Crayola Portable Art Set 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case, Ar
✅ PROS
- Built-in carry handle and fold-out desktop design keeps all 60+ art supplies organized in one place
- Sturdy plastic construction holds up to active kids — no flimsy hinges or cracked corners reported
- Crayola-branded markers, crayons, and colored pencils included — no off-brand frustration
❌ CONS
- Supplies are the standard 24-count sets, not the full 64-count crayon range some kids expect
- Lap desk surface is smooth plastic — works fine for paper but not ideal for coloring books with thick spines
The Verdict
The Verdict: Crayola’s 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case — Smart Travel Art Station or Just Another Toy?
If you’ve ever hauled a gallon-sized Ziploc of loose crayons, three broken markers, and a crumpled coloring book through a restaurant or onto a plane, you already know the problem this Crayola set solves. The 2-in-1 Portable Art Set folds up into a compact carrying case roughly the size of a small briefcase — then flips open into a stable lap desk with all the art supplies stored right inside.
What’s Actually in the Box
This isn’t a case with a few stray supplies tossed in. You get a complete kit: 24 crayons, 24 washable markers, 10 colored pencils, and 12 short pencils with a built-in sharpener. That’s 70 pieces total, all organized in dedicated slots and elastic loops inside the case. The lap desk surface measures about 11 x 14 inches — large enough for standard printer paper or a coloring book page.
The design is straightforward: unclip the latch, fold the desk surface flat, and the storage compartment sits underneath at a slight angle. A sturdy nylon-wrapped handle on top makes it easy for small hands to carry. It’s not a backpack or shoulder bag — it’s a handled case, similar to a lunchbox in form factor.
Real-World Performance and Build Quality
The plastic shell is genuinely durable. It’s the same tough polypropylene Crayola uses in their school-grade supply boxes, not the brittle stuff you find on $10 knockoffs. The hinge mechanism feels solid — it clicks into place when open and locks securely when closed. Multiple Amazon reviewers mention it surviving drops from car seats and being tossed into diaper bags without cracking.
One buyer put it simply: “My 5-year-old treats this thing like a step stool and it’s still in one piece. The latch hasn’t loosened at all after 4 months of daily use.”
The markers are the standout — they’re genuinely washable, and they dry out slower than the non-washable versions because of the sealed storage. Parents consistently report the markers lasting weeks longer than loose sets because the case keeps caps tightly in place.
Where It Falls Short
The biggest compromise is the supply selection. You get 24 crayons and 24 markers, which covers the standard rainbow plus some browns, grays, and skin tones. But kids who are used to the 64-count box with all the specialty shades (periwinkle, wild blue yonder, etc.) will notice what’s missing. This is a starter kit, not an art supply replacement.
The lap desk surface is smooth, hard plastic. It works great for single sheets of paper — kids can draw anywhere, even in a moving car or on an uneven restaurant table. But thick coloring books with stiff spines don’t lay flat on it. The book tends to curl up at the fold, and kids end up drawing on a bumpy surface. It’s a minor gripe, but worth knowing if your child is a coloring-book fanatic.
Who Should Buy This
This is ideal for families that travel or eat out frequently. It’s also a strong pick for:
- Parents of 3-7 year olds who need a contained activity for restaurants, church, or airplane rides
- Grandparents looking for a gift that’s practical, not just more plastic junk
- Homeschoolers who need a portable art station for co-op days or outdoor lessons
It’s less ideal for older kids (10+) who want serious art supplies or for families who already own a dedicated art caddy — the case’s storage is specific to the included supplies, so you can’t easily swap in your own materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you fit extra supplies in the case? A: Not really. The storage is molded for the included items. You might squeeze in a small glue stick or a few stickers, but don’t count on storing additional markers or a separate pencil case.
Q: Is the desk surface stable enough for writing, not just coloring? A: Yes, but it’s better on a flat surface. On a lap, it’s stable enough for coloring and casual drawing, but older kids doing handwriting practice will want it on a table for better support.
Q: Are the markers truly washable? A: Yes — Crayola’s washable formula is one of the most reliable on the market. The case itself is also easy to wipe clean if markers leak or caps get left off.
The Bottom Line
The Crayola 2-in-1 Lap Desk & Carrying Case earns its 4.7-star rating honestly. It’s not a revolutionary product, but it executes a simple concept flawlessly: everything a kid needs to draw is contained, organized, and portable. The build quality exceeds what the price suggests, and the included supplies are genuine Crayola quality, not generics.
Buy it if you want a mess-free, self-contained art solution for car rides, restaurants, or quiet activities — and you have a child between 3 and 8 who loves to draw.
Skip it if your kid needs serious art supplies, or you already have a good organizational system for their materials. This is a convenience product, not an upgrade.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a well-built, practical tool that does exactly what it claims, with minor compromises on supply variety and coloring-book compatibility.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.