 stickers and canvas clips, and the listing names ages 4–8.
An 8-year-old sits at the top of that range, which is fine: the media are the ones they use most, and the easel makes drawing feel like a proper activity rather than homework. The set is described as certified non-toxic and meeting US safety standards for children’s art materials, and it ships in gift-ready packaging. Item weight is listed at 3.26 pounds, so it is portable but not pocketable.
Best suited for: A child who likes to switch between coloring, drawing and painting in one sitting and benefits from an upright surface.
Key features:
- Built-in double-sided trifold easel
- 24 crayons, 48 oil pastels, 24 colored pencils
- 12 thick and 24 thin markers
- 18 watercolor cakes with palette
- Sharpener, ruler, 30 stickers, canvas clips
- Listed for ages 4–8, certified non-toxic
Pros:
- Only set here with an easel
- Broadest media mix
- Gift-ready and portable
Cons and limitations:
- Listing does not specify paper quantity
- Age range tops out at eight
- Pink colorway only in this listing
Buying consideration: Pair this with a cheap sketch pad; the easel is wasted without a steady supply of paper.
2. iBayam 150-Pack Deluxe Art Set, Cherry Wood Case — Best for drawing and watercolor in a wooden case
iBayam’s deluxe set packs 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes with three 8-well palettes and two brushes, 60 crayons, two sketch pencils, two drawing pads, a coloring book, a sharpener, ruler, eraser and sandpaper block into a cherry-finish wooden case inside a gift box. The listing names ages 6 through 12 and states the materials conform to ASTM D4236.
The two drawing pads and coloring book are what set it apart from kits that assume you have paper. The wooden case is a genuine upgrade over molded plastic for a child who will carry the set around, and the balance of media suits an 8-year-old who draws and colors more than they paint.
Best suited for: An 8-year-old who draws daily and wants a proper case with paper included.
Key features:
- 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 60 crayons
- 24 watercolor cakes, 3 palettes, 2 brushes
- 2 drawing pads and a coloring book
- Sharpener, ruler, eraser, sandpaper block
- Cherry wooden case in gift box
- Ages 6–12, ASTM D4236
Pros:
- Paper and coloring book included
- Wooden case
- Age range centers on eight
Cons and limitations:
- Only two brushes
- Watercolor cakes rather than tube paint
- No markers
Buying consideration: If your child is a marker kid, this set will disappoint; it has none. Pair it with a marker pack or pick the Crayola case instead.
3. Crayola Inspiration Art Case, Tie-Dye, 140 Count — Best for marker and crayon kids
Crayola’s case is the marker-heavy option: 40 washable markers, 64 crayons, 20 short colored pencils and 15 large 9 x 13 inch sheets of paper in a durable tie-dye case with trays and compartments. It is listed for ages 5 and up and described as safe and non-toxic.
There is no paint, and for a lot of 8-year-olds that is the point: they want a huge marker range and crayons they recognize. The 9 x 13 paper is larger than most kits include, and washable markers are a quiet favor to whoever does the laundry. The case dimensions are listed at about 15.6 x 11.6 x 2 inches.
Best suited for: A child who draws with markers and crayons every day and does not care about paint yet.
Key features:
- 40 washable markers
- 64 crayons
- 20 short colored pencils
- 15 sheets of 9 x 13 inch paper
- Durable case with organizing trays
- Ages 5+, non-toxic
Pros:
- Washable markers
- Widely known brand
- Large paper included
Cons and limitations:
- No paint or pastels
- Short pencils
- Plastic case rather than wood
Buying consideration: Add a watercolor set later if your child shows interest in paint; this case covers everything else.
4. Darnassus 132-Piece Art Set, Compact Portable Case — Best for a compact travel set
Darnassus lists its contents plainly: 22 colored pencils, 40 oil pastels, 18 dual-tipped markers, 6 more markers, 18 watercolor paints with a palette and brush, a sharpener, eraser, 4 writing papers and 20 A5 art papers in a compact portable case. It is listed for kids and adults and described as non-toxic.
This is the kit for car trips and grandparents’ houses. The A5 papers are small, and the single brush limits painting, but the mix of dual-tipped markers and 40 oil pastels gives an 8-year-old plenty of color to work with in a case that fits a backpack.
Best suited for: Families who travel and want a complete kit that does not take over the back seat.
Key features:
- 22 colored pencils, 40 oil pastels
- 18 dual-tipped markers plus 6 markers
- 18 watercolor paints, palette, 1 brush
- 20 A5 art papers and 4 writing papers
- Compact portable case
- Non-toxic, kids and adults
Pros:
- Fits a backpack
- Dual-tipped markers
- Paper included
Cons and limitations:
- A5 paper is small
- Only one brush
- No specific age range in the listing
Buying consideration: Use the included paper for travel and keep a larger pad at home; A5 feels cramped for an 8-year-old’s bigger ideas.
5. iBayam Pink Art Supplies Wooden Case — Best for gift giving
The pink iBayam case holds exactly the same contents as the cherry version: 24 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, 24 watercolor cakes with palettes and two brushes, 60 crayons, two sketch pencils, two drawing pads, a coloring book and the usual sharpener, ruler, eraser and sandpaper block. The listing names ages 6 through 12 and ASTM D4236 conformance.
Choose between the two on color and price alone. The pink listing is pitched squarely as a birthday or holiday gift, and the gift box is the same. One oddity: the product details list the age range as Adult, which contradicts the bullets; trust the bullets, which clearly describe a kids’ kit.
Best suited for: Gift buyers who want the iBayam contents in a pink case.
Key features:
- Same contents as the 150-pack cherry case
- Pink wooden case in gift box
- 2 drawing pads and a coloring book
- 24 watercolor cakes with 2 brushes
- Ages 6–12 per bullets, ASTM D4236
Pros:
- Gift-ready
- Paper included
- Wooden case
Cons and limitations:
- Usually priced above the cherry version
- Same limits: two brushes, no markers
- Conflicting age field in details
Buying consideration: Compare the current prices of the two iBayam cases before ordering; the contents are identical.
6. Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit — Best for an 8 year old who draws seriously
Caliart’s kit is a pencil-first set: 12 graphite pencils from 2H to 8B, 12 colored, 12 watercolor, 12 charcoal, 3 white charcoal and 12 metallic pencils, plus blending stumps, a refillable water brush, kneaded and vinyl erasers, a sharpener, an extender and a colored pencil tutorial. The 6 x 9 inch spiral sketchbook has 100 sheets in white, toned tan and black.
The listing pitches it at adults, teens and kids, and it is more advanced than the other sets. For an 8-year-old who sketches animals or characters and has outgrown crayons, the graded graphite and toned paper are a real step up. For a typical 8-year-old, it is too specialized and has no markers or crayons.
Best suited for: A child who already draws seriously and will use graphite grades, charcoal and toned paper.
Key features:
- 12 graphite pencils 2H–8B
- 12 colored, 12 watercolor, 12 charcoal, 12 metallic pencils
- 100-sheet 6 x 9 in sketchbook in 3 paper colors
- Refillable water brush, blending stumps
- Kneaded and vinyl erasers, sharpener, extender
- Travel case
Pros:
- Best paper of any set here
- Teaches real drawing tools
- Pencils labeled with color names
Cons and limitations:
- No markers, crayons or paint beyond watercolor pencils
- Charcoal is messy for younger kids
- Not aimed specifically at children
Buying consideration: Buy this as a second kit for a child who has clearly fallen in love with drawing, not as a first all-round set.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Art Set for an 8 Year Old
Lead with drawing media
At eight, most children draw far more than they paint. Colored pencils, markers and oil pastels get daily use; watercolor cakes are an occasional treat. Kits built around drawing (iBayam, Crayola, Darnassus) see more use than paint-heavy ones at this age.
Insist on paper
A set without paper is a set that sits in the closet. iBayam includes two pads and a coloring book, Crayola 15 large sheets, Darnassus 20 A5 sheets, and Caliart a 100-sheet sketchbook. TMOL’s listing does not specify paper, so budget for a pad.
Case material and organization
Wooden cases (iBayam) survive being dropped and look like a grown-up tool, which 8-year-olds appreciate. Plastic cases with trays (Crayola, TMOL) are lighter and often wipe clean more easily. Either beats loose supplies in a shoebox.
Markers: washable or not
Crayola is the only set here that specifies washable markers. If your child wears their art, that matters more than any piece count.
Oil pastels versus crayons
Oil pastels are softer, brighter and blend with a finger; crayons are cleaner and more durable. Eight is a good age to have both, which is why TMOL (48 pastels, 24 crayons) and iBayam (24 pastels, 60 crayons) score well.
Check the age range
TMOL names ages 4–8, iBayam 6–12, Crayola 5+. Caliart does not target children specifically. A set whose range centers on eight is more likely to hit the right level of challenge.
Ignore inflated piece counts
Thirty stickers and thirty-two paper clips add 62 pieces to a count without adding any art. Read the actual media list and count pencils, markers, pastels and paper.
Keeping an 8 Year Old Drawing and Painting
Once the set is open, project ideas help. Many of the painting ideas for 10 year olds in our guide scale down well for a confident eight-year-old, and scratch art painting crafts use the oil pastels most of these kits include. If you also have a toddler in the house, our easy crafts for 1 year olds keeps them busy with the same supplies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a paint-heavy kit for a drawing kid. Watch what your child actually reaches for before choosing.
- Forgetting paper. Check the listing for pads or sheets and buy a sketchbook if there are none.
- Choosing by piece count. Stickers and clips inflate totals. Count the real media.
- Skipping washable markers for a messy child. Crayola’s washable markers save clothes and tables.
- Going too advanced too soon. Charcoal and graded graphite (Caliart) suit a child who has asked for them, not a first kit.
- Ignoring the case. A set that cannot be put away tidily becomes clutter within a week.
FAQs
What should an art set for an 8 year old include?
Colored pencils, markers, crayons or oil pastels, a sharpener and eraser, and paper. A small watercolor set is a bonus. TMOL and iBayam cover all of that; Crayola skips paint in favor of 40 markers.
Is a 237-piece art set too much for an 8 year old?
Not if the pieces are useful. The TMOL set’s count includes stickers and clips, but the core media (crayons, pastels, markers, pencils, watercolor) and the built-in easel are all things an 8-year-old will use.
Wooden case or plastic case?
Wooden cases like iBayam’s are sturdier and feel more grown-up; plastic cases like Crayola’s are lighter and easier to wipe clean. Both keep supplies organized, which is the main point.
Are these art sets non-toxic?
iBayam cites ASTM D4236, TMOL says certified non-toxic to US standards, and Crayola and Darnassus describe their supplies as non-toxic. Supervise younger siblings around small parts like sharpeners.
Which art set is best for a child who only likes drawing?
The Caliart 176-piece sketching kit, with graded graphite, charcoal and a 100-sheet toned sketchbook, is the most serious drawing option. For a less intense drawer, the iBayam case with its pencils, pastels and two pads is a better fit.
Do these kits include paper?
iBayam (two pads and a coloring book), Crayola (15 large sheets), Darnassus (20 A5 sheets) and Caliart (100-sheet sketchbook) do. TMOL’s listing does not specify paper, so plan to add a pad.
Final Recommendation
For most 8-year-olds, the TMOL 237-Piece Set wins on variety and the built-in easel, provided you add a pad of paper. Children who draw more than they paint are better served by the iBayam 150-Pack in either case color, which includes paper and a coloring book. The Crayola Inspiration Case is the pick for marker-loving kids and the one with washable supplies. Choose Darnassus for travel and Caliart only when a child has clearly committed to drawing and wants real tools.
