Choosing colored pencils for an art class means balancing color variety, durability, sharpening performance, and cost per student. A good classroom set should support everyday practice without creating unnecessary waste or frustration.
This roundup compares 10 options ranging from economical bulk packs to softer, more blendable pencils for older students and detailed artwork.
Best 10 Colored Pencils for Art Classes Picks for 2026
Best Classroom Bulk Set
- 240 presharpened pencils in 12 colors
- 20 of each color for group distribution
- Sectioned storage box and 12 sharpeners
Best For: Shared classroom art projects and lessons
Best Small Student Set
Mr. Pen 36-Count Colored Pencils
- 36 assorted colors in a student-sized set
- Soft cores support blending and shading
- Presharpened with eraser and sharpener
Best For: Individual drawing and classroom projects
Best Distributable Packs
Cra-Z-Art 216-Count Colored Pencils
- 18 individual packs of 12 pencils
- 216 presharpened pencils total
- Break-resistant cores and non-toxic materials
Best For: Student handouts and group activities
Best Premium Drawing Set
- Soft, thick cores for shading and shadows
- Smooth laydown with richly saturated pigments
- Portable tin case for organized storage
Best For: Detailed drawing, blending, and advanced coloring
Classroom Classic
Crayola 36-Count Colored Pencils
- 36 assorted colors for school projects
- Presharpened and non-toxic
- Soft cores designed for durability
Best For: Elementary classrooms and everyday coloring activities
Inclusive Classpack
Colors of the World 240-Count Set
- 240 pencils arranged as 10 sets
- Includes 24 skin-tone colors per set
- Eight sharpeners and storage box included
Best For: Classroom portraits and inclusive art projects
Blending Choice
KALOUR 72-Count Soft-Core Pencils
- 72 colors for detailed artwork
- Soft cores support blending and shading
- Numbered pencils include color names
Best For: Blending, layering, and detailed student artwork
Best Classroom Value
Shuttle Art 408-Pack Colored Pencil Set
- 408 pencils with 20 sharpeners
- 12 classic, classroom-friendly colors
- Pre-sharpened and break-resistant
Best For: High-volume classroom and group art projects
Best for Color Variety
120-Color Oil-Based Colored Pencil Art Kit
- 120 vibrant oil-based colors
- Soft cores for blending and shading
- Includes case, sketchbook, and tutorial
Best For: Detailed drawing and beginner-to-intermediate practice
Best for Young Classrooms
Crayola 24-Pack Colored Pencil Brick
- 24 individual packs, 288 pencils total
- Pre-sharpened soft-core pencils
- Familiar 12-color Crayola assortment
Best For: Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary group projects
Best Classroom Bulk Set – Crayola 240-Count Classpack
For teachers comparing colored pencils for art classes, this Crayola Classpack provides 240 presharpened pencils in 12 colors, with 20 pencils of each color. The divided storage box and included sharpeners make it practical for group projects and shared classroom supplies.
Best For: Kindergarten, preschool, and middle school classrooms that need an evenly distributed bulk supply.
Pros:
- Includes 240 pencils across 12 assorted colors.
- Provides 20 pencils of each color for easier classroom distribution.
- Presharpened pencils come in an organized, sectioned storage box.
- Useful for blending, shading, and color-theory lessons.
Cons:
- The 12-color selection is less extensive than a larger individual artist set.
- The bulk box weighs 3.6 pounds and may be more than needed for one student.
This is a strong choice when equitable access and easy storage matter more than a broad color range or highly specialized drawing performance.
Best Small Student Set – Mr. Pen 36-Count Colored Pencils
Mr. Pen’s 36-count set is a convenient option for colored pencils for art classes when students need an individual, ready-to-use assortment. The presharpened soft-core pencils are designed for smooth coloring, blending, shading, and general drawing.
Best For: Individual students who need a compact set for illustrations, sketches, posters, and classroom projects.
Pros:
- Offers 36 assorted colors for more variety than a basic classroom pack.
- Soft cores provide smooth color laydown for blending and shading.
- Pencils arrive presharpened and include an eraser and sharpener.
- Suitable for drawings, designs, portraits, murals, and caricatures.
Cons:
- The set is not water resistant.
- It is supplied as one individual set rather than a bulk classroom pack.
Choose this set for students who want a broader color selection and a simple kit they can use immediately without classroom-wide distribution needs.
Best Distributable Packs – Cra-Z-Art 216-Count Colored Pencils
For art classes that need separate supplies for students or small groups, the Cra-Z-Art bulk pack includes 18 individual packs of 12 colored pencils. The presharpened, non-toxic pencils are ready for coloring, drawing, and other classroom creative projects.
Best For: Teachers who want individually packaged sets for distribution, activity centers, or group work.
Pros:
- Includes 216 pencils divided into 18 individual 12-count packs.
- Presharpened pencils are ready to use out of the box.
- Break-resistant cores and smooth pigments support consistent coloring.
- Non-toxic construction is suitable for children ages 3 and up.
Cons:
- Each pack contains 12 colors, limiting color variety per student.
- The individual packs may require more storage space than one shared box.
This format is especially practical when teachers need to hand out matching kits quickly or keep supplies separated between classes and activities.
Best Premium Drawing Set – Prismacolor Premier 24-Count
Prismacolor Premier pencils are a strong option for colored pencils for art classes focused on detailed drawing, shading, and blending. Their soft, thick cores provide smooth laydown, while the 24-color assortment includes richly pigmented hues in a portable tin.
Best For: Older students and adults practicing detailed illustrations, sketching, shading, and coloring.
Pros:
- Soft, thick cores are well suited to shadows and shading.
- Ultra-smooth laydown supports even coloring and blending.
- Richly saturated, lightfast pigments provide vivid color.
- Tin case offers convenient storage and portability.
Cons:
- With 24 colors, it provides fewer pencils than the bulk classroom sets.
- The soft cores may be less suited to students who primarily need durable general-purpose classroom pencils.
This set is best when drawing quality and expressive shading are priorities, rather than supplying a full class or distributing identical student packs.
Classroom Classic – Crayola 36-Count Colored Pencils
For straightforward colored pencils for art classes, this Crayola set offers 36 distinct colors in a familiar, classroom-friendly format. The presharpened tips and durable, soft cores make it convenient for coloring books, school projects, and everyday drawing.
Best For: Elementary classrooms, group activities, coloring projects, and young artists who need a dependable basic palette.
Pros:
- Includes 36 assorted colors for varied classroom projects.
- Presharpened tips are ready to use out of the box.
- Non-toxic, kid-focused design is suitable for ages 3 and up.
- Soft cores are designed to resist breaking during regular use.
Cons:
- The 36-color range offers less variety than larger classpacks.
- The set is positioned toward classic, child-friendly use rather than advanced blending techniques.
This is a practical pick when ease of use, recognizable quality, and classroom versatility matter more than an especially large color range.
Inclusive Classpack – Colors of the World 240-Count Set
Teachers looking for colored pencils for art classes can use this Colors of the World classpack to support portraits, art projects, and discussions of diverse skin tones. It includes 10 sets of 24 pencils, plus sharpeners and a storage box for organized classroom distribution.
Best For: Classrooms creating portraits, exploring skin-tone variation, or stocking shared art supplies for multiple students.
Pros:
- Provides 240 colored pencils in 10 sets of 24.
- Focuses on a range of skin-tone colors for inclusive artwork.
- Includes eight pencil sharpeners for classroom convenience.
- Comes in a sturdy storage box to help keep supplies organized.
Cons:
- The color selection is specialized for skin tones rather than a general rainbow palette.
- The large classpack may be more supply than a small group or individual student needs.
Its quantity, organization, and focused palette make it especially useful for teachers planning collaborative portrait or identity-centered art activities.
Blending Choice – KALOUR 72-Count Soft-Core Pencils
For colored pencils for art classes that emphasize shading and layered color, this KALOUR set offers 72 soft-core pencils with vivid, blendable leads. Numbered bodies and printed color names make it easier for students to identify supplies while drawing, sketching, and coloring.
Best For: Older students, beginner artists, and classes practicing blending, shading, layering, or detailed coloring.
Pros:
- 72 colors provide a broad palette for detailed artwork.
- Soft, highly pigmented cores support blending and layering.
- Each pencil has a color name and number for easier identification.
- Wooden basswood bodies are described as easy to sharpen.
Cons:
- The soft cores may require more careful handling than harder classroom pencils.
- The set is recommended for ages 5 and up, so it may not suit preschool use.
- The supplied details do not indicate that a sharpener is included.
This set is a strong fit when art instruction goes beyond basic coloring and students need more shades for blending, shading, and expressive drawing.
Best Classroom Value – Shuttle Art 408-Pack Colored Pencil Set
For classrooms needing a large shared supply, this 408-pack is a practical pick among colored pencils for art classes. It includes 12 classic colors, 20 sharpeners, and pre-sharpened pencils so students can begin projects quickly.
Best For: Classrooms, daycare centers, art classes, and homes that need a high-volume pencil supply.
Pros:
- 408 pencils provide substantial bulk value for group projects.
- Includes 20 sharpeners and 12 widely used colors.
- Pre-sharpened, non-toxic, and made with break-resistant basswood.
Cons:
- The set offers 12 colors rather than a broad artist palette.
- The large package may take more storage space.
This set emphasizes quantity and classroom convenience over color variety. Its included sharpeners and durable construction make it especially suitable for shared student use.
Best for Color Variety – 120-Color Oil-Based Colored Pencil Art Kit
Artists who want more shades for blending and shading may prefer this 120-color set. As an option for colored pencils for art classes, it combines soft, oil-based cores with a sketchbook, portable zipper case, and beginner drawing tutorial.
Best For: Beginners, older students, and artists practicing detailed drawing, layering, blending, and shading.
Pros:
- 120 assorted colors offer more tonal variety than basic classroom sets.
- Soft oil-based cores are designed for layering and blending.
- Includes a three-color sketchbook, tutorial, and zipper case.
Cons:
- The larger color selection may be more than young beginners need.
- It is a single 120-pencil set rather than a bulk classroom pack.
This kit is the more technique-focused choice, with supplies that support both practice and finished artwork. The case and sketchbook also make it convenient for transporting individual projects.
Best for Young Classrooms – Crayola 24-Pack Colored Pencil Brick
Teachers stocking preschool, kindergarten, or elementary art rooms can use this Crayola bulk pack for dependable group activities. It includes 24 packs of 12 pre-sharpened colors, making it a straightforward choice among colored pencils for art classes.
Best For: Preschool, kindergarten, elementary classrooms, art rooms, and group coloring projects.
Pros:
- Provides 24 individual packs, or 288 pencils total, for classroom distribution.
- Pre-sharpened tips are ready for immediate use.
- Soft cores are designed not to break easily and include familiar Crayola colors.
Cons:
- The set contains 12 colors, limiting color range for advanced work.
- It is intended for kids rather than professional techniques.
This is a simple, recognizable classroom solution for younger students. Individual 12-color packs can help teachers distribute supplies efficiently during lessons and group projects.
How We Picked the Best Colored Pencils for Art Classes
We focused on the needs of teachers, homeschool instructors, art programs, and families buying supplies for multiple students. The selected sets were compared for assortment size, number of pencils, core feel, classroom value, age suitability, and practical extras such as sharpeners or storage-friendly packaging.
Bulk packs received priority for shared classrooms, while smaller premium sets were included for students who need smoother blending, richer color, or more control for detailed drawings. We also considered whether a set offers useful color coverage rather than simply a high pencil count.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Look For | Recommended Set Type |
|---|---|---|
| Large classrooms | High pencil count and duplicate colors | 240- or 408-piece bulk pack |
| Young children | Simple color range and easy handling | 12- or 24-count classroom pack |
| Older students | More colors and smoother cores | 36- or 72-count set |
| Detailed artwork | Blendability and saturated pigment | Soft-core artist-style pencils |
| Inclusive portrait work | Multiple natural skin-tone shades | Skin-tone-focused classpack |
Key Buying Factors for Colored Pencils for Art Classes
Quantity and Cost Per Student
For shared supplies, calculate the number of pencils per student rather than focusing only on the package total. Duplicate 12-color sets can be more useful than one large assortment because students can work simultaneously and replacement pencils are easy to provide.
Core Hardness and Blendability
Harder cores tend to hold a sharper point and suit worksheets, outlines, and younger students. Softer cores usually lay down color more smoothly and blend more easily, but they may use up faster and require gentler handling. For mixed-age classes, a basic classroom pack plus a smaller soft-core set can cover both needs.
Color Range
A traditional 12-color palette is efficient for introductory lessons and color-mixing exercises. Larger sets help with shading and independent projects. Skin-tone collections can add useful nuance to portrait assignments and encourage broader representation in classroom artwork.
Age, Safety, and Durability
Check the stated age guidance, labeling, and construction before purchasing for preschool or elementary students. Classroom pencils should tolerate frequent sharpening and handling, while storage and clear color identification can reduce lost instructional time.
Sharpening and Storage
Confirm whether sharpeners are included and whether they work with the pencil diameter. Individual boxes, cases, or labeled bins make distribution easier, especially when several students share supplies.
Who Should Buy Which Colored Pencils for Art Classes?
- Teachers outfitting a large class: Choose a high-count bulk pack with repeated core colors and enough pieces for simultaneous use.
- Preschool and kindergarten classrooms: Select a straightforward 12- or 24-count set that is easy to identify and replace.
- Middle and high school art students: Look for wider assortments and softer cores that support layering, blending, and shading.
- Portrait and diversity-focused lessons: Use a dedicated skin-tone set alongside a standard palette.
- Advanced or adult learners: Consider a smaller premium set with smooth application and stronger blending performance rather than paying for large quantities.