When a Parent Asks What Art Supplies to Gift to their Child

Before the holidays or a birthday parents often ask what art supplies I recommend . Or, occasionally a parent just want to encourage their child’s art development but doesn’t know what to get. What a great thing, right? The more a student can practice their art skills, the better! So, I developed a list of art supplies for various ages and I want to share it because I imagine I am not the only teacher fielding these question. Also, am I the only one who has a student come to the art room to ask if they can glue something, because they student says they don’t have glue at home? I can’t even imagine a home like that and am astonished when presented with such facts.

All homes with children grade 5 and up should have:
Basic White Glue
Glue Sticks
Good Scissors (I hid my scissors from my children, who had there own creative space with scissors)
Colored Pencils
Pencils, #2
Colored markers
Crayons
White Erasers
Black Sharpies, ultra fine tip and a finepoint
Typing Paper
Art Paper
Watercolor set w/brush
Construction paper