Drawing is always a fun activity and a great way for toddlers and children to express themselves and also to improve their motoric skills. And while kids can always draw and paint on a desk or a table, having an easel can ease the entire process. An easel for kids is a great way to sparkle interest in panting; it looks like a new toy and a new way to have fun. There are various types, sizes and materials used to make this art accessory, and what you'll choose depends mainly on your child's age and needs.
Types of Kid's Easels
Easel With Drying Rack and Storage
This isn't technically an easel, but if you have enough room, this (practically) art table is a great investment. Your kids will adore it and will instantly get their attention. Not only it has enough space to store things and organize paints, brushes and whatnot, but it also makes an excellent workstation for your kid's arts and crafts.
Tabletop Easel
Most parents opt out of this type of easel. It's large enough to keep a sheet of paper and allow your little one to express their artistic talent. Small enough so you can store it anywhere, this easel for kids takes up a reasonable amount of space on a desk or table. Despite its small size it still manages to deliver most of the features of a full-size art easel. Also, it's the most affordable choice.
Wooden Easel
Much more expensive than the tabletop counterpart, this type of easel is made of sturdy wood and looks fun and chic. Usually, it comes in several colours such as white, natural or brownish, and is excellent to match your home decor. Wooden easels are stable and usually have a lower tray for supplies and paintings, as well as upper trays for keeping chalks, markers, brushes and other things. This easel is a much better choice for an older kid (aged 5 and older).
Art Easel for Two
Getting two kids easels might not be so budget-friendly. This is why an easel for two is a great idea. They can both draw and use the easel at the same time. These easels allow two kids to draw from each side, making them a great entertaining toy. Usually made of plastic, collapsible and with a sitting area on one or both sides, these easels are a great choice not only for home use but outdoor as well. Lightweight and easy to store, you can take it with you on your vacation or a day at the park. Usually, the bench side has a storage area for art supplies and the easel is designed with a perfect height for toddlers all the way up to preschoolers.
Easel That Grows With Your Child
These are usually made of wood and are a superb long-term investment as you can adjust the height as your kid grows. The height can be adjusted as kids get taller (up too 140cm) so it’s ideal for kids who are really into art and want to continue developing their talent. Besides it can hold sheets of paper or canvases, this easel usually comes with a chalkboard site where your kid can explore this art medium as well (chalkboards are excellent for writing letters and numbers as well). It also includes a paint tray and storage bins under the easel boards.
What to Consider When Buying Kid's Easel
Size
When determining the size of kid's easels it's essential to have the space in your home in mind, but also the height of your little one. If there's not enough space for a standalone easel or if you're getting one for a toddler, choose a tabletop easel. If you have a toddler (age three and older) it's best to get a standing easel (114cm to 129cm). Children younger than 3 can use these easels as well, although they may need a stool to reach the top. If you have enough room, consider getting a full art table, instead of an easel.
How It's Built
The sturdier the easel the better it will be; kids aren't really stable so it's a good idea they draw on an easel that won't just collapse every time they press with their brushes or markers. Flimsy easels will easily drop down and you can expect some paint splashing.
Storage
Choose a kid's easel with storage trays and bins where your kid can keep their art supplies. This will reduce the mess (not entirely, toddlers still don't get the concept of a tidy space). If the easel has a larger tray, there will be more place for their masterpieces to dry.
Accessories
If you're searching for an easel for children, you probably came across some interesting models with extra accessories such as blacklights. But, this can be a good thing, since anything extra will keep the kid's attention and interest. You can choose a model with mess-free paint cups, or clips for hanging wet paintings to dry, as well as extra storage for keeping all the paint and art supplies organized.
