School Art Supply List: What Children Need by Grade
A new school year means a new list of things to buy. This school art supply list groups the art materials children commonly need by age, from colour pencils and oil pastels for the youngest to drawing pencils and poster colours for older students. Every school is different, so use it alongside your child’s official list, not instead of it.
The basics every child needs
- Pencils and a student sharpener, or a Lantu Non Sharpening Pencil that needs no sharpener.
- A soft eraser, such as the Mont Marte Artist Eraser (small).
- Child-friendly scissors, such as Seaking Scissors (small).
- A pencil case or box to keep everything together.
School art supplies for primary grades (1–5)
- Colour pencils: Camel Colour Pencil Set 12 or 24.
- Oil pastels: Pentel Arts Oil Pastel 12, Pentel 25 or Camel Oil Pastels 25. Our oil pastel guide explains how many colours children need.
- Paints: a Bomega Poster Paint 6 Set or Camel Watercolour Cakes 12.
- Brushes: a simple set such as the Bomeijia Brush Set (6 pcs).
- Paper: Drawing Paper 100gsm A3 and a small sketch pad such as the Bomega Sketch Pad A5.
- Aprons: Kids Long Sleeve Apron (S) or (M) for painting days.
Middle grades (6–9)
- Drawing pencils: a few grades such as HB, 2B and 4B; the Graphite Drawing Pencil is sold by grade.
- Colour pencils: a 24-colour set such as Nyoni Colored Pencils 24. See our colour pencils guide.
- Poster colour: Pentel Poster Colours 6 × 30ml or 12 × 30ml.
- Brushes: a few round and flat sizes, such as the DOMS Studio Round.
- Sketch pad: an A4 pad such as the Bomeijia Sketch Pad A4 160gsm.
Senior grades (10–11)
Students taking art as a subject usually need better paper, a wider range of pencil grades and their own paints and brushes. See our detailed O/L and A/L art supplies checklist.
Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all junior artists supplies and colour pencils.
Tips for buying school art supplies
- Check the school list for brand, size or number of colours before buying.
- Label every item, including pencils and brushes, with your child’s name.
- Buy a few spares of things that run out fast: pencils, erasers and white paint.
- Choose sets with sturdy boxes or tins that survive a school bag.
- Keep paints and pastels out of hot cars and direct sun.
Making supplies last
- Close paint lids and pen caps straight after use.
- Wash brushes in water after every painting lesson and dry them flat.
- Store paper flat in a folder so corners don’t bend.
A simple art box for home
Children often need the same materials for homework and holiday projects. Keeping a small art box at home saves last-minute trips: a set of colour pencils, a box of oil pastels, a few sheets of drawing paper, a glue stick, child-friendly scissors and one or two brushes with a small paint set. Add a plastic tablecloth and an old shirt or apron for painting, and your child is ready for most school projects.
Frequently asked questions
How many colour pencils does a primary student need?
A 12- or 24-colour set is plenty for most primary school work.
Oil pastels or crayons for young children?
Many schools use oil pastels because they are bright and blend easily. Follow your school list.
When should I buy school art supplies?
Before the new school year begins, so you can check the list and fill any gaps calmly.
Do you deliver islandwide?
Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you check your child’s school list against our stock.
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