Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht stopped by NBC’s The Today Show to talk about some of the best arts and crafts toys to keep kids entertained on winter weekends. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.


CREATE IT YOURSELF: GALAXY PAINT POUR OVER (CRAYOLA)

  • Create a mesmerizing work of galactic art with the help of Crayola Kids’ Paint.
  • This addicting painting technique creates a unique design every time – perfect for creating a gallery wall!
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: Activities based on existing materials
  • Available: Crayola.com

SPIROGRAPH JR AND SPIROGRAPH LARGE (KAHOOTZ)

  • New packaging for 2019.
  • Introduce your young child to the world of Spirograph®!
  • Jumbo-sized, easy-to-use gears are perfect for smaller hands.
  • Everything packs neatly away inside the storage case.
  • Handy storage case doubles as a drawing desk.
  • Set also includes 5 washable markers, 24 pages of design paper and handy instruction and idea guide.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $24.99 -$29.99
  • Available: Amazon, Specialty retailers

AQUABEADS DELUXE STUDIO (EPOCH EVERLASTING PLAY)

  • Kids can double the fun with the Deluxe Studio as they can now create fun 3D designs.  
  • This Deluxe set contains more than 1300 jewel and solid beads in 24 colors, a container, a rainbow bead pen, easy trays, sprayer, template sheets, and instructions.
  • This set connects to the Beginners Studio or Glamorous Designer Set for even more fun!
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Amazon and Walmart

MONSTER DIRT STARTER SET (SPIN MASTER)

  • From the makers of Kinetic Sand comes the all-new, life-like Monster Dirt that mimics real Monster Jam conditions.
  • This gritty starter set adds a new level of fun and whole new way to play with all your favorite Monster Jam trucks.
  • Use the included ram mold as a ready-to-use ramp, a mold to build your own ramp, and a Monster Dirt storage container.
  • The included 0.5 pounds of Monster Dirt and the exclusive 1:64-scake die-cast Monster Jam truck, detailed with dirt-stained BKT tires, giving it a life-like appearance.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $9.99
  • Available: Spring 2019

ANTSY PANTS DIY CREATIVE TENT PLAY SET (BEACH HOUSE)

  • An artist’s dream, this cover is the perfect (washable!) blank slate for an imagination to run wild.
  • From gingerbread houses to an underwater home, anything is possible with some markers, a blank canvas and a kid’s creativity.
  • This play set includes everything you need to build the Medium DIY Creative Tent, including a medium Creative DIY fabric cover, a medium Build & Play frame kit, and eight washable markers.
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: antsypants.com

CUTIE STIX JEWELRY MAKER (MAYA TOYS)

  • Cut it, create it, show it off!
  • With the Cutie Stix Jewelry Maker, you can create customized jewelry, nail art, fun figures and more out of our seriously cute stix!
  • Simply choose your design, including emojis, animals, or treats and create your masterpiece!
  • Your jewelry making kit comes with everything you need to get started with your Cutie Stix collection!
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Target

JUST MY STYLE 4-IN-1 STATIONARY STUDIO (HORIZON GROUP)

  • Dive into the classic arts of scrapbooking, journaling, sketching and more with the Just My Style 4-in-1 Stationery Studio!
  • Collect all of your favorite photos, quotes and memories to create a precious keepsake with the bound, hardcover scrapbook.
  • Embellish and customize each page with punch-outs, stickers and sparkling gemstones.
  • Free your thoughts and express yourself in the included diary.
  • Write down memories, quotes, dreams, wishes, secrets and more.
  • Make your besties day and drop a cute card in their locker or send snail mail to friends and family!
  • Finally, chill out and relax with the illustrated coloring pages and sketchbook. When you’re finished coloring, frame them for decoration or hang them on your wall! 
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: $29.99
  • Available: Amazon
  • MSRP $7.99 each
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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