Finding the best easels for kids art is less about brand names and more about matching the frame to your child’s age, your room and the surfaces they actually use. We spent weeks comparing twelve standing and tabletop easels side by side, checking height ranges, surface types, what arrives in the box and how each one holds up once a four year old starts leaning on it.
The short version: a double-sided chalkboard and magnetic whiteboard combination covers the most ground, because it wipes clean, holds magnetic letters for early learning and never runs out. Add a paper roll and your child can paint properly instead of just scribbling on a small board.
We also leaned on what parents actually say in reviews, not just spec sheets. The complaints that came up again and again were paper rolls unrolling, plastic frames feeling flimsy and finished wood staining permanently. Buying art is also personal, and once a child has made something they care about, the wall display matters as much as the easel itself. Our picks for large canvas wall art and picture light bars cover that side of things.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Easels for Kids Art in 2026
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing
- Double-sided dry-erase and chalkboard
- Locking paper-roll holder
- 4 easy-clip grips and 2 trays
- Ages 3 plus
Hape All-in-One Magnetic Easel
- Chalkboard
- magnetic whiteboard and paper roll
- Height adjustable 37.5 to 43.5 inch
- 3 lidded paint pots included
Joyooss 3-Height Wooden Easel
- Three height settings for growing children
- 98 plus accessories with apron
- Two 15 inch paper rolls
- Pine wood frame
All 12 Easels Compared in 2026
Every pick below made the list because it does at least one thing better than the others. Scan the table first, then read the full review for the two or three that fit your space.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing |
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| Hape All-in-One Magnetic |
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 Joyooss Adjustable Wood Easel |
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 Melissa & Doug Tabletop |
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| Joyooss 3-Height Easel |
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 YOHOOLYO Rotating Easel |
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 Blue Squid 3-in-1 Easel |
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 Basytodio Toddler Easel |
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 Costzon Storage Easel |
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 QZMTOY Easel and Art Table |
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 Weudear Magnetic Easel |
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 Rundad Wooden Easel |
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1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel – Best Overall
- Double-sided dry-erase and chalkboard surfaces
- Locking paper-roll holder stops the roll unrolling
- 4 easy-clip grips plus 2 large plastic trays
- Wood build handles daily heavy use
- Paint brushes paper and chalk sold separately
- Large footprint with no fold-flat option
This is the easel we keep coming back to, and with 9.7k+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars it is the most proven option here. The frame is solid wood in an A-frame shape, measuring 27 inches deep by 26 inches wide by 47 inches high, and at 15 pounds it stays put when a child leans on the tray.
One side is a dry-erase board, the other a chalkboard, so the same frame serves drawing, letter practice and scribbling. The paper-roll holder locks, which sounds like a small detail until you have watched a three year old unroll a full roll across the floor in ninety seconds.
Owners consistently point to the same benefit: the vertical surface builds pre-writing skills better than a flat table because the child has to use their whole arm and shoulder. The two large trays and four clip grips mean paint cups, brushes and a sheet of paper all have a home within reach.
The tradeoff is footprint and consumables. There is no folding mechanism, so it stays in the room year round, and none of the actual art supplies come in the box.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families with a child aged three and up who will use it daily and have a corner of a room to give up. It does not suit small flats or anyone hoping to buy one complete setup without a second shopping trip.
What parents ask before buying
The most common question is about the wood finish. This frame is natural wood with a sealer, and water-based paint can still mark it, so a washable surface mat or a splat sheet underneath is worth adding. The other question is height, and at 47 inches it suits most children from about age three without adjustment.
2. Hape All-in-One Magnetic Easel – Premium Pick
- Three surfaces combined in one frame
- Height adjustment extends the usable years
- 3 lidded paint pots reduce mess
- Paper-holding screws stop the roll unrolling
- Unfinished wood absorbs water-based paint
- Does not fold flat without partial disassembly
- Supplied paper roll is short
Hape rates 4.7 stars across 9.3k+ reviews, the highest score of any easel we tested. It is the one to buy if you want maximum surface variety in a small footprint: chalkboard on one side, magnetic whiteboard on the other and a refillable paper roll across the top.
Height adjusts between 37.5 and 43.5 inches, which matters more than it sounds because it means the same unit works for a three year old and a seven year old. The manufacturer lists it for 36 months through 8 years.
The three lidded paint pots are the detail reviewers mention most. They clip to the frame, they close, and a closed pot does not end up on the carpet. The magnetic whiteboard is also genuinely magnetic, so alphabet and number magnets stick rather than sliding off.
Be aware the wood is unfinished. Water-based paint will stain it, and a sheet of washable craft paper under the painting area is a cheap fix. The included paper roll also runs out fast in most homes, so plan on ordering standard refill rolls early.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families who want one easel that does everything and who can dedicate a permanent spot to it, since it does not fold flat. It is less suitable for renters or anyone planning to move rooms often.
What to check when it arrives
Check the height adjustment mechanism before the first session, because the loosenable pins are the part most likely to need tightening later. The listed item dimensions are 19.29 by 4.21 by 27.72 inches, so measure your corner before it arrives.
3. Joyooss Adjustable Wooden Easel – Best for Big Kids
- Widest height range in the roundup at 38 to 51 inch
- Dual magnetic whiteboard and chalkboard
- Large accessory set including magnetic letters and math pieces
- Meets international safety testing standards
- 12.1 pound frame is heavy to move between rooms
- Boards need regular cleaning after paint and chalk
This H-frame easel is the one that grows furthest. Height adjusts from 38 to 51 inches, which is the widest range in the group, and the manufacturer rates it for children from 3 to 12 years old. That is the difference between a two-year purchase and a nine-year one.
Both board sides are magnetic, so letters, numbers and shapes hold properly rather than sliding off a plain surface. The clip on the back accepts paper in several sizes, and the accessory kit includes a 16 inch paper roll, a storage box, dust-free chalk, four markers, an eraser and a magnetic letters and math set.
At 12.1 pounds and 50 inches tall, this is a real piece of furniture. Parents mention that it handles older children well, including a child who leans or climbs, and the H-frame base does not wobble the way a single mast easel does.
The upside of that weight is stability, the downside is moving it. If your art corner is not a permanent spot, this is harder to deal with than the fold-flat plastic options further down the list.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits a household with siblings of very different ages, or a child who will keep growing for years. It does not suit anyone in a small room or anyone who needs to stow it away between sessions.
What to check before assembly
Give yourself an hour and check that all four legs, the crossbars and the hardware are present before you start, because a missing bracket means a second delivery. The board itself measures 18 by 21 inches, which is a comfortable drawing area for an older child.
4. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Tabletop Easel – Best for Small Spaces
- Complete 42 piece kit so kids can start immediately
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Two-sided magnetic board with chalk and dry-erase
- Letter and number magnets included
- Cannot be used standing by a child
- Supplied paper and chalk quantities are minimal
Where the standing easels need floor space, this one needs a table. It is a fold-flat wooden tabletop easel measuring 17.5 by 20.75 by 2.75 inches, and it is the pick when the art corner is a kitchen table rather than a playroom wall.
Everything a child needs is in the box: a 50 foot paper roll, a dry-erase marker, five coloured chalk sticks, an eraser and 36 magnetic letters and numbers. That completeness is the reason it holds a 4.6 average across 1.8k+ reviews, because there is no second trip to the shop on day one.
The magnetic surface is the part that gets used most. Parents use the letters and numbers for name practice and counting rather than pure drawing, which extends the life of the toy well past the stage where painting is the only goal.
Be realistic about the format. A child cannot stand at it, and the drawing area is small, so this suits a two to four year old working alongside an adult or sitting at a low table.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits small homes, first-time buyers and anyone who wants an easy birthday gift that includes real supplies. It does not suit a child who wants to paint standing up, or a family with two children drawing at once.
What to check when it arrives
Count the 42 pieces before you lose the box, because the paper roll and magnets are what get misplaced. The frame folds flat but does not lock flat, so store it somewhere it cannot be sat on.
5. Joyooss 3-Height Wooden Easel – Best Premium Bundle
- Three height settings at 39.57 46.61 and 50.12 inch
- 98 plus accessories including an apron and two paper rolls
- Sturdy pine frame
- Clear step-by-step assembly instructions
- Takes up a noticeable amount of floor space
- Included chalk and whiteboard pens are average quality
- Storage basket attaches with Velcro
This is the highest-rated easel we tested, 4.8 stars across 1.4k+ reviews, and the reason is the height system. Three discrete settings at 39.57, 46.61 and 50.12 inches let you move the whole frame as your child grows rather than fiddling with a single adjustment knob.
The accessory count is genuinely large. You get 98 pieces including paints, 14 brushes, palettes, an apron, chalk, four whiteboard pens, erasers, paint cups and a magnetic letters and math set, plus two 15 inch paper rolls and a built-in tray.
The pine frame has smooth grain, burr-free edges and rounded corners, and parents note it stands up to a child who climbs on the tray. Assembly instructions are described as unusually clear for this category, which is not a low bar in kids furniture.
The two things to weigh are floor space and consumable quality. The frame is wide, and the included chalk and whiteboard pens are the sort most families replace within a month anyway.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families starting at age two who know they will still be using the easel at seven or eight. It does not suit anyone working with a tight floor plan or a very small budget.
What to check before you build it
Check the storage basket attachment, since it is Velcro rather than a fixed shelf. It comes in seven colour variants, so pick the one your child will actually recognise as theirs.
6. Blue Squid 3-in-1 Easel – Best Value Bundle
- Three refillable paper rolls in the box
- Magnetic chalkboard and dry-erase board
- Spacious tray with integrated paint cup holders
- Tool-free 10 minute setup
- Assembly directions unclear about leg attachment
- Protective film is hard to remove from the edges
- Pine is light for institutional use
Blue Squid scores 4.7 stars from 1.3k+ reviews and solves the complaint that shows up most often in this category: running out of paper. Three refillable paper rolls come in the box, held in place by magnetic paper buttons.
Height adjusts from 37 to 43 inches for ages two to nine, and both sides are magnetic, so a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase board on the other. The tray has integrated paint cup holders, which is what makes it workable for two children at once.
The board wipes clean without staining and without needing alcohol, which matters when the artist is four and the medium is tempera. Setup is tool-free and takes about ten minutes, so there is no excuse for a half-built easel lurking in a box.
Watch for the protective film on the dry-erase side. It does not always peel off in one piece from the edges, and it will not behave properly until every trace is gone.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families who paint a lot and who do not want to reorder paper every fortnight. It does not suit a shared classroom or childcare setting where the light pine frame would be pushed harder than home use.
What to check when it arrives
Read the leg attachment step twice, since that is the part reviewers flag. Inspect the paint pots in the box before handing them over, as a small number arrive cracked.
7. YOHOOLYO Rotating Easel – Budget Pick
- 360 degree rotation flips between magnetic dry-erase and magnetic chalkboard
- Both sides magnetic so alphabet magnets work
- Folds flat for storage
- Light enough for a child to reposition
- Small board limits drawing space for bigger children
- No paper roll holder or paint accessories included
This is the simplest idea in the roundup and one of the most useful. The board rotates 360 degrees, so the whole unit turns over to switch from a magnetic dry-erase surface to a magnetic chalkboard with no disassembly and no pieces to lose.
It also holds a 4.6 average across 1.3k+ reviews. It also folds flat and can sit flat on a table as a multifunction board, so it covers the tabletop and standing categories in one product for a modest outlay.
Because both surfaces are magnetic, it handles letter and number practice as well as free drawing. Several parents mention the board area is enough for a three year old and tight for a seven year old, so treat it as a stage rather than a forever piece.
No paper roll and no paint accessories are included, which is where the money is saved. If your child paints rather than draws, budget for a separate roll and cups.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits small apartments, grandparents who want an easy gift and toddlers who need a small drawing area. It does not suit an older child who wants a real canvas to paint on.
What to check when it arrives
Confirm the construction material on your specific listing, because this model is offered in both plastic and wood. There is a 360 day manufacturer warranty, so keep the packaging until you have tested both surfaces.
8. Basytodio Double-Sided Toddler Easel – Best for Travel
Kids Easel Toddlers Double-Sided Drawing Board Toys 3 4 Year Birthday Gifts
- 360 degree rotating magnetic blackboard and dry-erase board
- Lightweight and foldable so a toddler can move it
- Height adjusted by swapping the feet between long and short legs
- Tool-free assembly a child can help with
- Compact size smaller than some buyers expect
- Dry-erase markers dry out quickly when left on the board
- Lightweight legs can work loose
This plastic H-frame easel ranks at the top of its category and carries a 4.5 average from 1.1k+ reviews. The clever bit is the height system: rather than a knob, you swap the easel feet between a long and a short leg set, so the whole unit changes height in seconds.
Everything folds flat, the assembly is tool-free with detachable plastic screws, and the box includes 6 chalks, 8 dry-erase markers, 4 magnets, an eraser and a chalk holder. That is a complete starter set for a two to four year old.
Because it weighs so little, a child can carry it to another room themselves, which parents with a small home really appreciate. It also works for painting and watercolour work using the paper clip.
Plastic frames never feel quite as solid as wood, and reviewers do mention legs working loose after repeated moves. Tighten the feet whenever the easel shifts position.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families on the move, grandparents with a small space and children aged two to four. It does not suit a house with two energetic painters who will be leaning on it hard.
What to check before the first session
Check which leg set is fitted and whether the feet are fully clicked home. Cap the markers and store them in the box, because reviewers repeatedly report them drying out when left on the board.
9. Costzon 3-in-1 Storage Easel – Best for Storage
- Three surfaces including a 16.5 ft pull-down paper roll
- Two side trays plus a 2-tier shelf and 2 fabric bins
- Non-wobbly MDF frame with rounded corners
- Two children can draw on the double sides at once
- Protective film on the whiteboard leaves residue
- Anti-spill paint cups are flimsy
- Weak paper-holding magnets let paper shift
- 22 pound weight is awkward to move
Storage is where this one pulls ahead. Alongside the chalkboard and magnetic whiteboard, you get 16.5 feet of pull-down paper, two side trays, a two-tier shelf and two fabric bins, which is enough to hold paints, brushes and finished work in one place.
It rates 4.4 stars from 984 reviews. The triangle frame structure with rounded corners is stable, and because both sides are usable, two children can work at the same time, which is rare in this price range.
Six colour variants are available, so you can match an existing playroom. The paper is held by two magnetic beads, and you also get drawing paper and two anti-spill paint cups in the box.
At 22 pounds this is the heaviest easel we tested, and it will scuff a floor if dragged. The paper-holding magnets are also weak, so tape the roll edge down if a child pulls the paper while painting.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits families with two children or with a genuine art supplies problem to solve. It does not suit anyone without a permanent corner, because 22 pounds and a fixed frame do not move easily.
What to check on delivery
Inspect the anti-spill cups, since they arrive flimsy and occasionally cracked. Remove the whiteboard protective film completely before the first session, working along the edges with a fingernail rather than pulling.
10. QZMTOY Easel and Art Table – Best Convertible
QZMTOY Kids Art Easel, Deluxe Standing Easel Set, Adjustable Art Table
- 360 degree board rotates flat to become an art table or painting desk
- Wide height range from 23.6 to 39.4 inch
- Starter set with chalks plus chalk case beads pen eraser and shelf
- Only the bottom tray needs snapping on
- Protective film difficult to remove from board edges
- Side height knobs need frequent tightening
- Bottom shelf is unattached
The QZMTOY is two products in one. The 360 degree board rotates flat so the same unit becomes an art table for painting, crafts and snacks, then swings back up to a standing easel. Among our picks it is the only true easel-desk hybrid.
Height runs from 23.6 to 39.4 inches, which means a toddler can use it sitting and an older child can use it standing. The box includes 8 dust-free chalks, a magnetic chalk case, 10 magnetic beads, an 8-colour whiteboard pen, an eraser and a lower storage shelf.
At 7.3 pounds it is the lightest wooden option here, and it needs only the bottom tray snapped on before the first session. Reviewers like that nothing extra needs buying before the first session.
Two practical warnings. Chalk marks need a damp cloth to clear fully and can leave a faint shadow, and the side height knobs loosen with use, so check them whenever the board starts slipping.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits mixed-age households and anyone who wants a drawing surface that can turn into a table for eating or crafts. It does not suit a dedicated art room, because the single mast design gives less drawing area than a double-sided A-frame.
What to check when it arrives
Fit the bottom tray and confirm the shelf is seated, since the shelf is not permanently attached. Peel the protective film while the board is flat, which is far easier than doing it upright.
11. Weudear Magnetic Easel – Best for Ages 3 to 5
- 360 degree rotating double-sided board
- Sturdy tripod structure that resists wobbling
- Swappable legs adjust height and it detaches into a portable desktop board
- 52 pieces including magnetic letters shapes chalk and markers
- Small board size best suited to ages 3 to 5
- Plastic frame is less durable than wood over the long term
This is a deliberately focused pick for the youngest artists. The 52 piece set includes magnetic letters, magnetic shapes, chalk, markers and an eraser, and the large child-sized parts make assembly simple enough to do together with the child.
It holds 4.5 stars from 581 reviews. The tripod structure is the surprise here, because most plastic easels at this level wobble, and parents mention that this one stays steady while a child draws with the other hand flat on the tray.
The height adjustment is done by swapping the tripod legs, and the whole unit detaches into a lightweight portable desktop drawing board. That makes it the easiest one to pack for a trip or move between rooms.
Understand the lifespan. The board is sized for ages 3 to 5, and plastic frames are generally the first thing to crack or flex after a few years of heavy use, so plan for a move to a wooden model later.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits a three, four or five year old and anyone who needs a portable art station. It does not suit a child approaching school age, who will quickly find the board area too small.
What to check when it arrives
Count the 52 pieces and confirm both leg sets are present, since the height swap depends on having the alternate set. The listed weight is 2.52 kg, so it is light enough for a child to lift.
12. Rundad Wooden Easel – Best for Painting
- Double-sided magnetic chalkboard and painting board
- Over 100 accessories including paints brushes and an art smock
- Height adjustable 43 to 48 inch
- Two storage bags and a storage tray
- Assembly instructions confusing and some buyers use a video
- Included magnetic letters are small cardboard
- Protective film leaves residue
- Included chalk wears down quickly
If painting rather than drawing is the goal, the Rundad is the most painting-focused pick in the group. It rates 4.7 stars from 487 reviews, and it comes with over 100 accessories including brushes, paints, an art smock, letter and number magnets, markers, two storage bags and a storage tray.
Height adjusts between 43 and 48 inches and the manufacturer recommends it for children 3 to 12, so the standing surface suits a taller child than most easels here. The frame measures 7 by 22 by 50 inches, which is a tall, narrow A-frame.
Two storage bags plus a tray means paints and brushes stay within reach rather than on the floor. The wooden A-frame construction is sturdy for regular use, and the double-sided magnetic surfaces let two children work on opposite faces.
Plan for replacements. The magnetic letters are small and made of cardboard, the included chalk wears down quickly, and the board comes with a protective film that is hard to remove cleanly. None of that is dangerous, but it is all predictable.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits a household where painting is the main activity and there is a permanent spot for a 50 inch frame. It does not suit a family buying for a child who is still under three, or anyone with limited floor space.
What to check before assembly
Sort the hardware into groups before building, because reviewers report the instructions are hard to follow and an online walkthrough is often needed. Replace the cardboard magnets before a sibling under three starts playing with them.
How to Choose the Right Easel for Your Child
Tabletop or standing: pick the format that fits the room
A tabletop easel needs a table edge and nothing else, which makes it the right call for a flat or a small playroom. A standing easel gives a proper vertical surface at child height, which is the position that actually supports pre-writing skills, but it needs floor space and a permanent home.
If you are undecided and the child is under three, start tabletop. You can move up to a standing model at three without a big loss, because the tabletop models are inexpensive and the standing ones are the long-term investment.
Which surfaces matter most
A magnetic whiteboard is the most useful single surface, because it wipes clean, takes dry-erase markers and holds alphabet and number magnets. A chalkboard is the traditional option and the cheapest to run, but chalk dust is a real problem for allergy and asthma households.
A paper roll is what turns an easel into a painting station, and it is also the consumable that runs out. The most common complaint in this category is a short supplied roll, so check the length before you buy. A locking or screwed paper holder is worth more than a loose bar.
Match the easel to the age stage
For ages two to three, look for a tabletop or compact plastic model with swappable legs, and remove small magnetic pieces from the box before a younger sibling appears. For ages three to five, a standing easel with both a whiteboard and a chalkboard is the sweet spot.
For ages five to eight, prioritise height adjustment and paper roll capacity, and expect a wooden frame to last. For eight and up, an easel with a larger board, proper storage and a painting surface stops being a toy and starts being equipment.
Refills, accessories and running cost
Plan on paper rolls, washable tempera or watercolour paint, a couple of brushes, a smock and a wipe-clean surface mat. Owners routinely report replacing the chalk and whiteboard pens that come in the box, so treat the included supplies as a sample rather than a full kit.
A pack of paper smocks saves more arguments than any easel does. Our art book picks are the other half of the routine, once the drying rack is full.
What to check before you buy
Check the full dimensions including the depth of the base, not just the height, because that is what eats the room. Check whether the frame folds or needs permanent space, check the warranty length, and check whether assembly needs tools.
Finally, read the reviews for the specific complaints above. Protective film, unclear instructions and flimsy paint cups show up repeatedly across almost every wooden model in this roundup, and knowing that in advance saves an argument on assembly day.
Safety and Age Readiness
Wooden frames are heavier and more stable but can chip or splinter at the edges, so look for models with rounded, sealed corners. Plastic frames are lighter and easier for a child to move, which is also why they tip more easily when climbed on.
Check the moving parts. Height adjustment mechanisms and rotating boards are where little fingers get pinched, so look for screws rather than spring-loaded legs that snap without warning. Keep the paper cutter style blades on some models out of reach between sessions.
Magnets are the main choking risk. Several picks include 36 to 54 magnetic letters and numbers, and some of the cardboard versions are small enough to swallow. With a child under three, remove the magnets from the box and keep them in a closed container.
Finally, treat unfinished wood honestly. Sealed frames wipe clean; bare wood stains, and water-based paint will leave a mark. A sheet of washable craft paper under the working area protects the frame and the floor at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best art easel for children?
The Melissa u0026amp; Doug Deluxe Standing Easel is the best overall pick for most families, because it combines a double-sided dry-erase board and chalkboard with a locking paper-roll holder, four clip grips and two trays in a solid wood A-frame. For the highest-rated option, the Hape All-in-One offers a magnetic whiteboard, chalkboard and paper roll with height adjustment. Toddlers are best served by a compact tabletop model such as the Melissa u0026amp; Doug Deluxe Tabletop Easel.
What is the best age for a child to use an art easel?
Ages two to three suit a compact tabletop or swappable-leg plastic easel. Ages three to five are the sweet spot for a standing easel with both a whiteboard and a chalkboard. Ages five to eight benefit from height adjustment and a longer paper roll, and children eight and up want a larger board with real storage for paints and brushes.
Which brand of art easel is considered the best?
Melissa u0026amp; Doug and Hape are the most consistently rated wooden brands in this category, with the Melissa u0026amp; Doug standing easel at 4.5 stars from 9.7k+ reviews and the Hape All-in-One at 4.7 stars from 9.3k+ reviews. Blue Squid and Rundad are the strongest bundle options when you want paints, brushes and a smock included.
Is an easel worth it for kids?
Yes, if you have space for a vertical surface. Standing at an easel uses the whole arm and shoulder, which supports pre-writing skills and pre-writing grip better than a flat table. It also contains mess, gives a child a dedicated creative outlet and works screen-free, usually several times a week rather than once a month.
What surfaces should a kids easel have?
The most useful combination is a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard on one side, a chalkboard on the other and a paper roll across the top. The whiteboard wipes clean and holds letters and numbers, the chalkboard supports early mark-making, and the paper roll allows real painting. Double-sided designs also let two children work at once.
The Best Easel for Your Child in 2026
After comparing all twelve, the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel is the pick we would put in most homes, because its double-sided surfaces, locking paper holder and heavy review history make it the safest long-term bet. The Hape All-in-One takes the rating crown and wins on height adjustment, while the Melissa & Doug tabletop model is the sensible first easel for a two or three year old.
Whichever you choose, buy the paper rolls and a smock at the same time. The best easels for kids art are the ones that get used daily, and the running costs are what decide whether that happens.