Art & Craft Kits

Best Art & Craft Kits in the UK: Top Picks from Ebebek, Menkind and Other Favourite Shops

Why art & craft kits still beat a rainy-day screen

If you're anything like me, a rainy afternoon can turn into a tiny creative revolution with the right kit. Art and craft kits are like cheat codes for creativity — they come with everything you need, guide you step by step, and leave you with something proudly handmade. Whether you're buying for a curious toddler, a crafty teen, or an adult looking to unwind, kits remove the guesswork and make creativity feel achievable.

Where to shop: a quick tour of UK sellers

Shopping for kits in the UK is easier than ever. Specialty retailers like Ebebek and Menkind offer targeted ranges — Ebebek focuses on imaginative children's sets, while Menkind leans toward novelty and adult hobby kits. Big chains such as Hobbycraft and The Works cover a wide price spectrum, John Lewis brings premium-quality choices, and online marketplaces like Amazon UK stock almost every niche kit you can imagine. Each seller has its own strengths, so a quick browse or price comparison can save both money and disappointment.

Ebebek: child-first kits that spark play-based learning

Ebebek is a great stop if you’re searching for kits that combine play with learning. Their selection includes items like the Numberblocks Stampoline Park Stamp Activity Set — perfect for little hands learning numbers — and Dodo Scratch kits such as Dodo Scratch Set Space or Dodo Scratch Card Pirate that reveal colourful scenes when children scratch away black coatings. They also stock themed packs like a Barbie A4 Make & Colour Camping Set and Paddington Mini Colour On, which are excellent for storytelling and imaginative play.

Menkind: quirky, adult-friendly and gift-ready kits

Menkind tends to stock kits that feel a little special: think Complete Candlemaking Craft Kit for someone who wants a tactile, fragrant project, or Brxlz stadium kits like the Arsenal Brxlz Stadium and Manchester City Brxlz Mini Stadium for football fans who enjoy pixel-style building. These kits often serve as gifts or weekend projects and balance novelty with quality.

Hobbycraft: the obvious one-stop shop

Hobbycraft is the UK’s staple for crafters and makers. If you want paint-by-numbers, embroidery, cross-stitch, polymer clay or mixed-media kits, Hobbycraft usually has multiple versions for different skill levels. Their larger kits are often roomy in scale — expect instructions and canvases that measure 12 to 24 inches or more — which makes them great for serious weekend projects or group activities.

The Works and budget options

The Works is perfect for bargain-hunters. Their range skews kid-friendly — colouring, sticker mosaics and simple craft kits that keep costs low without sacrificing fun. If you’re buying for party bags or classroom crafts, you can find packs that give you a lot of activity per pound.

John Lewis & Partners and premium craft kits

When you want a beautifully packaged kit that’s also high-quality, John Lewis tends to deliver. Their adult craft kits often include better materials — smoother paper, higher-grade yarn, or fine brushes — and they’re ideal for giving as a thoughtful present to someone who’ll appreciate top-notch supplies.

Popular types of kits and who they suit

Not all kits are made equal. To make the best choice, match the type of kit to the person’s interests and patience level. Here are the most popular kinds you’ll find across UK retailers, with quick tips on who will love them.

Stamp and sticker kits — great for tiny makers

Stamp sets and sticker kits, like the Numberblocks Stampoline Park Stamp Activity Set, are low-mess and high-reward. Little fingers can make bold designs without precision, so these are perfect for preschoolers. They’re quick to set up and usually clean up in minutes — a winning formula for busy parents.

Scratch art and reveal kits — instant wow factor

Scratch kits such as Dodo Scratch Set Space and Dodo Scratch Card Pirate hide colours beneath a black coating; scratching reveals vivid scenes. They’re addictive, tactile and offer visible progress fast, which makes them ideal for ages 5 and up.

Paint and colour-in kits — for focus and calm

Paint-by-numbers and colouring packs, including themed sets like Barbie A4 Make & Colour Camping Set, are excellent for older kids and adults who want a calming project. Larger canvases that measure around 16 to 24 inches give a satisfying, frame-worthy result.

Build-and-model kits — patience pays off

Model building kits like the Brxlz stadium ranges reward careful attention. Brxlz is similar to a pixel construction project, combining the focus of a puzzle with the fun of a miniature model. These are best suited to teens and adults who like methodical tasks that unfold over several hours.

Candle-making, soap and sensory kits — hands-on beginners’ crafts

Complete Candlemaking Craft Kit and similar sets introduce practical skills and produce usable items. Expect step-by-step instructions for melting wax or combining ingredients, and an aromatic payoff at the end. These kits are great for home-based gifts and sensory exploration.

How to choose the right kit: 7 quick tips

Choosing a kit feels tricky until you know what to look for. Here are seven quick filters I use before I buy:

1. Check age and skill level

Manufacturers usually mark an age range; follow it. Kits for ages 3–5 focus on gross motor skills and safety, while adult kits assume patience and fine motor control. If you're gifting, err a bit older rather than younger to avoid frustration.

2. Look at what's included

Does the kit include all consumables? No point getting a model that needs glue you don’t have. Good kits provide paints, brushes, glue, and extra pieces so you can dive straight in.

3. Materials and quality

Check whether materials are non-toxic and robust. For example, higher-grade paper or cotton yarn makes a big difference to the finished product and the experience of making it.

4. Time commitment

Estimate how long the kit will take. A sticker mosaic might be a 30-minute job, while a Brxlz stadium can be several hours spread across weekends. Match it to the recipient’s schedule.

5. Workspace and size

Consider the space needed. A large canvas or messy paint session might need a table covered in old newspapers that’s at least 3 feet wide, while small kits can be done on a lap.

6. Reusability and extras

Some kits leave you with leftover materials for future projects — bonus points. Others are single-use, which is fine for short-term activities but not great for long-term value.

7. Theme and interest fit

Choose a kit that matches the recipient’s passions: animals, space, football teams like the Arsenal or Manchester City Brxlz sets, or a favourite character such as Paddington or Barbie. Engagement matters more than price.

Safety, sustainability and clean-up

Safety and environmental impact are often afterthoughts, but they shouldn’t be. Opt for kits with non-toxic labels, water-based paints, and materials that are recyclable or compostable. For clean-up, a quick method is a dedicated “craft mat” on a tabletop — a 3-foot-wide washable mat protects surfaces and saves time. Keep wet wipes and a small bucket of soapy water nearby for brushes and sticky fingers.

Budgeting: getting the most for your money

Price doesn’t always equal fun. A simple scratch-art pack can be more satisfying than an expensive kit with flimsy parts. Think in terms of “hours of entertainment per pound.” For classroom use or party favors, cheaper bulk sets from The Works or supermarket craft sections stretch your budget. For gifts, investing a bit more in better materials (John Lewis or Menkind) improves the end result and your recipient’s sense of accomplishment.

Tips to upgrade any kit without breaking the bank

If you want to level up a basic kit, try swapping in higher-quality brushes, using a sturdier backing board for paintings, or adding LED tealights to candle kits for display. A small investment in a few reusable tools can make multiple kits feel premium. Another trick: combine kits. Pair a paint set with a blank wooden frame to make the finished piece ready to hang.

Where to find the best deals and compare options

Deals pop up all year round, especially around school holidays and major shopping events. Comparison websites and price-check tools help you avoid one-off overpriced items. Keep an eye on seasonal sales at Hobbycraft, Menkind and John Lewis; independent sellers often run promotions, too. If you prefer browsing in person, store chains let you feel materials before buying — often worth the short trip.

Final thoughts: which kit should you buy right now?

If you want a quick answer: for toddlers, grab a stamp or sticker set from Ebebek; for school-age kids, Dodo scratch packs or thematic Barbies keep attention; for teens and adults who like precision, try a Brxlz stadium or a complete candlemaking kit from Menkind; and for hobbyists, a more advanced paint-by-numbers or embroidery kit from Hobbycraft or John Lewis will deliver long-term satisfaction. Mix and match based on the interests, space and patience of the maker, and you’ll almost always hit the mark.

Above all, remember that the point isn’t perfection — it’s the process. Kits are invitations to explore, experiment and make something unique, one simple step at a time.