From kindergarten to college, my favorite part of going back to school was getting new supplies. I can still feel the satisfaction of sharpening fresh pencils, unwrapping a new eraser, and carefully placing them into a fresh pencil case. It’s a feeling of limitless opportunity: the markers still have all their caps, the paints aren’t dried up, and stacks of construction paper sit neatly in every color of the rainbow.

This excitement may help explain why I became an artist and started a stationery company, Adelfi, with my sister who shares my love of a good pen and notebook. I get to refresh my supplies year round (a HUGE perk of the job). While COVID-19 has meant that I’m no longer wandering the aisles of art stores, I still love to research new, innovative products online.

And, lucky for us, I've found that many companies are creating non-toxic, environmentally friendly art supplies that actually work and look cute on your shelf. (Bonus points!)

Check out my 10 must-have art supplies for kids (and adults too)!

Be sure to download the free Mini Bloom coloring sheet and print out copies. Coloring is a fun and calming activity for all ages!