How to create an art caddy for your kids and spark their creativity
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned about kids and creativity, it’s this: having art supplies available in an easy, inviting way makes all the difference.
When materials are tucked away in drawers or scattered across different places, kids are far less likely to use them.
But when they’re organized in a way that’s simple and accessible, creativity flows effortlessly.
That’s exactly why I love art caddies.
A portable, organized art caddy makes it easy for kids to dive into creative projects anytime they feel inspired, without needing help to find what they need.
It’s a simple setup that can encourage more independent, spontaneous creativity at home.
And the best part? You can put one together in just a few minutes using supplies you already have!
Why we love using an art caddy
An art caddy isn’t just a storage solution. It’s an invitation to get creative.
Here is why we love it:
- Makes creativity accessible – When kids can grab their supplies on their own, they’re more likely to start an art project without needing you to set everything up.
- Encourages open-ended play – A well-stocked caddy sparks new ideas and helps kids explore different materials in creative ways.
- Prevents overwhelm – Young kids can get overwhelmed with too many choices, but a limited selection of supplies helps them focus on the creative process rather than feeling unsure where to start.
- Works for all ages – Whether you have a preschooler who loves stickers or an older child who enjoys painting, an art caddy makes it easy to customize supplies based on their interests.
Now, let’s get into how to set up an art caddy for your kids!
What to include in your kids’ art caddy
The best part about an art caddy is that you can start with what you have and add more over time.
First, choose a portable storage caddy that the kids can easily use (we used a bamboo utensil holder for our caddy).
Then, add some of your kids’ favorite art supplies.
You don’t need a ton of supplies. A small selection of quality materials is better than an overwhelming stash of random things.
Here are some supplies you could include:
- Drawing materials – Colored pencils, markers, crayons, or oil pastels
- Painting supplies – Paint sticks or watercolor crayons for mess-free fun
- Craft basics – Stickers, glue, and small craft supplies like sequins or washi tape
- Paper options – Colored paper, origami sheets, or small sketchbooks
How to keep an art caddy fresh and inviting
One of the best ways to keep kids excited about using their art caddy is to switch up the supplies from time to time.
Here’s how:
- Rotate supplies – Swap out crayons for paint sticks or add a few seasonal stickers to keep things interesting.
- Introduce something new – Even small additions (like a set of gel pens or a fun-shaped eraser) can spark fresh creativity.
- Declutter occasionally – Remove dried-out markers, replace missing supplies, and refresh materials that aren’t getting used.
These small updates make the caddy feel “new” again without needing to buy a bunch of new supplies.
What’s in our art caddy?
If you need inspiration, here’s a peek at what’s inside our art caddy:
Three small sections hold:
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers and fiber-tip pens
The larger section holds:
- Stickers (eye stickers, colored dot stickers, heart stickers)
- A mix of glitter paper, decorative paper, and colored paper
- A small bag of rotating craft supplies (washi tape, glitter glue, mini stamps)
- A fabric case with paint sticks, attached to the caddy handle with a plastic binder ring
It’s simple, effective, and easy for my kids to grab anytime they feel like creating.
Setting up an art caddy takes just a few minutes, but it can inspire hours of creativity.
So grab a container, gather a few supplies, and surprise your kids with their very own inviting, easy-to-use art station.
I hope your little artists love it as much as mine do!