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The hottest new arts and crafts products on the toy aisle are positioned to appeal to both kids and parents. Many kids’ products declare a presence in the market by incorporating elements of the successful adult scrapbooking trend. And the nesting trend captures the teen and tween set. Basics like glitter glue, fingerpaint, and clays remain perennial successes, but all-inclusive arts and crafts kits are the newest push – they’re easy for parents, and kids love having everything at their fingertips. Tactile mediums are also a big buzz: fuzzy, velvet posters and picture frames are just that much more fun. Some of these hot products standout thanks to flawless marketing of a secured license, great packaging, and branding.

1. Draw Thumb Animals ($6.95; Ages 4 and up) by Klutz

• This book lets kids leave their mark and is simple for mom – all the necessary materials are included.
• Comes with a black felt-tip marker and a purple inkpad sized for little thumbs. The book features step by step illustrated instructions and blank pages so kids can follow along with minimal supervision.
• This toy falls into the lower price point category and keeps things creative and personal – nothing is more unique than a child’s own thumbprint.

2. Crayola Spider Man Velvet Visions Pack ($17.99; Ages 3 and up) by Crayola

• No longer limited to lining swank walls of dimly lit halls and paying homage to Elvis, Velvet color-ins are the newest kids craft craze.
• Velvet’s tactile appeal and classic coloring book images are the perfect pairing for staying within the lines and having fun. The kit includes four different 16” x 20” designs and six washable markers.
• The “Spider-Man 2” license and pristine packaging set this kit apart. Fun images are front and center, with eye-catching placement of a Spidey close up. Crayola’s brand image is a plus as well.

3. Simmer ‘ N ShineTM Brilliant Glazes by Elmers

• Six different colors of washable art glaze to finish off the perfect poster or drawing.
• A simple, basic tool that appeals to older children and is used for whatever the child imagines.
• Shimmer ‘N Shine is part of an Elmer’s line that gives a nod to the glitter in the girls market. The trademarked name, development of a full product line, and colorful packaging makes this product stand out in drug, arts and crafts, and toy stores.

4. LEGO Let’s Party Clikits Sets ($19.99; Ages 6-11) by LEGO

• Dazzling in the sparkly style that’s turning little girls’ heads, this arts and crafts kit is part of a line-up that aims to please.
• The “Let’s Party Set” includes invitations, party favor bags, mini picture frame forms, ring forms, and a total of 210 ‘pieces’ – uniquely LEGO styled detailing for decorating all the kit components.
• Clikits packaging features drawings of wide-eyed darlings dressed in hip fashion and enjoying a party with friends. And girls will love making picture frames to commemorate their fun times – just like Mommy’s scrapbooking!

5. Photostory Junior Book Kit ($26.99; 5 years and up) by Creations by You (ToyDirectory).

• Scrapbooking for junior that’s easy on mom and dad. Why? Because once kids have pulled together their memories, photos, and thoughts, they mail everything back to the manufacturer in a pre-paid envelope.
• A hardbound, professionally finished book is returned to the consumer, who can get as involved in the process as they want, with options for specifying content, photos, drawings, colors, and fonts on the internet.
• Markers, tape, and a 15 page book are included.

6. Color in Tattoos ($12.99; 6 years and up) by Creativity for Kids.

• Includes 50 tattoo outline transfers and six washable markers. Tattoos last one to three days and can be removed with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or adhesive tape.
• The bug, animal, and plant design for outline transfers soften any edginess that parents may associate with tattoos.
• Conservative packaging re info rces that these tattoos are tame and for fun!
  

7. Bratz Fuzzy Art Set ($9.99; 5 years and up) by Rose Art Industries, Inc. (ToyDirectory)

• Includes a poster (11” x 17”), notepad, two postcards, a flower photoframe, two pictures, stickers, five markers, and glitter glue.
• What could pitch a product as more promising than four Bratz and the fun of over-the-top glitter and fuzzy detailing? Possibly the sustained appeal of scrapbooking.
• This generous offering of accessories also hits a nice price point.

8. Loop Crochet Kit ($18.00) by Parcel

• Not quite sure when knitting and crocheting went from the old-folks home to the laps of hipsters? No matter, it’s here and happening, as funky DJs teach knitting classes and tweens and teens scoop up kits a plenty from the market’s edgier stores.
• Includes a crochet hook, two skeins of yarn, and instructions.
• Nesting couldn’t be more ‘now’ and with the fun and funky illustrations Parcel features on packaging, this might be the hippest kit on the block.

9. Shrinky Dinks Mega Activity Kit ($14.99; 8-11 years) by Spin Master Toys

• The classic fun of Shrinky Dinks is still as hot as ever. This kits includes 10 plastic sheets, two sheets with preprinted images, 10 key chains, 20 display stands, 10 pipe cleaners, 1 tube of glitter gel, 2 magnetic strips, 10 plastic rings, 20 colored pencils and traceable art booklet.
• Mom and dad will be drawn to the Shrinky Dink fun they remember and with all the accessories included, the kit is a crafting hit.

10. “Playdoh: Doh Doh Island Beach Buggy” ($14.99; 3 and up) by Hasbro

• Sculpting and modeling clay are always a fun craft for kids. But combined with the tiki/island trend and the power of Playdoh branding, the Island Beach Buggy is positioned for even greater success.
• Includes 3 ‘Doh-Doh’ characters and a buggy, as well as accessories: hut, fishing pole, diving and surfboard, umbrella two cutter, ‘Doh-Tem’ Pole roller, Tiki, and fish molds.

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