The best beginner colored pencils make it easy to start drawing, coloring, and experimenting without overcomplicating your supplies. This roundup compares affordable sets with different core textures, color counts, shapes, and features.
Whether you need pencils for school, adult coloring books, casual sketching, or a first art kit, the right set should feel comfortable, sharpen reliably, and offer enough color variety for your projects.
Best 10 Beginner Colored Pencils Picks for 2026
Best Budget Classic
- 36 distinct colors for everyday artwork
- Presharpened and ready to use
- Non-toxic set for ages 3+
Best For: Kids, classrooms, and first-time colorists
Best Ergonomic Pick
Faber-Castell Grip Colored EcoPencils
- Triangular barrels improve control
- Grip dots help reduce hand fatigue
- Pre-sharpened, pigmented, and break-resistant
Best For: Comfort-focused beginners and frequent colorers
Best No-Sharpening Set
- 50 colors for broad creative variety
- Twist-up design needs no sharpening
- Protected cores suit travel and storage
Best For: Kids and portable, low-maintenance coloring
Best for Blending
- 72 shades support detailed color work
- Soft cores blend and layer smoothly
- Numbered pencils and storage case included
Best For: Adult beginners exploring shading and blending
Soft-Core Starter Pick
- Soft, thick leads
- Pre-sharpened and easy to sharpen
- Stable contoured grip
Best For: Beginners and adults practicing coloring, sketching, and crafts
Best for Mistake-Friendly Practice
- 24 vibrant colors
- Erasable for easy corrections
- Pre-sharpened and smooth
Best For: Kids, students, classrooms, and beginner colorists
Best for Small Hands
- Jumbo triangular grip
- Short design for small hands
- Includes sharpener and eraser
Best For: Preschoolers, students, and beginners learning pencil control
Best Value Color Range
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils
- 80 unique, named and numbered colors
- Soft cores for blending and layering
- Includes sturdy case and DIY color list
Best For: Beginners who want maximum color variety for coloring and sketching
Best Ergonomic Starter Set
STAEDTLER Triangular Colored Pencils
- 24 pre-sharpened colors in a metal tin
- Triangular barrels improve grip control
- 4 mm break-resistant cores for daily use
Best For: Students and beginners who prioritize comfortable handling
Best for Soft-Core Blending
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils
- 72 colors for varied coloring projects
- Soft, pigmented cores blend and layer smoothly
- Named and numbered pencils simplify color selection
Best For: Beginners practicing blending, shading, and adult coloring
Best Budget Classic – Crayola Colored Pencils 36ct
For shoppers seeking beginner colored pencils for school, coloring books, or casual drawing, this 36-count Crayola set offers a straightforward starting point. The pencils come presharpened, use durable soft cores, and provide a broad selection of colors for everyday projects.
Best For: Kids, classrooms, school supplies, and beginners who want a simple ready-to-use set.
Pros:
- Includes 36 distinct colors for varied artwork.
- Presharpened tips are ready to use out of the box.
- Soft cores are designed to resist breaking easily.
- Non-toxic and suitable for ages 3 and up.
Cons:
- The round, smooth body does not provide a specialized ergonomic grip.
- It may offer fewer colors than larger sets for detailed shading.
This is a practical, familiar choice for beginners who prioritize accessibility and easy setup over advanced blending features.
Best Ergonomic Pick – Faber-Castell Grip Colored EcoPencils
Faber-Castell Grip Colored EcoPencils - 24 Pack Colored Pencils, Pre-Sharpened
Check Price On AmazonThese Faber-Castell beginner colored pencils add comfort and control to coloring practice. The 24 pre-sharpened pencils have a triangular shape with grip dots, while their highly pigmented formula is designed for smooth color application and easy blending.
Best For: Beginners who want a comfortable, non-rolling pencil for coloring, drafting, and longer sessions.
Pros:
- Triangular barrels and grip dots support better control.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready for immediate use.
- Highly pigmented colors blend smoothly without flaking.
- Securely glued leads are designed to resist breakage during sharpening.
Cons:
- The 24-color selection is smaller than many larger beginner sets.
- The pencils are recommended for ages 5 and up.
Choose this set if handling comfort and dependable construction matter more to you than having the largest possible color range.
Best No-Sharpening Set – Crayola Twistables 50ct
For beginners who want minimal maintenance, Crayola Twistables provide 50 colored pencils in a twist-up design. There is no sharpening or peeling required, and the plastic barrels help protect the color cores during storage and travel.
Best For: Kids, portable coloring, school projects, and anyone who prefers a mess-free twist-up format.
Pros:
- Includes 50 colors for broad creative variety.
- Twist-up design eliminates sharpening and peeling.
- Protected color cores help prevent damage.
- Twist-down tips are convenient for storage and transport.
Cons:
- The plastic barrel may feel less traditional than a woodcase pencil.
- The set is recommended for ages 4 and up.
- It is intended for coloring and drawing rather than water-based techniques.
This is an especially convenient beginner option for children or mobile artists who value easy cleanup and protected tips.
Best for Blending – Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils
Beginners ready to explore shading and layering may appreciate this 72-color Soucolor set. Its soft, break-resistant cores and saturated pigments are designed for smooth blending, while numbered and named pencils make color selection easier during detailed work.
Best For: Adult beginners interested in coloring books, sketching, gradients, shading, and more detailed illustrations.
Pros:
- 72 colors provide extensive shade variety.
- Soft cores support blending, layering, and shading.
- Each pencil is numbered and named for easier identification.
- Includes a storage case and is made with non-toxic, odorless materials.
Cons:
- The larger color selection may feel less simple for absolute beginners.
- The soft cores may require more careful sharpening than harder pencils.
- The round barrel has a smooth rather than ergonomic grip.
This set makes sense for beginners who want room to grow into more nuanced color transitions and detailed artwork without immediately moving to a specialist kit.
Soft-Core Starter Pick – Professional 12-Color Pencils
For beginners seeking colored pencils for drawing, sketching, or coloring books, this 12-color set offers soft leads designed for comfortable, expressive marks. The pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use and have contoured holders for a steadier grip.
Best For: Beginners and adults who want a compact set for coloring, doodling, sketching, and crafts.
Pros:
- Soft, thick leads are designed to resist breaking, cracking, and crumbling.
- Pre-sharpened and easy to sharpen when needed.
- Contoured holders provide a stable, comfortable grip.
- Suitable for drawing, coloring books, scrapbooking, and crafts.
Cons:
- The 12-color palette offers fewer color choices than larger sets.
- The soft lead may be less suited to users seeking a hard, precision-focused pencil.
This is a straightforward beginner set for users who value soft application and versatility over a large color range.
Best for Mistake-Friendly Practice – Crayola Erasable 24-Count
These Crayola colored pencils are a practical choice for beginner colored pencils users who want room to experiment. The 24 pre-sharpened pencils provide a broad palette, while the erasable leads make it easier to correct coloring mistakes.
Best For: Kids, students, classrooms, homeschool projects, and beginners who want an easy-to-correct coloring set.
Pros:
- Includes 24 rich, vibrant colors.
- Erasable design helps undo mistakes.
- Pre-sharpened and ready to use out of the box.
- Smooth, precise application for detailed coloring.
Cons:
- Designed primarily for coloring rather than a broad range of art techniques.
- Not water resistant.
- The set is kid-focused, which may not suit artists seeking professional-grade materials.
With its larger color selection and erasable format, this set is especially approachable for learners who are still developing control and confidence.
Best for Small Hands – Short Triangular 12-Color Set
Beginners who find standard pencils awkward may appreciate this compact colored pencil set. Its short, jumbo triangular barrels are designed for smaller hands, and the included sharpener and eraser make it a convenient starter kit for school or home use.
Best For: Preschoolers, kindergarten students, and beginners who prefer a chunky triangular grip.
Pros:
- Short 3.5-inch length and jumbo shape are designed for small hands.
- Triangular barrel encourages a comfortable, stable holding position.
- Includes 12 colors, a sharpener, and an eraser.
- Pre-sharpened and easy to carry.
Cons:
- The 12-color selection is smaller than many full-size sets.
- Short pencils may be less comfortable for adults who prefer standard-length barrels.
- Not water resistant.
This set stands out for its ergonomic format and included accessories, making it a useful choice when handling comfort matters as much as color variety.
Best Value Color Range – Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils
For beginners colored pencils should be easy to identify, versatile enough for practice, and available in a useful range of shades. The Shuttle Art 80-piece set offers 80 unique, named and numbered colors for coloring books, sketching, shading, layering, and blending.
Best For: Beginners who want a broad color selection for exploring multiple coloring and drawing techniques.
Pros:
- Includes 80 unique colors with names and numbers on the barrels.
- Soft, vivid cores support smooth coloring, blending, shading, and layering.
- Break-resistant cores and high-quality wood are designed for regular sharpening.
- Non-toxic and acid-free, with a sturdy case and DIY color list included.
Cons:
- The large color range may feel more extensive than necessary for someone just starting.
- The soft cores are described as not water resistant.
This is a practical starter set if color variety is your priority. Named and numbered barrels make it easier to learn color organization, while the soft cores provide room to practice blending without immediately investing in a specialized artist set.
Best Ergonomic Starter Set – STAEDTLER Triangular Colored Pencils
Beginners colored pencils are easier to learn with when they feel stable and comfortable in the hand. This STAEDTLER set includes 24 pre-sharpened shades in a triangular shape that is designed to improve grip control and reduce hand fatigue during coloring, drawing, and crafts.
Best For: Students, hobbyists, and beginners who prefer a compact set with an ergonomic grip and durable cores.
Pros:
- Triangular barrels offer enhanced grip control during longer sessions.
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready to use straight from the metal tin.
- Strong 4 mm break-resistant cores are designed for daily use.
- Includes 24 vibrant colors for schoolwork, crafts, coloring, and sketching.
Cons:
- With 24 colors, it provides less range than the larger sets in this roundup.
- The triangular shape may not suit users who prefer traditional round or hexagonal barrels.
This set is a straightforward choice for newcomers who value handling and durability over having dozens of shades. The pre-sharpened pencils and included tin also make it convenient for classroom supplies or a portable hobby kit.
Best for Soft-Core Blending – KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils
For beginners colored pencils should provide enough pigment to make basic blending and shading feel approachable. The KALOUR 72-count set uses soft, highly pigmented cores that lay down vivid color and includes named and numbered pencils for easier selection.
Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want a large set for adult coloring, drawing, shading, and layered color effects.
Pros:
- Offers 72 different colors for a broad range of coloring projects.
- Soft, vivid cores are suited to blending, layering, and shading.
- Color names and numbers help with identification and organization.
- Basswood bodies are described as easy to sharpen, and the pencils conform to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3.
Cons:
- The soft cores may require more careful sharpening than harder drawing pencils.
- The set is larger than a minimal beginner kit and may be more than needed for basic practice.
KALOUR is a good fit when you want a generous palette without giving up a soft, smooth feel. Its emphasis on vivid pigment and blendable cores makes it especially suitable for learning adult coloring and layered shading techniques.
How We Picked the Best Beginner Colored Pencils
We focused on sets that are approachable for new artists while covering a range of common needs. Our selection includes compact beginner kits, larger assortments for color exploration, pre-sharpened and twist-up options, ergonomic triangular designs, erasable pencils, and softer cores suited to blending.
We also considered practical details such as included sharpeners, storage tins or cases, age suitability, durability, color range, and whether each set makes sense for school, children, adult coloring, or developing drawing skills. Product descriptions can vary by seller, so confirm the current package contents before buying.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Young children | Thicker barrels, easy handling, and durable leads |
| School supplies | Reliable everyday pencils, practical storage, and a moderate color range |
| Adult coloring | Many shades and softer cores for layering and blending |
| Drawing practice | Consistent pigmentation, comfortable grips, and varied color values |
| Low-mess convenience | Twist-up or pre-sharpened designs that reduce setup |
Key Buying Factors for Beginner Colored Pencils
Color Count
A 12- or 24-color set is usually enough to learn basic shading and color mixing while keeping the choices manageable. Larger 72- or 80-color sets provide more subtle shades and can be better for adult coloring, portraits, nature drawings, and detailed illustrations.
Core Softness
Soft-core pencils typically lay down color smoothly and blend more easily, but they may use more pigment and require frequent sharpening. Firmer cores can be easier to control, better for outlines and small details, and often withstand heavier use by children.
Barrel Shape and Comfort
Triangular barrels can help prevent rolling and encourage a steadier grip. Jumbo pencils are useful for smaller hands, while conventional barrels are generally more versatile for older children and adults. If you expect long coloring sessions, comfort matters as much as color variety.
Sharpening and Storage
Pre-sharpened pencils are convenient for classrooms and gifts. A supplied sharpener adds value, but check that it is suitable for the pencil diameter. Cases and tins help keep colors organized and make larger sets easier to transport.
Special Features
Erasable pencils suit children and beginners who want to correct light marks. Twist-up pencils avoid sharpening, though they may offer a different feel from traditional wood-cased pencils. For serious blending, prioritize pigment and core performance over novelty features.
Who Should Buy Which Beginner Colored Pencils?
Choose a smaller, ergonomic, or triangular set if you are buying for a young child, classroom, or first-time user. A standard 24-color kit is a balanced choice for schoolwork, casual drawing, and learning basic techniques. Pick a 36- or 50-color option when you want more creative flexibility without a very large case.
Adult colorists and hobby artists will generally benefit from a 72- or 80-color soft-core set, especially if blending and shading are priorities. Choose a professional-style soft-core set when you already know you want smooth coverage and are willing to manage more frequent sharpening. For convenience, travel, or children who dislike sharpening, consider an erasable or twist-up design.