Best Kids' Colored Pencils of 2025

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Kids' colored pencils are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in children. With a wide range of colors to choose from, kids can express themselves and create beautiful works of art. These pencils are specially designed for little hands, with a comfortable grip and durable construction. They are also non-toxic and safe for children to use. Whether your child enjoys drawing, coloring, or sketching, kids' colored pencils are a must-have for any young artist.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 36 Count Cover #TOP 2
Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 36 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct) Cover #TOP 3
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Kids' Colored Pencils

#TOP 1

Amazon Basics Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count

Amazon Basics
Hobby 4.0-24c
Multicolor
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count Cover
Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils 24 Count, Soft Core, Multicolor, Back to School Supplies (Pack of 1)

Unleash your artistic side with Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils. With a wide range of colors to choose from, the artist-quality soft lead delivers rich pigment and smooth application. The pencils are perfect for fine detail drawing, shading, and layering. The set contains 24 premium colored pencils that come in a tin storage case with a built-in tray to keep pencils organized and protected. Plus, it conforms to ASTM D4236 safety standards.

What We Like
Vibrant color range
Smooth application
Durable and easy to sharpen
Good value for money
Eco-friendly materials
What We Don't Like
Some pencils may feel scratchy
Inconsistent quality in some sets
#TOP 2

Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 36 Count

68-4036
Multicolor
Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 36 Count Cover
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencils Set, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids & Toddlers, Ages 3+

The Crayola Colored Pencil Set includes 36 vibrant and creamy pencil colors that are perfect for creative art projects and homework assignments. The soft cores are durable and won't break easily, and the presharpened tips are ready for use right out of the box. This set is safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for kids ages 5 and up.

What We Like
Vibrant color payoff
Wide variety of colors
Durable and long-lasting
Comfortable grip
What We Don't Like
Needs occasional sharpening
Points may break if sharpened aggressively
#TOP 3

Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct)

687406
Multicolored
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct) Cover
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids, Coloring Book Pencils, Gifts for Kids, Ages 4+

The Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set includes 50 colored pencils that don't require sharpening or peeling. The plastic barrel protects the color core while the twistable design allows for use on the go. These pencils are perfect for coloring books, art projects, and make a great gift for kids age 4+. Additionally, the pencils are safe and non-toxic.

What We Like
Variety of colors
Easy to use
Twistable design
Durable and mess-free
Good for all ages
What We Don't Like
Flimsy packaging
Markers not color-coded
#TOP 4

Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils, 24 Count

68-2424
Assorted.
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils, 24 Count Cover
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6+

Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils are made from reforested wood, and are perfect for kids to redo drawings or correct mistakes. These pre-sharpened pencils are strong, durable and come in 24 bright, bold colors with smooth lay down. They are great for school projects, creating detailed artwork and indoor activities. Crayola offers a diverse range of colored pencils for all ages, from washable formulas for the youngest students to premium colored pencils for adults.

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Erasable feature for corrections
Great for kids' projects
Durable and easy to sharpen
Non-toxic and safe
What We Don't Like
Possible used item issue
#TOP 5

Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils

68-0004
Assorted Colors
Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils Cover
Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils for Kids (24pk), Back to School Supplies For Teachers, Teacher Classroom Must Haves, 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]

Crayola Colored Pencils are a must-have for any classroom or art project. This pack includes 24 packs of 12 count colored pencils, giving you a total of 288 pencils. The soft cores of these pencils won't break easily, ensuring that they will last for a long time. Plus, the pencils come pre-sharpened, so they are ready for use right out of the box. With a wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, brown, and white, these pencils are perfect for creating vibrant and colorful artwork. Suitable for kids aged 5 and up, these pencils are safe and non-toxic. Get your classroom ready for creative projects and homework assignments with Crayola Colored Pencils.

What We Like
Quality colored pencils
Great for classroom use
Inexpensive contribution
Satisfaction from teachers
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent packaging quantities
#TOP 6

Crayola Assorted Colouring Pencils

3.3612
12 Pk
Crayola Assorted Colouring Pencils Cover
Crayola Colouring Pencils - Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+

Crayola Colouring Pencils offer a fantastic set of 12 pre-sharpened pencils that are perfect for all your art projects. These vibrant colors glide smoothly on paper, making it easy for you to create beautiful drawings and blend colors seamlessly. Made from reforested wood, these premium pencils are not only durable but also environmentally conscious. Designed for both kids and adults, they are an essential addition to any arts and crafts collection, ensuring hours of creative fun.

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Easy to sharpen
Sturdy and comfortable
Quality pigment
Pre-sharpened convenience
What We Don't Like
None noted
#TOP 7

Crayola 120ct Colored Pencils

688020
Multicolor
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Crayola 120ct Colored Pencils Cover
Crayola Colored Pencils Set (120ct), Coloring Book Pencils, Kids Art Supplies, Bulk Colored Pencils, Presharpened, Gifts for Kids, Ages 3+

The Crayola Colored Pencils Set offers you an incredible 120 vibrant shades to unleash your creativity. Thanks to their smooth and creamy texture, blending and layering colors becomes effortless, allowing for stunning artwork. Each pencil comes with a pre-sharpened tip, so you can dive into your projects without delay. This set is not just for kids; it makes a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys art, making it perfect for birthdays or holidays. Pair them with adult coloring books for even more intricate designs!

What We Like
Great color selection
Good layering and blending
Affordable price
Works well with solvents
Good for heavy hands
What We Don't Like
Occasional pencil breakage
Not as soft as premium brands
#TOP 8

Crayola 24 Twistables Pencils

68-7524
Multicolor
Crayola 24 Twistables Pencils Cover
Crayola 24 Twistables Colored Pencils

The Crayola Twistables Pencils offer a fun and convenient coloring experience for kids aged five and up. With 24 vibrant colors, you can easily twist the pencils to reveal more color without the hassle of sharpening. This means you can keep your creativity flowing without interruptions. The clear plastic case is another great feature; it not only shows you how much color is left but also protects the pencils from breaking. This added durability ensures that your art supplies last longer, making them perfect for little hands eager to explore their artistic talents.

What We Like
Vivid colors
Convenient twist-up design
Great for coloring and school work
Durable lead
Wide variety of colors
What We Don't Like
White pencil visibility issue
Some leads break easily
#TOP 9

Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (50ct)

682450
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (50ct) Cover
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (50ct), Bulk Colored Pencil Set, Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Holiday Gift for Teens, 6+ [Amazon Exclusive]

Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils are a must-have addition for young artists. This exclusive set contains 50 vibrant and erasable colored pencils that will inspire creativity and bring imaginations to life. With the addition of 12 new colors, kids can explore their artistic skills even further. The pencils come pre-sharpened, allowing young artists to jump right into their creative endeavors without any delay. The erasable feature of these pencils makes it easy for kids to correct their mistakes and create beautiful artwork without worry. Whether it's for classroom use or back-to-school supplies, these Crayola Colored Pencils are a safe and non-toxic choice for kids aged 6 and up.

What We Like
Effective erasing capability
Vibrant color selection
Good for various projects
Includes erasers on pencils
What We Don't Like
Hard to color over erased areas
Some colors may not work on all paper

Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils

SA CP-RG80
80 Colors
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils Cover
Shuttle Art 80 Regular Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching

The Shuttle Art Colored Pencils set features 80 distinct colors, ensuring you have a wide range to choose from for your coloring projects. Each pencil is labeled with its unique color name and number, making it easy for you to find the perfect shade quickly. With their soft cores, these pencils glide effortlessly on paper, allowing for smooth application and vibrant results. Plus, their break-resistant design means you can enjoy using them without worrying about frequent breakage, making them ideal for artists and coloring enthusiasts of all ages.

What We Like
Vivid, bright colors
Easy to blend
Good quality for price
Comfortable to hold
Includes useful accessories
What We Don't Like
Soft tips leave crumbs
Some color variations missing
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Kids' Colored Pencils for Kids

Choosing the right colored pencils for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's important to consider a few key factors before making a purchase. In this article, we will explore some of the most important factors to consider when choosing kids' colored pencils, and offer some tips and suggestions to help you make the best decision for your child.

Quality and Durability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing colored pencils for your child is the quality and durability of the pencils. Kids can be hard on their art supplies, and it's important to choose pencils that will withstand the rigors of regular use. Look for pencils that are made from high-quality materials and that have a solid construction. Avoid cheap, flimsy pencils that are likely to break or wear out quickly.

Age-Appropriateness

Another important factor to consider when choosing kids' colored pencils is the age-appropriateness of the pencils. Younger children may have difficulty using pencils with thin, delicate leads, while older children may find chunky pencils too cumbersome to use. Consider your child's age and skill level when choosing colored pencils, and opt for pencils that are appropriate for their age and abilities.

Color Selection

The color selection of the pencils is another important factor to consider. Most colored pencil sets come with a wide range of colors, but some sets may have more limited color options. Consider the type of art your child enjoys creating, and choose a set of pencils that has a good selection of colors that will allow them to create the art they love.

Ease of Sharpening

Kids can be hard on their pencils, and it's important to choose pencils that are easy to sharpen. Look for pencils that sharpen easily and that don't break or crumble when sharpened. Avoid pencils that are difficult to sharpen, as these can be frustrating for your child to use.

Non-Toxic

It's important to choose colored pencils that are non-toxic, as your child is likely to put the pencils in their mouth at some point. Look for pencils that are labeled as non-toxic and that are safe for use by children. Avoid pencils that are not labeled as non-toxic, as these may contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for your child.

In conclusion, choosing the right colored pencils for your child can be a daunting task. Consider the quality and durability of the pencils, the age-appropriateness of the pencils, the color selection of the pencils, the ease of sharpening of the pencils, and the non-toxic nature of the pencils. With these factors in mind, you can choose the best colored pencils for your child and help them create beautiful art.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can 5 year olds use colored pencils?

Yes, colored pencils are suitable for 5-year-olds. Children as young as 1 to 3 years old can start using half-length and full-length colored pencils, and as they grow older, they can transition to regular-sized colored pencils.

2. Why are Prismacolor pencils so expensive?

Prismacolor colored pencils are considered professional-grade and are priced higher than cheaper brands like Crayola. The reason for their higher cost is their superior pigmentation and smoothness. Prismacolors offer vibrant colors without leaving white spaces on the paper, enhancing the quality of drawings compared to other brands.

3. Should you start with dark or light colored pencils first?

When using colored pencils, it is recommended to start with lighter colors and gradually build up to darker shades. This approach allows for better control and the ability to correct mistakes. If a drawing becomes darker than desired or a wrong color is used, gentle erasing with an electric eraser can remove a layer or two.

4. Should a 5 year old be able to color in the lines?

While coloring within the lines is a developmental milestone typically reached between the ages of 3 to 5, it is not necessary to explicitly ask children to do so. Encouraging creativity and enjoyment in coloring is more important than strict adherence to boundaries. If a 5-year-old is still scribbling, there is no cause for concern.

5. What should a 5 year old be able to draw?

By the age of 5, children can draw various objects such as animals, houses, vehicles, trees, plants, flowers, and rainbows. They can include details like doors, windows, roofs, and chimneys in their drawings. At this age, children should have developed good control when holding a pencil, crayon, or paintbrush.

Editor's Notes

During our kids' colored pencil research, we found 25 kids' colored pencil products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 526,678 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kids' colored pencils list. We found that most customers choose kids' colored pencils with an average price of $11.76.

The kids' colored pencils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kids' colored pencils, including Crayola, Shuttle Art. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.

Kids' Colored Pencils Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Crayola Crayola Crayola Crayola Crayola Crayola Crayola Crayola Shuttle Art
Writing Instrument Form Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil Colored Pencil
Color Multicolor Multicolor Multicolored Assorted. Assorted Colors 12 Pk Multicolor Multicolor Erasable Colored Pencils 80 Colors
Ink Color Multicolor Multicolor Multicolor Multicolored Multicolored Multicolor Multicolor Multicolor Multicolor Multicolor
Age Range (Description) Adult Kid Kid Kid 72 months to 180 months Kid Kid Kid Kid All Ages
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy