I tested portable art kits, tabletop easels, standing wooden models, and accessory packs so you can pick the right easel for your child's age, space, and creative needs.
I spent time using five popular kids’ easels and accessory sets across playrooms, kitchen tables, and car trips to see which designs actually hold up to real use.
In this roundup I focus on what matters most to me: ease of setup, durability, included supplies, and whether an easel grows with a child. I’ll point out where makers skimp and where a product gives the best value for its intended use.
I compared portable art cases versus tabletop and standing wooden easels so you can decide whether you want a travel-ready kit, a compact tabletop unit, or a feature-rich freestanding easel.
1. Crayola Ultimate Art Case with Easel – Best Portable Art Kit
A compact, travel-ready art case that converts to a tabletop easel and holds 85 pieces.
Why I picked it: I liked how complete and portable this kit is for on-the-go creativity.
Best for: Young kids who need an all-in-one art set for travel or quiet time.
An affordable, gift-ready kit with lots of supplies.
Pros
- 85-piece all-in-one kit
- Built-in tabletop easel
- Durable hard carrying case
- Wide mix of markers and crayons
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons
- Paper sheets are small
- Case can be stiff to open for little hands
My take
I take this Crayola case on car trips and to quiet afternoons away from home because it folds into a tidy, sturdy box that becomes a tabletop easel when opened. Everything snaps into place and keeps its spot, so supplies aren’t a tangled mess when we reach the destination.
The supply mix is generous — markers, crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, glue, scissors, and a brush — which means my kids can switch techniques without me buying extras. That variety is the main reason I keep one in the diaper bag.
Two caveats from my time with it: the included paper sheets are on the small side and I ended up adding thicker drawing paper for painting projects. Also, my five-year-old sometimes struggles to unlatch the case, so expect to help younger kids with the opening mechanism at first.
Overall, I recommend this when portability and an immediate, complete art station matter most.
2. Hape Magnetic All-in-1 Adjustable Easel – Best for Growing Artists
A double-sided wooden standing easel with magnetic whiteboard, chalkboard, refillable paper roll, and adjustable height.
Why I picked it: I appreciated the adjustable height and multi-surface design that keeps play interesting over years.
Best for: Families who want a durable standing easel that grows with kids.
A sensible midrange choice with long-term value.
Pros
- Double-sided: whiteboard and chalkboard
- Height adjusts as kids grow
- Refillable paper roll included
- Magnetic whiteboard surface
- Includes paint pots
Cons
- Wood isn’t sealed against marks
- Only one side has a tray
My take
I set this Hape easel up in less than 20 minutes and it immediately became a go-to activity spot. The whiteboard on one side and chalkboard on the other let two kids use it at once, and the paper roll makes painting sessions quick and tidy.
Height adjustment is genuinely useful — I moved the board up a few inches as my child grew and it stayed solid. The magnetic whiteboard is handy for letter practice or holding up examples with magnets.
My main frustration was the wood around the canvases: I noticed permanent marker and crayon marks in spots because the frame doesn’t have a protective clear coat. Also, the tray only sits on one side, so I added a small container to hold supplies on the opposite face.
If you want a versatile standing easel that will last through preschool into early grade school, this one delivers with a couple reasonable trade-offs.
3. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Tabletop Easel – Best Tabletop Easel
A fold-flat wooden tabletop easel with magnetic dry-erase, chalkboard, and a 50-foot paper roll.
Why I picked it: I chose it for its compact footprint, sturdy wood, and abundant included accessories.
Best for: Parents with limited space who want a durable tabletop option.
Great value given the accessories that come with it.
Pros
- Folds flat for storage
- Includes long 50-foot paper roll
- Comes with magnets and marker
- Sturdy wooden construction
Cons
- Angle can slip without a lock
- Tray holds only a few items
My take
I kept this Melissa & Doug easel on our kitchen table for weeks and appreciated how quickly it folds flat for storage — that made it easy to tuck away between sessions. The 50-foot paper roll lasted a long time during our painting sprees.
The included magnets, marker, chalk, and eraser make it usable out of the box, and the wooden build feels higher quality than most tabletop options I’ve used. We used it for drawing, spelling practice, and simple math games.
Two practical notes from my experience: the easel’s angle can slip if you try to put it fully upright, so I make sure it’s set at a wider stance for stability. The small accessory tray fits the marker and eraser but not the magnet set comfortably, so I store extras nearby.
For small spaces or toddlers, this is the compact, well-made option I reach for first.
4. Melissa & Doug Easel Accessory Set – Best Accessory Pack
A 25-piece companion pack with poster paints, spill-proof paint cups, brushes, easel paper, chalk, and a marker.
Why I picked it: I relied on the spill-proof cups and washable paints to reduce mess and frustration.
Best for: Anyone who already has an easel and needs quality, kids-friendly supplies.
An affordable way to stock or refill an easel.
Pros
- Spill-proof paint cups
- Washable poster paints
- Generous paper roll
- Multiple brushes included
Cons
- Only one dry-erase marker
- Paint colors limited to primaries
My take
I paired this accessory set with a standing easel and immediately noticed the difference spill-proof cups make — the lids and inverted design keep brushes upright and cut down on accidental spills during painting sessions.
The poster paints are easy to squeeze and wash off hands, which I value when little ones want to paint indoors. Brushes clean up well, although the bristles pick up color after repeated use.
The roll of easel paper is sturdy enough for heavy paint and has lasted through multiple sessions in my house. My only gripe is that the set only includes one dry-erase marker, so I often add extra markers when we use the whiteboard.
Overall, this is the accessory pack I reach for when I want reliable, low-mess paint time.
5. Crayola Wooden Double-Sided Easel – Best Feature-Rich Wooden Easel
A freestanding wooden easel with magnetic dry-erase side, chalkboard, paper roll, paint tray, and adjustable height.
Why I picked it: I picked it for its combination of storage, magnetic play, and adjustable height.
Best for: Homes that want a full standing easel with built-in storage and multiple play modes.
A pricier, feature-packed option for active kids.
Pros
- Magnetic dry-erase surface
- Height adjustable
- Built-in paint storage tray
- Includes assorted markers and paints
Cons
- Included markers may not wipe clean
- Tray pegs can loosen with rough use
My take
I assembled this Crayola easel and found it gives kids a lot of creative outlets: dry-erase, chalk, painting, and magnet play all in one footprint. The paint tray is handy for keeping pots organized during messy sessions.
A practical lesson from my use: the whiteboard markers included with the kit didn’t erase well, so I swapped them for standard Expo markers and the surface cleaned perfectly. If you buy this, plan to keep a set of good dry-erase markers on hand.
The adjustable legs are helpful for growing kids, though I did notice the small pegs that hold the tray can work loose over time with energetic play. I reinforced the tray area and it held up much better after that.
When I want a roomy, multi-function easel that will entertain toddlers and preschoolers alike, this Crayola model is the one I reach for despite the minor tweaks.
How I Choose an Easel for Kids
Surface types and versatility
I look for easels that offer more than one drawing surface — dry-erase, chalkboard, and paper rolls extend play and learning options.
Magnetic whiteboards add value for letter practice and interactive play.
- Dry-erase: best for quick sketches and reusable practice.
- Chalkboard: tactile and low-cost, but dusty.
- Paper roll: great for painting and large projects.
- Magnetic surfaces: useful for teaching letters and numbers.
Size, adjustability, and storage
I consider whether an easel fits the space I have and whether it will grow with my child.
Fold-flat tabletop easels are my pick for small homes, while height-adjustable standing easels work for long-term use.
- Tabletop easels: compact and portable.
- Standing easels: better for siblings and bigger projects.
- Adjustable height: extends useful life as kids grow.
- Built-in trays/paper holders reduce clutter.
Included supplies and mess management
I prefer kits that include washable paints, spill-proof cups, and a range of drawing tools so I can get started immediately.
If paint cleanup is a concern, pick sets with lids and washable inks.
- Look for washable paints and washable markers.
- Spill-proof cups save time and frustration.
- Bring your own thicker paper if included sheets are small.
Durability and finish
I inspect wooden frames for protective finishes; untreated wood can stain or hold permanent marks.
Plastic cases are great for travel, but check hinges and latches for strength.
- Prefer sealed or varnished wood for longevity.
- Check that trays and pegs fit snugly.
- Test hinge and latch strength on portable cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which easel is best for toddlers?
For toddlers I usually pick a tabletop easel or the Crayola wooden standing easel because they offer multiple surfaces and are relatively low to the ground. The tabletop Melissa & Doug model is compact and sturdy for small hands.
Can I use my own paper roll with these easels?
Yes — the Hape and Melissa & Doug models accept standard easel paper rolls. I often replace included rolls with heavier drawing paper when we paint.
Are the paints washable?
I found the Melissa & Doug paints to be washable and easy to clean from hands, and the accessory set’s spill-proof cups help reduce mess. With any paint, I still keep wet wipes nearby.
Do these easels require assembly?
Most of these easels need light assembly. I assembled the standing models in under 30 minutes; tabletop units typically come mostly assembled and fold flat for storage.
Final Take
I tested portable kits, tabletop units, and full standing easels so you can choose the right fit for your space and how your child creates.
For on-the-go creativity I keep the Crayola Ultimate Art Case handy. If you need a compact option that tucks away, the Melissa & Doug tabletop easel is my go-to. For a long-term, multi-surface investment, the Hape and Crayola standing easels deliver the most features. And if you already own an easel, the Melissa & Doug accessory set fills in the supplies I reach for most.
Pick the style that matches your space and how messy your art sessions get, and plan to add a few extra markers or thicker paper to get the most from any kit.
