Next-level paints to inspire a young artist

If you have a creative kid, or two, in the house, chances are you go through paints like (colorful) wildfire. Before you re-order the same  basic paint sets, consider upping your kiddo’s creativity game with new textures and effects. Not only are sets like these easy-to-use (for kids or creative grown-ups), they come in vibrant colors, they’re texturally novel, and provide a great way to encourage mindful focus. Inspire your kid’s creativity, and tag along for the ride, with these next-level paint and creativity tools. Just don’t forget to wear a smock.

Marker Kit

Liquid chalk is an easy way for your creative kid to experiment with drawing on different surfaces. Safe for blackboard, glass, poster, and non-porous surfaces, they come in eight bright colors, sure to pop on any surface. Ideal for school-assigned art work and home art projects, and can double as a household blackboard marker.

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Colorful Art Co. Acrylic Paint Pens 12 Set

A step up from chalk markers but no less fun, these Acrylic Paint Pens from Colorful Art Co. are ideal for young artists looking to work with serious paint with a little more control. Great for canvas or paper, they’ll work on anything from ceramic and glass to plastic, fabric, wood, and stone (meaning mom or dad can borrow them for at-home crafting projects, too).

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Individuall Glow in the Dark Paint 8 Set

Acrylic paint gets a little more fun with this Glow in the Dark Paint Set from Individuall. Thanks to Glow Magic neon paint, the colors in this 8-set piece come alive in the dark, against whatever surface you choose. They work on canvas, wood, plastic, and metal (not suitable for fabric, face, body, or textiles). Virant colors makes them just as useful for daytime projects, but the dark is where they really shine.

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Individuall Metallic Acrylic Paint Set

More stuff in life should call for glitter paint, for everyone. Until then, let your kid’s creativity shine—and sparkle—with this eight-pack of acrylic glitter paints from Individuall. With a fine-grain metallic sheen, you’ll get more of a sophisticated glitter (no chunks of sticky sparkle), and since they work on anything from canvas and plastic to metal, fabric, or wood, your creative kid can use them for outdoor or indoor crafts.

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Artilicious Paint Brush Value Pack

The All-Purpose Paintbrush 25-pack from Artlicious has pretty much everything you’ll need to dive into painting, whether it’s acrylic, watercolor, glow-in-the-dark, or glitter. Made with nylon, bristle, sponge, and camel hair, they clean up easily and come in a variety of sizes for maximum creative control, or craziness, wherever your kid’s passion takes them.

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If your junior painter is ready to do something a little more creative with their talents, these unique paint and marker sets make for a great value buy. Most of the sets will work on a variety of surfaces, which also makes them great for art projects. (Not to mention things like chalk markers are very easy for mom and dad to use in at-home projects, like dinner party menus or shopping lists.) Kick your kid’s creativity into high gear and watch your little artist shine.