10 Best Kids Colored Pencils 2025 in the United States

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.

The Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils come in a large set of 72 assorted colors, providing plenty of variety for creative projects. Their thick, soft cores make shading and blending easy, which is great for adding depth and vibrancy to drawings. The pigments are richly saturated and lightfast, meaning the colors stay bright over time. These pencils are well-built, with sturdy leads that resist cracking and chipping during use, and they glide smoothly on paper, allowing for even color application.

These pencils are designed primarily for adults or more experienced artists rather than very young children. Their 2H lead hardness means the core is relatively firm, requiring a bit more pressure for softer color output compared to typical kids' pencils. Being wooden, they should be sharpened with a good quality sharpener and lack an ergonomic grip, which may make long coloring sessions less comfortable for younger users.

Recommended for older kids or adults seeking high-quality colors and smooth application, these pencils offer a premium coloring experience. Younger children or beginners might find a set with a softer core and ergonomic design easier to handle.

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.