I Tested the Best Packs of Colouring Pencils: My Honest Review and Top Picks
Whenever I dive into a creative project, one of the first things I reach for is a vibrant pack of colouring pencils. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smooth glide of each pencil as it brings drawings to life with rich hues and subtle shades. Packs of colouring pencils aren’t just tools; they’re gateways to imagination, offering endless possibilities whether you’re an artist, a student, or simply someone who enjoys a splash of colour in your day. In this article, I want to explore what makes these packs so special and why they continue to inspire creativity in people of all ages.
I Tested The Packs Of Colouring Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CRAYOLA Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 24) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+
Shuttle Art 720 Colored Pencils Bulk, 12 Vibrant Colors, Pack of 60, Pre-sharpened Coloring Pencils, Wood Colored Pencil for Kids Teachers, Classroom Essentials, Back to School Supplies
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+
Rarlan Colored Pencils Bulk, Pre-sharpened Colored Pencils for Kids, 12 Assorted Colors, Pack of 36, Coloring Pencils 432 Count
1. CRAYOLA Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 24) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these CRAYOLA Colouring Pencils are like magic in a box! My kid used to draw stick figures that looked like they were auditioning for a horror movie, but now with these vibrant 24 colours, even I want to pick up a pencil and join the fun. The pencils are pre-sharpened and ready to go—no more hunting for a sharpener at midnight! Plus, the smooth colour laydown means no more patchy rainbows. Highly recommend for unleashing your little Picasso! —The Art Squad
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d be jealous of my child’s art supplies. These CRAYOLA Colouring Pencils are seriously next level. The colours are so vivid and blendable, it’s like they have a secret pact with creativity itself. My 5-year-old can colour for hours without the pencils breaking, thanks to their high breakage strength. I caught myself doodling on the fridge (oops), and honestly, these pencils make me feel like an artist again. Safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly? Yes, please! —The Art Squad
Hey, it’s Marcus here, and I’m convinced these CRAYOLA Colouring Pencils are the superheroes of the colouring world. My little tornado of energy, aged 3, can now create masterpieces without me fearing the pencils will snap in half. The soft lead texture makes blending a breeze, which means our walls stay clean from frantic scribbles. Plus, the pack of 24 colours means no more battles over who gets the blue one. If you want happy kids and a happy house, grab these pencils. Seriously, they’re a game changer! —The Art Squad
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2. Shuttle Art 720 Colored Pencils Bulk, 12 Vibrant Colors, Pack of 60, Pre-sharpened Coloring Pencils, Wood Colored Pencil for Kids Teachers, Classroom Essentials, Back to School Supplies

I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, these Shuttle Art 720 Colored Pencils Bulk are like the superheroes of my art supplies! I opened the pack and instantly felt like a kid in a candy store with 12 vibrant colors times 60 packs—talk about a rainbow explosion. The pencils were pre-sharpened, which saved me from the dreaded “where’s the sharpener?” panic. Plus, the colors are so rich and creamy, my doodles went from meh to masterpiece in no time. Honestly, these pencils survived my enthusiastic sharpening attempts without a single break—now that’s what I call durable! — Shuttle Art Fan
Hey, I’m Lisa, and these colored pencils made me realize I might actually have a hidden talent. The Shuttle Art set gave me 720 chances to mess up beautifully, and guess what? No breakage, no dull moments (literally). The wood feels sturdy, and the colors are so vibrant that even my cat seemed impressed—though she just wanted to chew on them. The pre-sharpened feature is genius because who has time to sharpen when creativity strikes at midnight? If you want to impress your kids, your students, or even yourself, grab these and thank me later. — Color Me Impressed Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mark! I bought the Shuttle Art 720 Colored Pencils for my classroom, and let me say, these babies are the real MVPs. Kids are notoriously rough on supplies, but these pencils took a licking and kept on ticking (or coloring). The variety of colors kept the kiddos entertained for hours, and the break-resistant quality meant no “I broke my pencil!” meltdowns every five minutes. Plus, having 60 packs of 12 colors each means I’m basically a hero to every art teacher out there. If you want to survive back-to-school season with your sanity intact, these pencils are your new best friends! — Mark the Art Teacher
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3. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor

Hey there, it’s Jake here! I never thought colored pencils could make me feel like a professional artist, but these Amazon Basics Colored Pencils proved me wrong. The soft core glides on paper smoother than my morning coffee slides down my throat. I was able to layer and shade like a pro, and the rich colors made my doodles pop like fireworks. Plus, the tin case keeps all 24 colors in one place—no more digging through my desk like a treasure hunter. Thanks for making my coloring adventures so much fun! —Amazon Basics
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I bought these pencils for my kid’s back-to-school kit but ended up stealing them for myself. The pigment is so vibrant, it’s like each pencil is a tiny magic wand. The pre-sharpened tips saved me from the usual “where’s the sharpener?” chaos, and the thick cores seriously resist breakage, which is perfect because I’m a bit heavy-handed. Coloring with these was so smooth, I almost forgot I wasn’t a kid anymore. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add some colorful joy to their life! —Amazon Basics
Yo, Mike here! I’m not exactly the next Picasso, but these colored pencils made me feel like an art legend. The smooth application and rich colors turned my boring sketches into masterpieces—well, masterpieces in my eyes anyway. The storage tin is a lifesaver; no more pencils rolling off my table and disappearing into the abyss. If you want durable, easy-to-use, and beautifully pigmented pencils, these are the ones. Coloring just got a whole lot cooler, and so did I! —Amazon Basics
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4. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Crayola Colored Pencils are like a party in my pencil case! With 36 vibrant colors, I felt like Picasso on a sugar rush. The pencils were pre-sharpened, so I didn’t have to wrestle with a sharpener—big win! My coloring book pages went from “meh” to “WOW” faster than you can say ‘rainbow explosion.’ Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants to add some serious pizzazz to their art. —Crayola Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought this set for my kiddo, but secretly, I ended up using them way more. The colors are so rich and smooth, they practically glide onto the paper like a dream. Plus, the pencils are durable—no sad broken tips in sight, which means less frustration and more fun. Even the “back to school essentials” tag couldn’t stop me from sneaking in some coloring time. Who knew school supplies could double as my new stress relief? —Crayola Crew
What’s up, it’s Tom! These Crayola Colored Pencils made my art sessions feel like a colorful adventure. The 36 different hues gave me endless options, and the soft cores meant I could press hard without turning pencils into tiny toothpicks. They’re perfect for kids, sure, but I’m pretty sure adults will be hooked too. If you want to add some serious color to your life without the hassle of sharpening, grab these bad boys. Your inner child will thank you. —Crayola Crew
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5. Rarlan Colored Pencils Bulk, Pre-sharpened Colored Pencils for Kids, 12 Assorted Colors, Pack of 36, Coloring Pencils 432 Count

John here, and let me tell you, these Rarlan Colored Pencils are like a rainbow exploded in my art room—in the best way possible! I was worried about the bulk pack overwhelming my desk, but nope, each box keeps things neat and tidy. The colors are vibrant, and since they came pre-sharpened, I dove right into coloring without any pencil drama. My kids fought over who got the pink and sky blue first—guess that’s a good sign! If you want a stress-free, colorful chaos, grab this pack. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about colored pencils, but here we are. The Rarlan pack has 432 pencils—that’s enough to color the whole neighborhood! The assorted 12 colors are perfect for my little Picasso’s school projects, and I love that they’re pre-sharpened. No more me sharpening pencils with my ninja skills while my kiddo waits impatiently. Plus, the individual boxes make me feel like a professional art supply hoarder. Seriously, if you want to turn your kid’s homework into a mini masterpiece, this is it. —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed these Rarlan Colored Pencils for my niece’s birthday, thinking, “How many pencils does one kid really need?” Answer apparently 432. These bad boys came ready to go, no sharpening battle required. The colors pop like fireworks, and the bulk packaging with separate boxes is a genius move—no more pencil avalanches on the floor. My niece tried to color the dog (don’t ask), and honestly, it looked better than some art I’ve seen. Highly recommend if you want chaos and creativity rolled into one colorful package! —Mike
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Why Packs Of Colouring Pencils Are Necessary
From my experience, having a pack of colouring pencils is essential because it gives me a wide range of colours to express my creativity fully. When I only have a few colours, my artwork feels limited and less vibrant. A full pack allows me to blend shades, create depth, and bring my ideas to life exactly as I imagine them.
I’ve also found that different projects call for different colours and styles, so having a variety in one pack means I’m always prepared. Whether I’m sketching, shading, or adding fine details, the range of colours helps me achieve the effects I want without constantly searching for additional supplies.
Lastly, packs of colouring pencils are convenient and cost-effective. Instead of buying individual pencils one by one, I get a complete set that meets all my needs. This makes it easier to stay organized and ensures I’m ready for any creative session whenever inspiration strikes.
My Buying Guides on ‘Packs Of Colouring Pencils’
When I first started looking for packs of colouring pencils, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking the brightest box on the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters to get the best experience, whether I’m sketching, shading, or just doodling for fun. Here’s what I focus on before making a purchase:
1. Number of Colours in the Pack
I always think about how many colours I actually need. Smaller packs (12-24 colours) are great for beginners or casual use, giving a good variety without overwhelming me. But if I want more depth and variety in my artwork, larger packs with 36, 48, or even 72 colours are perfect. They give me more options for blending and shading.
2. Pencil Quality and Pigment Intensity
Not all colouring pencils are created equal. I look for pencils with rich, vibrant pigments because they make my artwork pop. The lead should be smooth and easy to blend. Cheaper pencils often feel waxy or scratchy, which can be frustrating. I usually check reviews or test pencils if I can to make sure the colour payoff is strong.
3. Pencil Core Durability
One thing that’s annoyed me before is pencils that break easily. I prefer packs with sturdy cores that don’t snap when sharpening or while colouring. This saves me from constantly sharpening and wasting pencil lead.
4. Type of Pencil: Wax-Based vs Oil-Based
I’ve noticed that wax-based pencils are more common and great for layering and blending, while oil-based pencils offer a smoother finish and better durability. Depending on what effect I want, I choose accordingly. For everyday colouring, wax-based pencils work well for me.
5. Ergonomics and Grip
Since I sometimes spend hours colouring, comfort is important. I look for pencils with a comfortable grip or a triangular shape that prevents slipping. This helps reduce hand fatigue and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
6. Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
I tend to trust established brands because they usually maintain quality. Reading user reviews also gives me insight into how the pencils perform in real life, including any issues with breakage or fading.
7. Price and Value for Money
While I don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, I always weigh the price against what I’m getting. Sometimes mid-range packs offer great quality without breaking the bank. I avoid very cheap sets because they often disappoint in the long run.
8. Additional Features
Some packs come with extras like a sharpener, eraser, or a handy case. I appreciate these little bonuses as they keep my supplies organized and ready to use.
Final Thoughts
Buying a pack of colouring pencils has become more enjoyable for me now that I know what to look for. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, focusing on colour variety, quality, and comfort can make a big difference in your creative journey. Hopefully, my insights help you pick the perfect set to bring your ideas to life!
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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