Best Christmas Craft Kits & Sensory Gifts for Kids
Author: The Art Shed Team Date Posted:14 October 2026
Creative Christmas gifts for every little artist, with options for every budget.
There's something wonderful about watching a child become completely absorbed in what they're making. The concentration as they choose their colours, the excitement when an idea comes together, and that proud little "look what I made!" when they're finished.
That's the magic of giving something creative for Christmas. It's more than another toy to unwrap. It's an invitation to explore, experiment and make something that's entirely their own.
Whether you're shopping for a curious toddler, a dinosaur-obsessed five-year-old or a budding young artist, we've brought together our favourite Christmas craft kits for kids, hands-on sensory activities and creative gifts to keep little minds and busy hands happily occupied.
As an artist-run art supply store, we believe the best creative gifts give children room to discover what they're capable of. From calming, tactile activities to projects that build confidence, coordination and problem-solving skills, each of our picks offers something a little different.
And because every child (and every household!) is different, we've included age recommendations, mess levels and budget-friendly options under $25 and $50 to help you find something they'll really enjoy.
Let's find a little something to spark their imagination this Christmas.
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Quick answer: what are the best Christmas craft kits for kids?
| Quick answer The best Christmas craft kits for kids suit their age and finish into something they keep. For under-5s, choose an Art Shed kids art gift set or a sensory bin. For ages 5 to 8, try diamond painting, Creative Clay or a learn-to-paint set. Most cost under $50. |
Not sure where to start? Choose by age first, then by what they already love doing. The table further down shows our top picks by age and budget.
Which Kit Sounds Like Your Child?
Pick the description that fits and jump straight to it.
Under 5 and into everything: gift sets and all-in-one kits
Loves digging, squishing and getting their hands in: sensory bins, play dough and clay
Wants to make something today: stocking fillers and make-and-keep crafts
Always drawing, or asking to paint: painting, colouring and ceramics
Curious about how things grow: terrarium kits
Shopping by age or budget: our top picks under $25 and under $50
Tap any product to shop it
Kids Art Gifts for Christmas: Gift Sets & All-in-One Kits
| Quick answer An art gift set lets kids try painting, drawing and modelling in one present. It's an easy choice when you're not sure what they'll love. Our own Art Shed sets are matched to ages 2 to 8, and Faber-Castell's all-in-one cases suit ages 3 and up, with everything stored in a carry case that's easy to pack away. |
| Set | Ages | What's inside | Mess level | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Ages 2-4 Art Gift Set | 2 to 4 | Play dough, jumbo crayons, sidewalk chalk, poster paints, chubby brushes, A3 painting pad | Some mess (take it outside) | Under $50 |
| Little Kids Activity Set | 3+ | Play dough, poster paints, finger paints with stamps, crayons, brush, painting pad, in a gift box | Messy (set up a spot) | Under $50 |
| Little Artists Craft & Paint Bundle (Ages 5-8) | 5 to 8 | Colour pencils, stamper markers, washable watercolours, scented glitter glue, activity and painting pads | Some mess | Under $50 |
| Faber-Castell Little Creatives Art Play Activity Set | 3+ | Jumbo crayons, squeeze paintbrushes, colouring book, safety scissors, waterproof smock | Some mess | Under $50 |
| Faber-Castell Epic Creativity Case 112pc | 3+ | Markers, pencils, oil pastels, connector pens, watercolours, colouring pages and stickers in a carry case | Low mess | Under $50 |
| Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack 84pc | 4+ | 50 markers, colour change markers, play dough, paints, finger paints, glitter, glue, crayons, paper and a sketchbook | Messy (set up a spot) | Main present (over $50) |
Our Pick for Toddlers: Kids Ages 2–4 Art Gift Set
Best for ages 2–4 · First art supplies · Sensory exploration · Under $50
At this age, art is all about exploring through touch, colour and movement. Art Shed's Kids Ages 2–4 Art Gift Set is an art gift set for toddlers and preschoolers, bringing together six Mont Marte art essentials that encourage creativity while supporting early fine motor development.
The set includes jumbo crayons and chunky paintbrushes sized for small hands, while the generous A3 painting pad gives young children room for those big, sweeping arm movements that come naturally at this age. With six colours of play dough, four bright poster paints and sidewalk chalk with games included, there's plenty of opportunity for sensory exploration, mark-making and imaginative play.
We chose this as our pick for the youngest artists because so much of it can be enjoyed outdoors. With Christmas falling in the middle of an Australian summer, the chalk and painting activities are easy to take out to the back patio or garden, keeping the messier parts of creativity out of the lounge room.
| Art Shed Tip: Our gift sets arrive bundled rather than in a gift box. A reusable storage tub makes a lovely way to present everything and gives their new art supplies a home afterwards. |
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Little Kids Activity Set
Best for ages 3+ · Sensory play & colour exploration · Messy fun · Under $50
For little ones who love getting their hands into everything, the Little Kids Activity Set is a 42-piece painting and play dough kit for ages 3 and up, with plenty of opportunities to experiment with colour, texture and movement.
Inside you'll find Mont Marte finger paints with a stamp, six poster paints, 24 corn-shaped crayons, six tubs of play dough, an A4 painting pad and a craft brush. Finger painting is particularly wonderful at this age, giving children the freedom to explore colour mixing and cause and effect through touch.
This is one of our messier gift sets, but that's part of its charm. Set up a painting station outside, pop them in an old T-shirt and let them explore.
Pair it with: The Faber-Castell Little Creatives Waterproof Art Smock to help keep little clothes protected during painting sessions.
Our Pick for Ages 5–8: Little Artists Craft & Paint Bundle
Best for ages 5–8 · Drawing, colouring & painting · Some mess · Under $50
As children grow, so does their desire to bring their ideas to life. They're developing more control over their drawing, experimenting with details and taking pride in what they create. Our Little Artists Craft & Paint Bundle (Ages 5–8) is a kids art set made for this stage, with a thoughtful mix of art materials to encourage that growing confidence and creativity.
At the heart of the set are 36 Mont Marte Signature colour pencils, from the same range we recommend to adult beginners. They're joined by two-in-one stamper markers, a washable watercolour paint block, scented glitter glues and two activity and painting pads, giving children plenty of ways to practise and experiment.
The balance of activities is what makes this bundle work. Colouring and drawing are wonderful for quieter afternoons, while watercolours and glitter glue offer something a little more hands-on. With washable paints and glitter contained in glue form, it's also a more manageable option for parents.
If you think you've got a budding little artist on your hands, this is a lovely place to start.
Faber-Castell Little Creatives Art Play Activity Set
Best for ages 3+ · First painting & cutting activities · Some mess · Under $50
Thoughtfully designed for preschoolers, the Faber-Castell Little Creatives Art Play Activity Set introduces little artists to painting, colouring and cutting with materials made for their developing abilities.
Inside are six jumbo creamy crayons, six washable squeeze paintbrushes, a 20-page activity book, Play Safe scissors and a waterproof art smock.
The squeeze paintbrushes are a particular favourite of ours. With washable paint stored inside the brush, children can squeeze and paint without needing separate paint pots, helping reduce spills while encouraging hand control and coordination. The jumbo crayons are easier for small hands to grip, while the child-friendly scissors introduce early cutting skills with adult supervision.
With a waterproof smock included, it's a wonderfully practical first art set for little creatives and their parents alike.
Faber-Castell Epic Creativity Case Art Kit Set 112pc
Best for ages 3+ · Drawing, colouring & creative exploration · Low mess · Under $50
An art studio they can take anywhere! The Faber-Castell Epic Creativity Case Art Kit Set 112pc brings together a generous variety of drawing, colouring and painting materials in one handy carry case, made for curious little artists who love having options.
Inside are washable markers, triangular colour pencils, hexagonal oil pastels, connector pens, watercolours, colouring pages and stickers. The thoughtful details make all the difference: triangular pencils encourage a comfortable grip, six-sided pastels are less likely to roll off the table, and washable markers make clean-up a little easier for parents.
With everything stored neatly in its own case, ready to wrap, it's a wonderful low-mess option for everyday creativity.
| Art Shed Tip: Got a little one starting Prep or already in primary school? Colour pencils, markers and other drawing essentials often appear on school booklists from Prep through to Year 3. Check their school's requirements, and you might just tick a few back-to-school supplies off the list while you're Christmas shopping. Two birds, one stone! |
Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack 84pc
Best for ages 4+ · Painting, drawing & mixed-media crafts · Messy fun · Over $50
If you've got a household full of little creatives, the Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack 84pc is our biggest kids' art bundle, bringing together enough materials to keep the craft cupboard stocked well beyond Christmas morning.
Inside you'll find Mont Marte Mammoth markers, magic colour-change markers, play dough, tempera paints, finger paints with stamps, jumbo crayons, glitter, PVA glue, construction paper, an A3 sketchbook and brushes. It's a wonderful mix for encouraging children to experiment with different materials, from drawing and colour mixing to collage, painting and hands-on sensory play.
It's built for families with multiple children or long summer holidays to fill. There's plenty to share, and enough variety to keep them coming back with new ideas.
| Art Shed Tip: With glitter, glue and finger paints included, this is one to set up at a dedicated craft table or outdoors. |
Sensory Gifts for Kids: Sensory Bins, Play Dough & Clay
| Quick answer Sensory gifts let kids explore with their hands by digging, scooping, squeezing and shaping. Sensory bins, play dough and the Creative Clay Set suit ages 3 and up, while the Make Me kits and advent calendar suit 6 and up. |
Some children just love exploring with their hands. They're the ones digging in the garden, squishing play dough between their fingers or mixing every paint colour together just to see what happens. And while it might look like a bit of messy fun, there's some wonderful learning happening along the way.
Sensory play encourages children to explore different textures, colours and movements while developing coordination, creativity and fine motor skills. In fact, the Australian Raising Children Network explains:
"Finger painting develops children's fine motor skills too, which they need for writing later on."
Colour play is equally valuable. Whether they're mixing two shades of play dough or watching colours blend together in paint, children are experimenting, making predictions and discovering cause and effect through their own actions.
That's why we love sensory gifts for kids. They offer something wonderful beyond entertainment: the freedom to explore, experiment and learn through play, at their own pace.
What Is a Sensory Bin?
A sensory bin is a contained play activity filled with tactile materials such as play sand, alongside little tools, moulds or figurines for children to explore.
Scooping, pouring, digging and sorting help children practise hand control and coordination, while themed figures encourage storytelling and imaginative play.
They're particularly lovely for children who enjoy hands-on activities, with the added convenience of a dedicated container for packing everything away afterwards.
Our Pick: Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Dinosaur Dig
Best for ages 3+ with supervision · Sensory exploration & imaginative play · Some mess · Under $50
For little dinosaur lovers, the Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Dinosaur Dig is a sensory play kit for ages 3 and up that turns hands-on play into their very own prehistoric excavation site.
Filled with play sand, dinosaur figurines, skeletons, prehistoric rocks and discovery tools, including a fossil brush, sifter and magnifying glass, there's plenty for curious little minds to investigate.
This kit combines sensory exploration with imaginative play. Carefully brushing sand away from a dinosaur skeleton encourages patience and fine motor control, while the figurines and scenery invite children to create their own prehistoric adventures. It's a wonderful way to introduce early discovery and problem-solving through play.
| Art Shed Tip: The reusable bin helps keep the sand contained, but we'd recommend setting it up on a towel or taking it outside for easier clean-up. |
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Beach
Best for ages 3+ with supervision · Sensory exploration & imaginative play · Some mess · Under $50
When the Australian summer gets a little too hot for a trip to the beach, the Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Beach brings a little seaside fun indoors.
Filled with soft sensory sand, seashells, sea creatures and tools for scooping and shaping, this reusable bin encourages children to explore different textures while creating their own little beach adventures.
This kit gives children the freedom to lead their own play. They can bury hidden treasures, sort shells, build sandy creations or invent stories with the sea creatures. All that scooping, digging and shaping also provides opportunities to practise hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, without the activity feeling like a lesson.
| Art Shed Tip: Set the bin on a large tray or towel to catch any escaping sand, making pack-up a little easier. |
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Construction Zone
Best for ages 3+ with supervision · Sensory exploration & problem-solving · Some mess · Under $50
Got a little one who stops to watch every digger, truck and excavator go past? The Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Construction Zone brings the excitement of a building site into their very own sensory play space.
Complete with textured sensory materials, construction vehicles and themed tools, children can dig, scoop, load and build to their heart's content. These repetitive movements help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, while planning their own building site encourages early problem-solving and imaginative thinking.
It suits little builders who enjoy figuring things out for themselves. Whether they're moving materials from one spot to another or working together on a construction project, there's plenty of opportunity for exploration and creative play.
| Art Shed Tip: Set the reusable bin on a large tray or take it outside to make cleaning up easier. |
What's the difference between play dough, air-dry clay and polymer clay?
Play dough stays soft, so children can squish it and reuse it. Air-dry clay, like Mont Marte Creative Clay, hardens at room temperature, so they can keep what they make. Polymer clay hardens in a home oven, so a grown-up needs to do the baking.
| Type | What it's like | Can they keep it? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play dough | Soft and squishy, reusable if the lid goes back on | No, it's for playing | Ages 3+ and endless squishing |
| Mont Marte Creative Clay | Very light and foam-like, not sticky | Yes, it air-dries with no oven | Ages 3+ for the 27pc set, 6+ for Make Me and the advent calendar |
| Polymer clay | Firmer, holds fine detail | Yes, once an adult bakes it in a home oven | Ages 8+ with a grown-up's help |
Mont Marte Kids Play Dough Set 6pc
Best for ages 3+ · Sensory play & imaginative creations · Some mess · Under $25
Sometimes the simplest activities leave the most room for imagination. The Mont Marte Kids Play Dough Set 6pc includes six bright colours in resealable tubs, ready for little hands to squish, roll, pinch and shape.
That's what we love about play dough. There are no instructions to follow or perfect results to achieve, just endless opportunities to experiment with colours, textures and whatever their imagination comes up with.
Easy to set up and pack away, it's a wonderful little Christmas gift for creative play, especially for under $25.
| Art Shed Tip: Play dough is already included in our Kids Ages 2–4 Art Gift Set, Little Kids Activity Set and Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack. If you're purchasing one of those, consider a Creative Clay kit instead for something a little different. |
Our Pick for Little Hands: Mont Marte Creative Clay Set 27pc
Best for ages 3+ · First modelling projects · Low mess · Under $25
The Mont Marte Creative Clay Set 27pc is one of the best-value gifts in this guide. It includes 24 colours of super-light foam clay and three double-ended plastic tools.
Creative Clay is soft and not sticky, so it keeps little hands clean, which suits children who don't like sticky textures. It holds its shape while they work, the colours mix together, and finished pieces air-dry in about 48 hours without shrinking. Once dry, they can be painted or decorated with glitter and stickers.
For a preschooler who has outgrown play dough but isn't ready for a clay kit with instructions, this is the step in between.
Mont Marte Creative Clay Make Me Kits
Best for ages 6+ · Clay modelling & character making · Low mess · Under $25
A little clay, a big personality! The Mont Marte Creative Clay Make Me Kits are air-dry clay kits for kids aged 6 and up, with six adorable characters to choose from: a unicorn, dinosaur, octopus, cat, corgi and capybara.
Each kit includes four colours of lightweight Creative Clay, little eye details and step-by-step instructions to guide children through making their character. With a medium difficulty rating, they're a lovely next step for kids who enjoy play dough and are ready to try something a little more detailed. And with no baking required, their finished creation can be left to air-dry, ready to display on a shelf or desk.
| Art Shed Tip: These little kits make wonderful stocking fillers! Buying for siblings? Pick two different characters so they can create their own little collection together. |
Mont Marte 12 Day Creative Clay Christmas Advent Calendar
Best for ages 6+ · Festive clay crafts & Christmas decorations · Low mess · Under $50
A little Christmas magic behind every door! The Mont Marte 12 Day Creative Clay Christmas Advent Calendar is Mont Marte's first-ever art advent calendar for kids, swapping the usual chocolates for 12 days of hands-on creativity, with a new festive clay character to make each day.
Behind every door is a set of four Creative Clay colours and step-by-step instructions to create everything from gingerbread characters and reindeer to Christmas puddings and baubles. The projects range from easy to more detailed designs, making each day a fun little creative challenge as Christmas gets closer.
What makes this advent calendar particularly lovely is that the finished creations become part of your Christmas celebrations! With sculpting tools, hanging accessories and a fold-out gingerbread village included, children can decorate the tree with their handmade ornaments or create their very own festive display.
| Art Shed Tip: To finish all 12 projects by Christmas Eve, start opening the calendar on 13 December. It's a wonderful little daily tradition to enjoy together in the lead-up to Christmas, so make sure it's under the tree a little early! |
Clay Play! 24 Whimsical Projects
Best for ages 8–12 · Clay sculpting & creative projects · Some mess · Under $50
For young artists who love making things with their hands, Clay Play! 24 Whimsical Projects is a wonderful introduction to the art of sculpting, with 24 colourful projects to bring to life.
Written by children's clay instructor and illustrator Terry Taylor, this award-winning book guides budding sculptors through creating everything from quirky little animals and dancing polar bears to their very own trinket boxes. Each project uses simple shapes like balls and coils, with full-colour step-by-step photographs and difficulty levels to help children build their confidence as they go.
One thing to know before you buy: the projects are written for polymer clay, which isn't included and is baked in a home oven, so a grown-up will need to help with the baking.
We particularly love this one for kids who've discovered a real interest in clay and are ready to take their creations a little further. It's a lovely way to turn a favourite activity into a new artistic hobby.
Christmas Craft Kits for Kids: Stocking Fillers & Make-and-Keep Crafts
| Quick answer Mini craft kits are the easiest Christmas craft gifts for kids aged 6 and up. Most cost under $25 and finish into something the child can wear, use or display. |
If you're looking for Christmas stocking fillers that offer a little more than another toy, these hands-on craft kits are a wonderful way to give children something they can make, personalise and proudly call their own.
From sparkly diamond art and friendship bracelets to colourful wind chimes and glow-in-the-dark creations, each kit offers a fun little project with something to enjoy long after the crafting is finished.
Many of our favourites come from Faber-Castell's Creativity for Kids range, a trusted name in children's crafts since 1976.
With plenty of options under $25, they're easy to pop into a Christmas stocking, gift to a creative little friend or keep tucked away for a rainy day during the school holidays.
Our Pick: Creativity for Kids Big Gem Diamond Painting: Stickers
Best for ages 6+ · Sparkly sticker making & decorating · Low mess · Under $25
Think painting by numbers, but with a little extra sparkle. The Creativity for Kids Big Gem Diamond Painting: Stickers is a diamond painting kit for kids aged 6 and up. Children create their own shimmering designs by picking up colourful gems with a special applicator and placing them onto a sticky pattern.
Unlike traditional diamond painting, this kit uses larger gems that are easier for younger children to pick up and position. Inside are 12 holographic sticker designs to decorate, plus two sweet cupcake and cake suncatchers they can get creative with.
We particularly love this one for children who enjoy quieter, detail-focused crafts. There's something wonderfully satisfying about watching each design come together, and with 14 creations to make, they'll have plenty of sparkly stickers to decorate their school books, notebooks or other favourite belongings.
Best of all, there's no paint or extra glue required, making it a lovely low-mess Christmas stocking filler.
Creativity for Kids Bubble Gems Super Stickers: Bubble Tea & Rainbow
Best for ages 6+ · Sparkly sticker art & decorating · Low mess · Under $25
Gem-covered stickers for their favourite things! The Creativity for Kids Bubble Gems Super Sticker Kits let young crafters create their very own oversized, gem-covered stickers, with two colourful designs to choose from: Bubble Tea or Rainbow.
Each kit includes a pre-printed design, hundreds of colourful bubble gems and a stylus to help place them. Children simply follow the colour guide and watch their design come to life, one sparkling gem at a time.
Once finished, their creation can be used as a decorative sticker or displayed as a colourful suncatcher. With no paint or glue required, it's a fun, low-mess project that's easy to enjoy at the kitchen table.
Creativity for Kids Friendship Bracelets & Friends Forever Bracelets
Best for ages 7+ · Bracelet making & creative gifting · Low mess · Under $25
Friendship bracelets are one of those childhood crafts that never seem to go out of style! Whether they're making matching bracelets with their best friend or creating little gifts to swap at school, there's something special about wearing something made just for you.
The Creativity for Kids Friendship Bracelets Mini Kit takes a more traditional approach, with colourful embroidery threads and foam weaving wheels to create up to 12 patterned bracelets. It's a lovely choice for children who enjoy taking their time and learning a new craft technique.
For something a little quicker, the Friends Forever Bracelets Mini Kit includes stretchy cord and adorable silver charms, including butterflies, unicorns, stars and hearts, to make six bracelets they'll love wearing and sharing.
Both make wonderful little Christmas gifts for creative kids, especially with summer sleepovers, playdates and new school friendships just around the corner.
Creativity for Kids 4 Foam Fliers
Best for ages 7+ · Painting & outdoor play · Some mess · Under $25
Part craft project, part flying adventure! The Creativity for Kids 4 Foam Fliers kit lets children design, paint and fly their very own fleet of colourful foam aeroplanes.
Inside are four lightweight foam planes, four acrylic paint colours and a brush to decorate each one. Once the paint has dried, simply attach the noses and they're ready for take-off!
The fun doesn't stop when the painting is finished. Children can experiment with how their planes fly, try different launching angles and see whose creation glides the furthest. It's a wonderful choice for little creatives who love being active just as much as they love making things.
And with Christmas falling in the middle of summer, it's a good excuse to take their creations outside for an afternoon of flying fun.
Creativity for Kids Corner Creature Origami Bookmarks
Best for ages 6+ · Paper crafts & creative reading accessories · Low mess · Under $25
Creative fun for the bookworms! The Creativity for Kids Corner Creature Origami Bookmarks kit lets children fold and decorate ten adorable little creatures that perch on the corners of their favourite books.
With colourful papers and easy-to-follow instructions, young crafters can try their hand at origami before bringing their creatures to life with their own fun details and personalities. It's a lovely introduction to paper folding, with something practical to show for their efforts.
It's a good match for little readers tackling their summer holiday readathons. Each finished bookmark can keep their place in a new adventure, and with ten to make, there are plenty of extras to gift to friends, siblings or grandparents.
No paint, glue or complicated setup required, just a little creativity and a good book!
Creativity for Kids Easy Sparkle Window Art
Best for ages 6+ · Suncatcher painting & window decorations · Some mess · Under $25
A little sparkle for those sunny summer days! The Creativity for Kids Easy Sparkle Window Art is a suncatcher kit that lets children paint two window decorations, a colourful butterfly and a rainbow, to brighten up their favourite windows.
Each design features raised foil outlines that help keep the sparkly paint within each section, making it easier for younger artists to fill their creations with colour. Once dry, the finished suncatchers cling to smooth glass surfaces, catching the sunlight and bringing their artwork to life.
It suits children who enjoy painting and decorating their own space. There's something special about seeing a piece you've made glowing in the afternoon sun!
| Art Shed Tip: The window paint becomes permanent once dry and may stain clothing or furniture. We recommend covering your work surface and wearing an old T-shirt or art smock before getting started. |
Creativity for Kids Butterfly Wind Chime
Best for ages 6+ · Painting & garden decorations · Some mess · Under $25
Handmade colour and music for the garden! The Creativity for Kids Butterfly Wind Chime lets children create their very own decorative wind chime, complete with colourful butterfly wings and gentle, tinkling chimes.
This sweet little project takes around 20 minutes to complete, with children painting the butterfly body before adding the acetate wings, metal chimes and hanging cord. Once finished, it's ready to hang on a sheltered verandah or in their favourite garden spot, where they can enjoy seeing and hearing their creation in the breeze.
We particularly love this one as a handmade Christmas gift for grandparents or family members.
Creativity for Kids Glow in the Dark Sand Art Rocket
Best for ages 6+ · Colourful sand art & bedroom decorations · Some mess · Under $25
Out-of-this-world creativity! The Creativity for Kids Glow in the Dark Sand Art Rocket is a sand art kit for kids aged 6 and up, letting young space explorers create their very own glowing rocket with layers of colourful sand and glow-in-the-dark details.
Children can experiment with different colour combinations as they pour sand into the 15cm rocket-shaped bottle, then finish their creation with metallic foil stickers, glow stickers and a little glowing alien. Once complete, it's ready to display on their bedroom shelf or bedside table, where the glow-in-the-dark details come to life when the lights go out.
The packaging is a clever touch. It folds into a little crafting station to help catch stray sand, and there's a funnel included to make pouring easier for younger crafters.
Creativity for Kids Make Your Own Water Globe: Sweet Treats
Best for ages 6+ · Clay modelling & handmade keepsakes · Some mess · Under $50
A snow globe with a sweet little twist! The Creativity for Kids Make Your Own Water Globe: Sweet Treats lets children design their own colourful miniature world, complete with adorable dessert characters and plenty of sparkle.
Inside are five bright colours of modelling clay, sculpting tools, glitter and three sweet treat figurines, including a birthday cake, ice cream cone and milkshake. Children can shape and decorate their scene before assembling the globe, adding water and watching the glitter swirl around their handmade creation.
It's a lovely choice for young artists who enjoy adding their own personality to a project, with a finished keepsake they can proudly display on a shelf or desk.
| Art Shed Tip: Have a grown-up help with filling and securing the globe to keep the water and glitter where they belong! |
Faber-Castell Connector Pen Gift Set: Farm Tin with Colouring Cards
Best for ages 4+ · Colouring & imaginative building · Low mess · Under $25
Colouring pens with a playful little twist! The Faber-Castell Connector Pen Gift Set: Farm Tin with Colouring Cards combines everyday colouring with a little bit of construction fun, all packaged in an adorable barn-shaped metal tin.
Inside are 15 colourful Connector Pens and two colouring cards to get little artists started. What makes these pens special is their clever connecting caps, which children can click together to build colourful chains, shapes and towers between drawings.
With washable ink and a reusable tin to help keep everything organised, it's a lovely low-mess gift for little creatives. It makes an easy Christmas stocking filler, or a handy set to take along on summer holiday adventures.
Christmas Gifts for Artistic Kids: Painting, Colouring & Ceramics
| Quick answer For a child who's always drawing, choose a set that teaches a real technique, like colour mixing or painting on ceramic. The Faber-Castell Young Artist Learn to Paint Set is our top pick. |
Every family has that one little artist. The one who's constantly drawing, has a favourite set of colours and would happily spend an entire afternoon working on their latest piece.
If that sounds familiar, Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to encourage their growing passion with art materials that help them take their creativity a little further.
From learning to mix colours and experimenting with different painting techniques to decorating their very own ceramics, these gifts introduce young artists to new materials, skills and ways of expressing their ideas.
Whether they're just beginning to show a real interest in art or already dreaming of becoming an artist one day, these are our favourite picks for nurturing that creative spark.
Our Pick: Faber-Castell Young Artist Learn to Paint Set 17pc
Best for ages 5+ · Colour mixing & painting techniques · Some mess · Under $50
Every budding artist has to start somewhere! The Faber-Castell Young Artist Learn to Paint Set 17pc is a kids paint set for ages 5 and up, helping young creatives discover how colours work together and begin developing their own artistic techniques.
Inside are five washable paint colours, six artist-quality brushes, a palette, painting paper and illustrated instructions. The smaller selection of paints encourages children to experiment with colour mixing, discovering how to create new shades rather than reaching for another tube.
As artists ourselves, we particularly love this approach. Learning to mix colours is one of the foundations of painting, and it's an exciting moment when a child realises they can create the exact colour they imagined.
With everything packed neatly into a reusable carry case, it's a thoughtful Christmas gift for little artists ready to take their painting a step further.
Faber-Castell Young Artist Texture Painting Kit
Best for ages 5+ · Exploring texture, patterns & painting techniques · Some mess · Under $50
Painting isn't always about brushes! The Faber-Castell Young Artist Texture Painting Kit introduces children to a more experimental side of art, where rolling, stamping and dragging tools through paint can create all sorts of interesting patterns and effects.
This 32-piece set includes five washable tempera paints, five texture tools, a paint tray and 20 sheets of paper, all packed into a handy carry case. Children can layer colours, experiment with patterns and discover how different tools change the way paint looks on the page.
We love this one for young artists who enjoy trying something a little different. It's a playful introduction to texture, an important element of art that they'll continue exploring as their skills grow.
Mont Marte Kids Watercolour Set with Brush 14pc
Best for ages 3+ · First watercolours & painting on the go · Some mess · Under $25
A lovely little introduction to the world of watercolour! The Mont Marte Kids Watercolour Set with Brush 14pc includes 12 bright watercolour cakes, a soft synthetic brush and a built-in mixing palette, giving young artists everything they need to start experimenting with this beautiful medium.
Watercolours are particularly fun for exploring how colour moves and blends. Children can try soft washes, mix their own shades or watch two colours flow together on the page, creating effects that are quite different from pencils or poster paints.
Compact and easy to pack, it's a wonderful little stocking filler for budding artists, especially with summer holidays just around the corner.
| Art Shed Tip: Pair it with a small watercolour paper pad for a more complete gift. Paper made for watercolour handles moisture better than ordinary colouring paper, helping young artists enjoy their paints without the page becoming too soggy. |
Faber-Castell Colour & Sticker Set A5: Dino Adventures
Best for ages 5+ · Dinosaur colouring & imaginative play · Low mess · Under $25
Prehistoric creativity for wherever the holidays take you. The Faber-Castell Colour & Sticker Set A5: Dino Adventures is a compact 28-piece activity pack filled with dinosaur-themed colouring pages, reusable stickers and easy-grip colour pencils.
Little artists can colour their favourite prehistoric scenes, then use the stickers to create their own dinosaur adventures and stories.
The handy A5 size makes this one a favourite for travelling. Pop it into a handbag or holiday bag for Christmas lunch with the relatives, long car trips or a quiet afternoon at a café. It's a lovely, low-mess little gift for dinosaur lovers who enjoy drawing and colouring.
Mont Marte Colour-In Ceramic Coaster Set: Summer Coast
Best for ages 8+ · Ceramic decorating & handmade gifts · Low mess · Under $25
A little splash of summer creativity! The Mont Marte Colour-In Ceramic Coaster Set: Summer Coast lets young artists bring their own colourful touch to four ceramic coasters, complete with gorgeous lemon and coastal-inspired designs.
Each 10cm coaster comes with a pre-printed design, ready to colour using the six shades provided across three dual-ended brush markers. With no paint or water required, it's a wonderfully tidy introduction to decorating ceramics.
We particularly love this kit for children who enjoy making gifts for others. Once complete, the coasters can become part of the family table or make a thoughtful handmade Christmas present for grandparents, teachers or someone special.
| Art Shed Tip: If the coasters will be used regularly, we recommend sealing the finished designs with a suitable clear gloss varnish for extra protection. Let the colour dry fully before sealing, and follow the varnish instructions. |
Mont Marte DIY Personalised Pet Bowl
Best for ages 6+ with supervision · Ceramic painting & personalised gifts · Some mess · Under $25
For the little artist whose best friend has four legs! The Mont Marte DIY Personalised Pet Bowl lets children create something special for their favourite furry family member.
Inside are a ceramic pet bowl, seven colourful acrylic paints and a detail brush, ready for children to add their pet's name, little paw prints, colourful patterns or even a portrait of their beloved companion.
The outside of the bowl comes pre-primed, so there's no preparation or baking required. Simply paint, allow the design to dry completely and their personalised creation is ready to become part of their pet's everyday routine.
It's a fun Christmas holiday activity for animal-loving kids. After all, why should the humans get all the handmade presents?
| Art Shed Tip: Paint only the pre-primed exterior, keeping the inside and food-contact surfaces paint-free. Once finished, gently hand-wash the bowl to help preserve their artwork. |
Creative Gifts That Keep Growing: Terrarium Kits for Kids
| Quick answer Terrarium kits combine a craft with a science project. Kids build a mini garden, plant real seeds and watch them sprout in about three to five days. |
For little nature lovers and curious minds, these next gifts bring something a little different to the craft table. Part creative project, part miniature garden, terrarium kits let children build their own little world, plant real seeds and watch their creations come to life.
What makes these kits particularly special is that the fun doesn't stop once everything is assembled. Over the following days, tiny green shoots begin to appear, giving children something new to discover and care for throughout the Christmas holidays.
Our Pick: Creativity for Kids Grow and Glow Terrarium
Best for ages 6+ · Terrarium making & growing plants · Some mess during setup · Under $50
A miniature garden with a little glow-in-the-dark magic! The Creativity for Kids Grow and Glow Terrarium is a terrarium kit for kids aged 6 and up, combining hands-on crafting with the excitement of growing something from scratch.
Inside are a clear terrarium jar, potting mix, chia and wheatgrass seeds, colourful sand, stones, figurines and glow-in-the-dark stickers. Children can design their own miniature landscape, plant their seeds and add the finishing touches before watching their garden begin to grow.
This project continues well beyond the initial craft session. With seeds expected to sprout in around three to five days under suitable conditions, children can check on their little garden each morning, mist it with the included spray bottle and enjoy seeing their creation change. And when the lights go out, the glowing decorations add a little extra magic!
Creativity for Kids Plant & Grow Terrarium: Unicorn Forest
Best for ages 6+ · Magical garden making & imaginative play · Some mess during setup · Under $50
An enchanted forest they can grow themselves! The Creativity for Kids Plant & Grow Terrarium: Unicorn Forest lets children create their very own magical miniature garden, complete with a unicorn, rainbow and castle.
Using colourful decorative sand and real chia seeds, young gardeners can build their little landscape before planting, watering and watching their forest come to life. Under suitable growing conditions, the first green shoots can appear within three to five days, adding a wonderful touch of nature to their colourful creation.
We love this one for children who enjoy imaginative worlds, fairy gardens and a little bit of magic. It's a creative project they can proudly display and continue caring for throughout the summer holidays.
| Art Shed Tip: Both terrariums make wonderful Christmas Day activities! Plant the seeds on Christmas morning and, with the right conditions, you could have little green shoots appearing before New Year's Eve. Keep the terrarium somewhere bright, away from harsh afternoon sunlight, and follow the included watering instructions. |
How to choose a Christmas craft kit by age and budget
Start with the child's age, then your budget. The table below shows our top picks for each. Every other kit in this guide lists its age, mess level and budget under its own description.
| Age | Under $25 | Under $50 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | Mont Marte Creative Clay Set 27pc, Mont Marte Kids Play Dough Set 6pc | Kids Ages 2-4 Art Gift Set, Faber-Castell Little Creatives Art Play Activity Set, Sensory Bin: Dinosaur Dig (3+) |
| 5 to 8 | Big Gem Diamond Painting: Stickers, Creative Clay Make Me (6+), Colour & Sticker Set A5: Dino Adventures | Little Artists Craft & Paint Bundle (Ages 5-8), Young Artist Learn to Paint Set 17pc, Creative Clay Christmas Advent Calendar (6+) |
| 8 to 12 | Friendship Bracelets kits, Colour-In Ceramic Coaster Set | Grow and Glow Terrarium, Clay Play! 24 Whimsical Projects (with a grown-up for the baking) |
For a bigger main present, the Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack 84pc costs more than $50 and fills a craft cupboard for the whole summer.
What are the best kids gifts under $25?
Our top kids gifts under $25 are Creative Clay, Big Gem diamond painting, bracelet kits and the ceramic coasters. Most mini craft kits in this guide are under $25 too, which makes them easy stocking fillers.
What are the best kids gifts under $50?
Art Shed's gift sets, the Learn to Paint set and the advent calendar top our kids gifts under $50. Each one stands on its own as a main present. The sensory bins and terrariums also sit in this range.
Which craft kit suits my child's age?
Children aged 2 to 4 need chunky tools and open-ended play. From 5 to 8, they enjoy following simple steps to finish something. From 8 to 12, they're ready for more steps, more patience and real techniques.
Shopping for an older child? Our guides to Christmas gifts for teen girls who love art and Christmas gifts for teen boys who love art pick up from around age 12.
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Frequently asked questions about Christmas craft kits for kids
What age are craft kits for kids best for?
Most mini craft kits suit ages 6 and up. For younger children, choose Art Shed's gift sets for ages 2 to 4, the Little Creatives set, the Creative Clay Set 27pc or a sensory bin (3+ with supervision). Many kits contain small parts, so they aren't suitable for children under 3.
Are sensory bins messy?
Sensory bins are designed to keep the mess contained, and everything packs back into the bin. Some sand will still escape, so set the bin on a towel, a tray or a picnic rug, or take it outside.
Are these sensory gifts suitable for kids with sensory needs?
Many children who love touch and texture enjoy sensory bins and clay. For children who dislike sticky hands, Creative Clay and diamond painting are good low-mess options. These are sensory play gifts, not therapy tools, so if your child has specific sensory needs, their occupational therapist is the best person to ask.
Which craft kits are the least messy?
Diamond painting, Bubble Gems and the bracelet kits are the least messy kits in this guide. Creative Clay, the ceramic coasters, connector pens and the Dino Adventures colouring pack are also tidy, as none of them involve paint, sand or water.
Do I need to buy anything extra?
For most kits, no. Everything is in the box. Painting kits need a cup of water, and varnish is an optional extra for clay and the ceramic coasters. Clay Play! is the exception, as its projects need polymer clay and a home oven.
What's a good craft gift for siblings to share?
The Kids Mega Craft Activity Pack is built for sharing. A sensory bin also works well for two children playing side by side. For separate gifts that still go together, choose two different Creative Clay Make Me characters or one of each bracelet kit.
Are craft kits educational?
Yes, though children just think they're playing. Craft kits build fine motor skills, patience and the habit of following steps. Some teach specific skills, like colour mixing in the Learn to Paint set or how plants grow in the terrarium kits.
Are Faber-Castell and Mont Marte good brands for kids?
Yes. Faber-Castell is a German art supplies maker founded in 1761, and Mont Marte is an Australian brand that makes art materials for every level, from kids to working artists. Both make children's ranges with washable, non-toxic materials designed for small hands.
When should I order Christmas craft kits?
As early as you can, and before 12 December for the Creative Clay advent calendar. Most in-stock orders placed before 11am AEST on business days are dispatched the same day, but that can change during the Christmas rush. Check our shipping policy for current timeframes.
Can I get help choosing a kids craft kit in Melbourne?
Yes. Visit our Moorabbin store at 475 Warrigal Road, where our team of artists can help you choose by age, interest and budget, and point out which kits are least messy.
Ready to Find Their Creative Christmas Gift?
Whether they're a budding little artist, a curious explorer or simply love making things with their hands, there's something wonderful about giving a gift that encourages their imagination.
From their very first set of crayons to colourful craft projects and hands-on sensory adventures, the best Christmas craft kits for kids are the ones that make them excited to create, explore and discover something new.
Explore all our favourites above, shop our full kids art and craft range online, or pop into Art Shed in Moorabbin for a little creative inspiration.
Still not sure what to choose? An Art Shed gift voucher is a lovely option for older children who'd enjoy choosing their own art supplies.
Here's to a Christmas filled with colourful creations, happy little artists and plenty of imagination!
