Creative Innovation for Creative Kids: 5 Must-Have Art Products from Creativation 2025
The International Art Materials Association’s annual Creativation conference just wrapped up. I spent three days scouring the trade floor for the coolest new innovations in kids’ arts and crafts and have listed my five favorite finds here. I can’t wait to start creating tutorials using all of these awesome products for you and your kids to enjoy in GlueStick.
Disclosure: I received complimentary samples of the Slice cutting tools, POSCA markers, and Jesmonite resin kits mentioned in this article. However, all opinions are my own and I only recommend products I believe GlueStick families will genuinely enjoy. No commissions are generated from the links in this article.
#5 Paint Puck CollapsiBowl
I LOVE this product. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is that its price point of $35.99 is a little high for casual family crafting. The Collapsibowl is an all-in-one spill-resistant water bowl, brush stand, paint palette and brush cleaner. It collapses flat for easy storage and is easy to bring along for painting outside or on the go. Kids crafts are not Paint Puck’s target market, but as a mom who loves to paint independently and with my daughter, I’ll absolutely be picking one up and using it with her. Visit their website to order your own.
#4 Jesmonite Eco Resin Kits
Jesmonite used to be an industrial resin supplier, but during the pandemic hobbyists realized their low VOC, eco-friendly resins were far more versatile. Capitalizing on a wave of influencer-induced popularity, the company just released new kits in bright, kid-friendly colors. These easy-to-use kits will require parental supervision, but are perfect for kitchen crafting and take just a few hours to dry. Find a retailer near you on their website.
#3 Monster Color Washable Tempera Paint from Abroli
It’s hard to pick a favorite tempera paint from all the amazing products at Creativation, but the glitter MonsterColor paints take my top spot. These brand-new washable tempera paints from Abroli are not only beautiful and fun, they have a heart. The company’s nonprofit arm supports autism awareness and donates thousands of dollars of products to local schools and programs for underprivileged kids. Plus their eco-friendly packaging helps your kiddos get every drop of paint out, saving the planet and your wallet. Monster Paints are available at Meijer and specialty art supply stores nationwide.
#2 POSCA Water-Based Portrait Colors Paint Markers
I had so much fun playing with POSCA’s water-based paint markers. These markers are perfect for family crafting. They adhere beautifully to canvas, stone, wood, and even glass. With 55 stunning colors to choose from including glitter and metallics, there’s sure to be something to inspire your kids to get crafty. Their newest release of Portrait Markers makes sure that everyone can create beautiful art that reflects their inner beauty. POSCA markers are available from their parent company Uni’s website or at major retailers nationwide.
#1 Finger Safe Cutting Tools from Slice
Slice’s line of ceramic-blade cutting tools makes detailed cutting projects safe and accessible for kids. Their “finger safe” blades are perfect for cutting cardboard, paper, plastic packaging, Shrinky Dink film, and more. The innovative microblades on their safety cutter and precision cutter are especially great because you’ve really got to try to hurt you. A specialized tapered edge on their patented ceramic blades disperses pressure and makes the blades significantly safer for littles too young to wield a razor blade or box cutter. This booth made me wish I checked a bag so I could confidently get more of their products home. I want their entire kid-friendly lineup in my crafting arsenal, and with products starting at just $7.99, that’s an affordable splurge.
Whether you’re painting, pouring, marking, or slicing, these new products represent the future of kids' artistic expression. Eco-friendly resins, washable paints, and innovative cutting tools make creative time safer, more sustainable, and more fun, helping families turn everyday moments into colorful adventures. I can't wait to share tutorials using these products in GlueStick! Sign up for an account or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest (@gluestickapp) to join the creative journey.
