A few years ago, I gave my younger cousin a pack of arts and crafts for kids.
She had never used them before and within ten minutes, the table was chaos.
But in the middle of all that, I saw something shift — she was thinking, laughing, creating.
That’s the power of arts and crafts for kids stationery items.
It’s not just about keeping them busy. It’s about what they feel while doing it.
In the UAE, I’ve noticed more parents looking for creative supplies that offer something more than just entertainment.
So here’s what I’ve learned — and what you should know — before setting up your own craft corner at home.
Why Creative Time Actually Matters
We think of coloring as play, but it’s much more than that.
When a child picks a color, cuts paper, or squeezes glue, they’re solving tiny problems.
It helps with how they focus and how they talk about things.
Sometimes they say more with paint than they do with words.
Crafting isn’t just fun it builds patience, memory, and fine motor skills too.
What I Found at Marina Stationers
When I visited Marina Stationers in Dubai, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
But walking in, you could tell this place was built around kids and creativity.
From the thick paper packs to the child-safe paints and pom poms, they had everything.
What I liked most was how it wasn’t overwhelming.
Just clear shelves, bright colors, and useful products that didn’t feel like fluff.
Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, it’s easy to find what you actually need.
Core Items You’ll Want for Arts and Crafts
Let’s skip the marketing fluff and talk about what kids truly use.
Drawing Tools
- Crayons that don’t snap too easily
• Color pencils for neat outlines and soft fills
• Markers that feel smooth and dry quick
Painting Supplies
- Washable paints I can’t say this enough
• Basic brushes in small and wide tips
• Paper that doesn’t turn soggy with one coat
Paper and Foam
- Construction paper in bright and pastel colours
• Foam sheets fun for cutting and layering
• Sketch pads or plain notebooks for free drawing
Cutting and Sticking
- Safe scissors with rounded tips
• Glue sticks that don’t clump
• Craft tape or non-messy adhesive dots
The Fun Extras
- Pom poms, googly eyes, buttons
• Sparkle pens that kids absolutely love
• Stickers and themed craft kits
When you mix a few of these, you give kids a full creative toolkit without clutter.
Simple Craft Ideas That Work Every Time
You don’t need ten steps or Pinterest perfection.
These are the ones we go back to again and again.
1. Make a Creature
Grab foam shapes, stick on eyes, draw a mouth, and boom — new buddy created.
Let them name it and tell you what planet it’s from.
2. Greeting Cards
Fold paper, color a picture, write a line or two.
Birthdays, thank you, or “just because” these cards always mean something.
3. Painted Paper Collage
Let them paint a big sheet first, then cut shapes from it once it dries.
Stick the shapes onto another page and they’ll have a one-of-a-kind design.
Keeping Supplies in Reach
The best thing I did? Put all the supplies in a box my cousin could open herself.
Pens in jars. Papers stacked. Glue in a corner. That’s it.
When things are visible, they get used.
It’s that simple. And it makes them feel independent too.
Quick Tips for Safety
Don’t buy the cheapest glue or paints always check the label.
Look for non-toxic, washable, and age-appropriate.
Keep scissors in sight if your child is still learning how to use them.
Also, let them know it’s okay to make a mess just not on the sofa.
FAQs Parents Ask Me All the Time
What age should kids start crafts?
As soon as they can hold a crayon.
The trick is using chunky tools and staying close while they explore.
What’s the benefit beyond fun?
It teaches them focus, decision making, and coordination.
Plus, when they make something from scratch, they feel proud.
Why does quality matter?
Better supplies last longer and are easier to use.
Kids enjoy the process more and get less frustrated.
Final Word
The best thing about crafting is that it doesn’t need to be perfect.
It just needs to feel fun and safe and open-ended.
Marina Stationers gets that.
Their range of arts and crafts for kids supplies is packed with tools that actually encourage creativity.
So if you want kids to think, play, and express — start with paper and a box of crayons.
