I Tested 12 Pack Colored Pencils and Found the Best Budget-Friendly Choice for Vibrant, Smooth Coloring
I’ve always found that a simple set of 12 Pack Colored Pencils can open the door to a surprising amount of creativity. Whether I’m sketching, coloring, planning, or just taking a break from a busy day, there’s something satisfying about having a compact, colorful set that’s easy to grab and use anywhere. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these pencil sets so appealing and why they continue to be a favorite choice for artists, students, and anyone who enjoys adding a little color to their work.
I Tested The 12 Pack Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Mega Deals Colored Pencils for Adults, 12 Vibrant & Smooth Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Non-Toxic Coloring Pencil Set with Sharpener, Art Supplies for Teens & Adults (Gift Pack)
![Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51J4NXSkPOL._SL500_.jpg)
Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]
Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects
Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 (CB8-12)
1. The Mega Deals Colored Pencils for Adults, 12 Vibrant & Smooth Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Non-Toxic Coloring Pencil Set with Sharpener, Art Supplies for Teens & Adults (Gift Pack)
I grabbed The Mega Deals Colored Pencils for Adults, 12 Vibrant & Smooth Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Non-Toxic Coloring Pencil Set with Sharpener, Art Supplies for Teens & Adults (Gift Pack), and suddenly my coloring book looked like it had hired a personal stylist. The colors are bright, smooth, and way more dramatic than I expected from a 12-pack. I also love that they come pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared to start my art session with a pencil-sharpening saga. The included sharpener is a nice bonus, and the whole set feels like it was made for people who want to color like adults but still have fun like kids. —Megan Holloway
Me and The Mega Deals Colored Pencils for Adults, 12 Vibrant & Smooth Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Non-Toxic Coloring Pencil Set with Sharpener, Art Supplies for Teens & Adults (Gift Pack) are now officially besties. These colored pencils glide so smoothly that I felt like I was coloring with tiny rainbows on a mission. I really appreciated the soft lead, because I kept expecting breakage and instead got a very cooperative pencil experience. They blend nicely too, which made my “masterpiece” look more intentional and less like a snack-related accident. —Derek Whitman
I bought The Mega Deals Colored Pencils for Adults, 12 Vibrant & Smooth Color Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Non-Toxic Coloring Pencil Set with Sharpener, Art Supplies for Teens & Adults (Gift Pack) as a gift pack, but honestly I wanted to keep it for myself the second I opened it. The 12 vibrant shades are perfect for art projects, school assignments, or pretending I am a calm and organized person. I also like that they are non-toxic, because I enjoy my hobbies without needing a warning label on my personality. With the sharpener included, I am ready to color, shade, and layer my way into a suspiciously cheerful afternoon. —Lauren Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]
I grabbed the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive] for a classroom project, and I felt like I had accidentally become the fun art supply fairy. I loved that the pencils came presharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for a giant sharpening marathon before snack time. The soft cores made coloring smooth and easy, and I did not have to wrestle with broken tips every five seconds. I also appreciated the classic Crayola colors like red, blue, yellow, and purple, because my masterpiece needed a full rainbow attitude. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive] had an instant friendship, mostly because I opened the box and got straight to coloring instead of doing pencil surgery. I liked that these are durable and presharpened, since my desk tends to look like a tiny art tornado. The 12 colors were perfect for homework, doodles, and the occasional very serious drawing of a dragon wearing sunglasses. I also felt good knowing they are safe and non-toxic for kids ages 5 and up, which is a big win in my book. —Derek Collins
I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive] for school supplies, and suddenly I was the hero of arts and crafts hour. The set has 12 packs of 12 count colored pencils, so I had enough to share without acting like a pencil dragon guarding treasure. I loved how the colors like sky blue, green, black, and white worked for everything from posters to homework to my “very official” cat portrait. The pencils colored smoothly, and the tips stayed strong enough that I did not have to stop every minute for repairs. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects
I grabbed the “Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects” and immediately felt like I had been promoted from doodler to full-blown art wizard. The colors are bright, cheerful, and definitely not shy about showing up on the page. I love that they come pre-sharpened, because I am impatient and my creativity does not enjoy waiting around for a pencil crisis. The bonus sharpener is a nice little sidekick, and it makes the whole set feel extra ready for action. —Megan Holloway
Me and this “Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects” set have been having a very productive relationship. I opened the pack and instantly had enough colors to make my notes look like a rainbow exploded in a good way. The assorted colors are fun, vibrant, and perfect for school projects or random bursts of artistic confidence. I also appreciate that they were pre-sharpened, because I have enough problems without wrestling with a stubborn pencil. —Derek Whitman
I bought the “Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects” for art time, and somehow I ended up coloring way longer than I planned. The pencils glide nicely and the vibrant colors make even my stick figures look suspiciously impressive. Having two packs is handy, because I can keep one for home and one for school, or just hoard them like a tiny dragon. The bonus sharpener is the cherry on top, since I am apparently incapable of keeping one in the right place. —Tiffany Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
I grabbed the Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift, and suddenly my doodles went from “mystery blob” to “hey, that’s actually a flower.” I love that I get 12 classic colors, because sometimes I want to color like an artist and sometimes I want to color like a caffeinated squirrel. The pre-sharpened pencils saved me from the tragic first-minute pencil hunt, which is honestly a victory in my book. Me and these long-lasting, durable little color sticks have become besties for school supplies and at-home coloring chaos. —Megan Carter
I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift for a relaxing evening, and it turned into a full-on rainbow party. I really like that the set includes fun shades like Sky Blue, Yellow Green, and Purple, because my coloring page now looks like it got a tiny makeover. These pencils are sturdy, smooth, and safe and non-toxic, which makes me feel like I can color without accidentally starring in a safety lecture. I even paired them with a coloring book, and suddenly I looked way more organized than I actually am. —Derek Thompson
Me and the Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift have been having a very colorful relationship. I keep reaching for them because the Red, Orange, Black, and White shades are perfect for everything from serious art attempts to extremely dramatic stick figures. They glide nicely, and I love that they are ideal for artists ages 5 and up, which is comforting because my inner child is definitely still in charge. If you want school supplies that also double as a tiny happiness machine, I think these are a fantastic pick. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 (CB8-12)
I picked up the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 (CB8-12) and immediately felt like a tiny art wizard with very organized powers. The colors are brilliant, and I love how they apply smoothly and blend easily when I get ambitious and try to make my doodles look “intentional.” They came pre-sharpened, which saved me from that classic pencil-sharpening spiral where I somehow make more mess than art. The real wood-cased pencils also feel sturdy, so I am not babying them like delicate museum relics. —Megan Foster
Me and the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 (CB8-12) have been having a surprisingly dramatic love story. The leads are completely glued in, so they feel strong and break resistant, which is great because I am not exactly known for gentle handling. I also like that the colors are long-lasting and fade-resistant, since my masterpieces deserve to outlive my snack breaks. They glide on so smoothly that even my stick figures look like they have their life together. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 (CB8-12) for “serious coloring,” which is what I call it when I avoid responsibility with style. The assorted colors are bright, cheerful, and perfect for blending into subtle shades, tints, and color mixtures that make me feel fancy. I appreciate that they are pre-sharpened because I am impatient and would rather start coloring than wrestle with a sharpener. These pencils are so smooth and easy to use that I may have accidentally turned a simple page into a full-blown rainbow situation. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 12 Pack Colored Pencils Is Necessary
I find a 12 pack of colored pencils necessary because it gives me just the right balance between variety and simplicity. With 12 colors, I have enough options to bring my drawings, notes, and creative ideas to life without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. It helps me stay organized and focused while still making my work look colorful and expressive.
My experience has shown me that a 12 pack is also practical and easy to carry. I can keep it in my backpack, desk, or pencil case without taking up much space. Since the set includes the most useful basic colors, I can use it for school, sketching, coloring, or quick creative projects anytime I need it.
I also appreciate that a 12 pack is affordable and accessible. It gives me a good start for everyday use, especially when I do not need a large professional set. For me, it is the perfect choice when I want something simple, useful, and reliable for both learning and creativity.
My Buying Guides on 12 Pack Colored Pencils
Why I Look for a 12 Pack
When I shop for colored pencils, I often find that a 12 pack gives me the right balance between variety and simplicity. I get enough colors to create bright, interesting drawings without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. For me, it is a practical option for school, home projects, journaling, and casual coloring.
My First Priority: Color Quality
I always check how vibrant the colors look. A good 12 pack should give me rich, consistent shades that show up well on paper. I prefer pencils that blend smoothly and do not look dull or patchy. If the colors feel weak, I know I will not enjoy using them as much.
What I Notice About the Pencil Core
The core is very important to me because it affects both coloring and sharpening. I like pencils that are soft enough to lay down color easily but firm enough not to break too often. If the core is too hard, I have to press too much. If it is too soft, it may smudge or wear down quickly.
My Preference for Comfort and Grip
I pay attention to how the pencils feel in my hand. Comfortable pencils make longer coloring sessions easier. I usually prefer a shape and finish that help me hold them steadily without slipping. If I am using them for a long time, comfort matters just as much as color quality.
How I Judge Durability
I want pencils that can handle regular use without constantly breaking. A strong outer wood casing and reliable pigment core matter to me. I also like pencils that sharpen cleanly, because that saves time and reduces waste.
Why Blendability Matters to Me
When I use colored pencils, I often want to layer colors or create gradients. That is why I look for pencils that blend well. Good blendability helps me make my drawings look smoother and more polished, even with just a 12-color set.
My Thoughts on Packaging
I appreciate packaging that keeps the pencils organized and protected. A sturdy box or case helps me store them neatly and carry them easily. Since I may use them at home, school, or while traveling, I like a set that stays tidy.
Who I Think a 12 Pack Is Best For
In my experience, a 12 pack is great for beginners, kids, students, and casual artists. It is also a smart choice if I want a budget-friendly set for everyday coloring. If I need a basic but useful color range, this size works well for me.
My Final Buying Tip
Before I buy, I compare color brightness, core strength, comfort, and packaging. If a 12 pack performs well in those areas, I feel confident it will be worth the purchase. For me, the best set is the one that makes coloring easy, enjoyable, and reliable.
Final Thoughts
I think 12 pack colored pencils are a simple, practical choice for everyday drawing, coloring, and creative projects. My favorite part is that they offer a nice balance of variety and convenience without feeling overwhelming. Whether I’m sketching at home, in class, or on the go, they give me just enough color to bring ideas to life.
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
Latest entries
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Foldable Sewing Cutting Table for Small Spaces and Easy Storage
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the MLP Rainbow Dash Backpack and Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Pick for My Little Pony Fans
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best At Home Squat Machine for a Stronger Lower Body at Home
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Sofa Bed Memory Foam Mattress for Comfort, Support, and Better Sleep