The Ultimate Creative Gift: Pair Coloring Books with the Right Art Supplies

Coloring books are already a hit—add the right tools and you’ve got a gift that kids use again and again. Here’s how to build a creative bundle that’s fun, skill-building, and screen-free.

Why This Combo Works

• Open-ended play: Kids choose colors, textures, and styles—no single “right” answer.
• Visible progress: Finished pages boost pride and confidence.
• Skills that stick: Fine motor control, focus, color sense, and patience grow naturally.

Match Supplies to the Child

• Ages 3–5
  • Washable crayons, chunky markers, bold-line books with large spaces.
• Ages 6–8
  • Washable markers (fine and broad tips), soft-core colored pencils, mixed-detail pages.
• Ages 9–12
  • Smooth colored pencils, fineliners, gel pens (metallics/neons), more intricate designs.

Paper tip: Single-sided, heavier paper helps prevent bleed; tuck in a cardstock blotter sheet.

Best Art Supplies to Pair

• Crayons: Easy grip, great coverage for younger kids.
• Colored pencils: Blending, shading, and detail control.
• Washable markers: Bold color; include fine + chisel tips.
• Gel pens: Metallics, neons, and pastels for highlights and small details.
• Nice-to-haves: Sharpener, white/blender pencil, erasers, stencil sheet, zip pouch.

Easy Gift Bundle Ideas

• Art & Story Set: Themed coloring book + gel pens + blank comic book + clipboard
• City Explorer Kit: Cityscapes coloring book + fineliners + sticker pack
• Nature Adventurer: Animals/nature book + washable markers + field journal
• Calm & Color: Mandalas book + soft-core pencils + pocket palette card
• Travel Pack: Compact coloring pad + mini marker set + hard case lap desk

Make It Feel Special

• Personalize: Add a nameplate sticker and a short note inside the cover.
• Display: Include a mini clipboard, magnet rail, or 5x7 frame for finished pages.
• Organize: Add a pencil pouch or caddy so supplies stay together.

Quick Tips

• Choose non-toxic, washable tools to keep cleanup easy.
• Provide a few pre-made color palettes to jump-start creativity.
• Mix page styles: large simple scenes for warm-up, detailed pages for deep focus.

Ready to build a gift they’ll love using? Explore kids’ coloring books, curated supply bundles, and quality paper at Local Color—everything you need to create the ultimate creative present.