The 10 Best Children's Easels
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Artistic creativity is such an important part of a child's development, and kids love to express themselves, whether or not they have the talent to become the next Picasso or Mary Cassatt. Our selections offer a range of easels that will have your children developing fine motor skills while creating their masterpieces, from large models good for playrooms to travel-sized workstations. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe
2. US Art Supply 3-Sided
3. Little Partners Deluxe Learn & Play
Editor's Notes
December 11, 2020:
For this update we decided to remove and replace the Das Kid Tabletop, even though it might appeal to some minimalists, the design is so "bare bones" and uninspiring, especially when compared to the Alex Toys Artist Studio, and the Faber-Castell Portable Art Kit, our two recommended table top choices.
We added the US Art Supply 3-Sided as one of our top choices even though it will be too large for some homes, its flexibility as far as placement of the boards, and allowing for different heights makes it so useful in a variety of situations, larger families where the children playing are all different ages, or playdates with more than one other child. Plus it has the wooden frame that many parents prefer.
Our other new selection, the Little Partners Deluxe Learn & Play marries form and function in a way that's pleasing to both parent and child. It comes finished in a variety of fun colors, and has a substantial, sturdy frame. This model offers two shelves plus two fabric baskets to corral the multiplying art supplies all in one place.
October 31, 2019:
When evaluating the best kid's easels, the wood options are popular as they have a more traditional look and won't seem too babyish as your child grows. Models like the Melissa & Doug Deluxe and the Kid Kraft Wood are built to last and parents won't mind leaving them out in a family room or kitchen.
We also considered plastic models geared towards more rambunctious toddlers because they are harder to break and easier to wipe clean if they go nuts with paint. The Step 2 For Two has a sturdy, wide base, but can also be folded and stored in a closet.
We replaced the bare bones Ikea MALA with the Arkmiido Kids because it includes plenty of engaging accessories to spark your child's imagination, plus the handy deep storage pouches underneath to keep all those supplies corralled.
4. Alex Toys Artist Studio
5. Kid Kraft Wood
6. Step 2 For Two
7. Hape All-in-One
8. Faber-Castell Portable Art Kit
9. Elk & Bear for Toddlers
10. Crayola Qwik Flip
Tina Morna Freitas is a writer who lives in Chicago with her family and three cats. She has a B.A. in anthropology with a minor in English, and has built a freelance career over the years in writing and digital marketing. Her passions for cooking, decorating and home improvement contribute to her extensive knowledge of all things kitchen and home goods. In addition, her 20 years as a parent inform her expertise in the endless stream of toys and equipment that inevitably takes over the homes of most parents. She also enjoys gardening, making and sipping margaritas, and aspires to be a crazy cat lady once all the children are grown.