9 Best Colored Pencil Sets for Your Budding Da Vincis

Think you might have a junior Da Vinci or Van Gogh in the house? Are they not yet ready for the mess of charcoal drawing pencils that are best left to older artists? Whether your little one is currently scribbling shapes, coloring by numbers, working on sketches, or perfecting their sfumatos, a quality set of colored pencils is sure to be a welcome gift. Check out our list of the 11 best colored drawing pencils sets for aspiring artists of all levels.

9 Best Colored Pencil Sets

1. Faber-Castell Finest Artists’ Quality Polychromos Colored Pencils Set (120-Pack)

Considered by many to be the best in the business, Faber-Castell’s Finest Artists’ Quality Polychromos Colored Pencils Set (120-Pack) makes a superb gift for anyone who’s serious about art. This set contains 120 unique colored pencils. They all blend superbly, letting you express yourself exactly as you want. Smudge-proof and water-resistant, the quality, brilliance, and durability of these oil-based colored pencils are absolutely top class. They offer outstanding light-fastness, too. This means that the colors won’t fade over time in comparison with most other pencils – an important point for anyone submitting art projects or hoping to sell their pictures. Thanks to the SV bonding used in their manufacture, each pencil is highly break-resistant, and each sharpening produces a smooth, sharp tip. Adored by amateurs and experts alike, this Faber Castell set may just be the best colored pencils on the market.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to take their art to the next level.

Alternative versions: Faber-Castell’s Finest Artists’ Quality Polychromos Colored Pencils are also available in sets of 12, 24, 36, and 60 colored pencils. If you’re really looking for luxury, you can go for their Finest Artists’ Quality Polychromos 120-Pack Colored Pencils Wooden Box Set. Now that’s what I call class.

Recommended accessories: Faber Castell’s Polychromos Pencils are designed to work seamlessly with the other pencil sets in their range. Check out their Pitt Pastel Pencil and Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencil Ranges.

2. Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set (72-Pack)

This upmarket Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils Set makes a tremendous gift for any burgeoning artist. These top-of-the-line colored pencils feature soft, creamy cores that are perfect for creating rich, sumptuous shades. They’re also ideal for smooth color blending, so you can craft the exact hue you need with ease. This 72-pencil pack contains a huge range of beautiful tinted colors like Copenhagen Blue, Burnt Ochre, and Sunburst Yellow. Arriving pre-sharpened, these durable coloring pencils are ready for any sketching, drawing, or coloring project you throw at them. If you’ve got an artistic streak, you won’t be disappointed with these superb colored pencils.

Perfect for: Older artistic kids, teens, and adults.

Alternative versions: There are several Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils packs available. You can choose from sets containing 24, 48, 72, or 150 colored pencils. You can also get a pencil pack and eraser combo or a starter pack that also includes 2 non-colored art pencils.

Recommended accessories: These are some of the best colored pencils available today. They are expertly designed to match seamlessly with the other products in their range. Why not take a look at their Premier Verithin Colored Pencils and their Premier Mixed Media Set?

3. Ohuhu 72 Colored Art Pencils Set

The Ohuhu 72 Colored Art Pencils Set is another great option, offering a vivid yet robust coloring experience. The graphite and clay cores are soft enough to produce rich, creamy, brilliant colors yet firm enough to require less frequent sharpening. Capable of producing clear individual prints and beautiful blends, these break-resistant cores are excellent for coloring, drawing, and writing. Made from recycled wood, these gorgeously designed pencils bring a professional look to any amateur artist’s desk.

Perfect for: Everyone from casual colorers to artistic teens.

Alternative versions: You can choose from the 48-Pencil and 72-Pencil Ohuhu Colored Art Pencils Sets. Both sizes are available in either a cylinder or a stylish tin case.

Recommended accessories: Quality coloring pencils like these make a great purchase or gift in and of themselves. Still, it helps to have something to color! Check out these options: the Notebook Doodles Super Cute Coloring and Activity Book and the Adult Coloring Book Designs.

4. Castle Art Supplies 36-Piece Best Colored Pencils Set

Give someone the gift of art with the Castle Art Supplies 36-Piece Best Colored Pencils Set. This wonderful collection is perfect for beginner to intermediate level artists. Featuring a myriad of vibrant colors, this colored pencils set is perfect for sketching, drawing, and coloring. The cores are wax-based for enhanced brightness and reduced smearing. Ideal for taking out on the go, this set comes with a pencil sharpener, eraser, and handy canvas carrying case. The pencils arrive pre-sharpened, and their clever design makes it easy to identify the colors at a glance.

Perfect for: Kids, casual colorers, and beginner to intermediate level artists.

Alternative versions: For a higher price, you can also receive the same set of colored pencils in a handsome tin case.

Recommended accessories: Want to add some quality sketching paper to use these colored pencils on? The Strathmore Series 400 Sketchpads are a great option.

ARTISTS: Check out our article on the best diamond painting kits!

5. Prismacolor Water-Soluble Best Colored Pencils (36-Pack)

Draw and paint with the Prismacolor Water-Soluble Best Colored Pencils (36-Pack) set. This mid-size set comes with a rich range of colors. You can use them dry to draw smooth, intense images – or paint with a wet brush to create a shimmering watercolor effect. This allows for unique and variable textures and effects – and freer artistic expression. The cores are break-resistant and offer spectacular solubility for a natural, fluid laydown of colors. The pencils arrive pre-sharpened in an attractive tin case. Made in the USA.

Perfect for: Older artistic kids, teens, and adults.

Alternative versions: The Prismacolor Water-Soluble Best Colored Pencils are also available in sets of 12 and 24 colors.

Recommended accessories: To take advantage of these amazing water-soluble pencils, you will need superior brushes such as these from Marrywindix. This set will work incredibly well in tandem with the other pencil sets in the Prismacolor range, such as the Premier Verithin Colored Pencils.

6. Artlicious 50 Distinct Colored Pencils Set

A great option for amateur drawings, coloring books, and adult coloring books, the Artlicious 50 Distinct Colored Pencils Set offers amazing value. Each box comes with 50 well-chosen, bright, bold colored pencils. The cores are thick and soft, meaning they won’t break easily and will draw and color smoothly. The shades mix and blend well, and stand out clearly on the page. The pencils themselves are color coded, with the exact color printed on each one. Harvested from non-rainforest wood, they arrive pre-sharpened and ready to use. Offering tremendous bang for your buck, this set makes an excellent present or stocking filler.

Perfect for: Kids, teachers, and casual colorers of all ages.

Alternative versions: There are no sister sets of this product. However, Artlicious do also offer a 60 Unique Colored Gel Pens Set.

Recommended accessories: This product pairs excellently with coloring books such as the Good Vibes Coloring Book.

7. Crayola Best Colored Pencils (50-Pack)

Looking for a colored pencils set to keep the kids entertained for many an afternoon? If so, the Crayola Best Colored Pencils (50-Pack) has you covered! With 50 vivid colors to choose from (including 3 shades of yellow and 7 shades of blue), there’s certainly no shortage of options. These durable pencils come pre-sharpened and feature thick, soft graphite points that won’t snap easily. They produce smooth, scratch-free results that are ideal for color blending. What’s more, they are made from environmentally friendly, reforested wood, which helps to protect native rainforests and their endangered species. All in all, this superb colored pencils set provides endless hours of artistic entertainment to kids, teens, and adults alike.

Perfect for: Kids, teachers, and casual colorers of all ages.

Alternative versions: Teens and adults may prefer Crayola’s updated design for this product.

Recommended accessories: Make younger kids’ day by pairing this awesome colored pencils set up with the Disney Princess Jumbo Coloring Book. Older kids will get a kick out of the Amazing Swirls Coloring Book for Adults.

8. Crayola Twistables

Who needs a pencil sharpener when you have Crayola Twistables? These clever colored pencils offer a new twist to an age-old problem. Whenever you break a nib, simply twist the clear plastic barrel to produce a new one in a flash. This smart see-through design also lets you know how much lead you have left. Each snap-resistant pencil in this 30-color set produces bright, clear lines and blends easily. No pauses, no frustration, no tears. With Crayola Twistables, kids just keep their cool and keep on coloring.

Perfect for: Younger kids (aged 3+) and anyone who hates sharpening pencils.

Alternative versions: You can find packs of 12, 18, 25, and 30 Crayola Twistables colored pencils. You can also get Crayola Twistables Crayons in sets of 8, 10, 24, and 38 colors.

Recommended accessories: Your little one will adore My First Mandalas Coloring Book.

9. Something in the Box Mango Wood Best Colored Pencils

If you’re after an artsy present or party favor, these Something in the Box Mango Wood Best Colored Pencils could be just what you need. Rustic and unique, this handmade set of twelve 7-inch colored pencils are a delight to behold. Created using reclaimed mango tree driftwood, they ship worldwide from Thailand for free, arriving hand-wrapped in a rough string. While these gorgeous colored pencils make a great gift, please be aware that they are more for decoration than artistic purposes.

Perfect for: Display, light use.

Alternative versions: You can also get a 6-pack of non-colored Something in the Box Mango Wood Pencils.

Recommended accessories: This adorable pencil set matches beautifully with the same creator’s handmade Wooden Pencil Holder.

OK, it’s time to draw a line under our best colored pencils list! Now it’s over to you: Which is your favorite from our choices? Or have you got a recommendation that we didn’t mention? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!