Give Kids a Creative Blast with an Art Attack!

The TV series “Art Attack” took the UK by storm in 1990, eventually landing on American screens via Disney in 2011. It was (and still is) a madcap approach to getting kids off the couch and into the art studio. It fulfills a natural urge to create by giving some direction and mixing it with a healthy dose of messiness.

“Art Attack” is a non-stop ad for fun, exciting art projects. But it’s also doing double duty for its viewers: research has shown that crafting and art are vital to children’s brain development. Creative activities not only provide a fun, artistic outlet, but also influence the development of hand-eye coordination and the perception of the world. Arm your customers with the provisions for their very own Art Attacks at home. Stock quality supplies from crafty companies, including ALEX Toys, eco-kids, Colorbök, and Creativity for Kids for satisfying repeat sales.

ALEX Toys: Making It “Easel” to be Creative

ALEX Toys leads the attack with its attention-grabbing products. With its genesis in 1986, ALEX Toys has been on a mission: to deliver “quality creative products that foster personal expression and build self-esteem.”

It has made good on this promise. ALEX Toys expanded its offerings to over 1,000 products in almost a dozen specialized categories, from targeted preschool items to those incorporating dramatic play.

Create a space for arts and crafts! The Magnetic Artist Easel stands ready to take orders and delivers a sturdy palate for fun. At the kid-friendly height of 48”, this adjustable award-winner (it made the Dr. Toys’ 100 Best Classic Toys list) sports a chalkboard and magnetic white board. It’s equipped with a paper roll, paper cutter, and easel clips perfect for bringing out the best in every artist.

The Magnetic Tabletop Easel fills the bill when space is at a premium. It comes equipped with four no-spill paint cups. Have plenty of the Long Sleeve Artist Aprons on hand. This cover-all is constructed of clear vinyl for easy clean-up and boasts three front pockets for everything little hands need.

Lead the Art Attack with ALEX Toys at www.alextoys.com

eco-kids: Sustainable Supplies for Aspiring Artists

The folks at eco-kids know that earth-friendly products are the key to happy kids and a healthy planet. Founders Cammie and Kip first started selling their natural home-crafted art supplies at local farmers’ markets. The rest is history: pitched in People magazine as having one of the greatest eco-wise sculpting doughs in 2009, the rave reviews from other national magazines poured in.

The magic of eco-dough lies in its ease of use and offering of endless possibilities. Kids love its endless fun; parents are satisfied that it won’t pollute. Children with allergies don’t have to sit out either, because a gluten-free version of the colorful modeling dough is available.

Other U.S.A.-made goodies, including eco-crayons, are must-haves. Like other products from eco-kids, these handcrafted delights are constructed from organic fruit, plant, and vegetable extracts (think spinach, beets, and beeswax) and are available in six colors.

Pint-sized Picassos will clamor for the eco-paint. It comes in five naturally-bright colors –– orange, pink, yellow, green and blue. Of course, the perfect accessory for crayons and paints is the 100% post consumer fiber artist’s pad. The fifty 9x12 sheets are small enough for a child’s grasp but big enough for growing imaginations.

Decorate the world by stocking green goodies from www.ecokidsusa.com

Colorbök: Giving Kids What They Want

Burgeoning artists require more than just paint in their toolkit. Wood, fabric, foam, plastic, and metal all lend themselves to creative impulses. Colorbök specializes in providing kits that cater to all tactile learners. Started in 1984, Colorbök (read: Color-book) has been growing by leaps and bounds. It partnered with big names via licensing agreements. Well-loved characters like Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Cat in the Hat grace the wide range of project kits.

Jewelry designers can get their start with the Colorbök Peanuts Foam Jewelry Kit that comes complete with six soft foam beads and 40 pony beads, along with ribbon and nylon cord for easy-to-make bracelets and necklaces.

Dr. Seuss’s Wacky Scrapbook helps children create memory books with an array of stickers, papers, and other crafty items.

Savvy stitchers will have fun with the Make N Play Panda. This Build-A-Bear project comes with the stuffing, outer bear skin, needle and floss, plus an adorable outfit and stickers.

Peace and love will reign with the Build-A-Bear MIBI Mobile. This sturdy four-framed mobile includes multi-colored baking crystals, jump rings for easy connecting and a suction cup for window display.

Draw in the crowds with popular characters at www.colorbok.com

Projecting Fun with Bombastic Kits from Creativity for Kids

Kick creativity into high gear with the unique kits from Creativity for Kids. Creativity for Kids stocks high-quality Faber-Castell kits for busy hands. Socially and environmentally responsible, Creativity for Kids is a business leader that “walks the walk.” From eco-friendly recycled packaging to reforesting programs, parents can get that extra glow from knowing their art projects aren’t contributing to landfills.

From the unique Create Your Own Book Series comes the Create Your Own Pop-Up Books. The 2009 Toy Industry’s winner is an author’s dream: two hardcover books wait to be filled with the imagination as well as a variety of stickers and other design tools.

Kids will “walk like an Egyptian” with the educational Ancient Egypt set, a 25-piece kit that includes stickers, gauze, realistic Egyptian artwork and a mummy with his own sarcophagus.

Older girls have their designs on the glam Designed By You Fashion Studio, fully equipped with everything a fashionista needs to rock the runways, from mannequins to sewing essentials.

The Wee Enchanted Garden brings all the best of the outdoors indoors. Little gardeners can get their hands dirty with the potting soil, assorted seeds and decorative accoutrements that make a home garden special.

Get more creative juices flowing at www.creativityforkids.com