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Think back to your favourite childhood doodle — that scribble was probably more powerful than you realised. Art and drawing toys aren’t just fun; they’re tiny creativity engines. They help kids learn fine motor skills, express emotions, practise hand-eye coordination, and develop the patience needed to finish a project. In short, art toys convert spare time into valuable brain-building minutes. If you want a hands-on way to boost your child’s imagination, these toys are a no-brainer.
When a toddler squeezes putty or a seven-year-old traces letters with a felt-tip, they’re actually strengthening neural pathways. Creative play supports early literacy, math readiness, and problem-solving. For example, building shapes with modelling dough teaches spatial ideas the same way simple drawing exercises help with pre-writing skills. It’s a gentle, playful approach to learning that disguises the hard work their brains are doing.
Screens have their place, but a crayon in a child’s hand creates a different kind of focus. Art toys invite tactile exploration — the smell of dough, the stretch of slime, the resistance of a stamp — sensations screens can’t mimic. Swapping even 15 minutes of digital time for a drawing session can calm overstimulation and improve concentration for the next activity. Think of art toys as the off-switch for hyperactivity and the on-switch for mindful play.
Looking for where to buy? The UK has a broad range of retailers that carry excellent art and drawing toys, from specialist creative chains to big-name toy stores and department stores. Here’s a quick guide to the places that consistently stock high-quality kits and inexpensive staples.
Menkind shines when you want novelty items that catch the eye. They often carry trending sensory toys like the Needoh range — think Needoh Sploot Splat, Nice Cube, Gumdrop and Dream Drop — plus novelty putties such as the Science Museum Colour Changing Putty and Winning’s Totally Clear Ice Blast Putty. These picks are great if your goal is to spark curiosity with unusual textures and colour-changing effects that feel like science experiments as much as art time.
Ebebek is a solid source for family-friendly art kits, classic brands and starter sets. Expect to find Play-Doh starter packs, Play‑Doh Pizza Oven playsets and playful sets like Dede Linda’s Kitchen Dough. They also stock activity toys such as Lite Brite Ultimate Classic and Learning Resources moulds that introduce number and shape recognition through tactile play. Ebebek is a good stop if you want tried-and-tested items that do more than just entertain.
If variety is what you want, The Entertainer and Smyths carry everything from marker sets and doodle boards to comprehensive art kits. These chains are handy for last-minute birthday gifts or when you need a one-stop shop for mixed-age siblings. You’ll often find both trendy sensory toys and classic art supplies under the same roof.
For parents who want higher-grade materials, Hobbycraft and John Lewis offer paint sets, easels and more substantial drawing kits. Hobbycraft is especially good for seasonal bargains on brushes, canvases and craft accessories, while John Lewis balances quality products with a curated toy selection that includes durable creative kits ideal for gifting.
Need something cheap and cheerful? Argos and Tesco frequently stock Play‑Doh sets and beginner drawing kits suitable for toddlers and young children. These stores are perfect for essentials like washable markers, colouring pads and starter clay sets when you don’t want to splurge.
Amazon UK remains a go-to for sheer variety and user reviews. If you’re hunting for a specific product like a winning putty variant or a retro Lite Brite set, Amazon usually has multiple sellers and price points. Just make sure to check seller ratings and read reviews to avoid counterfeit or low-quality items.
Not all art toys are created equal. Some focus on texture, some on colour or mechanics, and others on guided creativity. Below are examples of popular items that consistently deliver developmental and entertainment value.
Needoh toys combine squish, stretch and fun. They come in forms like Sploot Splat and Nice Cube, offering different tactile experiences — from gooey to firm — that keep hands busy and minds calm. These are particularly useful for children who need sensory feedback to focus, and they double as creative additions to small-scale sculpting and sensory trays.
Putty that changes colour or looks like clear ice feels magical to kids. Products like Science Museum Colour Changing Putty and Winning Totally Clear Ice Blast Putty provide the wow factor and encourage experimental play. Children can press, mould and watch colours shift as the putty warms — a simple science lesson wrapped in play.
Play‑Doh remains a classic for a reason. Starter sets and themed playsets like the Play‑Doh Pizza Oven or Play‑Doh Kitchen allow kids to role-play while shaping and cutting dough. These sets are terrific for cooperative play, helping children learn to share tools and collaborate on imaginative menus or creations.
Lite Brite brings a retro vibe with a modern twist — children create colourful light mosaics that glow when switched on. It’s a perfect blend of fine motor practice and reward-driven creativity: the final lit-up picture feels satisfying and boosts confidence.
Products like the Learning Resources Numbers & Operations Sand Moulds merge math and tactile play. Using dough or sand to form numbers and shapes helps reinforce counting and basic operations in a hands-on, memorable way. These kits are a clever approach to making abstract concepts concrete.
Choosing the right toy can feel overwhelming — try this simple checklist to narrow the options. Think about age, safety, the child’s interests, and how portable you want the toy to be. Below are specific points to guide you.
Young toddlers will benefit most from simple, low-choking-risk items like large dough tubs and chunky crayons. Older kids may prefer more complex kits that include brushes, mixing palettes, or detailed models. Always check recommended ages and ensure small parts don’t pose a hazard for younger siblings.
Look for non-toxic labels, washable markers and sturdy tools that can survive rough play. For example, Play‑Doh is washable and generally safe, while putties should be labelled non-toxic and latex-free if allergies are a concern. Durability matters, too: cheap brushes that fray after one wash aren’t worth the false economy.
Are you buying for travel, playdates or messy home sessions? Travel-friendly sets that include a little storage box or tray make tidy-up easier. If mess is a worry, choose washable or contained activities like a wind-up sketch toy rather than loose glitter or uncontained paint.
Quality doesn’t always mean pricey. You can furnish a craft cupboard without emptying your wallet if you know where to look. Bulk packs, seasonal sales and multi-packs make the per-item cost very reasonable.
Basic packs of Play‑Doh, washable markers and inexpensive sketch pads cover countless creative hours. Shops like Argos, Tesco and The Entertainer often sell combo packs or multi-packs that reduce the cost per play session. Buying these basics in bulk is a smart move if arts and crafts are a household staple.
Keep an eye on seasonal clearances around back-to-school time, post-holiday sales and end-of-season markdowns at retailers like Smyths, Hobbycraft or John Lewis. Often you can snag advanced kits and branded items for a fraction of the usual price — the kind of find that feels like treasure hunting.
Once you have the right toys, a few simple habits can multiply their value. Here are practical tips that turn a box of supplies into a creative routine.
Set aside a small area, even a tabletop with a washable mat, where art becomes an expected everyday activity. Having a go-to spot reduces friction: when the glue, scissors and colours are ready, kids are more likely to dive in without asking permission or creating a mess elsewhere.
Rotation is the secret to longevity. Keep a few sets accessible and store the rest out of sight. A toy that vanishes for a week and reappears feels new again, which keeps creativity fresh without constant spending.
Art is social. Sit with your child, ask open questions about their picture, and try a joint project. It’s less about producing a masterpiece and more about the shared experience, which motivates kids and reinforces confidence in their abilities.
Art supplies can be messy and sometimes hazardous if not stored properly. Keep caps on markers, separate permanent inks and store small parts out of reach of very young children. A simple caddy or stackable boxes make storage tidy and accessible for independent play.
Sorting supplies into bins for different ages or activities helps you find the right tool quickly. Label containers for ‘modelling dough,’ ‘painting,’ or ‘stencils’ — this saves time and teaches kids organisational skills as they learn to return items to their home.
Good brushes last when you rinse them well and lay them flat to dry. A little care here prevents splayed bristles and keeps craft sessions frustration-free. Treating art tools with respect teaches kids that their materials are worth looking after.
Art and drawing toys are more than just ways to pass an afternoon — they’re tools for development, curiosity, and lasting memories. From novelty sensory putties at Menkind to family favourites at Ebebek and practical buys at stores like The Entertainer, Smyths, Hobbycraft and Argos, the UK market has something for every budget and interest. Choose toys that fit your child’s stage, rotate supplies to keep play fresh, and most importantly, take part. When you make space for creativity, you’re giving a child the freedom to explore, fail, and try again — which is the real gift.
| Art & Drawing Toys | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Needoh Nice Cube Fidget Toy | £ 7,- | |
| Needoh Gumdrop Fidget Toy | £ 7,- | |
| Artcraft Dino Dentist Play Dough Set | £ 8,49 | |
| Dede Linda's Kitchen Dough Set | £ 16,99 |
