Image: MomJunction Design Team
Children are curious little beings, always eager to learn new things, and giving them the joy of learning is the main encouragement they need to grow and understand. Whether it’s their first time writing a letter, their first scribble, or their first drawing, the best kids’ easels can make learning a lot more fun for them.
A little bit of magic is all your little one needs to pique their interest and curiosity in new things, and an easel is an ideal aide. It can keep your child engaged for hours and is a superb addition to their room. It may be tricky to choose one from the plethora of options available, so we have listed some of the top-selling ones with tons of features to make it easier for you.
Top Picks
15 Best Kids’ Easels In 2024 To Keep Them Interested In Learning
1. Best Double-Sided: Step2 Great Creations Art Center
The double-sided board by Step2 comes with a dry-erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other. There is a large storage bin placed under the desk that provides ample space for keeping crayons, markers, and other art supplies organized. This easel for kids is appropriately sized and equipped with various features, enabling them to express their creativity.
Pros
- Promotes creative role play
- Improves visual and motor skills
- Comes with an in-built bench seat
- Made using premium-quality plastic
- Includes built-in trays and additional art caddies
Cons
- Assembly may be a bit complicated
- May not be sturdy enough
"I love that this activity center transforms from an art space to a picnic table. It is easy to clean and maintain, and I have found it quite sturdy. The storage areas could be better, but overall, it's a charming, multifunctional piece that my kids enjoy."
2. Best Easy-To-Assemble: Melissa And Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 2,169 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
For over 30 years, the trusted brand Melissa and Doug have been at the forefront of creating products that enhance kids’ creativity and learning like this standing easel. This plastic easel for kids includes a dry erase board, a chalkboard, and a locking paper roll holder — all of which help build your child’s fine motor skills.
Pros
- Includes a safe paper cutter, four easy paper clip grips, and two plastic trays
- Easy-to-clean board surface
- Flat folding design offers ease of storage
- Paint, paint brushes, cups, and chalk are packaged separately
- Designed for children over three years of age
- Bi-fold wood frame allows two children to use it simultaneously
Cons
- Stand and drill hole may not line up evenly at times
- Wood surface may be rough
Quick fact3. Best Adjustable Learning Aid: Joyooss Kids Wooden Easel
The quality-tested wooden easel can single-handedly keep your child engaged for hours while inspiring creative learning. This easel with storage comes with a green magnetic board on one side and a chalkboard on the other, along with paper clips for securing the sheets in place. This easel’s height can be adjusted from 37 inches to 50 inches, and it’s ideal for kids aged four and up.
Pros
- Both sides of the easel are magnetic
- Made of high-quality wood and contains no formaldehyde
- Includes one roll of 16ft drawing paper
- Comes with a storage box, three whiteboard pen, and a board eraser
- Includes colorful magnetic letters
Cons
- Tray may seem flimsy
- May peel with use
"It provides the dual benefits of a blackboard and chalkboard, catering to my child’s diverse artistic needs. I wish there were a provision to secure the eraser on the easel for ready accessibility. Nevertheless, I give the board a thumbs up for its sturdy build, versatility, and easy assemblage."
4. Best Organized Play Station: Step 2 All Around Easel For 2
Step 2, as a trusted toy brand, is constantly evolving and looking for new, exciting ways to include active social play into children’s lives. With this children’s easel, your child can scribble away to glory in either the dry erase board or the chalkboard. The tray can hold all of your child’s immediate accessories required for play while the storage bins make it easy to keep his surroundings clean.
Pros
- Two-sided art board
- Comes with two removable side trays and one large tray
- Includes art clips
- Comes with a 94-piece soft foam magnet set
- Requires minimal assembly
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- Side trays might come off easily
- Chalk marks may be difficult to erase
"This is a delightful two-sided easel for the playroom. It has a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard. I like that it has storage to keep things organized. It was pretty easy to assemble, but remember it doesn't come with accessories, so have your markers and chalk ready."
5. Best Complete Creative Kit: Blue Squid Art Easel For Kids
Make your child’s playtime fun by letting them be creative with the Blue Squid art easel. The double-surface easel drawing board features a magnetic chalkboard and a dry-erase magnetic whiteboard, encouraging your child to explore various art forms. In addition, this adjustable easel for kids comes with a variety of additional accessories in attractive colors to offer endless fun. An apron, paints and pots, brushes, chalk, markers, eraser and cloth, ruler, paper roll, magnetic numbers letter, and animal stickers are a part of the set, making it an appropriate choice to help your child learn while having fun.
Pros
- Toolless assembly
- Easy to store
- Has ample storage for accessories
- Adjustable height up to 52 inches
- Foldable chalkboard
- Sturdy wooden frame
Cons
- May not include assembly instructions
- Protective coating on chalkboard may be hard to remove
"My kids love this easel, and it encourages their creativity. It is easy to set up, although you might need to buy the paper roll separately. Adjusting the legs takes some effort, but still, it is a sturdy tool that inspires joy and provides an engaging activity for young artists."
Quick tip6. Best Transformative Learning Space: Step 2 Flip And Doodle Desk
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 2,153 positive reviews on Amazon.
A complete work-station built for children, this easel also transforms into a desk. All you need to do is flip the easel down, and voila, you have a desk! The paper clip provided can be used to secure the sheet while drawing and painting, and the tabletop caddy is ideal for storing arts and crafts supplies.
Pros
- Comes with a magnetic dry erase board
- Includes three large and two small bins
- Space on the back can be used for storage
- Includes a comfortable stool
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might be difficult to assemble
- May not have drill holes
7. Best Durable: KidKraft Deluxe Wood Easel
As this easel is crafted with wood composite, parents can rest assured that it is going to be a sturdy and durable one. It comes with a paper dispenser attached to the top, which can easily be refilled. This double-sided easel with a chalkboard is flanked by two mini trays on either side and a large tray underneath the boards for ease of storage.
Pros
- Includes two patented anti-slip sealable cups
- Dry erase and chalkboard surfaces
- Includes one roll of art paper
- Height-adjustable to three different heights
- Sturdy and won’t tip over easily
Cons
- Paint may chip off with use
- Legs of the easel may not be thick enough
"I am impressed by its sturdy build, which eliminates the risk of tip-overs to a large extent. The easel comes with rounded edges, protecting my munchkin from scratches and pokes. Though tearing the pages neatly requires a bit of patience, the product is still a noteworthy choice."
Quick tip8. Best Foldable: B. Toys Double Sided Drawing Board Table Top
The double-surface drawing board by B. Toys provides ample space for a couple of young artists to unleash their creativity. The foldable drawing board pops up to provide your child with a dry-erase whiteboard on one side and a blackboard on the other. The kit includes a white chalk, four non-toxic washable markers, and an eraser.
Pros
- Drawing board doubles up as a storage case
- Convenient carry handle
- Apt easel for home use
- Foldable easel for kids
- Sturdy art clip to position the paper in place
- Suitable for children aged two and above
Cons
- Chalk marks may not show up properly
- Case may be difficult to close
"This easel stands out for its portability. It doubles as a carry case when folded, making it perfect for picnics and on-the-go fun. Erasing the markers' ink could be a bit cumbersome; nevertheless, it's worth trying. My child can also use it even when seated, which is a plus."
9. Best Multi-Activity: Arkmiido Wooden Art Easel
Get your child’s creative juices flowing with this 3-in-1 easel. As they scribble with chalk on the blackboard and play with markers on the whiteboard, they can also use paper rolls on top of it to create beautiful art pieces. It is suitable for kids aged two and above.
Features
- It is 30-45 inches in height
- Has chalk slots on both sides
- Comes with a large shelf on the bottom
- Includes a magnetic letter and math set along with 6 magnetic cartoon stickers
- Includes three dust-free chalks, one chalk cover, and a whiteboard eraser
- 99% dust-proof board surface
10. Best Space-Saving: Delta Children Kids Easel And Play Station
Perfect for the little princess in your life, this safety-tested pink easel retracts to reveal a spacious desktop. It is easy to assemble, and easy to clean, and also features a storage area large enough to keep your child’s toys.
Pros
- Comes with a magnetic dry erase board
- Includes a stool that holds weight up to 50lb
- Large removable storage fabric toy bin
- Organizer slots on reverse side
- Safe and durable finish
Cons
- Paint may chip off with use
- May not be scratch-resistant
"This desk has become a dedicated space for my children to explore their creative activities. The magnetic whiteboard and storage features have impressed me, but assembly can be time-consuming. It is sturdy once constructed and has been a well-used addition to my children's room."
11. Best Safe And Secure: Meeden Kids Art Easel
Encourage your child to explore their artistic self with the double-sided standing art easel by Meeden. The height of this wooden easel for kids can be extended up to 50 inches to help you customize it per your child’s height. Its rounded edges offer a safe and secure platform that allows your child to explore their artistic potential. In addition, the pack includes three drawing paper rolls, a dry-erase board, and other art essentials making it a suitable easel for art classes to help your child express their creativity in countless ways.
Pros
- Made of eco-sustainable pine wood
- Includes magnetic letters and numbers
- Comes with paint cups
- Triangular structure for added stability
- Includes assembly instructions
Cons
- Paper roll may run wider than the board
- Markers may be difficult to erase
"This is a sturdy and versatile easel that keeps my kids engaged. It has ample storage, and my kids use it almost daily. You may want extra art supplies, as the included ones are limited. Despite this, it continues to be loved by my little artists."
12. Best Magnetic Chalkboard: Rundad Double Sided Wooden Easel
The all-in-one wooden art easel by Rundad is equipped with 100+ accessories for kids to have everything handy when they explore their creative side. It offers ample storage space for paint, markers, and dust-free chalks and comes with four paint pots. In addition, the double-sided art easel for kindergarteners features a magnetic chalkboard and painting board with two paper rolls. It can be adjusted to different heights to suit the needs of kids aged three and above.
Pros
- Easy grip knobs on the side to adjust the height
- Features a thick canvas storage bag
- High-utility sliding trays
- Sturdy wooden frame
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May not have clips at the bottom to hold the paper
- Magnetic letters and numbers may be a bit flimsy
"My daughter loves this easel, thanks to the various accessories that accompany it. Plus, the art smock adds to my little one's cuteness. I wish it was foldable for easy storage. However, it is a minor trade-off for the immense joy it brings my munchkin during her pretend play sessions."
13. Best For Preschoolers: Little Partners Deluxe Learn & Play Art Center Easel
Give your child’s bursting creativity an appropriate outlet with the Little Partners art center easel. This safety-tested two-sided art easel features a chalkboard on one side and a magnetic dry-erase board on the other, providing plenty of options for young kids to explore their artistic passions. It also includes a paper roll holder with an easy-to-use paper cutter and a large storage bin that offers additional space storing art supplies in an organized manner.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Additional creative accessories for added fun
- Available in assorted color options
- Non-toxic paint
- Greenguard Gold-certified
- Four non-spill paint cups
Cons
- Assembly may be time-consuming
- Whiteboard may form bubbles over time
"I like this easel for its sheer practicality. It did not come pre-assembled, but setting it up was a breeze. Plus, its spacious art supply storage bins and anti-spill paint cups ensure a mess-free experience. Overall, a worthwhile choice!"
14. Best Skill-Building: Picasso Tiles All-In-One Kids Art Easel
Picasso Tiles’ all-in-one wooden art easel for kids comes with a large chalkboard and whiteboard, along with art accessories and learning tools. This art easel for toddlers is suitable for kids between three and eight years of age, and the accessories offer hours of fun and learning. In addition, The legs of the easel can be adjusted with easy-to-use knobs to suit various heights. Its easy-to-assemble structure can serve as a means to improve problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination among kids.
Pros
- Waterproof frame
- Made from non-toxic and certified materials
- Large storage tray for better organization
- 360° rotatable board
- Tablet handle for portability
Cons
- Small magnets may pose a choking hazard
"This kids' easel with an intelligent design is a winner for budding artists. It caters to different ages, and the art supplies are a nice touch. I wish it were a bit more durable, but the joy it brings to my kids makes it an excellent playroom addition."
15. Best Creative Learning: Hape Early Explorer Tabletop Kids Easel
This award-winning double-sided tabletop easel can keep your little genius hooked for hours. With a magnetic whiteboard on one side and a chalkboard on the other. All of Hape’s products are made of durable and non-toxic materials to make them safe for children.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Portable easel for kids
- Double-sided easel
- Includes two chalk pieces and one eraser
- Comes with a magnetic wood clamp
- Made using wood sourced from environmentally sustainable forests
Cons
- Chalk might be messy
- Screws may not be sturdy enough
"This versatile activity board serves multiple functions and is rather spacious, but the stability can be an issue as the twist locks sometimes give way. Overall, it's a practical, space-saving option for creative kids."
Benefits Of Kids Easels
- An easel can help unleash the artist, the scientist, or the creator inside of your child. When left with something as productive as this, little children step up and discover things on their own, and also gain confidence in their abilities.
- Most children are full of energy and prefer running around the house than just sitting in one spot. An easel can keep them grounded and this makes them patient.
- As most kids’ easels come with crayons, markers, erasers, and storage bins, it teaches a child that ‘there is a correct place for everything’. By using the trays and storage bins provided, it teaches children the importance of organization.
- In due course of time, a child learns how to use a paint brush or a marker on the board. This helps in improving his fine motor skills.
- The steps to creating something on the board may seem like a trivial task for us, but for a child, the steps may seem like quite a lot. Take a look at how your child first gets his hands on a paintbrush, how he mixes colors, and finally what he puts on paper. All of these steps help in improving his cognitive skills.
- When two toddlers work together on opposite sides of the same easel, they aren’t just communicating with each other, they are helping each other create something by themselves. This accelerates a child’s social development.
How To Choose The Right Kids Easels?
Here are some helpful tips that can help you choose the right easel for your child:
- Before you jump into buying one, do your homework well. Read online reviews and consult other parents.
- Pick a board that is double-sided (blackboard and magnetic dry-erase board).
- Ensure that the easel you are buying for your child is age-appropriate. Some easels are strictly a no-no for children under 2.
- Make sure that the wood is sturdy and whatever paint has been used should ideally be non-toxic and child-safe.
- The easel shouldn’t be too heavy, but not extremely light as well. If it is too heavy, there is a risk of it tipping over and hurting your child.
- Pick a board that is double-sided (blackboard and magnetic dry-erase board).
- As children grow up quickly, it would be a wise decision to invest in an easel which is height adjustable.
- Another thing to keep in mind when choosing an easel is to find out if it is foldable or not. If it folds easily, the easier it is for you to stow it away when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of paper should I use with a kid’s easel?
The type of paper you use with a child’s easel should depend on the art materials your child uses. For example, crayons can be used on any kind of paper, but watercolors need waterproof paper. The type of easel you have may also determine whether you need to use sheets or rolls of paper.
2. How should I clean a kid’s easel?
You can use a damp cloth to clean chalk stains from your child’s easel, and to remove dried paint, you may use a mixture of water and dish soap. Ensure you do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the easel.
3. How do I hold paper in place on a kid’s easel?
You may use clips or tape to attach the paper to the easel’s surface. If your child’s easel has a paper roll attachment, you can use this to change sheets of paper without having to remove the old sheet.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose, the writer of this article, is experienced in writing on kids’ toys and games. She strives to bring the best products available in the market to the reader after extensive research. She has curated a list of the best kids’ easels with multiple features and positive reviews to help you make the right choice. Her love for kids’ games ensures to give you all the information you need regarding each product mentioned in the list.
The Bottom Line
Painting can help your child express their creativity and imagination. However, it could be a messy affair with paints, paper, brushes, and other stationery all over the floor. By choosing a kids’ easel, your child can easily organize all the tools, and it helps them maintain good posture while creating their masterpiece. But before choosing the right one, ensure it is made from sturdy, non-toxic, and child-safe materials and is height adjustable like the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel to accommodate growing children. Our favorites include the bench-equipped Step2 Great Creations Art Center and the Blue Squid Art Easel for Kids, which has a magnetic board on one side. We hope our list of the best kids’ easels can help you gain insight into the available options, features, and trends.
Infographic: How Drawing And Painting Help Children?
Children love experimenting with colors and doodling from a young age. Efforts should be made to bring out their inner artist, as they can benefit from creativity. So, check out the following infographic to know the physiological and cognitive advantages of encouraging your child to draw and paint. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Drawing Plays an Important Part in Children’s Emotional Roles
https://www.arts.gov/stories/blog/2015/drawing-plays-important-part-childrens-emotional-roles - Benefits of Drawing for Children
https://lll.edu.au/News-and-Advice/2020-03/benefits-of-drawing-for-children
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