Category: Tips

Top 10 Creative Gifts for Budding Artists

11/4/2025

At Orange Easel, we make art with kids every single day—in studios and at home. That means we know which supplies truly stand up to real creative use (and which ones don’t!). We’ve tested hundreds of brands, paints, markers, and tools in our classrooms, and we’re sharing our absolute favorites for stocking a home art studio.

These ten picks are economical, long-lasting, and low-mess, making them perfect for creative kids and busy parents alike. Whether you’re building your first art supply shelf or restocking old favorites, these tried-and-true materials will keep the creativity flowing all year long.

Affiliate Note:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our small business and allow us to keep creating art (and content!) for our community. Rest assured, we only recommend products we already use and love in our studios and homes.

Orange Easel's TOP 10 for 2025

#1 Liquid Watercolors

Liquid Washable Watercolors make great gifts for young artists!

These liquid watercolors are our go-to in the studio! We use them for everything—coloring playdough, painting coffee filters, even refilling stamp pads.

They make bright, vibrant paintings and are perfect for young artists since they’re already in liquid form (no scrubbing at hard watercolor cakes!). Each bottle is a concentrate, so a little goes a long way—and they’ll last you forever.

#2 Alcohol Ink Markers

Alcohol Markers are a special gift for teen artists

Unlike regular water-based markers, alcohol markers use an alcohol-based ink that blends beautifully and lays down rich, streak-free color. They’re a favorite in our illustrative drawing classes, where students learn techniques used by professional designers and illustrators.
Because alcohol markers can be layered and shaded so smoothly, they’re the go-to tool for comic book and cartoon artists who want that bold, polished, professional look. They are definitely an investment—but that’s what makes a quality set such a special gift for budding teen artists ready to level up their art.

#3 Artsy Apparel

We wear our favorite team’s gear all the time… so why not show our art spirit too?

Our Orange Easel retail shop is filled with comfy, creative apparel designed just for artists. From paint-splattered hoodies to clever art quotes and colorful tees, every piece is printed and shipped right from our studio. They make the perfect gift for makers who love to wear their passion—because the arts deserve just as much spirit wear as sports!

#4 Shape Punches

These paper punches are inexpensive, fit perfectly in stockings, and have endless uses—making them a great addition to any home studio.

Use them to create collage materials, add the finishing touch to a handmade card, or make your own confetti! Plus, for young artists, shape punches are wonderful for fine motor development—they strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and build the dexterity needed for confident cutting and drawing later on.

#5 Colored Pencils

prismacolor colored pencils last FOREVER!

We love Crayola for everyday coloring—but when artists are ready to take their drawings to the next level, Prismacolor pencils are the gold standard. They’re soft, blendable, and rich in pigment, allowing for smooth shading and professional-quality results.

They’re definitely an investment, but a set of Prismacolors can last for years—these are the same pencils many of us took with us to college (and still use today!). A perfect gift for any young artist who’s starting to get serious about their craft.

#6 Washi Tape

Just like paper punches, washi tape is small, inexpensive, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any mixed media art station!

Young artists can use it to add patterns to drawings, borders to journals, or decorative layers to collages. It’s easy to tear, reposition, and experiment with, making it both frustration-free and creatively open-ended. And as a bonus, peeling and placing tape pieces helps build fine motor strength and coordination in little hands.

#7 Drawing Set

A good sketch set is a must-have for any growing artist! This comprehensive kit includes graphite and charcoal pencils, blending tools, and erasers—all neatly packaged and ready to go. It’s perfect for artists who are still experimenting with different drawing materials or building up their personal supply stash. With everything in one place, it makes sketching, shading, and exploring new techniques simple and inspiring.

#8 Art Club Membership

Once you’ve got the supplies, sometimes you just need a little coaching and community to get started! Our Orange Easel instructors teach live, online classes every week—so you can create right alongside us from home.

As a Creation Nation member, you’ll also get access to our on-demand library with thousands of art lessons for every age and skill level. It’s the perfect gift for artists who want to keep learning, experimenting, and connecting all year long.

#9 Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is one of our favorite materials for miniature sculpting projects—from charms and jewelry to tiny creatures and food art! It’s a bit more of an investment than basic modeling clay, but a little truly goes a long way when you’re working small. Unlike regular modeling clay that never hardens, polymer clay bakes solid in a home oven, turning your creations into lasting keepsakes.

The colors are vibrant, the texture is smooth, and the finished pieces are durable—perfect for artists who love to make and treasure their creations for years to come.

#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun

Sometimes, only hot glue will do! An ultra low temp glue gun is a must-have for any home art studio—especially for artists who love building and constructing.

It’s the secret weapon behind all of our cardboard sculptures and popsicle stick creations in the studio. The low temperature makes it much safer for young makers, while still providing a strong, fast bond for all kinds of materials. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever crafted without it!

Looking for even more creative inspiration? Our Holiday Gift Guide is a 20-page digital booklet packed with gift ideas for every type of artist—from preschool doodlers to digital illustrators. You can grab your copy right from our website or sign up below to have it emailed to you.

Because the world needs more artists—and we’re here to help you shop for them!

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What to Say Instead of “What Is It?” — Encouraging Creativity Through Conversation

10/7/2025

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When your child proudly holds up their artwork, the first words out of your mouth might be:
“What is it?”

It’s an easy reflex—we want to show interest and understand what we’re looking at! But for a lot of kids, that question can cause hesitation or self-doubt. If they weren’t trying to draw something “realistic,” they might feel like they did it wrong.

At Orange Easel, we see this moment all the time in the studio. And it’s a powerful one. Because with just a few different words, parents and teachers can help kids feel proud, confident, and creative.

Girl drawing with a red marker. Learn what to say instead of “What is it?” when talking to kids about their art. Parent-friendly phrases that build creativity, confidence, and connection.

Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

When we ask “What is it?”, we’re often focusing on recognition—trying to name what we see. But kids’ art isn’t always about making something recognizable. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with color, exploring texture, or expressing emotion.
By shifting the conversation away from naming and toward noticing, we help children see that their creative choices matter.

What to Say Instead

“Tell me about your picture.”
Opens the door for storytelling and gives them ownership of their ideas.
“I love those colors—what made you choose them?”
Shows genuine curiosity and helps kids think about their artistic decisions.
“You used so many interesting lines!”
Teaches kids to reflect on technique rather than correctness.
“Which part was your favorite to make?”
Helps them identify what felt fun or meaningful.
“I notice you filled the whole page!”
Acknowledges effort and observation, not accuracy.
“That looks like you worked really hard on it.”
Reinforces persistence, not perfection.

Why These Words Matter

These simple changes spark richer conversations about art—and confidence.
When kids know their ideas are valued, they take more creative risks, stay curious longer, and start to think like artists.
That’s the goal here at Orange Easel: building a generation of confident, expressive creators who aren’t afraid to share their vision.

Try It at Home

Next time your child creates something, pause before asking questions. Look closely. Notice the effort, the choices, the joy. Then start your sentence with:
👉 “I notice…” or “Tell me about…”
Those two little phrases change everything.

Whether you’re at the kitchen table or in our studio, every time you talk about art with your child, you’re helping shape how they see themselves as a creator.
Let’s make sure they see what we see--an artist.

Want to keep these conversation ideas handy?
👉 Download our free one-page printable »

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Getting Ready for Your First Job: A Guide for Teens

9/10/2025

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At Orange Easel, we believe learning doesn’t stop at the art table. As educators, we’re just as invested in helping our teens grow as individuals as we are in helping them grow as artists. That’s why we created our Junior Staff Program--a volunteer opportunity designed to give teens real-world experience, mentorship, and a supportive environment where they can build confidence and responsibility.

For many teens, Junior Staff is the first step toward eventually applying for a paid job—either with us or somewhere else. It's a low-pressure way to learn the basics of showing up on time, working with a team, and supporting young students. While you're volunteering, it's also the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for future employment.

Here’s a checklist of things you can do now to get yourself ready to apply for your first job when the time comes:

Getting Job-Ready: A Teen Checklist

Set up a personal email address you check regularly
Create a simple resume or list of experience (volunteering counts!)
Know your availability so you’re ready to answer scheduling questions
Practice answering common interview questions
Record a professional voicemail greeting on your phone and check messages regularly
Understand work permit requirements (if you're under 18 in your state)
Get familiar with professional etiquette like being on time, dressing appropriately, and speaking respectfully
Ask a trusted adult to be a reference
Start reviewing job listings to understand what roles and qualifications are out there
Set up a way to receive direct deposit
Gather the documents needed to complete an I-9 form (like a passport or combination of driver’s license and Social Security card)

Volunteering as Junior Staff is a great way to build many of these habits. You’ll gain experience, meet mentors, and learn what it means to be part of a creative workplace—all before you even get your first paycheck.

If you're ready to take that first step, learn more about our Junior Staff Program here. We’d love to have you on our team.

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Top 10 Creative Gifts for Budding Artists

Orange Easel's TOP 10 for 2025

#1 Liquid Watercolors

#2 Alcohol Ink Markers

#3 Artsy Apparel

#4 Shape Punches

#5 Colored Pencils

#6 Washi Tape

#7 Drawing Set

#8 Art Club Membership

#9 Polymer Clay

#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun

What to Say Instead of “What Is It?” — Encouraging Creativity Through Conversation

Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

What to Say Instead

Why These Words Matter

Try It at Home

Getting Ready for Your First Job: A Guide for Teens

Getting Job-Ready: A Teen Checklist

Allison May Jensen, owner

Archives

Categories

Top 10 Creative Gifts for Budding Artists

Orange Easel's TOP 10 for 2025

#1 Liquid Watercolors

#2 Alcohol Ink Markers

#3 Artsy Apparel

#4 Shape Punches

#5 Colored Pencils

#6 Washi Tape

#7 Drawing Set

#8 Art Club Membership

#9 Polymer Clay

#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun

What to Say Instead of “What Is It?” — Encouraging Creativity Through Conversation

​Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

​ What to Say Instead

Why These Words Matter

​Try It at Home

Getting Ready for Your First Job: A Guide for Teens

Getting Job-Ready: A Teen Checklist

Allison May Jensen, owner

Archives

Categories

Why “What Is It?” Can Be Tricky

What to Say Instead

Try It at Home