18 Crayons, Markers, and Art Supplies You Loved as a Kid
These art supplies were your gateway to creativity, and every project was an adventure waiting to happen.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read

As a kid, art supplies weren’t just tools; they were magic. From crayons to markers, each item opened a new world of color and imagination. These 18 items defined your creative childhood, making every art project feel like a masterpiece.
1. Crayola Crayons
m01229 on Wikimedia Commons
Crayola was the brand that made you feel like an artist. The colors were bright, and the paper wrappers were easy to peel off. Each crayon had its own little moment of glory, from drawing the sun to shading in your favorite dinosaur. The box always seemed to have that one crayon you could never find.
2. Magic Markers
Kindel Media on Pexels
Those vibrant, neon-colored markers were everything. They were perfect for making your artwork stand out with bold lines and bright details. The smell of a fresh marker felt like the start of something creative. You had to be careful not to leave the caps off or they would dry out too quickly.
3. Colored Pencils
Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels
Colored pencils brought precision to your art that crayons could never match. Each stroke was smooth, and you could layer colors to create beautiful gradients. They were the best for detailing, especially when you wanted to give your art a polished, professional look. You always had a favorite pencil that never seemed to break.
4. Crayola Washable Markers
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Washable markers were a lifesaver for parents and kids alike. You could create your masterpieces and not worry about them staining everything in sight. The rich colors were perfect for bold strokes and fine details, and they came in all the shades you could dream of.
5. Paint-By-Number Kits
Numeralpaint on Wikiemdia Commons
This was the perfect combination of art and instructions. Each section had a number and a specific color, helping you stay within the lines while still creating something beautiful. Every time you finished, it felt like a mini masterpiece, and the feeling of completion was always rewarding.
6. Watercolors
Deeana Arts 🇵🇷 on Wikimedia Commons
Watercolors allowed you to blend colors in ways no other medium could. You could create soft, dreamy effects or vibrant, bold splashes. The tiny brushes always felt delicate and precise. It was easy to get lost in the soft flow of water and paint mixing together.
7. Chalk Pastels
Alexander Grey on Pexels
The soft texture of chalk pastels made every piece feel like a work of art. You could blend them to create soft, dreamy skies or sharp contrasts to make everything pop. The dust from them always got on your fingers, but it was worth it for the colorful finish. You loved smearing them together to make colorful masterpieces.
8. Glitter Glue
Francesco Paggiaro on Wikimedia Commons
Glitter glue was like magic in a bottle. It was perfect for adding sparkle to any project, and the best part was that it was easy to use. You could squeeze out just the right amount for a shiny, sparkly effect on your art. It didn’t take much to make something look special with glitter glue.
9. Sticker Sheets
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Stickers weren’t just for your notebooks—they were essential art supplies. You could stick them on paper, walls, or even your clothes. There was a sticker for every theme, and finding the perfect one for your project was always a treat. They made your creations more fun with minimal effort.
10. Spirograph Set
Multicherry on Wikimedia Commons
Spirographs let you create intricate, geometric designs that amazed everyone. The gears turned, and suddenly, you had a pattern that looked way more complicated than it actually was. Watching the colors swirl into perfect circles felt like a mini science experiment. It was fun and satisfying every time.
11. Felt Tip Pens
Jazzmanian on Wikimedia Commons
Felt-tip pens allowed you to create detailed art with thin, crisp lines. They were perfect for drawing everything from flowers to cartoons. The ink was smooth, and the colors were bold. You loved how easily they glided across the paper, making your art look clean and sharp.
12. Modeling Clay
Alexander Grey on Pexels
Modeling clay was more than just an art supply; it was a toy and an outlet for creativity. You could shape it into whatever your mind could imagine. The best part was that you could mix colors and create new shades. It was satisfying to see your creations take shape from nothing.
13. Stamps and Ink Pads
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Stamps let you add a fun, textured element to your art. Stamps were a simple but effective way to add extra detail, whether it was a smiley face or a flower. The ink pads were always fun to press, and the stamp’s impression was crisp and colorful. It was one of the easiest ways to add a design.
14. Pipe Cleaners
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Pipe cleaners were soft, flexible, and full of possibilities. You could twist them into shapes or animals or even use them to frame pictures. Their fuzzy texture made them fun to handle, and the colors were always vibrant. They added an element of 3D art to your creations.
15. Watercolor Pencils
Anastasia Shuraeva on Wikimedia Commons
Watercolor pencils were like the magic hybrid between colored pencils and watercolors. You could use them dry for detail or add water to turn them into a wash of color. The colors blended beautifully, giving you more control than regular watercolors. They were perfect for making realistic art.
16. Glitter Stickers
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Glitter stickers were the perfect way to add sparkle and shine without the mess of actual glitter. They were easy to peel and stick, making every project feel extra special. The shimmer made everything look more exciting. You could add them to cards, notebooks, or posters.
17. Ruler and Compass Set
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
For those moments when you wanted clean, geometric art, the ruler and compass set was essential. The ruler made sure every line was straight, while the compass helped you draw perfect circles. They gave your work a sense of precision that felt important. It was the tool for a more serious kind of creativity.
18. Stained Glass Paints
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
Stained glass paints were the best for creating beautiful, translucent designs. You could paint them onto clear plastic or glass, and the result always looked like a colorful window. They allowed you to experiment with light and color. Once you were finished, it felt like you had a tiny work of art ready to display.
- Tags:
- Art
- Creativity
- childhood
- Supplies
- Nostalgia