Back to School Is Also a Creative Season
When we think about back-to-school shopping, notebooks, pencils and school bags usually come to mind first.
But there is another category that deserves attention: art and craft supplies.
For many school children, the academic year includes drawing, colouring, craft activities, presentations, science projects, model-making and other creative assignments. A basic stationery kit may not be enough when a project suddenly requires coloured paper, glue, paint, markers or other craft materials.
That makes the beginning of the school year a useful time to review your child’s creative supplies.
For families in the UAE, Sandhai.ae is running its 2026 Back to School Offer from August 15 to September 15, with discounts from 10% to 60% on selected products.
👉 Explore Back to School Supplies at Sandhai.ae
Why Art Supplies Matter in School
Art isn’t simply an extracurricular activity.
Creative projects can give children opportunities to experiment with colour, shapes, textures and different materials. Drawing and craft activities can also make classroom projects more interactive.
Depending on their age and school requirements, children may use:
- Colour pencils
- Crayons
- Sketch pens
- Markers
- Drawing books
- Craft paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Paints
- Brushes
- Foam sheets
- Decorative materials
- Modelling materials
Not every child will need all of these items. The best approach is to start with the school’s requirements and then add useful supplies according to the child’s interests.
1. Colour Pencils for Drawing and School Projects
Colour pencils are among the most versatile art supplies for school children.
They can be used for colouring, diagrams, illustrations, posters, project work and creative assignments.
When choosing colour pencils, consider:
- Colour range
- Pencil durability
- Ease of sharpening
- Grip
- Colour intensity
- Age suitability
Younger children may benefit from thicker, easy-to-hold pencils, while older students may want a larger colour range for detailed drawings.
For parents looking for a broader selection of stationery and art materials, Sandhai.ae’s stationery collection includes products for school and creative use.
2. Crayons for Younger Artists
Crayons are particularly useful for younger children who are learning to experiment with colour.
They are easy to use and suitable for many simple classroom activities.
When buying crayons for children, look for products appropriate for their age and intended use. For younger kids, larger crayons may be easier to grip.
Parents can also encourage children to combine crayons with other materials such as coloured paper and simple craft shapes.
3. Craft Paper Can Turn Simple Ideas Into Projects
Coloured paper is one of the most useful materials to keep in a child’s craft box.
With paper, children can make:
- Greeting cards
- Paper flowers
- Bookmarks
- Animals
- Masks
- Collages
- Paper decorations
- Origami
- School project displays
ArtCrafters has already explored how simple paper can be transformed into creative projects in 5 Fun Paper Crafts You Can Make in Minutes.
The article demonstrates how basic materials such as coloured paper, glue, googly eyes and markers can become engaging creative projects.
This is also a good reminder that children don’t always need expensive materials to create something interesting.
4. Glue and Scissors Are Basic Craft Essentials
Many school projects require cutting and sticking.
A basic craft kit may therefore include suitable scissors and glue.
For younger children, parents should choose age-appropriate scissors and supervise activities when necessary.
Glue sticks can be particularly convenient for paper-based projects because they are easy to apply and generally less messy than liquid glue.
The exact products needed will depend on the child’s age and school requirements.
5. Paints and Brushes for Creative Projects
Painting gives children another way to explore colour and texture.
Depending on the project, students may use poster paints, acrylics, watercolours or other art mediums.
For younger children and school projects, choosing materials specifically intended for their age and use is important.
A simple collection of basic colours can be enough to start. Children can then experiment with colour mixing rather than having to own every possible shade.
ArtCrafters’ Acrylic Techniques for Watercolor Effects explores how artists can experiment with acrylics to create different visual effects. While advanced techniques may be more suitable for older students or experienced artists, the basic idea of experimenting with materials can inspire young creators too.
6. Markers and Sketch Pens
Markers and sketch pens are useful for posters, headings, illustrations and creative school projects.
They can help children make project boards more colourful and visually interesting.
When choosing markers for children, parents should consider:
- Age suitability
- Tip size
- Washability where appropriate
- Ink quality
- Intended surface
For school projects, a basic set of colours is often more practical than buying a very large collection.
7. Don’t Forget Drawing Books and Sketchbooks
Creative supplies are much more useful when children have a place to use them.
A drawing book or sketchbook gives children a dedicated space for:
- Daily drawing
- Practice sketches
- Colour experiments
- School assignments
- Creative ideas
- Character designs
- Doodles
Encouraging children to keep a sketchbook can also turn drawing into a regular creative habit.
For parents, it can be useful to keep one dedicated sketchbook for free creativity and another for school assignments.
School Projects Can Become Creative Learning Opportunities
One of the best things about school art projects is that they can combine learning and creativity.
For example, a child studying animals might create a paper animal collage.
A science project might involve a three-dimensional model.
A history assignment might become a handmade timeline.
A language project could include an illustrated storybook.
These activities allow children to communicate ideas visually rather than relying entirely on written work.
This is one reason why keeping a small collection of basic craft materials at home can be useful throughout the school year.
A Simple Back-to-School Art Kit for Kids
Parents don’t need to buy an enormous collection of supplies.
A practical starter kit could include:
Drawing
- Drawing book
- Sketch pencils
- Eraser
- Sharpener
- Colour pencils
Colouring
- Crayons
- Sketch pens
- Markers
Paper Craft
- Coloured paper
- Card sheets
- Glue
- Child-appropriate scissors
- Stickers
Painting
- Basic paints
- Paint brushes
- Palette
- Water container
Creative Projects
- Craft materials
- Foam sheets
- Decorative paper
- Reusable household materials
The exact list should always be adjusted according to the child’s age and school requirements.
Don’t Buy Everything at Once
One common mistake parents make during back-to-school shopping is purchasing every possible art material at the beginning of the year.
That isn’t always necessary.
Instead, start with the school’s supply list and basic materials.
As the academic year progresses, children will discover what they enjoy and what they actually use.
If a child develops an interest in painting, for example, parents can gradually expand their collection of paints and brushes.
If they enjoy paper craft, additional paper, decorative materials and craft tools can be added later.
This approach can help reduce waste and unnecessary spending.
Back to School Offers Can Make Creative Shopping More Affordable
Art and craft supplies don’t have to be expensive, but buying several categories at once can increase the total cost.
That’s where seasonal promotions can become useful.
Sandhai.ae’s Back to School Offer 2026 runs from August 15 to September 15, 2026, with 10% to 60% discounts on selected products.
👉 View the Sandhai.ae Back to School Collection
The promotion can be an opportunity for families to review their children’s supply lists and look for relevant deals.
However, remember that discounts and availability can vary by product. Always check the individual product page before purchasing.
ArtCrafters Tip: Use Everyday Materials Too
Not every creative project requires something bought from a shop.
Children can also turn everyday materials into art.
Cardboard boxes, paper tubes, bottle caps, old magazines and clean packaging can become useful craft materials.
ArtCrafters has explored this idea in How to Turn Everyday Items into Fun Art Projects, showing how ordinary household objects can become the starting point for creative projects.
This approach can also teach children an important lesson: creativity is not always about having expensive materials. Sometimes it is about seeing possibilities in ordinary objects.
How to Choose Better Art Materials for School
Before buying any art product, ask a few simple questions.
Is it suitable for the child’s age?
A material that works well for an adult artist may not be appropriate for a young child.
Does the school require a particular type?
Some projects may specify particular paper sizes, colours or materials.
Will the child actually use it?
Avoid buying large quantities simply because a product is discounted.
Is it easy to store?
A manageable collection is easier for children to organise and use.
Is the material suitable for the intended project?
Watercolour, acrylic, crayons and markers all behave differently. Choosing the right medium can make a project much easier.
For a more detailed guide to selecting materials, see ArtCrafters’ How to Pick the Best Material for Your Next Art Project.
Where Can UAE Parents Find Art and Craft Supplies?
Parents looking for school art and craft materials can browse online collections before deciding what to purchase.
Sandhai.ae’s stationery and art-related categories include products such as paints, brushes, craft papers, canvas, cutting tools, stickers and other creative materials.
👉 Browse Art, Craft & Stationery Supplies at Sandhai.ae
Sandhai.ae also has a dedicated guide covering Best Art & Craft Supplies for School Kids in UAE 2026, which can be useful for parents building a school art kit.
Back-to-School Creative Shopping Checklist
Before ordering, run through this quick list:
Drawing
- Drawing book
- Sketch pencils
- Eraser
- Sharpener
Colouring
- Colour pencils
- Crayons
- Sketch pens
- Markers
Paper Craft
- Colour paper
- Card sheets
- Glue
- Scissors
- Stickers
Painting
- Paints
- Brushes
- Palette
School Essentials
- Notebooks
- Pencil case
- School bag
- Lunch bag
- Water bottle
Not every child needs every item. Use the school’s list and your child’s actual needs as the starting point.
A Creative Start to the 2026 School Year
Back-to-school preparation doesn’t have to be limited to buying books and stationery.
It can also be an opportunity to encourage children to explore creativity.
A simple box containing coloured paper, pencils, crayons, glue, scissors and other basic materials can become the starting point for countless projects throughout the school year.
And with Sandhai.ae’s Back to School Offer running from August 15 to September 15, 2026, UAE families can look for savings of 10% to 60% on selected products while preparing for the new academic year.
👉 Shop Back to School Supplies at Sandhai.ae
Whether your child loves drawing, painting, paper craft, model-making or simply experimenting with colours, the right materials can give their imagination more room to grow.
So this school season, don’t just prepare children with notebooks and pencils.
Give them the materials to create, experiment and imagine.
Quick Summary
Back to School Offer: Sandhai.ae
Offer Period: August 15 – September 15, 2026
Discount: 10% – 60% on selected products
Useful Categories: Art supplies, craft supplies, stationery, school bags, notebooks, pencil cases and other school essentials
For: UAE students, parents, teachers and young creators
Note: Product prices, discounts and availability may vary. Check the individual Sandhai.ae product page for the latest information before purchasing.
