While notebooks, folders, and pencils are likely part of their school supplies list, arts and crafts are guaranteed to be a big part of your kiddo’s year, too! Whether projects like popsicle stick school buses or ABC letters are on the docket for the upcoming school year, we’ve compiled a list of the best back-to-school essentials at Walmart this year, ranging from our all-time favorite Crayola markers to an affordable and roomy backpack that’ll last the long term.
Check them all out — and more! — below.
Reviews of Back-to-School Craft Essentials at Walmart
1. Best Backpack: Eastsport Unisex Commuter Tech Backpack
Kick the new school year off with a functional, roomy backpack that won’t break the bank. This Eastsport option comes in three different colors (mint, black, and gray) and features multiple zippered compartments, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and waterproof material at the bottom.
2. Best Slime Kit: Elmer’s Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Kit
I have tons of slime tutorials on my site, but this kit from Elmer’s Glue supplies you with everything you could need for a fun glow-in-the-dark look. It’s washable, non-toxic, and safe for kids 3 and up.
3. Best Cardstock: Astrobrights Primary Cardstock
This 60-sheet pack of colorful cardstock is a must-have for creating all types of fun projects (like paper flowers!). I also love the brand’s white cardstock, which is perfect for printing out my coloring pages.
4. Best Markers: Crayola Clickable Art Markers
Gone are the days of dried-out markers from missing caps — these clickable retractable art markers from Crayola are safe and non-toxic, making them a great option for kids 3 and up.
5. Best Paint Set: Crayola Spill Proof Paint Set
Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, this mess-free set comes with five semi-solid paints that won’t get everywhere. The formulation is washable, too, in case they accidentally get some pigment on their skin or clothes.
For older kids, I love these acrylic paints from FolkArt! The matte finish is great for a variety of crafts, and you get 12 colors for less than $15.
6. Best Craft Storage: Mainstays 3-Tier Multipurpose Rolling Cart
This rolling cart is super similar to the one I have from IKEA. Investing in one of these handy organizers totally changed the game for me — it’s portable thanks to the wheels, accessible for both parents and kids, and a great way to see everything you own at a glance.
7. Best Glue: Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Washable School Glue
This glue is great for younger kids because they can see where they’re putting it, but it dries completely clear. The ever-reliable brand is great for all types of craft projects, but if you’re in need of something even tackier (for pom poms or googly eyes, for instance), I also recommend this mess-free pick from Glue Dots.
8. Best Pipe Cleaners: Hello Hobby Fuzzy Sticks Pipe Cleaners
Perfect for crafts like handprint fish, pipe cleaners are always useful to have on hand. I like this option because they come in a variety of colors and there are 100 in each pack.
9. Best Craft Sticks: Hello Hobby Jumbo Wood Craft Sticks
There are so many projects you can make with craft sticks like homemade bird feeders or coasters! For less than $4, you can nab a set of 75. I love that they come in a resealable bag for easy storage, too.
10. Best Googly Eyes: Hello Hobby Black and White Plastic Wiggly Eyes
No craft is complete with a set of too-cute googly eyes! Snag 150 of them and use them for projects like my paper apple craft.
11. Best Pom Poms: Hello Hobby 100 Piece Pom Poms
Available in a ton of different colors and sizes, this 100-piece pom pom set is a handy add-on to have in your arsenal of craft supplies.
12. Best Crayons: Crayola Crayon Set, 96-Count
This iconic set of Crayola crayons is super popular for a reason (seriously — it has a 4.2-star rating from more than 1,000 Walmart shoppers!). Complete with a built-in sharpener, you and your kids can color with classic and specialty colors, ranging from Macaroni and Cheese to Brick Red!
13. Best Paint Brush Set: Hello Hobby Assorted Craft Brush Set, 25 Pieces
I’m a big fan of this paint brush set because it comes with everything you could need for hands-on projects, like shader, foam, and liner brushes. You get 25 pieces for less than $5, which is a total steal in my book.
14. Best Colored Pencils: Crayola Colored Pencils, 100-Count
With 100 colors available in this colored pencil set, kids will have a blast filling in color by numbers. Just don’t forget the pencil sharpener!
15. Best Pencil Case: Livhil Pencil Case
This large capacity pencil case has enough room for pencils, pens, and erasers galore! It’s available in a ton of different colors and patterns, and I like that it has zippered compartments, too.
16. Best Air Dry Clay: Crayola Air Dry Clay Bucket
You can use Crayola’s air dry clay for crafts like pressed flower clay dishes. It’s a fun, hands-on texture that can be painted once dry, is safe and non-toxic, and — maybe best of all — you get a whopping 2.5 pounds of it for less than $4.
About Me
Hi, I’m Kim! I’m the founder of The Best Ideas for Kids, a website where I share my favorite crafts and activities for kiddos of all ages. I have two children of my own and we absolutely love getting to spend some quality time together by making slime or coloring in fun pages.
To create my list of the best back to school essentials at Walmart, I considered what I typically buy for my kids ahead of the new semester. From there, I factored in price, customer ratings, and reviews, and I made sure I was only including things that I would personally use.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
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