Arts & Crafts - Other

Discover the Best Arts & Crafts Stores in the UK: From Kids’ Kits to Chocolate Decorating

Why choose specialised arts & crafts stores?

When you want supplies that spark real creativity, specialised arts & crafts stores beat general supermarkets every time. They stock materials that are built to last, offer expert advice, and often carry unique kits you won’t find elsewhere. Think of them as well-stocked tool sheds for makers — everything is within reach, neatly organised, and ready for your next project.

Quality vs. convenience

Yes, online convenience is tempting, but quality matters. A decent brush or a sturdy sheet of paper can change a frustrating afternoon into a rewarding session. If you’re buying for a project that will be displayed or gifted, investing in higher-grade products usually pays off. That said, many UK retailers balance price and quality well, so you can get reliable supplies without breaking your budget.

Featured store: Ebebek — kids' crafts and activity packs

Ebebek is highlighted for its focus on children’s products, blending playful design with practical learning. If you’re shopping for toddlers or early primary-aged kids, you’ll find themed activity packs and playful sets that encourage fine motor skills and imaginative play. Ebebek often features licensed and museum-themed kits that are both fun and educational.

Top picks: National History Museum Colouring Pad & Numberblocks Reusable Clings

Two standout items to look for are the National History Museum Colouring Pad and Numberblocks Reusable Clings. The colouring pad is perfect for a rainy afternoon, with pages that invite discovery — think dinosaur sketches and natural-history facts beside each drawing. The Numberblocks clings are brilliant for little learners: reusable, easy to stick on smooth surfaces, and great for counting games. They’re like tiny magnets for curiosity.

Who should shop here?

If you’re a parent, grandparent, or childcare provider hunting for educational yet entertaining kits, Ebebek is a strong option. Their selection leans toward younger children, so if you need more advanced art supplies, complementing your purchase with a visit to a fine art supplier might be a smart move.

Featured store: ChocArtist — chocolate and cake-decorating supplies

ChocArtist specialises in chocolate crafting and cake-decoration tools — a niche but delightful corner of the craft world. If you love baking or want to turn dessert-making into an art form, ChocArtist stocks moulds, transfer sheets, edible paints, and everything needed to create show-stopping sweets. It’s the place to go when you want your cakes and chocolates to look as good as they taste.

Create Your Own: custom chocolate kits

The “Create Your Own” kits are ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want hands-on experience without buying dozens of separate tools. These kits typically include moulds, a set of basic tools, and simple instructions to get you started. Think of them as starter toolboxes for confectionery — useful, compact, and brimming with possibility.

Perfect for baking and party projects

Whether you’re making party favours, wedding chocolates, or experimenting with flavour and texture, specialised supplies make a big difference. With the right moulds and transfer sheets, a homemade sweet can rival professional patisseries. And besides, decorating is half the fun — like painting with caramel and cocoa instead of acrylic.

Top UK arts & crafts stores to know

The UK has a vibrant craft retail scene, from hobby superstores to boutique art shops. Each has its own strengths, so knowing what you need helps you pick the right one. Below are several respected options that complement what Ebebek and ChocArtist offer.

Cass Art — fine art supplies

Cass Art is a go-to for professional and aspiring artists who need higher-grade paints, canvases, and brushes. If you’re working with oils, watercolours, or acrylics and want pigment-rich paints and archival-quality paper, Cass Art is a strong contender. It’s where technique-focused makers gather supplies that last.

Hobbycraft — everything for crafters

Hobbycraft is the big-box option with a wide selection spanning kids’ kits, sewing, papercraft, and event decor. If you’re planning a multi-part project or want a one-stop shopping trip, it’s a dependable choice. Their seasonal ranges are especially useful when you want themed materials for holidays or school projects.

Baker Ross — kids' crafts in bulk

Baker Ross specialises in bulk craft supplies for schools, clubs, and party organisers. If you need dozens of packs for a classroom or a weekend workshop, their packs are cost-effective and ready to go. Imagine a whole table of children creating colourful masks or party favour boxes — that’s Baker Ross territory.

Paperchase, Ryman & smaller boutiques

For stationery-lovers and crafters working in papercraft, stores like Paperchase and Ryman offer beautiful papers, stickers, and card stock in convenient formats. Local independent boutiques often carry unique papers and embellishments you won’t find online, adding personality to your work.

How to pick the right supplies for your project

Choosing the right materials is half the craft. Decisions on paper weight, brush type, and adhesive can make or break your final result. Consider the project’s purpose, how long it should last, and the experience level of the maker before you buy.

Paper, paint, and brushes

If you’re painting with watercolours, pick paper that’s at least 140 lb (about 300 gsm) or around 9 x 12 inches and upwards, so it won’t buckle under water. For acrylics, a canvas or thicker paper around 12 x 16 inches gives a satisfying surface. Brushes are usually listed by size; a 1/2-inch flat brush is great for washes, while smaller round brushes under 1/8 inch are perfect for detail work. Buying the right brush shape — round, flat, filbert — is as important as picking a good paint.

Tools for chocolate crafting and cake decoration

When working with chocolate, temperature control is everything. Small tools like silicone spatulas, tempered-chocolate thermometers (reading in degrees Fahrenheit), and flexible scrapers make tempering and sculpting far easier. For moulds, choose food-grade silicone or polycarbonate and consider sizes in inches — small rectangular bars or 1.5-inch round buttons are popular for gifting.

Budgeting and price lists

Crafting can be inexpensive or a serious hobby investment. The key is knowing where to splurge and where to save. Price lists help, but context is king: a pricey brush might last years, while a cheap pack of glitter can serve a child’s craft for a single afternoon.

How to compare prices and spot a good deal

Compare unit prices: how much is a single sheet, a tube of paint, or a mould per ounce? Look for bundled kits if you’re starting out — they often reduce per-item cost. Sales and seasonal discounts are worth watching, but also check for free instructional guides or video tutorials, which add value beyond the product itself.

Sustainable and reusable options

Sustainability is increasingly important in arts & crafts. From recycled paper to plant-based glues, many stores now offer greener alternatives. Choosing reusable materials not only reduces waste but often fosters more thoughtful, slower-making — the essence of mindful crafting.

Why reusable clings and eco-friendly materials matter

Reusable clings, like the Numberblocks set, are perfect examples: they can be used repeatedly without stickers or adhesive, saving resources and frustration. Similarly, choosing renewable materials — bamboo brushes, recycled paper pads around 9 x 12 inches — means your creative hobby has less environmental impact. Small swaps add up over time.

Creative project ideas and inspiration

If you’re stuck for what to make next, quick project ideas can act like a spark plug for your imagination. Whether you have a free afternoon or a whole weekend, there are projects that match every skill level and budget.

Simple projects for kids

Kids love hands-on, short projects. Try creating animal masks using pre-cut card stock and paints, or make sticker scenes with reusable clings on a 12 x 9-inch sheet of poster board. These projects usually take under an hour and give immediate gratification — perfect for rainy days or birthday parties.

Advanced projects for adults

For more advanced makers, consider mixed-media canvases that combine paint, fabric, and found objects, or chocolate sculpting that requires tempering and moulding. These projects take time and patience, but the result is deeply satisfying. Treat it like a long hike rather than a sprint: pace matters, and breaks help creativity stay fresh.

Where to buy special items like museum-themed kits and chocolate moulds

Museum-themed kits — like those inspired by the National History Museum — often pop up in children’s specialist stores and museum shops themselves. For chocolate moulds and confectionery tools, niche suppliers such as ChocArtist and dedicated bakeware shops are your best bet. If you want the widest choice, combine online browsing with a local trip to compare textures and sizes physically.

Mixing and matching stores to get the best results

Don’t be afraid to source from multiple shops: pick kids’ activity sets from stores like Ebebek, buy speciality chocolate tools from ChocArtist, and then head to a fine art shop for quality paints and brushes. This mix-and-match approach gives you the best tools for each task, just like assembling a dream team for a creative project.

Tips to keep your supplies organised and lasting longer

Organisation saves time and money. Use clear boxes for small items like beads, labels for paint tubes, and a dedicated shelf for paper sizes like 9 x 12 or 12 x 16 inches. Proper storage protects materials from dust, humidity, and curious pets, and makes it easier to start crafting at a moment’s notice.

Simple storage solutions

Repurpose shoeboxes for paper scraps, use mason jars for brushes and tools, and store flat items horizontally to avoid creasing. For food-related supplies, keep chocolate moulds separate from non-food materials and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent warping.

Crafting is more than a hobby — it’s a way to slow down, connect, and create something that didn’t exist before. With the right stores and supplies, your next project can be smoother and more joyful. Whether you’re buying educational kits for kids from stores like Ebebek, gathering chocolate tools from ChocArtist, or stocking up on paints and paper from UK favourites, there’s a world of materials waiting to be explored.

Remember: creativity thrives when you pair quality materials with curiosity. So pick a store, pick a project, and give yourself permission to play.

Conclusion: With a mix of specialist shops and general craft stores across the UK, you can assemble the ideal toolkit for every kind of maker. From kids’ learning clings and museum-themed colouring pads to professional chocolate moulds and fine art materials, the right supplier makes all the difference. Start small, experiment often, and enjoy the process — that’s the real craft.