What type of paint for toddler crafts?

[SunnyUpNorth]

I am sure this is a very basic questions but I have no artistic knowledge whatsoever but want to start doing some crafty things with my nearly 2 year old DD.

I have ordered some plain Christmas decorations, some wooden and some polystyrene, that I thought we could paint together and decorate with glitter etc.

The only paints we have are the crayons washable kids paints for painting on paper. I can't imagine them working on the polystyrene decorations. Would I need to get acrylic paints and are they safe for a little child?

I would really appreciate any advice, thanks.

Child safe poster paints. Lots of children's toy shops/companies sell them, like ELC and Galt.
Acrylics are not a good idea as they dry to a plastic finish and don't wash off clothes/carpets very well.

Poster paints - you can mix a bit of PVA glue in them to make sure they stick to the polystyrene (but be aware they will stain!).

OH! sorry, just re-read your post and can see why you wanted to use acrylics - yes acrylics would be the right kind of thing, but not suitable for children who would put it in their mouths, or wipe their hands over clothes. :D

another option could be to stick some coloured paper on the shapes together - using PVA glue (also not good to eat, smear on clothes, etc). Most pre schools and toddler groups are happy for mums and toddlers to use PVA. (You can water it down).

That's great thanks. Would the crayons paints be the same as poster paints? Would that also be what I would use if we made some stuff with salt dough?

YY what plantsitter said, put PVA glue in with your crayola paints :)