36 Best Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Kids (Paint, Chalk, Markers & More)

Resources for safe, non-toxic art supplies including non-toxic chalk, paint and markers, so your kids can get messy and creative without worry over exposure to toxic chemicals.

Why Non-Toxic Art Supplies Matter

Children are especially vulnerable to hidden chemicals in arts and crafts supplies. First of all,  because every thing goes in their mouths – the crayons, the paint-covered hands – you know what I mean! When kids use art supplies, chemicals are being absorbed right through the skin and can off-gas into the air they breathe. Because of their small size and immature immune systems, these exposures have a greater impact on kids than adults.

Some of the harmful chemicals that may be lurking in art supplies include:

• lead, cadmium and other heavy metals
• touline, xylene, ammonia and other VOCs (volitile organic chemicals) that off-gas dangerous fumes
• formaldehyde
• PVC and phthalates

RELATED: 4 Good Reasons to Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Your Home & Life

Non-Toxic Art Supplies

Luckily, there are plenty of non-toxic art supplies available to keep our little artists in business! To help you out, I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic art supplies for toddlers and young children that I have found. Keep these safer alternatives in mind next time you purchase art supplies for your kids:

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Safer alternatives:

• Eco-Kids – Non-toxic finger paints made with fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, beets, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage and spinach, and other natural ingredients.
• Honeysticks – Natural watercolor paints made from natural and food-grade ingredients. Set of 8 colors comes in a metal tin with a natural wood paintbrush.
• Natural Earth Paint – Non-toxic face paints made with certified organic ingredients including beeswax and shea butter. Kit includes 6 colors and 3 bamboo makeup applicators. 

Non-Toxic Colored Pencils

Traditional colored pencils use chemical based pigments and may be coated with toxic varnish. Pencils made from sustainable wood and non-toxic pigments are better for people and the planet.

Safer alternatives:

• Prang – Certified non-toxic colored pencils (AP certified by the ACMI)
• Stubby Pencil Studio – Eco dry highlighter pencils made with sustainable wood and non-toxic pigments.
• Onyx + Green – Recycled newspaper colored pencils in 12 vibrant colors (non-toxic and lead free)
• Sprout – Plantable colored pencils made from sustainably harvested FSC Certified wood. Features a biodegradable stub end that contains seeds you can plant when you’re done using the pencil. (non-toxic, lead-free, and biodegradable)

Non-Toxic Play Dough & Modeling Clay

Polymer clay, used for modeling, is typically made with PVC material and softened with toxic phthalates. Most play dough, although labeled non-toxic, is colored with artificial colors. Vegetable based clays colored with food ingredients are a better choice.

Safer alternatives:

• Eco Kids – Non-toxic play dough or eco-dough is made with natural ingredients and scented with essential oils. 
• Land of Dough – Handmade play dough crafted with natural ingredients, compostable glitter and calming essential oils. 
• Pastilina – Vegetable based modeling clay that will not dry out. 
• Barn Owl Kids – Handmade play dough made with non-toxic ingredients in a variety of colors and scents. 
• Homemade play dough

Non-Toxic Glue

Avoid rubber cement and model glues that emit toxic VOCs. Stick to water-based glue instead.

Safer alternatives:

• Coccoina Paste – Solvent-free glue made from natural, water-soluble ingredients, making it a great non-toxic glue for kids. Comes in an eco-friendly metal tin.
• Onyx + Green – Plant-based glue sticks that are perfect for school supplies, home crafts and more. 
• Homemade glue

Safer alternatives:

• RoseArt – Non-toxic water-based, non-scented markers 
• Faber-Castell – Jumbo, broadline markers made with food-grade dyes.
• Liqui-Mark – Set of 8 washable, non-toxic markers
• Arteza – Low-odor, dry erase markers that are AP certified non-toxic.

Non-Toxic Art Smocks

Skip smocks made with toxic PVC vinyl material.

Safer alternatives:

• Organic Ding – Cute art smocks for kids made from upcycled 100% organic cotton fabric 
• Little Boat Designs – Handmade cotton apron for kids

Eco-Friendly Drawing Pads

Choose eco-friendly art pads to go along with your non-toxic art supplies.

• Eco-Kids – Eco art pad made with FSC Certified paper. 
• Moon Child – Eco-friendly art pad made from 100% post consumer recycled paper
• Strathmore – Drawing pad made from 100% post consumer recycled paper.

Non-Toxic Kids Craft Boxes

Set up your kids for hours of artsy fun with one of these non-toxic craft sets. Purchase a one-time craft box, or get a subscription to keep your young artists busy for a long time.

• Eco-Kids – Craft & Color Busy Box or All the Coloring Busy Box
• Green Kid Crafts – Monthly science and art subscription box.
• Kiwi Co – Creative art and science kits. Sold individually or by subscription.

Your turn: What are your favorite non-toxic art supplies for kids?