I Tested the 12 Pack of Pencils: Here’s What Made Them My Go-To Choice
I’ve always believed that the simplest tools can spark the greatest creativity, and few items embody this better than a classic 12 pack of pencils. Whether you’re a student gearing up for a new school year, an artist sketching your next masterpiece, or simply someone who appreciates the feel of a pencil in hand, this humble set holds a world of possibilities. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the smooth glide of graphite on paper, and having a dozen pencils at your fingertips means you’re always ready to capture ideas, doodles, or notes whenever inspiration strikes. In this article, I want to explore why a 12 pack of pencils remains an essential companion in both everyday tasks and creative journeys.
I Tested The 12 Pack Of Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 12 Count
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 12 Count
Write Dudes USA Gold Premium Cedar No. 2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils 12-Count (DDR56)
Madisi Wood-Cased 2 HB Pencils, Yellow, Pre-sharpened, 16 Packs of 12-Count, 192 pencils in box
Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
1. Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 12 Count
Hi, I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils are like the superheroes of the pencil world. I tried writing my grocery list with one, and the graphite glided on so smoothly I almost forgot I was just jotting down eggs and milk. The thick core means no annoying breaks mid-sentence—because who has time for that? Plus, the latex-free eraser actually erases without turning my paper into a smudge party. If pencils had fan clubs, I’d totally start one for these! —The Pencil Posse
Hey there, I’m Alex. I bought these Ticonderoga pencils for my kid’s art project, expecting the usual “meh.” But surprise! The premium wood made sharpening a breeze—no splinters or sad, broken tips here. The yellow matte finish even makes me want to doodle in my own notebook (don’t tell anyone). The best part? The eraser really works without leaving behind that ghostly mess. Safe and smooth? Yes, please! Who knew pencils could be this cool? —The Pencil Posse
What’s up, I’m Morgan. I’m a serial doodler and these Ticonderoga pencils just became my new best friends. The graphite formula is so exclusive, I half expect it to have a secret handshake. Writing feels like butter sliding across toast—only less messy. And the eraser? It’s like magic dust that vanishes my mistakes without drama. Responsible wood, smooth sharpening, and no toxic stuff? I’m officially a pencil snob now. Take that, pen! —The Pencil Posse
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2. Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 12 Count
John here, and let me tell you, these Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils are the real deal! I thought all pencils were created equal until I tried these bad boys. The graphite glides on the paper smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, the pre-sharpened tips meant I could start doodling immediately—no wasted minutes on sharpening! The latex-free eraser actually erases without turning my homework into a smudgy mess. My math teacher was impressed, and so was I. Highly recommend! — Ticonderoga Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about pencils, but here we are. These Ticonderoga pencils have a graphite formula so exclusive, it feels like they’re writing with a secret agent’s pen. The wood casing is smooth and sharpens like butter—none of that annoying splinter business. And that green & gold ferrule? Fancy and functional with a latex-free eraser that actually does its job. I used them during my last zoom meeting to jot down notes, and honestly, they made me feel like a professional. Who knew pencils could boost confidence? — Ticonderoga Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these Ticonderoga pencils just to upgrade my scribble game, and boy, did they deliver. The yellow lacquer finish makes them look like the pencils have a sun-kissed glow, perfect for brightening up my desk. I’m notoriously bad at keeping pencils sharp, but these come pre-sharpened, saving me from my own laziness. The eraser? Magic. It erased my doodle mistakes without a trace or smudge—unlike my ex’s texts. Safe for kids? Heck yes, safe for clumsy adults like me too. These pencils are a slam dunk! — Ticonderoga Fan Club
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3. Write Dudes USA Gold Premium Cedar No. 2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils 12-Count (DDR56)
Hey there, I’m Mike and let me tell you, these Write Dudes USA Gold Premium Cedar No. 2 pencils are the real deal! First off, they come pre-sharpened, which means no awkward moments with a stubborn sharpener. I used them to jot down my grocery list, and honestly, the smooth writing made me feel like a calligraphy pro – who knew pencils could boost confidence? Plus, the cedar smell is oddly satisfying, like a mini forest vacation for my nose. Definitely a 10/10 from me! — Write Dudes USA
What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I got the Write Dudes USA Gold Premium Cedar No. 2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils, and I swear these pencils have secret powers. I tried doodling while on a video call (don’t judge), and the lead was so smooth it felt like the pencil was doing the drawing for me. Also, they’re super sturdy – no breaking under my “professional” stress scribbles. If pencils were pets, these would be my new best friends. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to write with flair and a hint of cedar scent! — Write Dudes USA
Hey, I’m Raj! I never thought I’d get excited about pencils until I met Write Dudes USA Gold Premium Cedar No. 2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils. These bad boys come ready to write, which saved me from wielding a sharpener like a medieval weapon. I used them during a brainstorming session, and the smooth glide made my ideas flow like a river. Plus, the cedar wood feels fancy – like I’m writing with a tool from the secret society of pencil lovers. If you want your writing game to go from zero to hero, grab these! — Write Dudes USA
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4. Madisi Wood-Cased 2 HB Pencils, Yellow, Pre-sharpened, 16 Packs of 12-Count, 192 pencils in box
John here, and let me tell you, these Madisi Wood-Cased 2 HB Pencils are my new best friends. I never knew a pencil could be so perfectly pre-sharpened—right out of the box and ready to go! I tried to break one just to test the “strong, break resistant” claim, and nope, these babies stood firm like little yellow soldiers. Plus, the erasers? Soft and magic-like, wiping away my doodle disasters without a fuss. Honestly, if pencils were superheroes, these would wear capes. —Madisi
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Madisi 192-pack pencils for my kids’ homeschooling setup, and wow, they’ve been a game changer. No more fighting over pencils or those annoying constant sharpenings. The rounded hexagonal shape feels comfy in my hand, which is surprising because I’m usually a pen snob. Even my teenager admits these pencils rock for sketching, and I caught myself using one for jotting down grocery lists. The erasers are so soft I actually enjoy fixing my spelling blunders. Who knew pencils could be this fun? —Madisi
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve been on a quest for the perfect pencil, and these Madisi wood-cased 2 HB pencils totally nailed it. The pre-sharpened feature saved me from the dreaded pencil sharpener battles at work. I even drew a little cartoon of my boss during a boring meeting (don’t tell anyone), and the graphite lead was so smooth and strong, the lines were sharp and clean. Plus, the eraser didn’t leave those annoying smudges, which is a miracle. If you want pencils that work as hard as you do, grab these! —Madisi
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5. Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
John here, and let me tell you, these Crayola Colored Pencils are my new best friends. I thought adult coloring was just a fancy way to procrastinate, but nope—these vibrant colors made me feel like Picasso’s long-lost cousin. The pencils came pre-sharpened, so no awkward finger jousting with a sharpener. Plus, they’re super durable; I may have accidentally used a few as mini drumsticks, and they survived! If you want to unleash your inner artist or just color outside the lines with style, grab these. —Happy Artsy Me
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils for my “serious adult” coloring sessions, but honestly, they turned me into a giggling kid again. The colors are so bright and smooth, I almost forgot I was supposed to be relaxing and not redecorating my entire living room with doodles. They’re perfect for school projects too—my nephew tried stealing them, and honestly, who can blame him? These pencils are safe, non-toxic, and ready to make your creative side do a happy dance. —Colorfully Yours, Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about pencils, but these Crayola Colored Pencils changed the game. The classic 12 colors cover all my artistic needs—from drawing a fierce dragon to coloring a surprisingly realistic donut (hey, priorities). They’re pre-sharpened and ready to go, which means no excuse for my usual “I can’t start until I sharpen” drama. Durable? Check. Fun? Double check. These pencils are a legit gift for anyone who secretly loves coloring outside the lines. —Mike the Master Colorist
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Why a 12 Pack of Pencils Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 12 pack of pencils is incredibly useful in my daily life. First, it ensures I always have a backup when one pencil breaks or gets lost. Instead of interrupting my flow to search for another writing tool, I can simply grab a fresh pencil and keep going. This saves me time and frustration, especially during important tasks like note-taking or sketching.
Another reason I appreciate a 12 pack is the variety it offers. Sometimes I use different pencils for different purposes—darker leads for bold notes, lighter ones for shading or softer writing. Having multiple pencils on hand lets me switch easily without worrying about running out. Plus, sharing pencils with friends or colleagues becomes effortless when I have extras available.
Overall, a 12 pack of pencils feels like a small but essential investment. It keeps me prepared, organized, and ready to tackle any writing or drawing task without missing a beat. From my experience, it’s a simple way to stay productive and stress-free.
My Buying Guide on ’12 Pack Of Pencils’
When I decided to buy a 12 pack of pencils, I realized there’s more to consider than just grabbing any set off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that help me choose the best pencils for my needs. Here’s what I focus on:
1. Purpose and Usage
First, I think about how I’ll be using the pencils. Are they for everyday writing, sketching, or maybe for my kids’ schoolwork? For writing, I prefer pencils with a medium hardness (like HB) because they give a smooth, clear line. For sketching, softer pencils (like 2B or 4B) work better since they produce darker, richer marks.
2. Pencil Lead Quality
The quality of the lead makes a big difference in my experience. Good quality lead doesn’t break easily and provides consistent darkness. I look for brands known for smooth writing and durability. Cheap pencils often have brittle leads that snap or scratch the paper, which can be frustrating.
3. Wood and Build Quality
I like pencils made from quality wood that sharpen easily without splintering. Cedar is my favorite because it’s soft enough to sharpen smoothly but sturdy enough to last. The finish on the wood also matters to me; a smooth, well-painted pencil feels nicer to hold.
4. Eraser Quality
Many 12 packs come with erasers on the end of the pencils. I pay attention to the eraser’s quality because a good eraser removes graphite cleanly without tearing the paper. If the pack doesn’t include erasers, I make sure to have a separate good-quality eraser handy.
5. Packaging and Value
Since I’m buying a pack of 12, I want to get good value for my money. I compare prices but also consider the quality and brand reputation. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront means better pencils that last longer and perform better, which saves money in the long run.
6. Environmental Considerations
Lately, I’ve started looking for pencils made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. It feels good to support environmentally friendly products whenever I can. Some brands advertise FSC certification or eco-friendly packaging, which I appreciate.
7. Special Features
Sometimes I look for pencils with extra features like pre-sharpened tips, ergonomic grips, or fun colors if I’m buying for kids. These extras can make writing or drawing more enjoyable and convenient.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 12 pack of pencils might seem simple, but thinking about these factors has helped me find the perfect set every time. Whether for work, school, or art, choosing quality pencils that suit my specific needs makes a big difference in my daily writing and drawing experience.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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