A color wheel and a booklet on color blending are helpful in an art set for teens. (BestReviews)
Adolescence is a time rich with creative exploration. If you know a young artist who fills sketchbook after sketchbook, you can encourage their growth by giving them an art set. Art sets consist of a combination of art supplies such as markers, pencils and paints. The Jumbl Deluxe 131-Piece Professional Art Set offers myriad artistic possibilities and even includes an easel.
Art sets for teens are available for nearly every medium and skill level. As you consider the best ones for the teens in your life, a few key factors should stay top of mind.
Many popular art sets are samplers — they offer a little of everything. It’s common to include a rainbow of colored pencils, crayons and pastels, and sometimes watercolor paint, too. These sets are safe choices for young artists who like to explore across media.
On the other hand, a young artist keen on particular media will appreciate a more focused set. Some sets are paint-specific, offering acrylics, oils and watercolors along with accessories such as paintbrushes. An illustrating teen may prefer a set of graphite and charcoal pencils.
To provide adequate variety and stimulation, a decent art set for teens often includes 40 pieces or more, while a more advanced young artist will benefit from a set with 100 pieces or more. At this size, there are dozens of pencils, markers, etc. to explore with. Note that with sets of that size, it’s easy to lose some pieces. That’s why it’s also important to look for a set packaged in a sturdy carrying case.
Remember how annoying it is to lose some crayons from a deluxe set? Losing a few art supplies seems inevitable over time, but an adequate art set case keeps everything in one place. Some are wooden with multiple drawer compartments, while others are nylon with zippered cases.
A typical art set for teens includes drawing and painting tools, along with the accessories to maintain them, such as pencil or crayon sharpeners. Other art sets for teens contain everything needed for artmaking, which can mean one or more sketchbooks, paint palettes for mixing colors, and even an easel. Young artists will likely appreciate the extras. If your recipient already has their own treasured sketchbooks, though, consider sticking with a more bare-bones set.
Nontoxic art materials aren’t a given; many include chemical solvents and lead, among other materials. This is most common in professional-grade art sets, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check the labels of others. Ingesting art supplies is less of a concern for teenagers than for younger children, but there’s still a risk of inhaling toxic fumes. Toxic art materials can spell bad news for family pets as well.
To stay on the safe side, look for a “nontoxic” label on the set. Otherwise, remind your young artist about safe art practices, such as using smelly paints in a well-ventilated space.
The more you’re willing to pay for an art set for teens, the better the quality will be. Expect to pay $20-$120, largely depending on the set’s size, the materials included and extra accessories.
A. Art supplies can last for years, and some, such as graphite and charcoal, can last forever. If you keep all the supplies in their cases and store them in a cool, dark place, a set's contents will last for years.
A. Generally speaking, no. Traditional art kits are made from materials such as eggs, shellac, carmine and gelatin. If this concerns you, look for art sets that don't use animal products.
Jumbl Deluxe Professional 131-Piece Art Set: available at Amazon
Our take: You can wow the budding artists in your life with this all-encompassing set.
What we like: This set contains more than most — not just acrylic, watercolor and oil paints, but paintbrushes, multiple sketchbooks, a few palettes and an easel with a carrying case. It's a great choice for any teen looking to explore various painting techniques.
What we dislike: Pricier than most sets, it doesn't have much for those who don't like to paint.
Art 101 Doodle and Color 142-Piece Art Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This extensive set, packaged in a gorgeous wooden case, looks more expensive than it is.
What we like: Adolescent illustrators will appreciate the array of colored pencils, pastels, crayons and watercolors. A pencil sharpener and a color chart are included. The wooden carrying case will keep everything together and would look lovely on any surface.
What we dislike: A few buyers had some trouble opening a drawer or two.
Lucky Crown Deluxe 88-Piece Art Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This set contains all the essentials plus an A4 sketchpad, making it a solid choice for older kids and teens alike.
What we like: With acrylic and watercolor paints, watercolor pencils and oil pastels, all packaged in an appealing blond-wood box, this is a fine choice for young artists wanting to explore a gamut of visual mediums.
What we dislike: Some buyers said the wooden case was damaged during shipping.
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Ola Faleti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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