10 Best Pencil Crayons 2025 in the United States

Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count) offer a wide variety of colors, which is great for kids looking to explore creativity and add vibrancy to their artwork. The pencils come pre-sharpened and have soft cores that resist breaking, making them easy and convenient for young users. Their smooth glide on paper works well for coloring books, although the blendability is basic compared to artist-grade pencils, which may limit more advanced color mixing.

The lead hardness is suited for kids' typical use—soft enough for bright colors but not ideal for detailed shading or fine lines. Lightfastness, or how well colors resist fading over time, isn’t a strong point here, so artworks might not last as vibrant for years. Ergonomically, the pencils have a simple round shape with a smooth grip, which is fine for small hands but might lack extra comfort features found in specialty pencils.

This set is perfect as a classroom supply or for younger kids starting out with colored pencils, but those seeking more professional quality or durability might want to look elsewhere.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils offer a broad color range, providing 72 vibrant colors that make it easy to find the perfect hue for your artwork. This extensive variety is ideal for both beginners and more experienced colorists looking to enrich their coloring books or art projects. The soft core of these pencils ensures a smooth and velvety application, which is great for blending and layering colors. This feature can help achieve a more polished and professional look in your drawings.

The break-resistant cores also add durability to the pencils, reducing the need for constant sharpening and making them more reliable for extended use, whether in the classroom or at home. Each pencil is made from high-quality basswood, so sharpening is straightforward and less likely to result in broken leads. These pencils are non-toxic and safe for children over the age of five, making them a good choice for family art sessions or school supplies.

The KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are a solid choice for anyone looking to explore their creativity with a wide array of colors and a reliable pencil set.

The Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set with 50 colors is designed especially for kids aged 4 and up, making it a great choice for young artists and classroom use. One of its best features is the twist-up mechanism that eliminates sharpening, which is very convenient and mess-free for children. The plastic barrel protects the core well, reducing breakage and making these pencils durable for travel or on-the-go creativity. The set offers a wide color range with 50 vibrant options, allowing kids to explore many shades.

Although Crayola products generally provide decent pigment quality, these pencils are more suited for coloring books and simple drawings rather than advanced blending or layering techniques, as the pigment and blendability are moderate. The lead hardness is balanced to be easy to use without breaking but may not satisfy users seeking professional-level precision or rich, intense colors. Lightfastness—how well the colors resist fading over time—is not highlighted, so these pencils may not be ideal for artwork meant to last many years.

Ergonomically, the plastic twist barrels are lightweight and comfortable for small hands, though some older children or adults might prefer traditional wooden pencils for grip and control. This set is a user-friendly option for young children starting to explore coloring, offering a fun, bright, and low-maintenance experience, but it is not aimed at serious artists or older users seeking premium pigment performance.