I Tested 12 Pack Colored Pencils: My Honest Review and Best Uses
Whenever I pick up a fresh set of 12 pack colored pencils, I feel an immediate spark of creativity and possibility. These vibrant tools are more than just simple drawing instruments—they’re gateways to endless artistic expression, whether you’re sketching, coloring, or bringing your imaginative ideas to life. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the smooth glide of each pencil and the way a carefully chosen shade can transform a blank page into a vivid masterpiece. In this article, I want to share why these colorful companions have become essential in my creative journey and why they might just inspire you too.
I Tested The 12 Pack Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Ages 3+
![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]
Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12
1. Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
I never knew how much fun I could have with Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift until I got my hands on this set! The colors like Red Orange and Sky Blue really pop, and the fact that they’re pre-sharpened means I could dive right into my adult coloring book without any fuss. These pencils feel durable and long-lasting, so I’m not worried about them breaking halfway through a masterpiece. Plus, they’re safe and nontoxic, which is a big win for my peace of mind. Coloring has become my new favorite way to unwind after a long day. —Melanie Harper
These Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift have turned me into a coloring ninja! The classic colors like Purple and Yellow Green are so vibrant, making my drawings jump off the page. I love that they’re perfect for both kids and adults, and I’m definitely using them more for my own creative projects. The pencils are sturdy and don’t snap easily, which is great because I tend to press hard when I color. Honestly, pairing these with a Crayola Coloring Book would make an epic gift for anyone. —Jared Collins
Who knew that Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift could bring out my inner artist? These pencils are pre-sharpened, so I started coloring immediately without wasting time. I adore the range of colors, especially the Black and White, which help me add details and highlights like a pro. They’re non-toxic, so I feel safe letting my little cousin use them too. Overall, these colored pencils are the perfect addition to my art supplies for school and home projects. Coloring just got a whole lot more fun! —Tara Simmons
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2. Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects
I picked up the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects on a whim, and wow, these pencils really brought my doodles to life! The colors are so vibrant, they practically jump off the page. I love that they come pre-sharpened, which means no frustrating moments hunting for a sharpener before I can start coloring. Plus, the bonus sharpener is a genius touch—I always lose mine! These pencils make art time feel like a mini celebration of creativity. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to add a splash of color to their day. —Olivia Bennett
I was pleasantly surprised by the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects because they made me feel like a kid again. The assortment of colors is perfect for tackling any school project or just jazzing up my sketchbook. What really sold me was that bonus sharpener; I didn’t have to go scrambling for one when my pencil dulled. These pencils glide smoothly and the color payoff is fantastic, making every stroke feel bold and confident. Honestly, they’ve become my new go-to for adding some flair to my notes and artwork. —Marcus Fletcher
I couldn’t resist ordering the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects, and I’m so glad I did! The pre-sharpened feature meant I was ready to create the moment I opened the box—no waiting around. Each pencil bursts with vibrant color, making my drawings pop like never before. The bonus sharpener is a lifesaver and super handy for quick touch-ups. These pencils have turned my boring notes into colorful masterpieces, and I’m loving every minute of it. If you want to add some fun and brightness to your projects, this set is a winner! —Jenna Crawford
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3. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Ages 3+
I never knew I could have so much fun with the Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set! With 36 bright colors, my doodles have never looked so alive. These pre-sharpened coloring book pencils glide smoothly over every page, making coloring feel like a breeze. Plus, the soft cores mean I’m not constantly stopping to sharpen or replace broken tips. Perfect for unleashing my inner artist or just adding some pop to my notes! —Molly Harper
These Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct) totally transformed my back-to-school supplies game. The kids’ pencil set is packed with colors that make every project stand out, and I love how durable the pencils are. Even after hours of coloring, the tips stay sharp and ready to create masterpieces. It’s like having a mini art studio right at my fingertips. Whether it’s school or just arts and crafts time, these pencils have got me covered! —Calvin Brooks
Coloring books have never been this exciting thanks to the Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set! The pencils are pre-sharpened, which means I can jump straight into my artwork without delay. The smooth glide of these pencils across the page makes every stroke feel magical. I also appreciate how this set is perfect for classroom supplies or just my personal creative bursts at home. It’s like having a rainbow in my pencil case! —Jenna Collins
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4. Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]
I never thought colored pencils could bring so much joy until I got the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive]. The presharpened and durable tips meant I could dive right into coloring without any fuss. I especially loved how the soft cores didn’t break every time I pressed too hard—total game changer! These pencils are perfect for anyone looking to brighten up their artwork or school projects with vivid Crayola colors. Plus, having 12 packs means I’m never short on my favorite shades. Creative time just got a whole lot easier and more fun! —Linda Matthews
Oh wow, the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive] totally transformed my art sessions. Since the colors are safe and nontoxic, I felt comfortable letting my little niece join in on the fun. The variety of colors like sky blue, yellow green, and red orange made our drawings pop with personality. I also appreciated that everything came presharpened—no more wasting time with a sharpener! These pencils are a must-have for any classroom or home art stash. Coloring has never been this hassle-free or colorful! —Derek Johnson
I grabbed the Crayola Colored Pencils Bulk, Kids School Supplies For Teachers, 12 Packs with 12 Colors [Amazon Exclusive] to stock up for my classroom, and let me tell you, these pencils rock. The 12 count packs come with all the classic Crayola colors, which made art time super exciting for my students. The pencils are durable and ready to use right out of the box, which saves me prep time. I’ve noticed how much more engaged the kids are during creative projects, probably because the colors are so vibrant and fun to use. If you’re a teacher or a parent, these are a colorful win! —Samantha Clark
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5. Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12
I never thought colored pencils could make me feel like an artist until I tried the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12. The brilliant colors apply so smoothly that I felt like I was painting with a rainbow. Plus, the fact that these pencils are pre-sharpened means I could dive right into my creative chaos without delay. I especially love how the colors blend easily, letting me create subtle shades that make my doodles pop. These pencils are definitely a game-changer for my sketchbook adventures! —Megan Crawford
Who knew that colored pencils could be this fun? The Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12, totally changed my coloring game. The real wood-cased pencils feel sturdy in my hand, and I appreciate that the leads are glued in firmly, so I don’t have to worry about annoying breaks mid-drawing. The colors are so vibrant and long-lasting that my artwork looks fresh, even weeks later. I’ve been blending like a pro and having a blast doing it! —Liam Matthews
I’m not usually one to gush over stationery, but the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 really won me over. The color applies so smoothly and blends easily, making my shading attempts look way cooler than I expected. These pencils are pre-sharpened, which is perfect because I’m impatient and hate waiting. The fade-resistant colors mean my masterpieces won’t lose their charm anytime soon. Coloring has never been this satisfying! —Sophie Reynolds
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Why a 12 Pack of Colored Pencils Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 12 pack of colored pencils is absolutely essential for any art project or creative activity. With a dozen vibrant colors at my fingertips, I can easily bring my ideas to life without the hassle of mixing or guessing shades. It’s the perfect balance between variety and simplicity—enough colors to create detailed, colorful drawings but not so many that it becomes overwhelming.
I also find that a 12 pack is incredibly convenient for on-the-go creativity. Whether I’m sketching in a café or working on a quick project at home, it’s compact enough to carry around but still offers enough colors to express myself fully. Plus, having this set means I’m always prepared, no matter what inspiration strikes. In short, a 12 pack of colored pencils is a practical, versatile, and inspiring tool that fuels my artistic journey.
My Buying Guides on 12 Pack Colored Pencils
When I first started looking for a 12 pack of colored pencils, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the best value and experience. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make a great choice too.
1. Quality of the Pigments
One of the first things I checked was the vibrancy and richness of the colors. Some pencils have dull pigments that don’t show up well on paper, while others are bright and blend beautifully. I recommend looking for pencils labeled as “artist quality” or “professional grade” if you want rich colors that really pop.
2. Pencil Core Hardness
I found that the hardness of the pencil core affects both how the color applies and how long the pencils last. Softer cores give more vivid colors but can break easily, whereas harder cores last longer but may be less vibrant. For general use, a balanced medium hardness works best.
3. Wood Quality and Sharpening
The wood casing makes a big difference in how easy it is to sharpen the pencils. When I used pencils with low-quality wood, they would often splinter or break during sharpening. I look for pencils made from cedar or other high-quality wood that sharpens cleanly.
4. Ergonomics and Design
Since I often color for extended periods, the shape and grip of the pencils matter a lot. Triangular or hexagonal barrels help prevent slipping and reduce hand fatigue. Some sets even come with a soft-touch coating, which I found very comfortable.
5. Color Selection in a 12 Pack
With only 12 colors, it’s important that the selection covers a good range of hues. I prefer sets that include primary colors plus some secondary and earth tones, so I can mix and layer to create other shades. Avoid packs with too many similar colors.
6. Price and Brand Reputation
While shopping, I noticed that brand reputation often reflects quality. Trusted brands may cost a bit more but usually provide better performance and durability. I always balance my budget with reviews and brand reliability before making a purchase.
7. Additional Features
Some 12 pack colored pencils come with extras like a sharpener, eraser, or a carrying case. These can be nice bonuses, especially if you want a portable set. I consider these extras as added value but don’t let them be the sole reason to buy a particular set.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12 pack of colored pencils depends on what you want to do with them and your personal preferences. For me, the key factors are pigment quality, pencil durability, and comfortable handling. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick a set that you’ll enjoy using as much as I do!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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