Best Art Supplies for 3rd Grade Students: Top Picks for Creativity and Fun
Third grade is a big year for creative growth, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether your child is sketching, painting, or crafting masterpieces for the fridge, choosing the best art supplies for 3rd grade students ensures their imagination has everything it needs to thrive. This guide highlights fun, functional, and parent-approved art kits that balance quality with value. From beginner-friendly sets to options packed with variety, we’ve rounded up the top choices to inspire young artists all year long.
Art Supplies for 3rd Grade – Our Top 3 Picks
✔️ Comes in a sturdy case, great for storage and travel
✔️ Vibrant colors and kid-friendly materials
✔️ Trifold case keeps everything visible and organized
✔️ Great value for the number of items included
✔️ Includes color pencils, pastels, watercolors, and tools
✔️ Offers a mix of quality and variety
❌ Case latches can be tricky for younger kids
❌ Not all items are high-quality — varies by tool type
❌ Paint brushes are basic and may need replacing
❌ Best for casual art — not ideal for advanced techniques
❌ Watercolors are small and may run out fast
❌ Case may scratch or dent with rough handling
✔️ Comes in a sturdy case, great for storage and travel
✔️ Vibrant colors and kid-friendly materials
❌ Case latches can be tricky for younger kids
❌ Not all items are high-quality — varies by tool type
✔️ Trifold case keeps everything visible and organized
✔️ Great value for the number of items included
❌ Paint brushes are basic and may need replacing
❌ Best for casual art — not ideal for advanced techniques
✔️ Includes color pencils, pastels, watercolors, and tools
✔️ Offers a mix of quality and variety
❌ Watercolors are small and may run out fast
❌ Case may scratch or dent with rough handling
Caliart 153-Pack Art Set
- Creativity Art Supplies Gift Set Includes: 24-Colored Pencils, 24-Oil Pastels, 24-Watercolor Cakes, 3×8 Well palettes, 2-A4…
- All in One for Everyone: The art set contains a lot of drawing kits, give painters a variety of ways to paint. All items are made…
- Easy to Carrying: 153 Piece Wood Box Drawing Set making it easy for your child to color and create anywhere you can open your…
- SAFE FOR KIDS from 3 years old. All of the Arts and crafts supplies in this set conform to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards and are…
- SECURITY ASSURANCES: 100% SAFE FOR KIDS from 3 years old. All of the Art craft supplies in this set conform to ASTM D-4236 and…
The Caliart 153-Pack Art Set tops our list for good reason — it’s packed with value, variety, and vibrant color choices. Designed for both beginners and budding artists, this set includes colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, markers, and more. Everything fits into a sturdy carrying case that opens up flat for easy access, making it a breeze for 3rd graders to use at home or take on the go. Whether your child is exploring color blending, sketching, or watercolor painting, the set has the right tool for the job.
What really sets this kit apart is its ability to grow with the student. While younger kids might start with crayons and markers, older elementary students can transition into more detailed techniques using the oil pastels and watercolors. The case also helps keep things tidy — no more loose pencils rolling off the table during art time. It’s a great balance of creative freedom and organizational support, especially for parents or teachers looking for an all-in-one solution.
Things We Like:
- Wide variety of tools for different art styles
- Sturdy case with built-in compartments for neat storage
- Great starter set for learning multiple mediums
What to Watch For:
- Some users report the markers can dry out faster than expected
- Watercolors may need more pigment for bolder color
- The case is a bit bulky for smaller desks
Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Art Set
- Perfect Art set: This great art set includes all types of coloring and drawing materials for artists of all ages – especially for…
- Easy to Carrying:185-Piece Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set is equipped with a built-in, dual side pop-up easel, making it easy…
- Safe & Environmental: This drawing and painting art set is made of eco-friendly materials .Each crayons, pencils and pastels in…
- Creativity Painting Set Includes:48 oil pastels, 48 crayons,24 colored pencils, 18 watercolor cakes,12 sheets drawing paper, 12…
- Suitable for the Beginner: This art set is ideal for travel. If you are visiting friends or on the plane. It’s a perfect way to…
If you’re looking for a colorful, comprehensive, and gift-worthy set, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Art Set is a strong contender. Its trifold case opens into a full art station packed with colored pencils, crayons, markers, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, a sketchpad, and even scissors and glue. This makes it especially appealing for creative 3rd graders who love to switch between drawing, painting, and crafting.
The standout feature here is the presentation. Kids get excited just opening it up — it feels like their own mini art studio. The included sketchbook is a thoughtful bonus, giving students a place to start right away. It’s also a solid pick for travel or rotating between home and classroom use thanks to its compact, foldable design. While the quality of some items may not match professional-grade supplies (as expected at this price point), it absolutely delivers on variety and convenience for everyday art fun.
Things We Like:
- Trifold case design feels like an art station
- Great for mixed-media play and exploration
- Includes a sketchpad and accessories to start creating right away
What to Watch For:
- Some reports of marker bleed-through or drying quickly
- Case hinges can wear out with frequent use
- Not ideal for advanced or heavy layering techniques
Art 101 49-Piece Wood Art Set
- 【DELUXE PAINTING SET】 Incredible painting set contains 24 Watercolor Paints, 9 Painting Brushes, 5 Palette Knives, 3 A4…
- 【DREAM GIFT】 This paint set is suitable for both students, hobbyists who love painting and even professional drawers working…
- 【DURABLE TABLETOP EASEL WITH DRAWER】 The whole set comes in a portable wooden travel case, so you can bring your watercolor…
- 【24 PREMIUM WATERCOLOR PAINTS】 24 different Watercolor Paints are packed full with finely grinded pigments, for rich intense…
- 【9 HIGHT-QUALITY PAINT BRUSHES】 9 size professional round-pointed paintbrushes with a variety of shapes make mixing color…
The Art 101 49-Piece Wood Art Set brings a more refined, gift-worthy feel to the world of kids’ art supplies. Housed in a handsome wooden case with latches and a handle, this set includes colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, brushes, and sketching tools. It’s a popular pick for birthdays or holidays, especially for young artists ready to move beyond the basics.
One of the biggest draws is the sleek wooden box — it looks professional and encourages kids to treat their supplies with care. The variety inside supports both coloring and painting, making it ideal for school projects or at-home practice. Many parents appreciate that it inspires responsibility and creativity at the same time. While some tools (like the watercolors) may perform better with an upgrade over time, this set works wonderfully as a starter kit or a special gift to fuel third-grade imaginations. Make your after-school art time more productive with a calm workspace using ideas from our homework station setup guide.
Things We Like:
- Beautiful wooden case makes it feel like a real artist’s kit
- Good balance of drawing and painting tools
- Inspires pride and care in keeping supplies organized
What to Watch For:
- Watercolor quality is light; may need supplementing
- Case may scuff if not handled gently
- Smaller accessory items (like clips or sharpeners) vary in durability
Soucolor 73-Pack Drawing Kit
- All-in-one Complete 73-piece art supplies drawing kit and sketch set for artists of all skill levels. The drawing supplies kit…
- This superior quality drawing set Includes, 12 graphite pencils（2H、3H、4H、5H 、HB、B、2B、3B、4B、5B、6B、8B), 12…
- Travel size case keep the artist supplies drawing stuff organized. These high-end drawing sketch kit are packed in a beautifully…
- Artist qualities drawing sketch supplies. Safe For Use, eco-friendly non-toxic odorless Materials. The high quality art pencils…
- Quality Guaranteed. We know creating beautiful art projects should be easy and fun, we stand by our superior quality and customer…
The Soucolor 73-Pack Drawing Kit offers a well-rounded art experience for third grade students, especially those who love sketching, shading, and coloring. This set includes colored pencils, watercolor pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal, blending tools, erasers, a sharpener, and even a sketchbook — all neatly organized in a zippered carrying case. It’s a strong option for students who want more than just markers and crayons.
Parents often appreciate how this kit encourages real drawing techniques like layering and blending. The inclusion of watercolor pencils adds creative range, and the sketchbook helps kids keep everything in one place. While it leans more toward drawing than painting or crafting, the quality of the materials is surprisingly good for the price. It’s also compact enough to toss in a backpack or store in a desk cubby, making it great for home or classroom use.
Things We Like:
- Watercolor pencils and sketchbook included for creative range
- Ideal for kids who enjoy detailed drawing and coloring
- Compact, portable case keeps supplies organized and easy to carry
What to Watch For:
- Not much variety for painting or mixed media projects
- Sketchbook is on the smaller side
- Watercolor effect requires a separate brush and water
WOSTOO 80-Piece Art Supply Kit
- 【Complete Drawing Set】80-piece set includes 12 watercolor pencils, 12 oil-based colored pencils, 12 metallic colored pencils,…
- 【Drawing & Sketching Accessories】Includes 1 sandpaper sharpener, 1 double-headed pencil extender, 1 paintbrush, 1 vinyl…
- 【Premium Drawing Kit with Unique Sketchbook and Coloring Book】Includes a 3-color mixed media sketchbook (6 x 9″, SPIRAL BOUND,…
- 【High Quality & Safe】Non-toxic and eco-friendly, conforms to ASTM D-4236, ASTM F963-96A, and EN71 standards. Great for artists…
- 【Perfect Gift for All Occasions】Ideal for artists, adults, teenagers, beginners, kids, art students, hobbyists, boys, girls,…
The WOSTOO 80-Piece Art Supply Kit is a colorful, budget-friendly set designed to spark creativity in young artists. It includes a wide range of materials — from crayons and markers to colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, and basic drawing tools. All pieces are packed in a fold-out plastic case with designated compartments, making it easy for third graders to see and grab what they need.
This kit shines as a beginner-friendly set for students who enjoy experimenting. It offers lots of variety, which can be exciting for kids exploring different mediums. However, the materials aren’t high-end. The crayons and watercolors may require a bit more effort to get rich color payoff, and the pastels can smudge easily. Still, for casual use or as a gift set, it’s a cheerful, all-in-one option that won’t overwhelm your budget.
Things We Like:
- Large selection of supplies in one compact kit
- Great starter set for kids exploring different materials
- Fold-out case makes it easy to organize and store
What to Watch For:
- Some supplies (like watercolors and pastels) may be lower quality
- Markers and crayons may not last as long with frequent use
- Case hinges can feel flimsy over time
How to Choose the Best Art Supplies for 3rd Grade Students
Choosing art supplies for third graders isn’t just about what looks fun — it’s about finding tools that support growing skills, creativity, and classroom needs. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.
Look for Variety Without Overwhelm
Third graders are at a great age to experiment with different art mediums. A kit that includes crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, and oil pastels gives them options to explore. But too many pieces or accessories can become clutter, so aim for variety with purpose — not just volume.
Consider Durability and Reusability
Supplies that can take wear and tear matter. Look for strong pencil leads, markers with tight-fitting caps, and storage cases that hold up over time. If the kit comes in a plastic tray or box, check that the latches are secure and the compartments make cleanup easier. Want smoother school days? Our tips for building a morning routine for kids can help keep things on track — especially on art project days!
Age-Appropriate Quality Matters
At this stage, kids are starting to care more about how their artwork turns out. That means they’ll benefit from smoother crayons, better pigment in watercolors, and pencils that don’t break every time they sharpen them. You don’t need professional tools — just ones that won’t frustrate them.
Storage Makes a Difference
Keeping things tidy is half the battle. Kits with built-in organizers or zippered cases help kids stay neat and save time. If you’re buying individual supplies, consider adding a caddy or supply bin to keep everything accessible but organized — you could even keep things together in a homework caddy for easy access.
Balance Fun and Function
Fun packaging and bright colors can get kids excited, but the real value is in how well the supplies perform. Try to find a set that blends visual appeal with reliable quality — something they’ll enjoy using and feel proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Art Supplies for 3rd Grade
Most third grade teachers recommend basics like crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks, and watercolor paints. Many also appreciate sets that come in a case or tray for easy organization. Having a mix of dry and wet mediums encourages creativity without overwhelming the classroom.
It depends on the child. Larger sets can offer a lot of variety, which is great for kids who love to explore different styles. However, if your child tends to lose items or gets overwhelmed by too many choices, a smaller set with quality essentials may be more practical.
For school, compact kits with essential tools and built-in organization are key. Avoid messy materials like glitter glue unless your teacher specifically requests it. For home, you can branch out a bit more — look for sets with paints, pastels, or sketchbooks to support more open-ended projects.
Always check for labels like “non-toxic” or ASTM D-4236, which indicate that the materials meet safety standards for children. For younger siblings in the home, be cautious with small parts, sharpeners, or scissors included in some kits. If you still have concerns, contact the seller directly.
If the original kit holds up well, you can absolutely refill it with new crayons, pencils, or markers. However, if the case is cracked, missing pieces, or hard to keep organized, a fresh set might be worth the investment for a smoother school year. Depending on where you plan on storing your art supplies, you could invest in a desk organizer for some of the more frequently used art supplies.
Final Thoughts: Creative Confidence Starts Here
If you’re looking for the best art supplies for 3rd grade students, the Caliart 153-Pack Art Set truly stands out. It strikes that sweet balance between variety and usability — giving your child the freedom to explore different tools without feeling overwhelmed. With everything stored neatly in a colorful case, it’s as practical as it is inspiring.
Ready to stock up and spark your child’s creativity? Click below to explore the Caliart set and see why it’s a favorite for third grade artists-in-the-making.
Last update on 2025-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API