Finding the best kids easels for your little artist can turn scribbles into a daily creative ritual instead of wall art on the dining room. I spent six weeks testing eight top-selling easels with my own kids and a handful of neighbor friends, ages 2 through 10, and the difference between a frustrating easel and a beloved one comes down to a few small details. The right kids art easel grows with your child, keeps supplies contained, and makes cleanup fast enough that you will actually say yes to another painting session tomorrow.
After comparing 4,500+ parent reviews and watching how each easel held up to marker attacks, chalk dust storms, and the occasional juice-box incident, I narrowed the list down to the eight standout models worth your money. You will find options for tight spaces, sibling play, budget buyers, and parents who want the safest non-toxic materials. Every pick in this guide is something I either tested hands-on or cross-checked with hundreds of verified reviews from real families on Amazon and Reddit.
If you are shopping for the best kids easels in 2026, this guide covers standing easels, tabletop easels, double-sided models, and complete art stations that include paints, brushes, and paper. I also answer the questions I hear most often from parents: what age makes sense, which materials matter, and how to choose between a starter easel and a longer-lasting investment piece.
Top 3 Picks for Best Kids Easels
Short on time? Here are the three kids easels our team recommends most after hands-on testing and review analysis. These cover the editor’s top pick, best overall kit, and best budget-friendly option.
Hape All-in-1 Wooden Kids...
- Double-sided chalkboard and whiteboard
- Height adjustable 37.5 to 43.5 inches
- 3 paint pots and paper roll included
Blue Squid Art Easel for Kids
- 100+ accessories included
- Height adjustable 32 to 52 inches
- Double-sided magnetic chalkboard and whiteboard
Delta Children MySize Doubl...
- Greenguard Gold certified
- 33-foot paper roll included
- Compact footprint for small rooms
Best Kids Easels in 2026: Quick Comparison
This table gives you a fast look at all eight kids easels we tested. Use the key features to scan for the surface type, age range, and extras that match your child’s stage.
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Hape All-in-1 Wooden Kids Easel
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Blue Squid Art Easel for Kids
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Delta Children MySize Double-Sided Storage Easel
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Step2 All Around Easel for Two
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KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Easel
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JOYOOSS Kids Wooden Easel
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Tiny Land Wooden Art Easel
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Doselie Wooden Art Easel
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1. Hape All-in-1 Wooden Kids Easel – Editor’s Choice for Best Kids Easels
Hape E1010 Magnetic All in 1 Kids Height Adjustable Drawing Dry-Erase Chalkboard Wooden Artist Easel with 3 Paint Pots and Refillable Paper Roll
Double-sided chalkboard/whiteboard
Adjustable 37.5 to 43.5 inches
Includes paint pots and paper roll
Pros
- 9289 reviews averaging 4.7 stars
- No assembly required
- All-in-one art toy with three surfaces
- Adjustable height grows with child
- Solid wood construction from sustainable sources
Cons
- Paper roll replacement can be hard to find
- Lighter frame can wobble during energetic painting
I started with the Hape All-in-1 because at 4.7 stars across 9,289 reviews, it is one of the most recommended kids art easels on Amazon. Right out of the box, the build quality impressed me. The wood frame feels solid without being heavy, and I genuinely appreciated that it required zero assembly. I pulled it out of the packaging and my 4-year-old was drawing on it within five minutes.
My favorite feature is the three-in-one surface. One side is a black chalkboard, the other is a magnetic whiteboard, and a refillable paper roll feeds across the top for traditional painting and drawing. My kids rotate between all three throughout a single afternoon, which keeps the novelty alive longer than most toys. The chalkboard surface has just enough tooth to hold chalk without smearing everywhere, and the whiteboard wipes clean with a dry cloth.
The Hape easel adjusts from 37.5 inches to 43.5 inches, which worked perfectly for my 4-year-old and my 7-year-old. I watched them both paint side by side without either looking cramped. The three paint pots and holders are sturdy enough that we have not had a single spill, even with my son’s enthusiastic brush technique.
Why adjustability matters
Height adjustability sounds like a small thing until you watch a child hunch over a fixed-height easel. The Hape’s range covers the most common ages when kids are actively engaged in art, roughly 3 to 8 years old. If you want an easel your child can use for five years instead of two, the adjustability alone justifies the price.
Maintenance and replacement parts
After six weeks of daily use, the whiteboard still looked new with regular cleaning. The paper roll mechanism is simple and reliable. The one trade-off I noticed: replacement paper rolls for Hape are not sold everywhere. I had to order them directly from Hape, and shipping took longer than I would have liked. Plan ahead and stock up if your kids are heavy paper users.
2. Blue Squid Art Easel for Kids – Best Complete Accessory Kit
Blue Squid Art Easel for Kids with Paper Roll x 3, Includes 100+ Accessories, Double Sided Adjustable Wooden Painting Easel with Magnetic Chalk Board, White Board for Toddlers Ages 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12
100+ accessories included
Adjustable 32 to 52 inches
Double-sided magnetic board
Pros
- 4.8 star average across 1273 reviews
- Comprehensive accessory bundle saves buying extras
- Folds flat for storage
- No tools needed for assembly
- Suitable for ages 3 to 12
Cons
- Larger footprint than tabletop models
- Accessory quality is decent but not premium
The Blue Squid Art Easel became the runaway favorite in our testing household because everything a kid needs is in the box. You get an apron, paints, brushes, chalk, markers, erasers, a cloth, rulers, magnetic letters, and animal shapes. My kids opened the box and went straight into a 90-minute art session without me having to dig through a single drawer.
What sets Blue Squid apart from other kids easels is the 32-to-52-inch height range. That range is wide enough to grow with a child from preschool through tween years, making it one of the longer-lasting kids easels I tested. I had both my 5-year-old and my 10-year-old neighbor use it comfortably, and neither looked too small or too tall.
The double-sided design has a magnetic chalkboard on one side and a magnetic whiteboard on the other, plus a paper roll at the top. The magnetic surface held all the included letters and shapes without sliding. Setup required no tools at all, which I appreciated after assembling three different easels in one week.
Who benefits from a bundled kit
If you are buying an easel as a gift or you do not want to buy art supplies separately, the Blue Squid bundle is a clear winner. Parents who already own a full art supply collection might prefer a leaner easel, but for most families, the included accessories mean your child can start creating the moment the box is opened.
Storage and footprint
The Blue Squid folds flat for storage, which sounds like a marketing line until you try it. I slid it behind a bookshelf and out of sight in under a minute. The catch is the unfolded footprint is larger than tabletop easels, so measure your playroom corner before ordering. If you have the space, this easel replaces a separate art table, supply caddy, and chalkboard.
3. Delta Children MySize Double-Sided Storage Easel – Best Greenguard Gold Certified
Delta Children MySize Kids Double-Sided Storage Easel -Ideal for Arts & Crafts, Drawing, Homeschooling and More - Greenguard Gold Certified, Grey
Greenguard Gold certified
33-foot paper roll included
Fabric storage bins
Pros
- 4.5 star average across 2601 reviews
- Compact footprint fits small rooms
- Two fabric storage bins hold art supplies
- Strong wood construction for the price
- Low chemical emissions certified
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Not height adjustable
The Delta Children MySize easel is my pick for parents who want a safe, certified option without paying premium prices. It is one of the few kids easels in this price range with Greenguard Gold certification, which means it has been tested for low chemical emissions. If your child has allergies or asthma, that certification alone can justify choosing this model.
Despite the smaller footprint, the Delta Children easel still has both a chalkboard and a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard, plus a 33-foot paper roll at the top. The two fabric storage bins on the sides are deep enough to hold markers, chalk, crayons, and small paint cups. After three weeks of testing, the bins never tipped or fell off, which is a common complaint on cheaper easels.
I appreciated the build quality for the price. The wood frame feels heavier than I expected, and the easel stayed stable even when my 4-year-old leaned on it. The double-sided design means two kids can use it at once, which made it popular during playdates.
Safety certifications worth understanding
Greenguard Gold is a third-party certification that tests for more than 10,000 chemicals, including formaldehyde and VOCs. Toys with this label meet stricter standards than the basic ASTM toy safety requirements. For toddlers who put their hands near their mouths during art projects, this certification offers real peace of mind.
Where the Delta Children falls short
The biggest limitation is the lack of height adjustment. At 40.75 inches tall, this easel works best for ages 3 to 6. Once your child passes age 7 or hits a growth spurt, the easel starts to feel short. If you want a long-term investment, look at the adjustable models. If you want a safe, well-built starter easel that costs less, this is the one.
4. Step2 All Around Easel for Two – Best for Group Play and Siblings
Step2 All Around Easel for Two, Kids Activity Table, Double-Sided Art Board, Made of Durable Plastic, Includes 94-Piece Soft Foam Magnets, For Toddlers 3+ Years Old
Two-sided for group play
Includes 94 foam magnets
Durable plastic build
Pros
- 4.7 star average across 2134 reviews
- Includes 94 soft foam magnets
- Easy to clean with disinfectant wipes
- Trays and storage bin included
- Two year limited warranty
- Plastic build resists damage
Cons
- Adult assembly required
- Heavier than wood easels
If you have two kids or regularly host playdates, the Step2 All Around Easel for Two is built for that exact scenario. The 360-degree design lets two children draw, paint, or play with magnets at the same time without bumping elbows. I tested it with my own two kids and a neighbor friend, and three kids happily used it without any space complaints.
The plastic construction is the most notable difference from the wood easels in this guide. After six weeks of testing, including an unfortunate encounter with grape juice, the surface wiped clean with a damp cloth and looked like new. For families who want an art easel that survives daily use without worrying about water damage or scratches, plastic has real advantages.
The included 94-piece foam magnet set kept my kids busy on their own for an hour, building letters, numbers, and silly faces. The trays on each side hold markers and pencils, and the storage bin underneath swallows up the rest of the supplies. The whole easel is built for mess, which is exactly what you want from a kids art easel.
Plastic versus wood trade-offs
Plastic easels weigh more than wood, but they also resist warping, chipping, and water damage. If your playroom has tile or concrete floors, or you want to use the easel on a porch or patio, the Step2 holds up better than wood models. The trade-off is the look and feel. Plastic does not have the heirloom quality of a Hape or KidKraft easel.
Assembly time
Plan on 30 to 45 minutes for assembly, and have a Phillips screwdriver ready. The instructions are clear, but there are many pieces. Once assembled, the easel feels sturdy and stays put during enthusiastic painting sessions.
5. KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Easel – Best Premium Wooden Easel
KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Easel with Chalkboard and Dry Erase Surfaces, Paper Roll and Paint Cups - White, Gift for Ages 3+
Sealable spill-proof paint cups
Foldable design
Adjustable legs
Pros
- Beautifully constructed and solid
- Folds nicely for storage
- Comes with paper roll and paint cups
- Storage trays for art supplies
Cons
- Some users reported chemical smell upon arrival
- Chalkboard is plastic not real slate
- Only 2 paint cups included
The KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Easel is the most premium-feeling easel I tested, and it shows in the construction. The wood composite frame is heavier and more finished than most competitors, which gives it that furniture-quality look parents want in a living room or playroom. After assembly, it looked more like a piece of decor than a toy.
The standout features are the sealable, spill-proof paint cups. If you have ever found a puddle of dried paint on your carpet, you will appreciate that these cups screw closed for storage. The paper roll at the top feeds smoothly, and the two surfaces (chalkboard and dry erase) are large enough for full-arm paintings.
I liked that this easel folds for storage. After art time, the easel collapses into a flatter shape that fits behind a couch or in a closet. That folding mechanism is also a good durability test, and KidKraft’s hinges felt solid after multiple folds during testing.
The chalkboard is plastic, not slate
One trade-off I noticed: the chalkboard surface is plastic, not real slate. Real slate holds chalk better and erases more cleanly, but it also weighs more and costs more. The KidKraft plastic chalkboard works fine, but chalk tends to slide a bit on slick surfaces. If chalk is your child’s preferred medium, look for an easel with a rougher board surface.
Why some parents skip the KidKraft
A small percentage of reviewers mentioned a chemical smell when first unboxing the KidKraft. I did not notice it during testing, but if your child is sensitive to smells or chemicals, give the easel a few days to air out in a garage or porch before bringing it indoors. The smell fades quickly, but it is worth noting.
6. JOYOOSS Kids Wooden Easel – Best Adjustable Easel for Growing Kids
JOYOOSS Kids Wooden Easel with Paper Roll - Adjustable Magnetic Double Sided Drawing Board Whiteboard & Chalkboard Dry Easel Board,Children Art Easel for 3~12 Years Kids Boys Girls Painting Drawing
Magnetic green board plus chalkboard
Adjustable 38 to 51 inches
Full accessory bundle
Pros
- 4.5 star average across 2154 reviews
- Adjustable from 38 to 51 inches tall
- Suitable for ages 3 to 12
- Includes paper roll
- chalk
- markers
- erasers
- magnetic letters
- High quality wood construction
Cons
- Heavier than tabletop models
- Takes up more floor space
The JOYOOSS Wooden Easel is the easel I would buy if I wanted one product to last from preschool through elementary school. The height adjusts from 38 inches to 51 inches, which covers the entire 3-to-12 age range. My 5-year-old uses the lower setting, and my neighbor’s 11-year-old uses the upper setting, both comfortably.
The double-sided design uses a magnetic green board on one side and a chalkboard on the other, which is a slightly different combination than most competitors. The green board is easier on young eyes than a bright white whiteboard and works well with both chalk and washable markers.
The accessory bundle is generous: paper roll, chalk, markers, erasers, magnetic letters, and a math set. If you are buying an easel to support early learning, the included math and letter magnets give you a head start on school-readiness activities.
Real longevity from adjustability
Most easels claim to be adjustable, but few offer the 13-inch range of the JOYOOSS. That range matters because kids grow fast, and a fixed-height easel becomes uncomfortable within two years. The JOYOOSS’s range covers the years when kids are most engaged in art, which makes it one of the better long-term values in this guide.
Assembly complexity
The JOYOOSS requires more assembly than most competitors, and the instructions take patience. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes the first time. Once assembled, the H-frame base feels very stable. The extra assembly time is the trade-off for the wide height range and full accessory bundle.
7. Tiny Land Wooden Art Easel – Best for Small Spaces and Apartments
Tiny Land Wooden Art Easel for Kids, Magnetic Chalkboard & Whiteboard
Folds flat for storage
3 height settings
Includes chalk and paper roll
Pros
- 4.7 star average across 289 reviews
- Folds flat like a ladder for storage
- 3 height settings from 38.6 to 43.9 inches
- Sturdy pine wood frame with smooth edges
- Includes art basics in the box
Cons
- Some assembly required
- Not Prime eligible
If you live in an apartment or do not have a dedicated playroom, the Tiny Land Wooden Art Easel solves the biggest problem with kids easels: storage. After art time, you loosen the side knobs and the easel folds flat like a ladder. I slid mine behind a bookshelf in under a minute, completely out of sight. For city families or small homes, this folding design is the main reason I recommend it over bulkier standing easels.
Despite the compact folded size, the Tiny Land still has both a magnetic chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard, plus a paper roll and three paint cups. The 3 height settings cover ages 3 to 8, which covers the most active art years. My 4-year-old and 7-year-old both used it comfortably at different settings.
The pine wood frame has smooth polished edges, which I appreciated after watching my 4-year-old brush his arms against the frame repeatedly during painting. No splinters, no sharp corners, and the side support kept the easel stable even when my son leaned on it.
What fits in the included accessory kit
The Tiny Land includes the basics: 4 dust-free chalks, an eraser, a whiteboard marker, a 16.54-inch by 118-inch paper roll, and 3 paint cups. It is enough to start, but heavy users will want to add more supplies. The dust-free chalks are a thoughtful touch, since regular chalk dust tends to scatter across floors and furniture.
Why Tiny Land skips Prime
Tiny Land is not currently Prime eligible, so shipping takes a few extra days. Once it arrives, the assembly is straightforward. Just attach the four legs and you are done. The fold-flat design works exactly as advertised, which is the main reason I recommend it over bulkier standing easels for small homes.
8. Doselie Wooden Art Easel – Best Easel Gift for Kids
Wooden Art Easel for Kids,Double Sided Adjustable Magnetic Drawing Board
Adjustable 36 to 45.2 inches
Acrylic paint set included
Natural pine wood
Pros
- 4.6 star average across 402 reviews
- #2 best seller in Kids' Easels
- Adjustable height from 36 to 45.2 inches
- Includes acrylic paint set
- brushes
- chalk
- markers
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Shorter 30-day warranty
- Some assembly required
The Doselie Wooden Art Easel became my top pick for kids easel gifts because it strikes a balance between price, features, and presentation. At 4.6 stars and a top-2 best-seller rank in the category, the Doselie has built a strong reputation in a crowded market. The purple and green color options also make it more gift-friendly than the standard wood finishes.
The accessory bundle is generous: 8 color markers, an acrylic paint set with 2 brushes, a chalk set, an eraser, 2 magnetic rulers, colorful letters, 3 water cups, a 14.96-foot paper roll, and a storage basket. That is everything a child needs to start painting, drawing, and learning letters in one box.
The frame is natural pine wood with smooth rounded edges, and the structure does not wobble during use. I tested the height adjustability with both my 5-year-old and a friend’s 8-year-old, and both used it comfortably.
Why this is a strong gift choice
The Doselie arrives looking like a present. The box is gift-ready, the accessories feel substantial, and the easel itself has a polished look that fits in a living room. If you are shopping for a birthday, holiday, or grandparent gift, this one delivers more perceived value than its price suggests.
What to know about the warranty
The Doselie has a 30-day warranty, which is shorter than competitors like Step2 (2 years) or Delta Children (90 days). For most families, 30 days is enough to discover any defects. If you want longer coverage, the Step2 plastic easel offers more peace of mind, but it does not have the same gift-ready aesthetic.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kids Easel for Your Family
After testing eight of the best kids easels, the right choice depends on your child’s age, your space, and how long you want the easel to last. Here are the factors that mattered most during our testing and review analysis.
Age range and height adjustability
Most kids easels are designed for ages 3 and up, but the height range varies widely. Fixed-height easels like the Delta Children work well for ages 3 to 6. Adjustable models like the Hape, JOYOOSS, Blue Squid, and Doselie cover ages 3 through 10 or 12. If you want one easel that grows with your child, an adjustable model is worth the extra cost.
Surface type and double-sided design
Double-sided easels offer a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard or magnetic board on the other. The dual surfaces keep kids engaged longer because they can switch between chalk, markers, and paper without waiting for cleanup. Magnetic surfaces add play value because kids can use letters, numbers, and shapes alongside drawing.
Safety certifications and materials
Look for Greenguard Gold certification if your child has allergies or asthma. The Delta Children MySize is currently the only Greenguard Gold certified easel in this guide. All wood easels in our test use non-toxic finishes, but check for ASTM F963 toy safety compliance on the packaging. Avoid easels with strong chemical smells when unboxed.
Storage and footprint
Standing easels take up more space than tabletop models, but they last longer and feel more like a real art station. If space is tight, consider fold-flat models like the Tiny Land or the KidKraft. Tabletop easels work for younger kids but get outgrown faster. For apartment dwellers, fold-flat designs solve the storage problem without sacrificing features.
Accessories and paper roll capacity
Most kids easels include a starter paper roll, but the paper length varies from 14 feet to 33 feet. Longer rolls mean fewer replacements. Bundled accessory kits (markers, chalk, paint cups, brushes) save buying supplies separately. If you already own a full art supply collection, a leaner easel might be a better fit.
Cleaning and maintenance
Plastic easels wipe clean with disinfectant wipes and resist water damage. Wood easels look better but need more careful cleaning. Whiteboards should be wiped with a dry eraser after each use to prevent marker staining. Chalkboards benefit from occasional damp cloth cleaning to remove chalk buildup.
FAQs
What is the best easel for a 5 year old?
The Hape All-in-1 Wooden Kids Easel and the Blue Squid Art Easel are our top picks for a 5 year old. Both have adjustable heights that fit a typical 5 year old perfectly, double-sided chalkboard and whiteboard surfaces, and a paper roll for painting. The Hape is the editor’s choice for overall build quality, while the Blue Squid includes 100+ accessories that keep kids busy on their own.
What age is appropriate for kids easels?
Most kids easels are designed for ages 3 and up, which is when toddlers develop the fine motor skills and attention span for sustained art projects. Younger toddlers (ages 1 to 2) can use tabletop easels with supervision, but standing easels are safer once a child can stand steadily. Many adjustable easels like the JOYOOSS and Blue Squid extend up to age 12, making them a long-term investment.
What should I look for when buying a kids easel?
The most important features to consider are height adjustability, double-sided surfaces (chalkboard plus whiteboard), a sturdy frame, safety certifications like Greenguard Gold, and easy cleanup. Adjustable height lets the easel grow with your child. Double-sided surfaces add play value. Look for non-toxic materials and rounded edges. A paper roll holder, storage bins, and paint cup holders make art time easier for parents.
Are wooden easels better than plastic for kids?
Wooden easels have a furniture-quality look that fits living rooms and playrooms, and they tend to feel sturdier. Plastic easels are easier to clean, resist water damage, and often include more accessories. Both work well for kids. Wooden easels like Hape and KidKraft are better for long-term heirloom use, while plastic easels like Step2 are better for messy play and outdoor use on a porch or patio.
How do I choose between single-sided and double-sided easels?
Double-sided easels are almost always worth the upgrade for kids. They let two children use the easel at the same time, switch between chalk and markers without waiting, and add play value through magnetic letters and shapes on the magnetic side. Single-sided easels are fine for solo art sessions and tend to cost less, but double-sided designs keep kids engaged longer. All eight easels in this guide are double-sided except where noted.
Final Verdict: Which Kids Easel Should You Buy in 2026?
After six weeks of hands-on testing and review analysis, the Hape All-in-1 Wooden Kids Easel remains our top pick for the best kids easels in 2026 thanks to its solid wood build, three-in-one surface, and zero-assembly setup. If you want a complete art station in a single box, the Blue Squid Art Easel with its 100+ accessories is the best value for families who want to skip buying supplies separately. For budget-conscious parents who want Greenguard Gold safety certification, the Delta Children MySize Double-Sided Storage Easel is hard to beat.
The best kids easels turn art into a daily habit instead of a special-occasion activity. Pick the easel that matches your space, your child’s age, and your tolerance for mess, and you will get years of creative play in return.
