PaintingProGuide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
“Paint set for kids” can mean washable poster paint for a preschooler, a watercolor pan set for a second grader, or a full acrylic kit with an easel for a ten-year-old. The right choice comes down to the type of paint, because each behaves differently: washable tempera is opaque and cleans up easily, watercolor is translucent, portable and tidy, and acrylic is bright, works on almost anything and is permanent once dry. The best paint sets for kids match the paint type to the child’s age and the projects they want to make.
This guide compares six paint sets on Amazon across those types, including a complete 59-piece kit with an easel and apron, Crayola washable project paint, two watercolor options and a classroom pack of mini paint strips. It also explains which paint type suits which age, and what to add to any set to make it work better.
Quick answer: For a complete gift-ready setup, the MMARTE 59-piece kit is the best paint set for kids: 24 non-toxic paints the listing describes as washable, a beech wood easel, short-handled brushes, canvases and an apron with sleeves. For toddlers and preschoolers, Crayola Washable Project Paint (6 colors, ages 3+) is the dependable basic. For tidy, travel-friendly painting, the Blablaovy 48-color washable watercolor set is a strong low-cost choice.
Which Paint Type Suits Which Age?
| Paint type | Look and feel | Cleanup | Typical age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washable tempera / project paint | Opaque, bright, creamy | Easy from skin and washable clothes | 3 and up |
| Watercolor pans | Translucent, soft, blendable | Easy; washable versions available | 4 and up |
| Mini paint strips | Small pots of acrylic-type paint | Varies; check label | Parties and classrooms |
| Acrylic | Opaque, bold, permanent | Clean while wet; stains once dry | About 8 and up with supervision |
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- MMARTE 59-Piece Kids Paint Set with Easel and Apron — Best complete kit
- Crayola Washable Project Paint (6 ct) — Best for toddlers and preschoolers
- Blablaovy 48-Color Washable Watercolor Set — Best watercolor set
- FUMILE 4-Pack Washable Watercolor Sets — Best for siblings and small groups
- CHANGTIKEJI 23-Set Mini Paint Strips with Brushes — Best for classrooms and parties
- Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Set — Best for older kids and tweens
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMARTE 59-Piece | Complete gift kit | 24 paints; beech easel; brushes; canvas; apron | Everything included | $$ |
| Crayola Washable 6 ct | Ages 3+ | 6 x 2 oz washable paint | Resealable caps | $ |
| Blablaovy 48 Watercolor | Tidy, portable painting | 48 colors; 2 brushes; water pen | Labeled washable | $ |
| FUMILE 4-Pack | Siblings | 4 sets x 12 colors + brush | Washable, non-toxic | $ |
| CHANGTIKEJI 23 Sets | Classrooms | 23 x 12-color strips; 46 brushes | One set per child | $$ |
| Caliart 36 Acrylic | Older kids | 36 x 2 oz; 12 brushes | ASTM D4236 | $$ |
How We Chose
We selected these sets from Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, based on paint type, age suitability, washability and safety labeling, completeness and pack size, and on how widely each set is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not used these sets with children ourselves. Age guidance reflects common practice; follow each product’s label.
- Paint type fit for age and project.
- Washability for younger children.
- Safety labeling such as ASTM D4236 and EN71.
- Completeness: brushes, surfaces, easels and aprons.
- Group suitability for classrooms and parties.
Best Paint Sets for Kids Reviewed
1. MMARTE 59-Piece Kids Paint Set with Easel and Apron — Best for a complete gift kit
MMARTE’s kit includes 24 non-toxic paints, a solid beech wood easel that needs no assembly, short-handled brushes sized for kids, canvases and an apron with sleeves. The listing describes the paints as washable from skin and clothes.
That combination of easel, protective apron and kid-sized brushes makes it a true all-in-one gift, with nothing else to buy.
Because the listing calls the paint acrylic yet washable, test washability on an old garment before relying on it.
Best suited for: Kids around 5 to 10 receiving their first real painting setup.
Key features:
- 24 non-toxic paints, described as washable
- Beech wood easel, no assembly
- Short-handled kid brushes and canvases
- Apron and sleeves
Pros:
- Complete kit
- Protective apron included
- Gift-ready box
Cons and limitations:
- Highest tier here
- Washability claims for acrylic-type paint should be tested
- Canvas quantity limited
Buying consideration: Keep the easel at the child’s chest height so they paint standing comfortably.
2. Crayola Washable Project Paint (6 ct) — Best for toddlers and preschoolers
Crayola’s washable project paint comes in six 2 oz bottles of bold colors, including yellow, green, red orange, fuchsia, teal and blue violet. The listing says it is washable from skin and most washable clothing, blends to make more hues, and has resealable caps.
It is labeled for ages 3 and up, and the matte finish suits paper, cardboard and school projects.
It is the lowest-cost set here.
Best suited for: Toddlers, preschoolers and school projects.
Key features:
- 6 washable colors, 2 oz each
- Ages 3+
- Resealable caps
- Matte finish
Pros:
- Trusted washable formula
- Low tier
- Blendable colors
Cons and limitations:
- No brushes
- Only six colors
- Not for permanent projects
Buying consideration: Add chunky brushes, sponges and thick paper for a complete toddler kit.
3. Blablaovy 48-Color Washable Watercolor Set — Best for tidy, portable painting
Blablaovy’s watercolor set has 48 colors, two brushes and a water brush pen in a light plastic case with a removable lid. It is labeled washable and non-toxic, conforming to ASTM D4236 and EN71.
Watercolor pans are the least messy paint option for kids who can manage a brush, and the water pen cuts down on spilled water cups.
Great for car trips and restaurants.
Best suited for: Kids around 4 to 10 who enjoy tidy painting.
Key features:
- 48 watercolor colors
- 2 brushes + water brush pen
- Labeled washable
- ASTM D4236 and EN71
Pros:
- Portable
- Low tier
- Many colors
Cons and limitations:
- No paper included
- Translucent, not opaque
- Small pans
Buying consideration: Use watercolor paper or heavy cardstock; thin paper wrinkles.
4. FUMILE 4-Pack Washable Watercolor Sets — Best for siblings and small groups
FUMILE’s pack includes four individual semi-dry watercolor sets, each with 12 colors and a brush. The listing describes them as washable, safe and non-toxic.
Individual sets mean siblings or friends each have their own colors, avoiding squabbles and muddy pans.
Matte finish.
Best suited for: Siblings, playdates and small groups.
Key features:
- 4 sets x 12 colors
- 1 brush per set
- Washable, non-toxic
- Individual cases
Pros:
- One set each
- Washable
- Low tier
Cons and limitations:
- Basic brushes
- Small sets
- No paper
Buying consideration: Write names on each case for reuse.
5. CHANGTIKEJI 23-Set Mini Paint Strips with Brushes — Best for classrooms and parties
CHANGTIKEJI’s classroom pack contains 23 lidded strips of 12 colors each, plus 23 pointed and 23 flat brushes. The listing calls the paint washable acrylic and suggests canvas, wood, rocks, pumpkins and fabrics among surfaces.
Each child gets a complete set, which is ideal for classroom projects, parties and craft stations.
As with any acrylic-type paint, check washability before using with very young children.
Best suited for: Teachers, parties and camps.
Key features:
- 23 sets x 12 colors
- 46 brushes (pointed and flat)
- Lidded strips
- Multi-surface
Pros:
- One kit per child
- Two brush shapes each
- Mid tier for 23 sets
Cons and limitations:
- Small portions
- Washability should be tested
- Limited mixing
Buying consideration: Pair strips with small canvases or wooden shapes for an instant craft station.
6. Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Set — Best for older kids and tweens
For kids ready for permanent projects, Caliart’s set offers 36 acrylic colors in 2 oz bottles, metallic gold and silver, and 12 brushes. It conforms to ASTM D4236 and is labeled non-toxic and acid-free.
Acrylic suits rocks, wood, canvas and decorations that need to last.
Use smocks and supervision, since acrylic does not wash out once dry.
Best suited for: Kids around 8 and older and tweens.
Key features:
- 36 colors in 2 oz bottles
- 12 brushes
- Matte plus metallics
- ASTM D4236
Pros:
- Big palette
- Permanent results
- Mid tier
Cons and limitations:
- Not washable once dry
- No surfaces included
- Needs supervision
Buying consideration: Introduce five or six colors at a time to keep things manageable.
Kids’ Paint Types in More Detail
Washable tempera and project paint
This is the classic school paint: thick, opaque and bright, and formulated to rinse from skin and most washable clothing. It covers paper and cardboard in one coat, mixes easily and dries to a flat, matte finish. Because it sits on the surface, it can crack if applied very thickly or flake from slick surfaces like plastic. For toddlers and preschoolers, it is the safest starting point.
Watercolor
Watercolor pans activate with a wet brush and produce translucent color that glows on white paper. It is the tidiest liquid paint for kids because there is nothing to pour or squeeze, and small sets travel well. Children need some brush control to avoid soaking the paper, so watercolor suits ages four and up, and it looks best on heavy watercolor paper.
Finger paint
Designed for the youngest painters, finger paint is thick, washable and meant to be spread by hand. It is about sensory play more than control, and it pairs well with large sheets of glossy finger-paint paper.
Mini paint strips
Strips of small lidded pots are popular for parties and classrooms because each child gets a complete palette. Formulas vary from tempera-like to acrylic-like, so read each listing’s description and test washability.
Acrylic
Acrylic is the step toward “real” painting. It is opaque, bright, works on rocks, wood, canvas and more, and dries water-resistant. That permanence is why it lasts, and why it needs smocks and supervision.
Setting Up by Age
- Ages 2–4: washable tempera or finger paint, chunky brushes, sponges, large paper taped to the table, and a full-sleeve smock.
- Ages 4–7: washable tempera plus a watercolor set, a few brush sizes, heavy paper and a simple easel.
- Ages 7–10: watercolor and a beginner acrylic set, canvas panels, and a small palette.
- Ages 10 and up: a larger acrylic set, better brushes, canvas boards and a dedicated painting space.
Storing Paint Sets Between Sessions
Paint lasts longer and stays cleaner with a few habits: close caps and lids as soon as a color is finished, wipe bottle tips so caps seal properly, leave watercolor palettes open until dry before closing them, and store everything in a single bin with the brushes, smock and tablecloth. A ready-to-go bin turns “can we paint?” into a five-minute setup instead of a hunt through cupboards.
What to Add to Any Kids’ Paint Set
- Thick paper: watercolor paper or heavy cardstock.
- Chunky brushes and sponges for small hands.
- A smock or old shirt.
- Two water cups: one for rinsing, one clean.
- Paper plates as disposable palettes.
- A plastic tablecloth for quick cleanup.
Buying a Paint Set as a Gift
When the paint set is a present, think about the household as well as the child. Ask whether the family is happy with permanent paint indoors; if not, choose washable tempera or watercolor. Kits that include something to paint on and a way to display it, such as canvases and an easel, feel more complete than paint alone. For a younger child, a smaller set with six to twelve colors is easier to manage than a box of forty-eight. And if siblings are involved, a multi-pack avoids the inevitable argument over who gets which color.
Simple First Projects With Any Set
- Color mixing on a paper plate: mix red, yellow and blue into orange, green and purple.
- Rainbow arcs: paint stacked curves in order, then add clouds with white.
- Sponge-print trees: brown trunks with a brush, leaves dabbed with a sponge.
- Handprint animals: turn handprints into fish, birds and lions once dry.
- Night sky: dark blue background, then flick white paint off a toothbrush for stars (an adult can help with the flicking).
Project Ideas
Try our painted rock critters with acrylic, an easy ladybug painting with washable paint, or a step-by-step dinosaur painting with watercolor.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Paint Set for Kids
Choose the paint type first
Washable tempera for toddlers, watercolor for tidy painting, acrylic for older kids and permanent projects.
Check safety labels
Look for non-toxic labeling and ASTM D4236 or EN71 conformance.
Look for completeness
Kits with brushes, surfaces, easels and aprons save extra shopping.
Consider group size
Individual sets or strips avoid sharing problems in groups, keep colors clean and make cleanup quicker for the adult in charge.
Think about storage
Resealable caps and lidded strips keep paint fresh.
Mind the finish
Washable tempera dries matte and can look chalky; watercolor dries soft and translucent; acrylic can be matte or glossy depending on the brand. Matte finishes photograph well for sharing artwork with family, while glossy acrylic looks bright on decorations. Neither is better; it simply changes the look of the finished piece.
Plan for refills
White, black and the child’s favorite color always run out first. Check whether the brand sells individual bottles or pans so you can top up rather than replacing the whole set.
Test washability claims
Especially for paints marketed as washable acrylic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving permanent acrylic to toddlers.
- Using thin printer paper. It wrinkles and tears.
- Skipping smocks.
- Pouring too much paint. It dries and wastes.
- Leaving lids off.
- Choosing sets with too many colors for young kids. Six to twelve is plenty.
FAQs
What is the best paint set for a 3-year-old?
Washable tempera or project paint, such as Crayola Washable Project Paint, with chunky brushes and thick paper.
Is watercolor or tempera better for kids?
Tempera is opaque and bold, great for toddlers. Watercolor is tidier and portable, suited to kids who can control a brush.
When can kids use acrylic paint?
Around age 8 with supervision is common, since acrylic is permanent once dry.
Are washable acrylic paints really washable?
Some paints marketed as washable acrylic wash out better than standard acrylic, but results vary. Test on old fabric first.
What paint set is best for a classroom?
Individual sets, such as CHANGTIKEJI mini strips or FUMILE watercolor packs, give each child their own colors.
What else do I need besides paint?
Thick paper or canvas, kid-friendly brushes, water cups, a palette and a smock.
Final Recommendation
For a complete gift, choose the MMARTE 59-piece kit with easel and apron. Toddlers do best with Crayola Washable Project Paint, tidy painters with the Blablaovy 48 watercolor set, and siblings with the FUMILE 4-pack. Teachers should look at the CHANGTIKEJI 23-set strips, and older kids ready for permanent projects at the Caliart 36 acrylic set.
