Analytics
Grabie Art Supply Sets: Best Value Comparison Chart

Grabie Art Supply Sets: Best Value Comparison Chart

8 min read ·

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of art supplies thinking, “Okay, but which one is actually worth it?”—you are very much not alone.

Between watercolor palettes, brush pens, glitter gel pens, collage books, and full-on subscription boxes, choosing the right art set can start to feel less like creativity and more like doing taxes.

Let’s fix that.

This guide walks you through the most popular Grabie art supply sets—what’s inside, who they’re perfect for, and how much value you really get—so you can spend less time overthinking and more time making something beautiful.


Executive Summary

If you just want the punchline, here it is:

  • Best overall value for painters:
    All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50 – a “one-and-done” watercolor palette with tons of colors, ideal for beginners and hobbyists.
  • Best value for colorists & relaxing creativity:
    Bold & Bright Coloring Kit – everything you need for stress-free coloring in one box (and it’s often a bargain in bundles).
  • Best value for pen lovers & journaling:
    Pair Iridescent Glitter Gel Ink Pen Set of 18 with Medium Point Retractable Erasable Gel Pen Set of 6 – together they cover both sparkle and practicality.
  • Best value for mixed media & crafting:
    Grabie Scrapbook Club Box – a treasure chest of stickers, papers, and accessories at one flat price.
  • Best value for ongoing growth & structured practice:
    Grabie Quarterly Art Club Kit and Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle – curated tools plus guided, themed creative journeys.

Bottom line: Grabie’s art sets are built to stretch both your imagination and your budget—especially when you go for bundles or subscription boxes instead of buying piece by piece.


Introduction: Why Comparing Art Sets Matters

A good art set is like a perfectly packed carry-on: you don’t need your whole closet, you just need the right pieces that all work together.

What usually happens instead?

  • You buy a giant set with half the colors you never touch.
  • Or you go minimal, then realize mid-painting you’re missing that one shade or that one brush you absolutely need.

Grabie’s catalog is full of thoughtfully curated kits, including:

  • Watercolor sets and brushes
  • Acrylic paint markers in different tip types
  • Journaling and note-taking pen sets
  • Scrapbook boxes and collage kits
  • Structured drawing kits and activity books
  • Art subscription clubs for ongoing inspiration

All of that is great… until you’re staring at the screen wondering which one actually makes sense for you. So instead of guessing, let’s put them side by side and look at value in a real-world way.


Market Insights: What Artists Are Really Looking For

Based on reviews and how people actually use these supplies, a few patterns pop up:

  1. People don’t just want tools—they want a guided experience.
    Sets like What To Draw When You Think You Can’t and the What To Draw: 30-Day Pet Drawing Kit are popular because they shut down the “I don’t know what to draw” spiral. You open the book, follow the prompt, and you’re off.
  2. Stress relief is a huge reason people buy art supplies.
    From the Bold & Bright Coloring Kit to the Grabie Quarterly Watercolor Coloring Club, you can tell a lot of products are designed as a soft landing for the nervous system: gentle, repetitive, soothing.
  3. Bundles = better value than piecemeal buying.
    Sets like the Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle or multi-pen bundles are basically the “Costco” of art supplies: more tools for less money than buying one by one.
  4. Multi-function wins.
    Dual-tip markers, erasable gel pens, acrylic markers that work on everything from paper to metal—people love tools that can hop between projects without missing a beat.

So in this comparison, we’re focusing on value per use, not just the price tag.


Grabie Art Supply Sets: Best Value Comparison Chart

Here’s a high-level snapshot of key Grabie sets and what they bring to your creative table. Use this as your “cheat sheet” while you browse.

Note: Exact contents and prices can shift with sales and updates. Always peek at the product page for current details.

1. Painting & Coloring Essentials

Think of these as your entry point into calming color sessions—whether that’s full-on watercolor painting or coloring between (or outside) the lines.

Set Approx. Price What You Get Best For Value Snapshot
All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50 ~$29.99 A palette packed with 50 colors in a compact format Watercolor beginners & hobbyists A “buy once, paint for ages” starter set with a generous color range
Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle ~$49.99 from $12.99 (discounted bundle) 5 themed, portable watercolor sets Travel sketchers, gift givers, themed series lovers Bundle pricing makes each mini-set significantly cheaper than buying solo
Bold & Bright Coloring Kit from ~$24.99 Coloring tools plus themed pages Relaxation, mindful coloring, first-timers Open-and-go kit: no prep, no pressure—perfect for evenings and weekends
Ocean-Themed Grabie Quarterly Watercolor Coloring Club ~$29.99 (subscription) Themed watercolor coloring pages + supplies Anyone craving structured, ongoing calm Spreads its cost across many cozy sessions; great “per hour” value

Takeaway:
If you want the most actual paint for your money, the All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50 is your workhorse—one purchase, full palette. If you also crave structure and zero decision fatigue, the Quarterly Watercolor Coloring Club or Bold & Bright Coloring Kit give you both tools and ready-made projects, which is huge for staying consistent.


2. Drawing, Pens & Markers

This is where pen lovers, journal keepers, and doodlers start to smile.

Set Approx. Price What You Get Best For Value Snapshot
Waterproof Multiliner Drawing Pen Set of 20 (10 black unique tips + 10 colors) $37.98 from $12.99 (often heavily discounted) Fineliners with a mix of tip sizes and colors Line art, sketching, comics, journaling On sale, the cost per pen is impressively low for the range you get
AquaFlex Sign Brush Pen Set of 12 ~$24.99 Flexible brush pens Lettering, calligraphy, expressive sketches Much more affordable than collecting individual brush pens one by one
Medium Point Retractable Erasable Gel Pen Set of 6 $25.98 from $12.99 Smooth erasable gel pens Students, bullet journalers, planners Everyday workhorse pens—erasable ink saves paper and your to-do list
Dual-Tip Notetaking Pen Set of 6 $19.99 from $12.99 Dual-tip pens (two line weights in one) Students, productivity, color-coded notes Two tools per pen = fewer pens to carry, more options in hand
Capped Iridescent Glitter Gel Ink Pen Set of 18 ~$19.99 18 glitter gel pens Journaling, coloring, cards, decorative accents Great value for special-effects pens; reviewers love the sparkle and ink flow

Takeaway:
If you want pure practicality, pair the Medium Point Retractable Erasable Gel Pen Set with the Dual-Tip Notetaking Pen Set and you’re covered for work, school, and planning. If you want creative fireworks, combine the Glitter Gel Ink Pen Set with the Waterproof Multiliner Set and you’ll have everything from razor-sharp lines to shimmering highlights.


3. Acrylic & Specialty Art Markers

These are for when you’re ready to step off the paper and onto… pretty much anything else.

Grabie’s acrylic paint markers get a lot of love in reviews for being bold, durable, and happy to work on surfaces like metal, wood, and more.

Set Approx. Price What You Get Best For Value Snapshot
Extra Fine Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set of 6 (White) ~$15.99 6 white extra-fine markers Highlights, details on dark surfaces, mixed media Perfect if you’re always burning through your white pen—no more rationing that last one
Extra Fine Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set of 28 Mid-range set 28 colors with extra-fine tips Detailed work, line art on multiple surfaces Big, versatile color range with precision tips
Dual Tip Dot & Fine Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set of 36 Mid–high range 36 markers with both dot and fine tips Journals, pointillism, planners, craft projects Two styles in each marker = tons of variety without overflowing storage
Dual Tone Brush Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set Mid–high range Dual-tone brush-tipped markers Lettering, bold strokes, dynamic illustrations Unique two-tone effects; often called a “game changer” in reviews

Real-world example:
One customer used the Dual Tip Dot & Fine Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set to decorate a metal elk sculpture for their garden. Weather, sun, outdoor life—and the color held strong. That’s the kind of versatility that takes markers beyond just sketchbooks.

Takeaway:
If you care about extreme precision and detail, go for the Extra Fine Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set of 28. If you’re more into effects and versatility, the Dual Tip Dot & Fine Tip and Dual Tone Brush Tip sets give you more creative styles per marker.


4. Brushes & Painting Tools

The unsung heroes of painting: good brushes can make cheap paint look fancy, and bad brushes can make great paint feel impossible.

Set Approx. Price What You Get Best For Value Snapshot
Professional Synthetic Quill Paint Brush Set of 9 ~$49.99 9 quill brushes Watercolor, ink washes, expressive strokes A full, pro-style brush wardrobe in one buy
11 Pcs Miniature Detail Paint Brush Set With Natural Wood Handle Modest price 11 tiny detail brushes Miniatures, intricate patterns, line work Reviewers love the precision and how much pigment they hold for the price

Takeaway:
If you gravitate toward tiny details (miniatures, micro doodles, delicate botanicals), the Miniature Detail Brush Set gives you a lot of control without a big investment. If you prefer big, flowing, expressive watercolor strokes, the Quill Brush Set is more like a long-term “upgrade” for your painting toolkit.


5. Creativity Kits, Activity Books & Subscriptions

These sets are where value gets really interesting, because you’re not just getting supplies—you’re getting structure and direction.

Perfect for beginners, busy people, or anyone using art as a form of self-care.

Set Approx. Price What You Get Best For Value Snapshot
What To Draw When You Think You Can’t – Plant Edition ~$18.99 Guided plant-themed drawing prompts Beginners, blocked artists, mindful sketchers Like having a low-cost drawing coach in book form
What To Draw When You Think You Can’t – Pet Edition ~$18.99 Pet-themed prompts Animal lovers, casual sketchers Same comforting format, super giftable
What To Draw: 30-Day Pet Drawing Kit ~$34.99 30-day drawing program + tools People wanting a daily art habit Spreads its value across a full month of guided practice
200+ Pages My Furry Family Collage Activity Book ~$39.99 200+ collage activity pages Families, kids, play-based creativity A huge pool of pages you can return to again and again
200+ Pages The Flavor Folio Collage Activity Book ~$39.99 200+ food-themed pages Foodies, journalers, collage fans Feels like a pantry of cut-and-paste materials for future projects
The Flavor Folio / Threads Of Time / The Botanical Muse – Grabie Scrapbook Club Boxes ~$49.99 each Coordinated stickers, papers, accessories Scrapbookers, journalers, mixed media artists A themed “stash” in a box; everything works together visually
Grabie Scrapbook Club Box (subscription) ~$49.99 A rotating supply of themed stickers, papers, accessories Ongoing creativity & journaling Saves you hours of hunting and matching supplies on your own
Grabie Quarterly Art Club Kit ~$29.99 30-day creative journey + premium pen set + mindful exercises Any level artist seeking structure & calm Excellent cost-per-session; built-in prompts and tools keep you coming back

Takeaway:
If your biggest hurdle is “I don’t know what to make,” these structured sets might be the highest value of all. Why? Because they lower the activation energy. Instead of scrolling for inspiration, you open the book or box and follow the next prompt. No overthinking, just making.


Product Relevance: How Grabie Bundles Value Beyond Price

When you zoom out from the individual sets, three big themes show up in how Grabie approaches value:

  1. Thoughtful Curation
    • Themed boxes like The Botanical Muse Scrapbook Box are coordinated so everything plays nicely together—colors, textures, vibes.
    • Paint and pen sets are balanced across colors and tip types, so you don’t end up with six nearly identical shades you never use.
  2. Built-in Support for Mental Wellbeing
    • Grabie regularly shows up at the American Art Therapy Association Conference and supports youth mental health summits and children’s hospitals.
    • Many products—watercolor clubs, coloring kits, prompt books—aren’t just “art stuff.” They’re designed for calming, accessible creativity, even if you don’t think of yourself as “an artist.”
  3. Strong Real-User Feedback
    • Markers are praised for smooth ink flow, solid coverage, and comfortable grip.
    • Brushes get called “inexpensive but impressive,” performing like higher-end tools without the scary price.
    • Glitter gel pens and acrylic markers are repeat favorites for being both fun and reliable (no one wants a flaky glitter pen).

So when you’re comparing value, remember: you’re not only paying for objects in a box. You’re paying for tested, curated experiences that other real humans have put through their creative paces.


How to Choose the Best Grabie Set for You (Actionable Tips)

Feeling a bit like a kid in a candy store? Use these filters to narrow it down.

1. Start With Your Main Goal

Ask yourself: What do I want art to do for me right now?

  • “I want to relax and destress.”
    Check out:
    • Bold & Bright Coloring Kit
    • Ocean-Themed Grabie Quarterly Watercolor Coloring Club
    • What To Draw When You Think You Can’t books
    These keep setup minimal and pressure low. You can finish a page with your favorite show or a cup of tea.
  • “I want to seriously practice a skill.”
    Look at:
    • All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50
    • Professional Synthetic Quill Brush Set
    • Waterproof Multiliner Drawing Pen Set
    • What To Draw: 30-Day Pet Drawing Kit
    These give you enough range and structure to see real improvement over time.
  • “I want to decorate journals, planners, or scrapbooks.”
    Try:
    • Grabie Scrapbook Club Box
    • Iridescent Glitter Gel Ink Pen Set of 18
    • Dual-Tip Notetaking Pen Set of 6
    • Collage activity books like My Furry Family or The Flavor Folio
    These sets are all about reusable bits and pieces, special effects, and variety.
  • “I want art that goes beyond paper.”
    Go for:
    • Acrylic paint marker sets (extra fine, dual-tip dot & fine, dual tone brush)
    These are your go-tos for metal, wood, ceramics, glass, and outdoor projects.

2. Think Cost-Per-Use, Not Just Price

Price tags can be intimidating—but broken down, they often look very different.

Ask:

  • How many creative sessions will this realistically give me?
  • Will I actually use most of what’s inside?
  • Does it come with prompts or themes that make me more likely to open it?

For example:

  • A $49.99 Scrapbook Club Box used across 20 journaling or crafting sessions is about the cost of a coffee per session.
  • A $29.99 watercolor set you turn to every week for a year quickly drops into “pennies per use” territory.

The set that sits untouched in your drawer is always more expensive than the set you reach for again and again.

3. Choose a Simple “Starter Trio”

If you’re new to Grabie (or art in general) and want maximum value without getting overwhelmed, start with this trio:

  1. Bold & Bright Coloring Kit – for instant, low-pressure creativity.
  2. All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50 – for practicing painting and exploring color.
  3. Medium Point Retractable Erasable Gel Pen Set of 6 – for everyday notes, planning, and casual doodling.

Together, these cover:

  • Relaxation (coloring)
  • Skill building (watercolor)
  • Daily life (erasable pens)

…without turning your desk into an art store.

4. Then Layer in Specialty Sets

Once you know what lights you up, you can start adding “spice”:

  • Love shiny, magical details? Add Iridescent Glitter Gel Ink Pens or Dual Tone Brush Tip Acrylic Markers.
  • Obsessed with memory keeping or aesthetic journaling? Bring in Grabie Scrapbook Club Boxes and the collage activity books.
  • Traveling or sketching on the go? The Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle is ideal for bags, trains, and café tables.

Think of it like building a wardrobe: start with basics you’ll use constantly, then sprinkle in statement pieces.


Conclusion: Match Your Set to Your Creative Season

The “best value” art set isn’t always the cheapest one—it’s the one that:

  • You actually reach for regularly
  • Makes it easier to start rather than harder
  • Supports the kind of creative life you’re craving right now, whether that’s quiet meditative coloring, serious practice, or playful journaling

Grabie’s lineup—from the All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 50 to the Scrapbook Club Box and Quarterly Art Club Kit—leans into that philosophy: curated tools, guided experiences, and accessible price points that make it easier to say “yes” to creating.


Your Next Step

  1. Name your top priority for this season:
    • Relaxation & stress relief
    • Skill building & practice
    • Journaling & memory keeping
    • Mixed-media crafting & decor
  2. Pick 1–2 sets from the comparison chart that clearly match that priority. Don’t overthink—go with what you’d actually be excited to open this week.
  3. Head to Grabie’s site, check for current discounts (many of these sets drop significantly during promos), and start with the one that feels inviting right now, not “someday.”

Your art supplies don’t have to be a guilt-inducing splurge. Chosen well, they’re a toolkit for your mental health, your creativity, and your everyday joy.

Choose the set that fits your life today—and then go make something just for you.