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When it comes to creative art projects for the kiddos (or for yourself for that matter) there is no shortage of options. The most important thing when it comes to these kinds of activities is that they are fun, keep everyone engaged and, it doesn’t hurt if they provide some sort of education into the mix.
Below are some color-your-own pillow sets that are a great addition to an already full activity arsenal. We have included two unique pillow activities that come in a variety of fun designs for kids to color in at their leisure. These kits not only provide educational and creative fun but are reusable and can be washed again and again.
Also included is a large set of fabulous fabric markers that will help enhance the pillow activity above and a unique DIY unicorn pillow with no sewing required.
Premier Color-Your-Own Pillows in Detail
Made By Me Pillow — Best Overall
This pre-sewn unicorn pillow is a great DIY for kids ages 6 and over. This soft and comfortable pillow requires no sewing and will allow their inner creativity to shine through. Everything needed for them to create the pillow of their dreams is including such as rainbow fleece strips to create a colorful mane, glitter sparkle stickers, and soft fiberfill that will knot close with the included rainbow fleece.
Pros
- No sewing is required
Cons
- This project may not take very long to finish
Eatsleepdoodle Pillowcase — Runner Up
These coloring pillows feature a hand-drawn design and illustration full of fun and fascinating detail for kids to color and discover. Made from 100%, 200-thread count cotton, these pillows make an even better, almost neverending activity as they are reusable, and once the first coloring is done they can be washed and colored again and again. This set also includes 10 double-ended, fabric wash-out markers, and makes a great educational gift idea that keeps on giving.
Pros
- This pillow is made from eco-friendly fabrics
Cons
- If you prefer permanent markers, another option might be better
Shuttle Art Fabric Markers — Honorable Mention
This is a fabulous set of 28 fabric markers featuring all the colors of the rainbow and then some. These markers have a fine bullet tip that gives precise control for outlining, coloring, writing, doodling, or any DIY projects on fabric or paper. They also give off a rich and vibrant pigment that works on almost all fabrics including clothing, sneakers, handbags, canvas, caps, and more. Also included in this set are a stencil and fabric sheet to help with coloring more precise decorations.
Pros
- These markers are non-toxic, non-bleeding, and dry quickly
Cons
- These will not work on darker fabrics
Eatsleepdoodle Pillow Case With Markers — Also Consider
Similar to the set above, this doodle your own pillowcase set is another option that features the world map but comes in four other patterns including animals, butterflies, dollhouses, and space explorers. This set comes with a soft, cotton pillowcase that is easy to wash, comfortable to sleep on, and, most importantly, reusable. Once you or your child has finished coloring in their designs, this pillow can be easily washed fresh and clean, ready to be colored in again and again.
Pros
- The varied shapes and fine lines of the world map design require more precise small movements and can help enhance creative development
Cons
- This is a large pillowcase
Buying Guide: Color-Your-Own Pillows
Finding activities that are both fun and educational for kids can be difficult, especially for children who are under age 6. This age can be even more challenging as occupying them for a substantial amount of time is one of the biggest struggles for any parent. The top color-your-own pillows in 2024 can be a lifesaver, providing children with a great afternoon activity that will leave them with a memorable keepsake too!
However, choosing which pillows or markers will be best for you and your children can be a challenge. It’s best to be prepared with all the facts, so we have compiled this buying guide outlining the key factors you should be on the lookout for. Read on to find out more!
Selecting the Right Markers
When it comes to any craft activity with young kids, making sure the materials being used are safe and easy to use is essential. Most of the time, color-your-own pillow sets include a set of fabric markers in an assortment of vibrant colors. These markers are arguably the most important part of the whole set, as they are what your child will be using to turn their plain pillows into something that shows off their personality.
When browsing through different color-your-own pillow sets, be sure to carefully take note of the markers that are included. A good color-your-own pillow set includes markers that come in a variety of bright colors, with all primary shades accounted for. Look for options with a pointed tip that will be steady and stable on the pillow. Safety is also very important, as with young children there is always a risk of accidental ingestion of small parts causing harm. To avoid this, make sure the ingredients used in the markers are non-toxic and are large enough to not be dangerous. The best markers are those that don’t bleed and maintain a strong pigment even when washed.
Reusability - Is it Important?
Coloring your own pillowcase is a fun afternoon activity that can keep your children occupied and happy. However, once the pillow is decorated it will just be lying around the house, and before long you will have to think of another activity to entertain your active children. This is where reusable kits can be a lifesaver.
WIth reusable color-your-own pillow kits, the pillows are back to their clear plain state after being washed out with warm water. This is because the markers in this set are washable, and do not leave permanent stains on the fabric. Reusable sets let you enjoy the activity of coloring your own pillow again and again!
What to Look For in a Pillow
At the end of the day, the main takeaway from a color your own pillow activity is the resulting pillow that will be used. Features like thread count, material, and feel are what will make up the overall quality of the pillow and determine things like comfort and longevity. When you are looking at different pillow options, make sure to keep these things in mind.
The best material for colorizing your own pillow sets is soft cotton. This is the easiest to draw on, as the fabric does not slip and slide like synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon. Cotton will absorb pigment better and give an overall neat look to any drawing. Thread count is also very important because it is what determines the overall quality and comfort of the pillow. The higher the thread count, the more comfortable and sturdy the pillow. The size of the pillow is another aspect you should take note of. The ideal size is the standard 20 x 30 pillow size, as this will be both easy to handle while still giving you room to decorate. However, if you are interested in taking on a project that will take longer to complete then going for a larger pillowcase size might be a better option.
Additional Features to Look For
Stencils
Sometimes kits include pre-printed designs on the pillowcase which just need to be filled in using fabric markers. This is great as it gives kids a sense of direction as opposed to them randomly doodling all over the pillow. But it is important to make sure the stencil is attractive and will be fun to color into. A pattern that is more close together will be more educational and detailed but may be more difficult to fill in, especially if your child is younger. An attractive and well thought out design will be great for your child’s creative development, so don’t miss out
Eco-Friendly
Although these kinds of activities are definitely fun and exciting, they do have the potential to add to the already very polluted environment. This is why you should try your best to go for options that are environmentally friendly. Look for natural fabrics, non-toxic markers, and reusable sets. Such color-your-own pillow sets will not only be sustainable and practical but can also serve as a good way to give your children a lesson on why it is important to take care of the environment.
