A child who draws standing up holds their hand differently than at a table. A vertical surface keeps the wrist in the position that is ideal for writing and strengthens the shoulder and elbow, explains the NESCA centre. That is why kids easels are useful beyond a rainy afternoon. This guide is for parents of children aged three to eight, grandparents looking for a gift and kindergarten teachers. We compared seven models available on Amazon.de, from a tabletop easel to a large board for two children. The biggest differences are the board sides (chalk, markers, magnets), a paper roll for painting, and whether the height adjusts as the child grows. Prices are live from Amazon.de on 6 October 2026 and range from 44.59 to 125.99 euros.
Quick overview: best kids easels 2026
All models are available on Amazon.de with delivery to Croatia. Click a name for the current price.
| Model | Sides | Paper roll | Height | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa & Doug Deluxe 11282 | chalk, marker | yes | adjustable | 111,99 € | Best overall |
| Hape E2016 | chalk, marker, magnetic | yes | 90-115 cm | 71,95 € | Complete with supplies |
| Dripex Standtafel | chalk, marker, magnetic | no | 81-146 cm | 49,99 € | Grows with the child |
| Melissa & Doug 12790 | chalk, marker, magnetic | yes | tabletop | 46,79 € | Tabletop easel |
| Hape E2001 bamboo | chalk, marker, magnetic | yes | 3 levels | 44,99 € | Small spaces |
| Step2 All Around Easel for Two | chalk, marker, magnetic | no | fixed | 125,99 € | Two children |
| Eichhorn magnetic standing board | chalk, magnetic | no | fixed | 44,59 € | Learning letters |
Kids easels differ in board sides, accessories, material and adjustability, so below we break down each model with pros, cons and our opinion.
1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe 11282
Photo: Melissa & Doug, Amazon
The Melissa & Doug Deluxe is our best overall pick because it has everything a child needs for several years of drawing. One side is a chalkboard, the other a dry-erase whiteboard, and on top there is a paper roll holder with a lock and a child-safe cutter. The frame is wooden, the height adjusts in several steps, and the easel folds flat when you need to store it. It has four paper clips and two removable plastic trays. It weighs about 8 kg, so it stands firm even when a child presses hard with a brush. Melissa & Doug recommends it from age three.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | wooden frame |
| Sides | chalkboard, whiteboard |
| Paper roll | yes, with lock and cutter |
| Height | adjustable, about 119 cm assembled |
| Weight | about 8 kg |
Pros: sturdy, heavy wooden frame, paper roll with lock and cutter, folds flat.
Cons: the most expensive wooden model on the list, no art supplies in the box, heavy to carry.
Our opinion: If you are buying one easel to last from kindergarten to school, get this one. A paper roll with a cutter sounds like a small thing, but it saves parents' nerves when a child wants a new sheet every five minutes. Buy supplies separately, as there is no chalk or paint in the box.
2. Hape E2016
Photo: Hape, Amazon
The Hape E2016 is an easel that comes ready for drawing straight out of the box. Paints, brushes, markers and chalk are included, and it needs no assembly, you just unfold it. It has a magnetic chalkboard and a whiteboard, a paper roll holder with a tear edge and a tray for supplies. According to Hape the height adjusts in four steps from 90 to 115 cm, and it can also be used as a tabletop easel. It weighs 6 kg.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | wood |
| Sides | magnetic chalkboard, whiteboard |
| Paper roll | yes, with tear edge |
| Height | 4 steps, 90-115 cm |
| Supplies | paints, brushes, markers, chalk |
Pros: art supplies included, no assembly needed, also works as a tabletop easel.
Cons: a new model with few reviews on Amazon.de, mid-to-high price.
Our opinion: As a gift this is the most practical choice, because the child can start drawing the same day. Hape is a wooden toy maker founded in Germany. The only thing to wait for is more reviews of this newer model.
3. Dripex Standtafel
Photo: Dripex, Amazon
The Dripex Standtafel is the best choice for parents who want the easel to grow with the child. The height adjusts from 81 to a full 146 cm, more than any other model on the list, so a child in the first years of school can use it too. The 53 x 53 cm board has a magnetic whiteboard on one side and a chalkboard on the other. The frame is pine and folds. The package includes 24 accessories, including magnetic letters and numbers and chalk. On Amazon.de it has more than 1,100 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | pine |
| Sides | magnetic whiteboard, chalkboard |
| Board | 53 x 53 cm |
| Height | 81-146 cm |
| Accessories | 24 pieces |
Pros: the widest height range on the list, affordable price, many positive reviews.
Cons: no paper roll, finish quality can vary from piece to piece.
Our opinion: For 50 euros you get an easel the child will not outgrow even at school. If a paper roll does not matter because your child draws with chalk and markers, this is the smartest buy. Before first use, check that all screws are tight.
4. Melissa & Doug 12790
Photo: Melissa & Doug, Amazon
The Melissa & Doug 12790 is a tabletop easel that fits on the kitchen table and folds flat after drawing. It has a magnetic whiteboard and a chalkboard, a wooden holder with a 15 m paper roll and a tray for supplies. The package also includes a dry-erase marker, five chalks, a felt eraser and 36 magnetic letters and numbers. It weighs only about 2 kg. On Amazon.de it has more than 800 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, the highest of any model on the list.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | wood |
| Sides | magnetic whiteboard, chalkboard |
| Paper roll | yes, 15 m included |
| Height | tabletop, folds flat |
| Accessories | marker, 5 chalks, eraser, 36 magnets |
Pros: paper roll and magnets in a tabletop format, folds flat, the best customer ratings.
Cons: needs a table, small drawing surface.
Our opinion: For a small flat with no room for a standing easel, this is the ideal solution. After drawing, fold it and slide it behind a cupboard. For a child who likes drawing big pictures, the surface will soon be too small.
5. Hape E2001 bamboo
Photo: Hape, Amazon
The Hape E2001 is a bamboo and MDF easel for parents who also look at materials when they shop. It has a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard, a paper roll with clips and a shelf for supplies. According to Hape the height adjusts in three steps without screws, and the easel folds. It measures 94 x 56 x 44 cm and weighs 4.3 kg, so a child can easily move it. A paper roll and 12 chalks are included.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | bamboo and MDF |
| Sides | chalkboard, magnetic whiteboard |
| Paper roll | yes, with clips |
| Height | 3 steps, screw-free assembly |
| Accessories | paper roll, 12 chalks |
Pros: sustainable bamboo, light and folds without screws, good price for a branded 3-in-1 easel.
Cons: a lower model that children outgrow sooner, few reviews on Amazon.de.
Our opinion: For a three-year-old in a smaller room this is an excellent first easel. Bamboo looks nice and is light, and screw-free assembly takes a few minutes. For a child of six or older, a model with more height is a better choice.
6. Step2 All Around Easel for Two
Photo: Step2, Amazon
The Step2 All Around Easel for Two is an easel where two children draw at once, one on each side. It is made of sturdy, easy-to-wash plastic, and a wide base makes it very stable. One side is a chalkboard, the other a magnetic whiteboard, with two removable bins and a large tray. A 94-piece set of foam magnetic letters and symbols is included. It measures about 107 x 56 x 51 cm, does not fold and is not height-adjustable. On Amazon.de it has more than 2,000 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | plastic |
| Sides | chalkboard, magnetic whiteboard |
| Paper roll | no, paper clip |
| Dimensions | about 107 x 56 x 51 cm |
| Accessories | 94 foam magnetic pieces |
Pros: very stable and washable, two children draw at once, many positive reviews.
Cons: expensive on Amazon.de, bulky and does not fold, no paper roll or adjustable height.
Our opinion: For siblings or a kindergarten group this is the only model on the list that prevents fights over the board. Plastic is practical when a child mixes chalk and water. It does not fit easily into a small kids' room, so measure the space before buying.
7. Eichhorn magnetic standing board
Photo: Eichhorn, Amazon
The Eichhorn magnetic standing board is the cheapest model on the list and the best for a child starting to learn letters. It is made of beech, measures 66 x 110 cm, and the board rotates so both sides take chalk. The package has 60 pieces: 48 magnetic letters, 10 chalks and a sponge. It has a built-in shelf for supplies. Eichhorn is a German wooden toy maker with more than 75 years of history. The height is not adjustable, and it has no whiteboard or paper roll.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | beech |
| Sides | rotating magnetic chalkboard |
| Dimensions | 66 x 110 cm |
| Height | fixed |
| Accessories | 48 magnetic letters, 10 chalks, sponge |
Pros: German brand and beech wood, rotating board, good price with magnetic letters.
Cons: chalk only with no whiteboard or paper, height is not adjustable.
Our opinion: If your child is in preschool and curious about letters, the magnetic alphabet on this board is an excellent tool. Chalk makes a mess, but children love it. For painting and markers, pick one of the models with a whiteboard and paper roll.
How to choose a kids easel: sides, paper and height
First decide which board sides you need. Kids easels most often have a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard for markers on the other. A magnetic board allows play with magnetic letters and numbers, which helps with learning the alphabet.
Second is the paper roll. If your child likes painting with watercolours, a paper roll on top of the easel is very practical. Models without a roll need paper attached with clips.
Third is adjustable height. A three-year-old and a seven-year-old need very different heights. The Dripex goes up to 146 cm, and the Hape E2016 from 90 to 115 cm. Kids easels with a fixed height become too low sooner.
Fourth is safety. Toys in the EU must carry the CE mark and meet the EN 71 standard, according to Intertek. All models on the list are for children from age three, because small parts like magnets and chalk are not for younger children.
Conclusion
Which kids easels are best depends on the child's age and the space at home. For most families the Melissa & Doug Deluxe is the best choice because it has a sturdy frame, a paper roll with a cutter and adjustable height. For a gift with supplies there is the Hape E2016, and on a small budget the Dripex, which grows with the child.
| Category | Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Melissa & Doug Deluxe 11282 | 111,99 € |
| Complete with supplies | Hape E2016 | 71,95 € |
| Grows with the child | Dripex Standtafel | 49,99 € |
| Tabletop easel | Melissa & Doug 12790 | 46,79 € |
| Small spaces | Hape E2001 bamboo | 44,99 € |
| Two children | Step2 All Around Easel for Two | 125,99 € |
| Learning letters | Eichhorn magnetic standing board | 44,59 € |
For small flats we recommend the tabletop Melissa & Doug 12790, and for siblings the Step2 All Around Easel for Two. Children learning letters will get the most from the Eichhorn with its magnetic alphabet.
Before you buy a kids easel, measure the space and decide whether you need a paper roll. Also buy dustless chalk, as it makes cleaning much easier.
Frequently asked questions
What age are kids easels for?
Almost all kids easels are intended for children from age three, including every model on our list. They are not suitable for younger children because of small parts like magnets, chalk and marker caps. Height-adjustable models such as the Dripex and Hape E2016 can be used in the first years of school too.
Is a wooden or plastic easel better?
A wooden easel is sturdier, nicer looking and usually has adjustable height and a paper roll. A plastic one like the Step2 is easier to wash and very stable, but bulky and does not fold. For most families wooden kids easels are the better choice, while plastic ones suit kindergartens and the youngest children.
Does an easel need a magnetic board?
A magnetic board is not essential, but it is useful. Children arrange magnetic letters and numbers on it, which helps with learning the alphabet and counting. Most models on the list have a magnetic side, and the Melissa & Doug 12790 and Eichhorn come with magnetic letters included.
Why is drawing on an easel good for children?
Drawing on a vertical surface keeps the wrist in a position that is ideal for writing and strengthens the shoulder and elbow. The NESCA centre therefore recommends working on vertical surfaces for developing fine motor skills. The child also stands upright, which strengthens posture.
How tall should an easel be?
The top edge of the board should be roughly at the child's eye level or slightly above. For a three-year-old that is about 90 cm, and for a schoolchild more than 120 cm. That is why adjustable height matters if you want the easel to last several years.
How do I clean a chalkboard and a whiteboard?
Wipe the chalkboard with a dry sponge, and now and then with a slightly damp cloth. Clean the whiteboard with a dry cloth straight after drawing, as old marker marks are harder to remove. Use only whiteboard markers, never permanent markers.
How we chose
We chose the kids easels in this guide by board sides, paper roll, height adjustability, material, included accessories and customer ratings. We checked the data on manufacturer sites such as Melissa & Doug and Hape, in independent comparisons such as Peccadille and on live Amazon.de listings. We included standing, tabletop, wooden and plastic models, because families have different space and needs. We did not test the easels physically; we compared manufacturer data and independent sources. Prices are live from Amazon.de on 6 October 2026 and subject to change.
Sources and references
- Melissa & Doug - Deluxe Standing Art Easel: melissaanddoug.com
- Hape - E2016 easel: hape.com
- Hape - E2001 bamboo easel: hape.com
- NESCA - benefits of working on a vertical surface: nesca-newton.com
- Intertek - EU toy safety directive and EN 71: intertek.com
- Peccadille - best kids easels 2026: peccadille.net