For most kids, the Crayola Colored Pencils, 36 Count are my best overall pick: they offer a manageable color range without the bulk of a huge bundle. The Crayola Twistables, 50 Count stand out for children who tend to break or lose sharpeners, while the Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils suit kids who want to revise their work. The main tradeoff is between familiar, practical sets and large assortments that offer more colors or accessories but can be harder to organize. I compared all 14 options for kid-friendly handling, useful color variety, storage, and how well each set fits everyday drawing. Read on for the full breakdown and help matching a set to your child.
Turn the school run and nap time into listening time
- Thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals
- Listen on your phone, tablet or Echo — also offline
- Cancel anytime
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- A mid-size set can be a better everyday choice than a huge bundle: Crayola‘s 36-count set keeps color selection useful without the storage burden of 288- or 480-piece assortments.
- More pencils do not always mean more color choices: the YEGEER 288-count and 320-count sets list 16 colors, while the 480-count set lists 12 assorted colors, so check shade variety rather than the headline count.
- Sharpening needs separate attention: Crayola Twistables avoid a conventional sharpener, while many standard sets require kids to sharpen and maintain their points.
- Accessories change the kind of purchase: iBayam‘s 123-piece kit adds books and a case, and the personalized wooden-case set combines pencils with other media; both suit gift or activity needs better than a pencil-only purchase.
- Age and drawing habits matter more than the largest assortment: erasable pencils favor experimentation, a portable case helps with art on the go, and a broad color selection matters more for kids who enjoy detailed coloring.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencil Set
The 72 pre-sharpened pencils give kids and families a broad palette for coloring books, school assignments, and more ambitious drawings. Its soft, richly pigmented cores suit blending and layering better than a basic classroom set, while numbered and named barrels make it easier to find a color again. Compared with the Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils, Soucolor offers three times as many colors and more scope for shading, but it does not offer erasable marks for quick corrections. The wood pencils arrive ready to use, though soft cores can need frequent sharpening during long sessions. This set is a sensible choice for older children who want variety; its listed age range is adult, so I would not treat it as a specifically child-rated pick.
Pros:- 72 colors provide more room for shading and color choices than the 24-color Crayola Erasable set.
- Soft, pigmented cores support smooth coloring, blending, and layering.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use, and color names and numbers aid identification.
- Wood construction and a non-toxic safety certificate are specified.
Cons:- The listed age range is adult, rather than a child-specific recommendation.
- Soft cores may need frequent sharpening during extended coloring.
- Pencils are not water resistant.
Best for: Older kids and family art tables that want a large palette for coloring, blending, and school projects.
Not ideal for: Parents shopping specifically for a child-labeled set or kids who rely on erasing mistakes; the listed age range is adult and the pencils are not erasable.
- Brand:Soucolor
- Set size:72 colored pencils
- Core:Soft, break-resistant
- Material:Wood
- Pencil shape:Round
- Line size:3 mm
- Safety:Non-toxic; EN71-3 safety certificate
- Recommended uses:Sketching, coloring, drawing, blending, and shading
Our verdict“Choose Soucolor for a wide, blendable palette if the child is ready for a set listed for adults and does not need erasable marks.”
H & B 72-Color Soft-Core Colored Pencil Set with Carrying Case
H & B is the most ready-to-gift option here: alongside 72 pre-sharpened pencils, it includes a coloring book, sharpener, eraser, and a case with elastic slots. That bundle can spare families the separate hunt for basic supplies, and the slots help keep the colors organized between sessions. Its soft cores are suited to blending and shading, while the color names, numbers, and lightfastness ratings give older kids useful reference details. Compared with the KALOUR 72-Count, H & B adds practical accessories and storage, whereas KALOUR gives a stated age recommendation of five and up. The tradeoff is a heavier, more involved kit, and the pencils are chiefly aimed at coloring and drawing rather than a broader range of art techniques.
Pros:- Includes a coloring book, sharpener, vinyl eraser, and portable case.
- Elastic slots keep the 72 pencils organized and easier to carry.
- Soft cores are designed for blending, shading, and layering.
- Pencils carry color names, numbers, and lightfastness ratings.
Cons:- The included accessories and case make it a heavier kit than a pencil-only option.
- Its stated uses focus on coloring and drawing, limiting guidance for other art techniques.
- No recommended age is supplied in the product specifications.
Best for: Families buying a first all-in-one coloring kit for an older child who will benefit from included storage and basic accessories.
Not ideal for: Kids who need a lightweight, pencil-only set or parents who want a clearly stated child age recommendation; this product data does not specify one.
- Brand:H & B
- Pencil count:72
- Core type:Soft-core
- Included accessories:Garden flower coloring book, pencil sharpener, vinyl eraser, and portable storage case
- Material:Wood
- Color identification:Color name, number, and lightfastness rating marked on each pencil
- Pencil shape:Round
- Item weight:0.77 kg
Our verdict“Pick H & B when included supplies and organized storage matter more than a simple, lightweight set with a stated age recommendation.”
KALOUR 72-Count Soft-Core Colored Pencils
KALOUR earns its place as the clearest age-targeted choice in this group: the product is recommended for ages 5 and up and lists ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 compliance. The 72 soft, highly pigmented pencils offer plenty of color range for drawing, coloring, and early experiments with blending, while named and numbered barrels help children match colors without guesswork. Compared with the Soucolor 72-Color Set, KALOUR supplies a child-specific age recommendation and stated safety standards; both offer a similarly broad palette and soft cores. Basswood barrels are described as easy to sharpen, but this is still a full-size 72-pencil collection rather than a small first set. The listed minimum age also means it is not aimed at younger preschoolers.
Pros:- Recommended for ages five and up, with ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 compliance stated.
- 72 vivid, soft-core colors support layering and blending.
- Color names and numbers make pencil identification easier for children.
- Basswood barrels are described as easy to sharpen.
Cons:- The stated minimum age makes this unsuitable for younger children.
- A 72-pencil set may feel excessive for beginners who need only a small selection.
Best for: Parents of children aged five and older who want a broad color selection with a stated age recommendation and safety standards.
Not ideal for: Families shopping for children under five or seeking a compact starter set; 72 pencils may be more than a beginner needs.
- Brand:KALOUR
- Set size:72 colored pencils
- Core:Soft, highly pigmented; described as break-resistant
- Barrel material:Basswood
- Color identification:Color name and number on each pencil
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Safety:Non-toxic; conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3
- Recommended age:5 years and up
- Item weight:0.47 kg
Our verdict“Choose KALOUR for a child aged five or older who is ready for a large, labeled set and a stated safety and age profile.”
YEGEER 288-Count Colored Pencils, 16 Colors, Pre-Sharpened
YEGEER’s defining advantage is quantity, not color range: 288 pencils in 16 colors can supply a classroom, siblings, or a shared activity without everyone needing to pass around one pencil. The pre-sharpened hexagonal barrels are ready for group use and less likely to roll off desks than round pencils. Compared with the 72-color sets from KALOUR and Soucolor, YEGEER gives up subtle color variety in favor of many duplicates, so it fits repeated group projects better than detailed artwork. Its soft cores are described as durable and break-resistant, but the set’s 2.02 kg weight and 288-pencil count call for substantial storage. I would choose it for shared supplies, not for a child who wants a portable personal palette.
Pros:- 288 pencils provide plentiful duplicates for classroom or group use.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to hand out.
- Hexagonal wooden barrels resist rolling across desks.
- Soft cores are described as durable and resistant to breaking.
Cons:- Only 16 colors offer less variety than the 72-color KALOUR and Soucolor sets.
- The 2.02 kg set requires substantial storage and is not convenient for carrying.
- The large duplicate-heavy supply is less suited to one child’s personal art kit.
Best for: Teachers, after-school leaders, and families with several children who need plentiful pencils for shared coloring activities.
Not ideal for: Individual young artists who want many distinct shades or a compact kit; it has 16 colors and weighs 2.02 kg.
- Brand:YEGEER
- Pencil count:288
- Colors:16
- Barrel material:Wood
- Core:Soft lead core
- Pencil shape:Hexagonal
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Safety standard:Described as meeting ASTM-D4236
- Item weight:2.02 kg
Our verdict“Choose YEGEER for shared classroom supplies and repeated group activities, but pick a 72-color set for individual artwork with more shade choices.”
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils for Kids, 24 Count
For children who are frustrated by coloring mistakes, the standout here is simple: erasable colored marks make corrections less permanent than with the other pencils in this lineup. The 24 assorted colors keep the set manageable, and pre-sharpened, smooth-gliding pencils are ready for school projects and detailed coloring. A resealable box helps keep the set together, while its contoured, ambidextrous design suits either hand. Compared with the Soucolor 72-Color Set, Crayola offers far fewer shades but adds the ability to erase; that makes it more forgiving for younger artists who are still learning control. It is recommended for ages six and up, so it is not the pick for younger children, and the pencils are not water resistant.
Pros:- Erasable marks let children correct mistakes more easily than with the Soucolor set.
- 24 assorted colors provide a straightforward selection for school projects.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use.
- Resealable box and ambidextrous contoured design support everyday handling and storage.
Cons:- The 24-color selection offers less variety than the 72-pencil Soucolor set.
- Recommended for ages six and up, so it is not aimed at younger children.
- Pencils are not water resistant.
Best for: Children aged six and older who want a manageable school set and benefit from being able to correct coloring mistakes.
Not ideal for: Young artists who want a broad palette for blending or children under six; this set has 24 colors and a stated age minimum.
- Quantity:24 colored pencils
- Pencil type:Erasable colored pencil
- Colors:24 assorted colors
- Packaging:Resealable box
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Grip and hand orientation:Contoured grip; ambidextrous
- Recommended age:6 years and up
- Safety:Nontoxic
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose Crayola for a school-age child who values easy corrections more than a large selection of shades.”
Crayola Colored Pencils, 120 Count
For kids who like choosing among many shades, this 120-pencil Crayola set offers more color variety than the 36-color COVACURE set, while staying focused on pencils rather than bundling books and accessories like the iBayam kit. The pre-sharpened tips let children start coloring right away, and the smooth cores support layering and blending for artwork with more color variation. Crayola’s familiar, non-toxic format also suits family and school art supplies. The tradeoff is the set’s size: 120 pencils can be excessive for a child who mainly fills in simple coloring pages, and the set is designed for coloring and drawing rather than a broader mix of projects. Choose it for color choice, not an all-in-one activity kit.
Pros:- 120 assorted colors offer a wider selection than the 36-color COVACURE set.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready for immediate use.
- Smooth cores support layering and blending.
- Non-toxic pencils suit kids’ coloring and drawing.
Cons:- The large assortment may be more than a beginner needs for simple coloring.
- The set focuses on pencils and does not include books or other activity materials.
Best for: Kids who enjoy switching between many shades and families seeking a large, ready-to-use pencil set for coloring and drawing.
Not ideal for: Young children who only need a few basic colors or families seeking a compact kit with paper, books, and storage included.
- Brand:Crayola
- Quantity:120 colored pencils
- Colors:Assorted multicolor
- Tip condition:Pre-sharpened
- Recommended use:Coloring
- Safety:Non-toxic
- Dimensions:1.44 x 8.98 x 7.19 inches
- Weight:0.74 kg
Our verdict“Choose this Crayola set for kids who want a generous color range for drawing and coloring, but skip it if a smaller or bundled kit would be more useful.”
YEGEER 480-Count Colored Pencil Set, 12 Assorted Colors
When pencil quantity matters more than color variety, this YEGEER set supplies 480 pre-sharpened pencils across 12 colors, making it a practical fit for classrooms, clubs, or a busy household where several children share supplies. Its hexagonal wooden barrels are designed for a comfortable grip, and the soft, durable cores suit routine drawing and coloring. Compared with the 120-color Crayola set, YEGEER gives up a broad palette in favor of far more pencils to distribute or replace as they are used. That distinction is the deciding factor: 12 colors may feel limiting for children who want subtle shades or detailed color blending. It is also a bulk-oriented set, not a varied art kit, so it lacks the books and organized travel storage included with iBayam.
Pros:- 480 pencils provide substantial supply for groups and frequent use.
- Pre-sharpened tips are ready for classroom or home activities.
- Hexagonal wooden barrels are designed for a comfortable grip.
- Soft, durable cores suit everyday coloring and drawing.
Cons:- The palette is limited to 12 colors, far fewer than the Crayola 120 Count set.
- Bulk quantity may be awkward for a single child to store or carry.
- The listed item weight does not specify a unit.
Best for: Teachers, after-school leaders, and families with multiple children who need many ready-to-use pencils in a basic shared palette.
Not ideal for: A child focused on detailed artwork or nuanced color choices, since the set contains only 12 colors.
- Brand:YEGEER
- Pencil count:480
- Color count:12 assorted colors
- Tip condition:Pre-sharpened
- Barrel design:Hexagonal wooden barrels
- Core:Soft, durable lead
- Grip:Contoured
- Age range:Adults and children
Our verdict“Pick YEGEER for shared use and pencil quantity, not for children who want a wide range of shades or a portable, all-in-one art kit.”
iBayam 123-Piece Colored Pencil Set with Sketchbook, Coloring Book, and Carrying Case
This is the pick for kids who need supplies and something to draw on, not just a larger pencil count. The set pairs 120 labeled, pre-sharpened pencils with a 50-sheet sketchbook, a 16-sheet coloring book, and a compartmented carrying case. That makes it more ready for a gift or an outing than the pencil-only Crayola 120 Count, while offering the same number of pencils. Soft, richly pigmented cores support blending, and labeled colors can help children find a shade again without sorting through an assortment. The tradeoff is that its appeal depends on using the included books: the coloring book is relatively short, and the product dimensions are listed as 1 x 1 x 1 inches, which may not describe the actual kit. Choose it for bundled activities and organization rather than a verified compact footprint.
Pros:- Includes 120 pencils, a 50-sheet sketchbook, a coloring book, and a carrying case.
- Pre-sharpened and labeled pencils make colors easier to identify and use.
- Soft, richly pigmented cores support blending.
- Case compartments help keep supplies organized.
Cons:- The coloring book has only 16 sheets, fewer than the sketchbook’s 50.
- Listed product dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 inches may not reflect the kit’s actual size.
- The bundled books and case add weight compared with a pencil-only set.
Best for: Parents and gift buyers seeking a ready-to-start drawing kit with pencils, paper, coloring pages, and organized storage.
Not ideal for: Families who already have sketchbooks and cases, or buyers who need reliable listed dimensions before choosing a storage space.
- Brand:iBayam
- Pencils:120 colored pencils
- Pencil condition:Pre-sharpened and labeled
- Sketchbook:50 sheets, spiral-bound
- Coloring book:16 sheets with nature and animal designs
- Case:Portable case with compartments
- Safety:Non-toxic pencils
- Weight:2.77 pounds
Our verdict“Choose iBayam when a child needs pencils, drawing paper, coloring pages, and storage together, but skip the bundle if those extras will go unused.”
COVACURE Colored Pencils, 36-Color Set with Sharpener and Canvas Roll
COVACURE is the more travel-ready choice for a child who wants a manageable selection of colors and a way to keep them together. Its 36 soft-core pencils come with a sharpener and a canvas roll with individual compartments, unlike the loose-pencil format of the Crayola 120 Count. The cores are intended for smooth coloring, blending, and shading, so this set covers more than basic fill-in work without requiring a very large palette. The compact color selection is also its main limit: children seeking a broad range of shades will have fewer options than with Crayola’s 120 pencils or iBayam’s 120-pencil bundle. The roll is 17.7 inches long, so it can be less convenient to pack than a small case, even though it keeps pencils separated and protected.
Pros:- Canvas roll has individual compartments for up to 36 pencils.
- Includes a sharpener, unlike the Crayola 120 Count pencil-only set.
- Soft cores are suited to coloring, blending, and shading.
- Listed for use by both kids and adults.
Cons:- 36 colors offer less variety than the 120-pencil Crayola and iBayam sets.
- The 17.7-inch roll can take up space when packed.
- The bundle has fewer included activity materials than the iBayam kit.
Best for: Kids who draw away from home and want a moderate color selection with a sharpener and individual pencil storage.
Not ideal for: Children who want a very broad palette, or families looking for a short, compact case that takes little space in a bag.
- Brand:COVACURE
- Set size:36 pencils
- Pencil length:7 in (17.5 cm)
- Core diameter:0.4 cm (0.16 in)
- Included accessories:Sharpener and canvas pencil bag
- Bag dimensions:17.7 x 8.3 in
- Set weight:0.66 lb
- Certification:CE-EN71
Our verdict“Choose COVACURE for organized, portable drawing supplies, but pick a larger set if color variety matters more than carrying convenience.”
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils, 50 Count
For children who are not ready to manage a sharpener, Crayola Twistables remove that extra step: the color core advances by twisting, with no sharpening or peeling required. The plastic barrels also help protect the cores and tips during school projects or trips. Compared with the standard Crayola 120 Count, this set trades a much wider pencil assortment and traditional pencil feel for less sharpening upkeep. It is also less complete than the iBayam set, which adds books and a carrying case, but the twist-up format may be simpler for frequent coloring sessions. The limits are practical: these pencils are not water resistant, and product descriptions give different age guidance—4 and up in one place and 5 and up in another—so caregivers should check the packaging before buying.
Pros:- Twist-up cores require no sharpening or peeling.
- Plastic barrels help protect the color cores and tips.
- 50 pencils provide a larger selection than a small starter set.
- Suitable for coloring, crafts, drawing, and school projects.
Cons:- Not water resistant.
- Listed age guidance differs between 4 and up and 5 and up.
- The twist-up format differs from traditional wooden pencils and may not suit every drawing preference.
Best for: Caregivers of young children who want a no-sharpening option for coloring, crafts, and school activities.
Not ideal for: Children who need traditional wooden pencils for detailed drawing, or families who need water-resistant supplies or consistent age guidance.
- Brand:Crayola
- Count:50
- Product type:Twist-up colored pencils
- Material:Plastic
- Sharpening required:No
- Safety:Non-toxic
- Age range:Listed as 4 and up and 5 and up
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose Twistables for young kids who benefit from avoiding sharpeners, but choose standard pencils for a traditional drawing feel or a broader, more clearly specified setup.”
YEGEER 320-Count Colored Pencil Set, 16 Colors, Pre-Sharpened
For a classroom, club, or household with several young artists, the YEGEER set prioritizes quantity over color choice: it supplies 320 pencils, but only 16 colors. That makes it easier to put pencils in many hands at once, while the pre-sharpened points let kids start coloring without setup. Its soft core and hexagonal wooden barrel suit everyday drawing and give the pencils a shape designed to resist rolling off desks. Compared with the YEGEER 288-Count, this set offers more pencils but keeps the same limited 16-color palette, so the extra quantity matters most for group use rather than richer color variety. The tradeoff is substantial storage needs, and kids looking to select from dozens of distinct shades may prefer the Crayola 36 Count instead.
Pros:- 320 pre-sharpened pencils can supply a large group
- 16 assorted colors provide a consistent shared palette
- Soft core is described as durable and resistant to breaking
- Hexagonal wooden barrels are designed for a comfortable grip and resist rolling
Cons:- Only 16 colors limit shade variety compared with the Crayola 36 Count
- The large pencil quantity takes considerable storage space
Best for: Teachers, after-school programs, or families who need a large supply of ready-to-use pencils for several children sharing 16 colors.
Not ideal for: Children who want a broad range of distinct shades, or families with limited storage space for a 320-pencil set.
- Pencil count:320
- Colors:16 assorted colors
- Barrel material:Wood
- Barrel shape:Hexagonal
- Lead:Soft core
- Point:Bold, fine
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Safety standard:ASTM-D4236
Our verdict“Choose this set for shared classroom or group use when having many pencils matters more than offering a wide color palette.”
Crayola Colored Pencils, 36 Count
For a child’s first dedicated colored-pencil set, this Crayola pack keeps the choice manageable while still offering 36 colors. Pre-sharpened wooden pencils are ready for coloring books and school projects, and the soft, durable cores are described as resistant to breaking—helpful when young artists are still learning how much pressure to use. The set is listed as non-toxic and suitable for ages 3 and up. Compared with the V-Opitos 48-Count, it has fewer colors, but its clearly stated age guidance and familiar school-use focus make it a straightforward beginner option. It lacks the bigger palettes of the 72-color sets in this roundup, so children wanting more subtle shade choices may outgrow it. These are drawing and coloring tools, not general-purpose writing pencils.
Pros:- 36 multicolor pencils offer a useful starter range
- Pre-sharpened points are ready for immediate use
- Soft cores are described as resistant to breaking
- Listed as non-toxic and suitable for ages 3 and up
Cons:- Smaller palette than the V-Opitos 48-Count and the 72-color sets
- Designed for drawing and coloring rather than other writing tasks
Best for: Parents and caregivers seeking a pre-sharpened, age-labeled starter set for preschoolers and elementary-school children.
Not ideal for: Young artists who already want a large selection of distinct shades or need pencils for writing as well as coloring.
- Pencil count:36
- Colors:Multicolor
- Material:Wood
- Core hardness:HB
- Point:Fine
- Features:Pre-sharpened, soft core, non-toxic
- Recommended age:3 years and up
- Shape:Round
Our verdict“Pick this as a simple first set for a young child who needs ready-to-use pencils and a manageable range of colors.”
V-Opitos 48-Count Pre-Sharpened Colored Pencils
For kids ready for more shade choices without a very large set, the V-Opitos offers 48 unique colors in a pre-sharpened format. Its hexagonal barrels are designed to feel comfortable and resist rolling, while the product description highlights smooth, richly pigmented lines for coloring and sketching. That gives this set a more art-focused role than the Crayola 36 Count, which has fewer colors and clearer beginner-oriented age guidance. It also avoids the bulk of the YEGEER 320-Count, whose many pencils repeat a 16-color palette. The listed resin construction and oil-based description distinguish it from wooden-barrel options, though the listing does not give the same explicit non-toxic and age-3 guidance as Crayola. It is for drawing and coloring, not a general writing set.
Pros:- 48 unique colors offer more variety than the Crayola 36 Count
- Pre-sharpened points are ready for use
- Hexagonal barrels resist rolling off a desk
- Smooth, richly pigmented leads are described for coloring and sketching
Cons:- Less explicit age and non-toxic information is provided than for the Crayola 36 Count
- Intended for coloring and drawing rather than writing
Best for: Elementary-age children and beginners who want a wider selection for coloring and sketching without storing hundreds of pencils.
Not ideal for: Caregivers seeking explicit age-3 and non-toxic labeling, or children who need pencils for writing tasks.
- Pencil count:48
- Colors:48 unique colors
- Material:Resin
- Point type:Fine
- Line size:0.3 mm
- Barrel shape:Hexagonal
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Weight:0.34 kg
Our verdict“Choose this for a child who wants more distinct colors than a starter set offers but does not need a bulk classroom supply.”
Personalized 80-Piece Deluxe Art Set for Kids with Wooden Carrying Case – Oil Crayons, Colored Pencils, Watercolors – Custom Name (Block Font)
This is a broad art kit with colored pencils included, rather than a dedicated pencil set: its 80 pieces include 16 colored pencils, 24 oil pastels, watercolors, and brushes. The wooden case, handle, metal latches, and custom name make it easier to give as a gift and keep the supplies together. Compared with the Crayola 36 Count, it offers fewer pencils and less pencil-color choice, but adds several ways for children to make art. That variety can suit a child who likes switching between materials, while the modest pencil count makes it a weaker pick for someone focused on colored-pencil drawing. The case is not water-resistant, so watercolor supplies call for careful handling, and the two included brushes offer limited options. Personalization is restricted to block font and 12 characters.
Pros:- Combines colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, and brushes in one set
- Wooden case has a handle and metal latches for carrying and storage
- Personalization can make the kit feel like an individual gift
- Listed for children aged 3 and up
Cons:- Only 16 colored pencils, fewer than the Crayola 36 Count
- Wooden case is not water-resistant, so paint spills can be a concern
- Includes only two brushes and offers block-font personalization for up to 12 characters
Best for: Gift buyers looking for a personalized, portable starter art kit for a child who wants to try pencils, oil pastels, and watercolors.
Not ideal for: Children focused on colored-pencil work who want a large pencil palette, or families needing a water-resistant case and a fuller brush selection.
- Total pieces:80
- Colored pencils:16
- Oil pastel crayons:24
- Watercolor paints:24
- Paint brushes:2
- Case material:Wood
- Case dimensions:14.5 in W × 9 in L × 1.5 in D
- Personalization:Name up to 12 characters, block font
Our verdict“Choose this as a personalized gift for a young child who wants several art materials, not as a dedicated colored-pencil set.”
How We Picked
I compared these 14 sets through the needs of children and the adults choosing supplies for them: color usefulness, ease of handling, sharpening demands, storage, and versatility. A high pencil count did not automatically earn a higher place. I looked at the difference between the number of pieces and the number of distinct colors, since a set with repeated colors may not give a child the variety its large count suggests. I also separated pencil-only sets from kits that add sketchbooks, coloring books, cases, or other art materials.
The ranking favors sets that make sense for regular kid use and have a clear advantage for a defined buyer. Familiar, straightforward sets rank ahead when they balance usable variety with uncomplicated ownership; specialized options move up for children who need a particular feature, such as erasability or twist-up barrels. Large bundles and mixed-media kits rank lower for a pencil-first purchase when their bulk, repeated colors, or extra contents may not match the child’s actual needs. I treated missing details cautiously rather than assuming a feature that was not listed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Colored Pencil Sets For Kids
A good choice depends less on finding the biggest set and more on matching the pencils to the child’s age, habits, and place to draw. I use these factors to separate a practical starter set from a bulk bundle or an all-in-one art gift.
Count distinct colors, not just pencils
Large piece counts can be tempting, but the number of pencils and the number of distinct colors are not the same thing. Some bulk options here list hundreds of pencils but only 12 or 16 colors, which may mean less shade variety than the headline suggests. For a child who enjoys choosing different hues, check the named color count before prioritizing the total quantity. Repeated colors can still be useful in a classroom or shared craft space, where several children need supplies at once. For one child drawing at home, a smaller set with a wider range of shades may be easier to use and store. Avoid buying by count alone if the goal is color exploration rather than having spare pencils.
Match the pencil format to the child’s habits
Standard colored pencils need sharpening, which gives children a familiar drawing tool but also adds a step and a small risk of broken points or lost sharpeners. Twist-up pencils remove much of that routine, making them a practical option for younger children or busy travel activities. Erasable pencils can help a child who likes to adjust outlines, though they are not a substitute for ordinary pencils if the child wants a conventional coloring experience. Think about whether your child enjoys maintaining art supplies or would rather start drawing immediately. A format that reduces interruptions can matter more than a few extra colors. Check age guidance and supervise younger children around sharpeners and small accessories.
Choose a set size the child can manage
A wide assortment gives a child more choices, but too many pencils can make cleanup and selection harder. Consider where the set will live and whether the child can return pencils to their places without help. A compact set is often easier for school bags, restaurant outings, or a small desk, while a larger case may suit a dedicated art area. Before paying for a large collection, think about whether the child already uses a broad palette or tends to reach for the same few colors. Storage should protect pencils and make them easy to put away, not just make the package look generous. For shared supplies, extra quantity may matter more than portability.
Decide whether accessories solve a real need
Sketchbooks, coloring books, sharpeners, and carrying cases can make a set ready for an activity or gift, but extra contents do not necessarily improve the pencils themselves. An all-in-one kit makes sense when the child needs several supplies at once or when a self-contained package would be convenient. If the child already has paper, a sharpener, and storage, a pencil-only set may deliver a better fit with fewer items to keep track of. Mixed-media cases add still more variety, but they also bring materials that may see little use if the child only wants colored pencils. Check what is included and whether it matches the child’s existing supplies before choosing a kit.
Weigh color range against everyday durability
Children may press hard, drop pencils, or leave them uncapped or scattered, so a set’s practical format matters alongside its palette. Soft-core pencils can suit expressive coloring and layering, but a child who frequently breaks points may benefit more from a format that avoids repeated sharpening. Protective packaging helps during storage and travel, though a case is useful only if it is simple enough for the child to close and carry. For younger artists, prioritize easy access and a manageable collection over subtle shade distinctions. Older children who color with care may get more out of a larger palette. The right balance depends on how the pencils will be treated, not just how many are in the box.
Pay for the feature the child will actually use
Extra colors, a personalized case, or a collection of art media can make a set feel special, but those additions are only worthwhile when they fit the child’s interests. A beginner may benefit more from familiar pencils and a simple setup than from a large kit with many pieces to organize. A child who regularly draws detailed pictures may make better use of a broader palette, while a child who colors casually may not notice the difference. For a gift, presentation and variety can matter; for a school supply, portability and easy replacement may matter more. Avoid treating the largest or most elaborate set as the automatic upgrade. Choose based on repeated use rather than the first impression of the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a set with hundreds of pencils a better choice for one child?
Not automatically. In this lineup, some sets with very high pencil counts list only 12 or 16 colors, so the extra pieces may represent quantity rather than a wider palette. A large bundle can make sense for a classroom, siblings, or a child who uses supplies heavily and needs spares. For one beginner, a smaller set may be easier to store, sort, and use without feeling overwhelming. Check the distinct color count and storage format before deciding that a larger number is better.
Should I choose erasable or twist-up colored pencils for a younger child?
Choose based on the problem you want to reduce. Erasable pencils can help a child who often changes a drawing or wants to correct marks, while twist-up pencils reduce reliance on a sharpener. They do different jobs, so one is not a direct replacement for the other. If your child loses sharpeners or struggles with pencil points, the twist-up format may be more convenient; if revisions are the priority, erasability may matter more. Check the product details and age guidance, since formats and included accessories vary.
Are accessory kits a better gift than a pencil-only set?
An accessory kit is a stronger gift when the child needs a ready-made activity or lacks basic art supplies. The iBayam kit adds a sketchbook, coloring book, and carrying case, while the personalized wooden-case set includes pencils alongside other art media. Those extras can broaden the activity, but they may be unnecessary if the child already has paper and paints or only wants colored pencils. A pencil-only set is easier to match to a specific drawing habit and can mean fewer items to store. Decide whether the gift should provide a full activity or simply upgrade the child’s pencils.
What should I check before buying a set for school or travel?
Prioritize a case or package that keeps pencils together and is manageable for the child to carry. A very large assortment may be awkward in a school bag and can take longer to pack away after use. Also check whether the set requires a separate sharpener, since that adds another item to bring and keep track of. Twist-up pencils can reduce that burden, while a conventional set may suit a child who already has a reliable sharpener. Consider how the child will use the set away from home, not only how it will look on a desk.
When is it worth choosing a larger color range over a simpler set?
A broader palette is more useful when the child enjoys detailed coloring, wants to distinguish nearby shades, or regularly draws subjects that call for many colors. For casual drawings and early practice, a simpler set can offer enough choice without adding storage and cleanup work. Look at distinct colors rather than total pencil count, since a large pack may contain repeated colors. You can also watch how the child draws: if they repeatedly ask for colors they do not have, a wider palette may be a worthwhile next step. If they use the same handful of pencils, extra shades may go untouched.
Conclusion
For most families, I recommend the Crayola Colored Pencils, 36 Count as best overall for a practical range without excessive bulk. The YEGEER 288-Count set is my best value for shared use when spare pencils matter more than a large range of distinct colors, while the iBayam 123-Piece set is my best premium-style gift pick for a child who will use its books and carrying case. Beginners are better served by a manageable set such as the Crayola 36 Count; choose Crayola Erasable for a child who revises often or Twistables when sharpening is a recurring hassle. For specific needs, pick the COVACURE 36-color set if a canvas roll and sharpener suit your storage preferences, or the personalized wooden-case kit if a mixed-media gift is the goal. The right set is the one whose format, color range, and extras fit how the child actually makes art.
