Choosing the right pastels for an art class means balancing color variety, quantity, durability, and budget. A small set may suit individual projects, while a bulk pack can keep an entire classroom supplied.
We selected 10 pastel sets spanning oil pastels and soft pastels, with options for young students, group instruction, blending practice, and organized studio storage.
Best 10 Pastel Sets for Art Classes Picks for 2026
Classroom Color Workhorse
Pentel Arts Oil Pastels 432-Piece Pack
- 432 assorted oil pastel sticks
- Brilliant, easily blendable colors
- Acid-free classroom supply
Best For: Large classes and shared art rooms
Soft Blending Starter Set
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastels
- 24 vivid soft pastel colors
- Smooth, intense, blendable laydown
- Storage case included
Best For: Small classes and technique practice
Kid-Friendly Bulk Pick
Crayola Oil Pastels Classpack 336ct
- 336 jumbo-sized oil pastels
- Hexagonal, roll-resistant grip
- Nontoxic for ages 4 and up
Best For: Elementary classrooms and kids’ art programs
Organized Group Set
ProArt Soft Pastels Class Pack Set of 288
- 288 soft pastels total
- 24 clamshell cases with 12 each
- Blendable for drawing and painting
Best For: Pre-portioned student or team supplies
Classroom Color Value
- 216 oil pastels in 18 boxes
- Pointed tips for detail and shading
- Non-toxic, ASTM D4236 and EN71 compliant
Best For: Elementary classrooms and group craft activities
Blending Palette Pick
- 48 vibrant colors in a storage tin
- Soft texture for blending and broad coverage
- Compatible with pastel pencils and charcoal
Best For: Blending, sketching, and technique-focused lessons
Large Group Supply
- 432 oil pastels in 36 boxes
- Round tips for classroom coloring
- Non-toxic and ASTM D4236 and EN71 compliant
Best For: Large classes, clubs, and shared art activities
Classroom Color Range
- 48 vibrant, richly pigmented colors
- Soft texture for blending and layering
- Individual sleeves help protect pastels
Best For: Art classes and mixed-skill classroom projects
Bulk Classroom Supply
Pentel Arts 16-Color Oil Pastels
- Includes 12 packs for group distribution
- 16 assorted colors per pack
- Carrying case included
Best For: Teachers stocking supplies for multiple students
Compact Technique Set
- 50 colors for broad creative range
- Soft, creamy texture blends easily
- Compact sleeved sticks suit portable kits
Best For: Portable classes and technique-focused student projects
Classroom Color Workhorse – Pentel Arts Oil Pastels 432-Piece Pack
For classrooms needing a high-volume option, this 432-piece Pentel pack makes a practical choice among pastel sets for art classes. The oil pastel sticks come in assorted colors, are acid-free, and are designed to blend easily for coloring projects.
Best For: Large art classes, shared supply cabinets, and high-volume coloring activities.
Pros:
- Includes 432 oil pastel sticks for classroom distribution.
- Brilliant assorted colors support colorful projects.
- Easily blendable for basic mixing and shading.
- Acid-free formulation.
Cons:
- Oil pastels are not water resistant.
- The large classroom pack may be more than small groups need.
- The supplied details do not specify an included storage case.
This pack prioritizes quantity and straightforward classroom utility. It is especially suitable when instructors want plenty of blendable, colorful sticks available for group projects.
Soft Blending Starter Set – Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastels
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastel Mini Sticks (1.25”) - 24 Vivid Colors
Check Price On AmazonFaber-Castell’s 24-stick set offers a compact, color-diverse option for pastel sets for art classes. These soft pastels provide intense color, a smooth laydown, and a format suited to shading, detail work, and blending on paper and other surfaces.
Best For: Art students and small classes practicing blending, sketching, painting, and pastel techniques.
Pros:
- Includes 24 varied colors, including neutrals and black.
- Soft sticks provide an intense, silky-smooth laydown.
- Works for broad shading and smaller details.
- Includes a storage case.
Cons:
- The 24-color set offers less quantity than classroom-size packs.
- Soft pastels can require careful handling during class use.
- They are not water resistant.
This is a versatile choice when technique and color range matter more than maximum volume. The storage case and broad color selection also make classroom organization easier.
Kid-Friendly Bulk Pick – Crayola Oil Pastels Classpack 336ct
Designed for young artists, the Crayola 336-count classpack is a practical option among pastel sets for art classes. It combines jumbo-sized oil pastel sticks, a hexagonal grip that helps prevent rolling, and a nontoxic formula rated for ages 4 and up.
Best For: Elementary classrooms, children’s art programs, and group coloring projects.
Pros:
- Provides 336 sticks for group activities.
- Jumbo size is designed to last and suit little hands.
- Hexagonal shape helps prevent rolling and supports grip.
- Nontoxic and labeled for ages 4 and up.
Cons:
- The collection focuses on 12 vibrant colors rather than a broad palette.
- Packaging, contents, and colors may vary.
- Oil pastels are not water resistant.
Crayola emphasizes durability, accessibility, and child-friendly handling over an extensive color selection. It is a strong fit for younger groups that need a large shared supply of easy-to-use sticks.
Organized Group Set – ProArt Soft Pastels Class Pack Set of 288
The ProArt class pack offers 288 soft pastels arranged in 24 clamshell cases, making it a convenient format for distributing supplies. For pastel sets for art classes, its blendable sticks and individual packaging support drawing and painting activities across multiple student groups.
Best For: Classes that need pre-portioned pastel supplies for individual students or small teams.
Pros:
- Includes 288 pastels in 24 separate clamshell cases.
- Soft, blendable material supports drawing and painting.
- Each case contains 12 pastels for easier distribution.
- Cases provide a practical organization method.
Cons:
- The supplied notes do not specify the exact color assortment.
- Each student or group receives a relatively small 12-stick case.
- Pastels are not water resistant.
ProArt’s main advantage is classroom logistics: the 24 cases can simplify setup, sharing, and cleanup. It is a sensible choice when portioned supplies are more useful than one large communal box.
Classroom Color Value – 18-Pack Bulk Oil Pastels
For teachers comparing pastel sets for art classes, this bulk oil pastel option provides 18 boxes with 12 colors each. The pointed tips, smooth consistency, and kid-focused safety certifications make it practical for group coloring, drawing, blending, and craft activities.
Best For: Elementary classrooms, student groups, craft projects, and party favor bags that need individually boxed pastel sets.
Pros:
- Includes 216 oil pastels across 18 classroom-friendly boxes.
- Strong pointed tips support drawing, shading, blending, and detailed marks.
- Non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D4236 and EN71 standards for ages 3 and up.
- Storage boxes help keep the sets organized.
Cons:
- Each set contains 12 classic colors rather than a broad color range.
- Oil pastels are not water resistant.
This is a sensible pick when quantity, easy distribution, and basic color coverage matter more than an extensive artist palette. Its pointed tips also give younger students more control during classroom activities.
Blending Palette Pick – 48-Color Soft Pastels
For art classes that emphasize blending and sketching, this 48-piece soft pastel set offers a wider color selection in a reusable tin. Its soft, powdery texture can cover large areas while also allowing fine lines, making it a versatile choice among pastel sets for art classes.
Best For: Older students, sketching lessons, color-blending exercises, and art activities where a broad assortment is more useful than bulk quantities.
Pros:
- Provides 48 assorted colors in a compact tin storage case.
- Soft texture supports smooth application and color blending.
- Can shade broad areas and create fine lines.
- Works alongside pastel pencils and charcoal, with blending possible by finger or paper stump.
Cons:
- Only one 48-piece set is included, so it may not stretch across a large class.
- Its soft, powdery format may require more cleanup than oil pastels.
- Listed for an adult age range.
This set fits classes focused on technique, layering, and expressive color work. The tin and 48-color assortment are useful for organized individual use, though teachers planning a large group may need multiple sets.
Large Group Supply – 36-Pack Bulk Oil Pastels
When a class needs a large shared supply, this bulk oil pastel package includes 36 boxes with 12 colors per box. The 432 round-tip pastels are designed for classroom, school, and craft use, with strong tips and smooth color for drawing, shading, and blending.
Best For: Large classrooms, art clubs, family activity groups, and projects requiring many student-ready boxes.
Pros:
- Includes 432 oil pastels in 36 individual sets.
- Round tips and solid color are suited to general coloring and broad marks.
- Non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D4236 and EN71 standards for ages 3 and up.
- Designed for classroom use, with durable pastels and boxes.
Cons:
- The assortment is limited to 12 classic colors per box.
- Round tips may offer less precision than pointed pastels.
- Oil pastels are not water resistant.
This is the strongest quantity-focused choice in the group. It makes distribution easy for large classes and keeps replacement costs manageable, provided students can work comfortably with the limited color selection and round tips.
Classroom Color Range – Artecho 48-Color Oil Pastels
For pastel sets for art classes, the Artecho 48-color set offers a broad selection of vibrant, richly pigmented oil pastels in a student-friendly format. Its soft texture supports blending, shading, layering, and several hands-on techniques.
Best For: Art classes, homeschool projects, family craft sessions, and students who need a versatile color range.
Pros:
- Includes 48 vibrant colors for mixing and varied artwork.
- Soft, buttery texture blends and shades smoothly.
- Individual paper sleeves help protect each 70 mm pastel.
- Non-toxic and suitable for a range of skill levels.
Cons:
- The soft formula may be less suited to artists who prefer firm pastels.
- The set is larger and heavier than the 50-color compact-size option.
This is a practical classroom choice when color variety and comfortable handling matter. The included sleeves and portable dimensions also make it easier to organize in shared art supplies.
Bulk Classroom Supply – Pentel Arts 16-Color Oil Pastels
Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, Set of 16 Colors, 1 Dozen (12 Packs), Bulk Pack (PHN-16AM)
Check Price On AmazonAmong pastel sets for art classes, this Pentel Arts option is designed for bulk purchasing, with 12 packs of 16 assorted oil pastel colors. The carrying case and non-toxic formulation make it a practical choice for distributing supplies across a class.
Best For: Teachers, workshops, group activities, and classrooms that need multiple compact pastel packs.
Pros:
- Bulk pack includes 12 individual 16-color sets.
- Assorted colors support drawing, painting, and sketching.
- Includes a carrying case for organization and transport.
- Non-toxic formulation is suitable for classroom use.
Cons:
- Each pack offers fewer colors than the 48- and 50-color sets.
- The supplied notes do not specify individual pastel dimensions or texture softness.
This set prioritizes quantity over maximum color variety per student. It can simplify classroom distribution when several learners need their own compact assortment.
Compact Technique Set – Artecho 50-Color Oil Pastels
For pastel sets for art classes that need both color variety and easy storage, the Artecho 50-color set combines a comprehensive assortment with compact 60 mm by 8 mm sticks. The soft, creamy texture is suited to blending, shading, layering, and experimental techniques.
Best For: Portable classroom kits, beginner projects, and students exploring multiple oil pastel techniques.
Pros:
- Provides 50 colors for broad mixing and color-combination options.
- Soft, creamy pastels glide across paper, canvas, and other surfaces.
- Supports illustration, stenciling, scratching, impasto, and dotting.
- Individual paper sleeves help reduce breakage and slipping.
Cons:
- The shorter 60 mm sticks may offer less material per pastel than the 70 mm set.
- The 8 mm diameter may provide a slimmer grip than the larger Artecho set.
This is a strong fit when students need many hues without a bulky kit. Its compact sizing and technique-friendly formula make it especially useful for portable lessons and varied classroom exercises.
How We Picked the Best Pastel Sets for Art Classes
We compared these sets by classroom quantity, color range, pastel type, stick size, packaging, and likely student age. Bulk packs received particular attention because shared supplies need enough pieces for multiple learners and repeat projects. We also considered whether a set is better suited to free-form experimentation, detailed work, blending exercises, or structured lessons.
Oil pastels generally offer bold color, a smooth application, and good resistance to crumbling, making them practical for younger students and high-use classrooms. Soft pastels are usually more powdery and blendable, so they can be better for shading and technique-focused instruction but may require more cleanup.
Quick Comparison
- Largest classroom quantities: The 432-piece Pentel and Color Swell packs are built for larger groups or frequent use.
- Balanced group supplies: The 336-count Crayola and 288-piece ProArt sets provide substantial classroom coverage.
- Compact color variety: The 48- and 50-color Artecho sets offer broad palettes for individual students.
- Soft pastel practice: Faber-Castell, ProArt, and Mont Marte options are appropriate for blending and pastel techniques.
- Smaller bulk distribution: The 12-pack Pentel set gives teachers multiple identical 16-color assortments to distribute.
Key Buying Factors for Pastel Sets for Art Classes
Pastel Type
Choose oil pastels for vivid, cohesive marks and easier handling. Choose soft pastels when the lesson emphasizes gradients, layering, and blending. If students are beginners, oil pastels are often simpler to manage.
Quantity and Classroom Size
Count both the total pieces and the number of repeated colors. A large total may represent many small packs, which is useful when each student needs a personal set. For shared tables, look for enough duplicate colors to reduce waiting and substitutions.
Color Selection and Stick Design
Basic color assortments work well for introductory lessons, while larger palettes support color mixing and more advanced projects. Pointed tips can help with lines and details; round or conventional sticks may be more comfortable for broad coverage.
Storage and Cleanup
Tins and individual boxes make distribution and storage easier. Soft pastels can create dust, so classrooms should use table coverings, smocks, and suitable ventilation. Oil pastels are less dusty but may leave residue on hands and surfaces.
Who Should Buy Which Pastel Sets for Art Classes?
Teachers outfitting a large class should prioritize the 336-, 432-, or 288-piece classroom packs. For individual students or smaller groups, a 48- or 50-color set provides useful variety without excessive volume. Instructors teaching blending and tonal techniques should focus on soft pastel sets, while elementary classrooms and general craft lessons will often benefit most from oil pastels.
Before buying, match the set to your class size, project schedule, storage space, and cleanup routine. The best Pastel Sets for Art Classes are not necessarily the largest; they are the ones that provide enough usable colors and duplicate pieces for the way your students actually work.