Armed with the right materials and ideas for what to do with them, kids will be inclined to get caught up in projects that stimulate their imaginations and engage their minds. The items themselves may inspire a kid. Open a bag of colorful beads to spark an afternoon of jewelry making; hand a kid a just-emptied paper-towel roll, and he will get to work turning it into the rocket it's meant to be. The only trick will be to keep all the supplies neat and organized so kids can start fresh every time.

Basic Supplies
These are the must-haves for any household with kids.
Rubber Bands
Paper Clips
Eraser
Pencil Sharpener
Stapler
Hole Punch
Scissors
Paint Brushes
Ruler

Mediums
Crayons
Washable Markers
Chalk
Graphite Pencil
Tempera Paints
Finger Paints
Colored Pencils

Modeling Materials Plasticine Adhesives Glue Stick White Glue Cellophane Tape Paper Kraft Paper Copier Paper Construction Paper Newsprint

Other Materials Glitter Yarn Pom-Poms Sequins Pipe Cleaners Felt

Household Items Kids can use them for a variety of projects including collages, homemade musical instruments, and science experiments. Plastic Jug Caps Bottle Caps Tin Cans Paper-Towel Rolls Egg Cartons Milk Cartons Buttons Fabric Scraps Foam Peanuts

Advanced Supplies Tools Sponge Brushes Rubber Stamps Stamp Pads Paper Edgers Hand Punches Large Craft Punches Letter and Shape Stencils Paper Fasteners Mediums Puffy Paints Acrylic Paints Watercolor Paints Window Crayons Watercolor Crayons Fabric Markers Fabric Paints Fabric Crayons Other Colored Feathers Googlie Eyes Craft Sticks Beads Shaped Sequins Craft Foam Ribbons Modeling Materials Polymer Clay Glues All-Purpose Glue Tacky Glue Tapes Masking Tape Colored Duct Tape Papers Origami Paper Tissue Paper Tracing Paper Doilies Posterboard Foam Board