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10 Best Kids Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,455
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Ease of Sharpening

Most important from
8016 reviews

Color Range
The 72 vibrant shades provide an incredible range for blending, shading, and detailed work.
Pencil Quality
The soft cores make coloring smooth and effortless while allowing for great layering and gradients.
Ease of Sharpening
These pencils sharpen well without breaking and hold their point even with frequent use.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils stand out in the kids-colored-pencils category with a rich color range and user-friendly features. With 72 vibrant colors, this set offers plenty of choices for children and beginners to explore their creativity. The pencils are made from high-quality basswood, making them easy to sharpen without hassle. This is a significant advantage for kids who might struggle with tougher materials.

One of the standout features is the soft core, which allows for smooth application and brilliant color payoff. The break-resistant design ensures longevity, minimizing frustration during use. Additionally, the unique numbering and naming of each color provide an excellent way for kids to learn color identification and selection.

Safety is also a priority with this product, as it conforms to safety standards, making it safe for kids aged 5 and up. This is crucial for parents looking for reliable art supplies that won't pose any risks to their children. The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are well-suited for kids as well as adults seeking to indulge in coloring. The vibrant colors, safety features, and easy sharpening make it a solid choice for both casual and more serious artists, though younger kids might benefit from a more limited selection. Whether for school projects or home crafting, this set is a valuable addition to any art supply collection.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,455
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Ease of Sharpening

Most important from
8016 reviews

Color Range
The 72 vibrant shades provide an incredible range for blending, shading, and detailed work.
Pencil Quality
The soft cores make coloring smooth and effortless while allowing for great layering and gradients.
Ease of Sharpening
These pencils sharpen well without breaking and hold their point even with frequent use.
#2

Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Ease of Sharpening

Most important from
46751 reviews

Color Range
The color payoff is fantastic with rich, vibrant hues that bring illustrations to life.
Pencil Quality
The pencils blend beautifully, allowing for smooth transitions between colors.
Ease of Sharpening
They maintain their sharpness well, requiring less frequent sharpening.
Ergonomics
The hexagonal shape makes them easy to hold and prevents rolling off the table, especially useful during lengthy coloring sessions.

Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct) are a fantastic choice for kids aged 3 and up, providing a wide range of colors that can help unleash their creativity. With 36 vibrant pencils, children can easily bring their coloring books and art projects to life, making this set ideal for artistic expression in both home and classroom settings. The pencils are designed to glide smoothly, ensuring a pleasant coloring experience. One of their strong points is the quality; they have soft cores that are less likely to break, making them durable for young artists who might be a little rough with their supplies. Plus, they come presharpened, so they are ready to use right out of the box, which is a big plus for busy parents and kids alike.

On the safety front, Crayola is known for its commitment to using non-toxic materials, making these colored pencils a safe option for young children. The ergonomic design of the pencils is also noteworthy, allowing for comfortable grip during use, which is especially helpful for smaller hands learning to draw and color.

Some parents may find that while the color range is vibrant, younger children might still struggle with the pressure needed to produce darker lines, especially on tougher paper. Additionally, the pencils can be a bit softer than some users prefer, leading to shorter pencil life if not handled carefully. For those looking for a more robust option, it could be a consideration as well. Crayola Colored Pencils offer a delightful experience for children and are a solid choice for anyone looking to encourage creativity in a safe and fun way.

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Ease of Sharpening

Most important from
46751 reviews

Color Range
The color payoff is fantastic with rich, vibrant hues that bring illustrations to life.
Pencil Quality
The pencils blend beautifully, allowing for smooth transitions between colors.
Ease of Sharpening
They maintain their sharpness well, requiring less frequent sharpening.
Ergonomics
The hexagonal shape makes them easy to hold and prevents rolling off the table, especially useful during lengthy coloring sessions.
#3

Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 48 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor

Rating
9.2
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Safety

Most important from
30879 reviews

Color Range
The color range in this set is truly impressive, delivering rich, vibrant hues that make drawings pop.
Pencil Quality
These pencils share many qualities with high-end brands like Prismacolor, offering brightness, density, and a soft, generous lay down.
Safety
An added bonus is that the pencils are made from responsibly sourced wood, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Ease of Sharpening
Made from high-quality wood, these pencils are durable and easy to sharpen, with no issues of lead breaking.

The Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils are designed primarily for artistic endeavors and are suitable for both kids and adults. One of their main strengths is the impressive color range offered in this 48-count set, which allows for vibrant and rich artwork. The soft and smooth application of the artist-quality lead makes it easy for users to achieve fine details, shading, and layering, which can be particularly appealing for creative children who enjoy exploring their artistic talents.

In terms of safety, these pencils are made from wood and are pre-sharpened, which means they're ready to use right out of the box. The pre-sharpening is a time-saver for parents and teachers, ensuring that kids can start creating immediately without the hassle of sharpening. The thick leads resist breakage, contributing to longer-lasting use, which is great for active kids who may be rougher on their supplies.

The lack of an ergonomic grip might be a downside for younger children, as they may find it less comfortable for extended use. Additionally, while the set has a great selection of colors, some users may prefer even more color options or a broader variety of vibrant hues. The storage case is a nice touch, keeping the pencils organized and protected, but it may not be the most durable long-term solution if constantly handled by younger children. These colored pencils cater well to budding artists looking for quality and variety but may not fully meet the ergonomic needs of very young children. They are ideal for kids who are serious about their art, as well as adults who enjoy coloring for relaxation.

Rating
9.2
Color Range
Pencil Quality
Safety

Most important from
30879 reviews

Color Range
The color range in this set is truly impressive, delivering rich, vibrant hues that make drawings pop.
Pencil Quality
These pencils share many qualities with high-end brands like Prismacolor, offering brightness, density, and a soft, generous lay down.
Safety
An added bonus is that the pencils are made from responsibly sourced wood, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Ease of Sharpening
Made from high-quality wood, these pencils are durable and easy to sharpen, with no issues of lead breaking.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Colored Pencils

Choosing the right colored pencils for kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. The right set of colored pencils can inspire creativity, improve fine motor skills, and provide hours of entertainment. When selecting colored pencils, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your child's needs and preferences.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors available in a set of colored pencils. This is important because a wider range of colors can provide more options for creativity and detailed artwork. Sets with fewer colors (12-24) are great for beginners and younger children who are just starting to explore coloring. Medium-sized sets (36-48) offer a good balance for more advanced young artists, while large sets (60+) are ideal for kids who are very passionate about drawing and want a wide variety of shades and tones. Consider your child's interest level and how much variety they might need in their artwork.
Pencil QualityPencil quality encompasses the durability of the pencil, the smoothness of the lead, and the richness of the color. High-quality pencils are less likely to break, provide smoother application, and have more vibrant colors. For younger children or those who are rougher with their tools, look for pencils that are labeled as break-resistant or durable. For older kids or those who are more serious about their art, higher-quality pencils with softer leads can offer better blending and shading capabilities. Think about how your child uses their pencils and choose a quality that matches their needs.
SafetySafety is a crucial consideration, especially for younger children who might still put objects in their mouths. Look for colored pencils that are non-toxic and meet safety standards such as ASTM D-4236 or EN71. These certifications ensure that the materials used in the pencils are safe for children. Additionally, consider pencils with a thicker barrel for younger kids, as they are easier to grip and less likely to be swallowed. Always prioritize safety to ensure a worry-free coloring experience.
Ease of SharpeningEase of sharpening refers to how easily the pencils can be sharpened without breaking the lead. This is important because frequent breakage can be frustrating for kids and can waste a lot of the pencil. Pencils with a high-quality wood casing tend to sharpen more smoothly and evenly. For younger children, consider pencils that come pre-sharpened or those that are designed to be easy to sharpen. For older kids, standard pencils that can be sharpened with a regular sharpener are usually sufficient. Think about how often your child will need to sharpen their pencils and choose accordingly.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how comfortable the pencils are to hold and use. This is important because comfortable pencils can reduce hand fatigue and make coloring more enjoyable. Pencils with a triangular or thicker barrel are often easier for younger children to grip and control. For older kids, standard round or hexagonal pencils are usually fine, but some may prefer ergonomic designs for extended use. Consider your child's age and hand size when choosing pencils to ensure they have a comfortable coloring experience.

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