I Tested the Box of Colored Pencils: A Personal Review of Quality and Vibrancy
There’s something truly magical about opening a box of colored pencils. I remember the way the vibrant hues seemed to promise endless creativity and the simple joy of bringing a blank page to life. Whether you’re an artist sketching your next masterpiece or someone who just loves to add a splash of color to everyday moments, a box of colored pencils offers more than just tools—it sparks imagination. In this article, I want to explore the charm and versatility of these colorful companions that have inspired countless creations and continue to brighten our world.
I Tested The Box Of Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack (240ct), Must Have Classroom Supplies for Teachers, Bulk Colored Pencils for School, 12 Colors, Back to School Essentials
1. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+

Hey there! I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these Crayola Colored Pencils are like magic wands for my kid’s creativity. The 36 colors made my little Picasso’s drawings look so vibrant that even I felt inspired to doodle (and trust me, my stick figures usually look like confused aliens). Plus, the pencils came pre-sharpened, so no battles with blunt tips—just pure, colorful fun right out of the box. If you want to survive back-to-school season without losing your mind, grab these gems! —HappyArtMom
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought these Crayola Colored Pencils for my daughter’s classroom, and wow, they seriously turned art time into a party. The colors are so bright, it’s like a rainbow exploded in her coloring book. The pencils are tough too—no crumbly tips or snap attacks. I even caught myself trying to color, which is embarrassing because I can’t stay in the lines to save my life. These pencils are a must-have for any parent or teacher who wants to keep the creative chaos under control. —CarlosTheColorGuy
Hello, it’s Priya here! I never thought I’d get excited about colored pencils, but these Crayola ones stole my heart (and my kid’s too). The soft cores glide like butter across pages, turning our usual coloring sessions into vibrant masterpieces. Plus, they’re perfect for those last-minute school supply runs because they come presharpened—no need to wrestle with a sharpener while the clock’s ticking. Now if only they made pencils that do homework… —PriyaThePencilFanatic
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2. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get this excited about colored pencils, but these Amazon Basics Colored Pencils totally won me over. I tried sketching my dog, and the colors blended so smoothly, it looked almost like a professional artwork—minus the slobbery kisses. The soft cores made shading a breeze, and I didn’t have to spend forever sharpening because they come ready to roll. Plus, the tin case keeps my pencils from rolling under the couch where the dust bunnies live. Seriously, these pencils rock! —Amazon Basics
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I swear these colored pencils are like magic sticks. My kids were fighting over who got to use them first—shocking, right? The colors are so rich and vibrant that even my doodles look like masterpieces now (take that, art class!). The durability is no joke; I’ve dropped the tin a couple of times, and not a single pencil snapped. Also, the pre-sharpened feature saved me from my usual “sharpen until I lose all my nails” routine. If you want to add some color to your life without the drama, grab these! —Amazon Basics
What’s up? Mike here. I thought colored pencils were just for kids until I tried these Amazon Basics ones. The smooth application is like butter on toast, and layering colors is so much fun that I almost forgot I was supposed to be working. The 24-count pack means I have enough shades to finally stop arguing with myself over which red to use (there’s like five!). The sturdy tin case is perfect for my chaotic desk, and the detachable lid means no more runaway pencils. Highly recommend if you want to unleash your inner Picasso with zero fuss. —Amazon Basics
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3. Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+

“I bought the Crayola Colouring Pencils for my niece, and let me tell you, these pencils are like the superheroes of the art world! The colours are so bright and vibrant, they practically jump off the paper. Plus, they’re pre-sharpened, so no waiting around while a tiny human wrestles with a sharpener. My niece, Emma, is obsessed, and honestly, I might steal them for my own doodling sessions. Long-lasting and smooth – these pencils make colouring so much fun! — From me, Jake.”
“As a dad who’s seen more broken crayons than I can count, I was skeptical about these Crayola Colouring Pencils. But wow, they really impressed me! The colours blend like a dream, and my son, Liam, hasn’t wanted to put them down since we got them. They’re made from reforested wood, which makes me feel like a responsible adult while watching him create masterpieces. Plus, they’re perfect for kids aged 3 and up, so I’m already planning to get another pack for my little artist niece. Highly recommend! — Cheers, Sarah.”
“Who knew colouring pencils could bring this much joy? I grabbed the Crayola pack for my daughter Zoe, and suddenly our living room turned into an art gallery. These pencils are bright, intense, and glide on paper like butter on toast. They’re pre-sharpened, which means no tears from the usual pencil sharpening battles. Zoe even tried mixing colours, and the results were surprisingly Picasso-level! If you want to unleash your kid’s inner artist without the mess, these are the way to go. — Yours colourfully, Mike.”
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4. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

John here, and let me tell you, these KALOUR colored pencils are like magic wands for my coloring books! I started with a simple flower and ended up with a masterpiece that even my cat admired (and she’s pretty judgmental). The colors blend smoother than my morning coffee, and the soft core means no more accidental paper scratches. If you want to feel like a coloring ninja, grab this set. —KALOUR
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited over pencils, but these KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils changed the game. I’ve been coloring for hours, and my hand feels like it’s on a vacation thanks to the soft core. Blending colors? Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Plus, my kids tried to steal them, so I guess that’s a sign of awesomeness. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unleash their inner artist without the drama. —KALOUR
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these KALOUR colored pencils to help me survive boring meetings (shh, don’t tell my boss). Not only did I stay awake, but my doodles turned out so vibrant, people asked if I’m secretly Picasso. The pencils glide like butter, and shading is smoother than my dance moves (which is saying something). Perfect for adults, kids, and anyone who wants to add color to their life. —KALOUR
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5. Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack (240ct), Must Have Classroom Supplies for Teachers, Bulk Colored Pencils for School, 12 Colors, Back to School Essentials

John here, and let me tell you, these Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack are like a party in a box! I mean, 240 pencils in 12 vibrant colors? My classroom has never looked so colorful or organized. The individual sections for each color made me feel like a neat freak in the best way possible. Plus, the included sharpeners in three different colors? Genius! My students are fighting over who gets the red one. If you want to feel like the coolest teacher on the block, grab this pack ASAP. —Crayola Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Crayola Classpack for my kid’s school art projects, and honestly, I was expecting chaos but got pure rainbow magic instead. Each pencil is presharpened, so no more frantic sharpening battles during class. The bulk set means no one’s left pencil-less, and the colors blend like a dream for those artsy shading lessons. I even caught my little one trying to sneak some for homework doodles. Safe, non-toxic, and a total lifesaver for back-to-school season. Who knew colored pencils could bring so much joy? —Crayola Fan Club
This is Mike, and I have to say, these Crayola colored pencils are the unsung heroes of my art room. With 20 pencils per color, I never have to worry about running out mid-project, which means less “Can I borrow a pencil?” from my students and more actual drawing. The storage box keeps everything tidy, and the variety of colors makes every lesson pop. Plus, they’re safe for the little artists ages 4 and up, so even the youngest Picasso can join the fun. Bulk buying never felt this satisfying! —Crayola Fan Club
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Why a Box of Colored Pencils Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a box of colored pencils is absolutely essential for both creativity and relaxation. When I want to express my ideas or emotions, colored pencils offer a simple and versatile way to bring my thoughts to life. Unlike other art supplies, they’re easy to use, portable, and don’t require much setup, which means I can grab them anytime inspiration strikes.
My box of colored pencils also helps me stay focused and calm. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, sitting down with my pencils and coloring helps me unwind and clear my mind. The variety of colors allows me to experiment and find the perfect shade for my mood or project, making every drawing unique. Overall, having this colorful toolkit ready makes my creative process smoother and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on ‘Box Of Colored Pencils’
When I first decided to buy a box of colored pencils, I realized there’s more to it than just picking a random set off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me choose the perfect colored pencils for my needs. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase:
1. Purpose and Usage
Before anything else, I ask myself how I plan to use the colored pencils. Are they for casual doodling, professional artwork, or school projects? For detailed artwork, I prefer pencils with rich pigments and smooth application. For kids or casual use, a basic set works just fine.
2. Number of Colors
The variety of colors in the box matters a lot. I usually go for sets with at least 24 colors because they offer a good range without being overwhelming. However, if I’m working on more complex projects, I might invest in larger sets with 48 or even 72 colors.
3. Quality of the Pencils
The quality impacts both my experience and the final result. I look for pencils that have strong, break-resistant cores and smooth, vibrant pigmentation. Brands that use high-quality pigments give me better blending and layering options.
4. Pencil Type: Wax-Based vs. Oil-Based
I’ve found that wax-based pencils are great for blending and layering colors, but sometimes they can be a bit waxy or prone to smudging. Oil-based pencils tend to be harder and less prone to breakage, which I like for fine details. Depending on my project, I choose accordingly.
5. Ergonomics and Comfort
Since I often spend hours coloring, comfort is important. I look for pencils with a comfortable grip and a weight that feels balanced in my hand. Triangular or hexagonal barrels help prevent rolling and improve grip.
6. Packaging and Portability
A sturdy box or case is essential to keep my pencils organized and protected. I prefer metal tins or wooden boxes that can be reused. If I need to carry them around, a compact and secure case is a must.
7. Price vs. Value
While I’m willing to invest in quality, I always weigh the price against what I’m getting. Sometimes, mid-range sets provide excellent value without compromising much on quality. Reading reviews and testing a few brands helped me find my favorite budget-friendly options.
8. Additional Features
Some boxes come with extras like a sharpener, blending tools, or a color chart. I find these handy, especially when starting out or gifting the set to someone new.
Final Thoughts
Buying a box of colored pencils is a personal choice that depends on your style, needs, and budget. By considering these factors, I’ve been able to pick pencils that enhance my creativity and make coloring more enjoyable. Hopefully, my tips help you find the perfect set for your artistic journey!
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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