10 Best Colored Pencils for Art Classes in 2026: Classroom Sets for Every Budget

Choosing colored pencils for an art class means balancing quantity, durability, color variety, and performance. A good classroom set should withstand frequent handling while giving students enough color range for drawing, shading, and creative assignments.

This roundup compares 10 options, including large bulk packs for shared supplies, dependable beginner sets, and softer pencils better suited to blending and detailed artwork.

Best 10 Colored Pencils for Art Classes Picks for 2026

Classroom Bulk Pick – Crayola 240-Count Classpack

For teachers comparing colored pencils for art classes, the Crayola Classpack is built around shared classroom use. It includes 240 presharpened pencils in 12 colors, with 20 pencils per color and 12 sharpeners for group projects.

Best For: Kindergarten, preschool, elementary, and middle school classrooms needing an organized bulk supply.

Pros:

• Provides 240 pencils across 12 colors, making it easy to supply a full class.
• Includes 12 sharpeners in three colors.
• Storage sections keep the presharpened pencils organized.
• Useful for blending, shading, and color-theory lessons.

Cons:

• The 12-color range is less expansive than artist-focused sets.
• The 240-count box is designed for classroom storage rather than personal portability.

This is a practical choice when quantity, organization, and straightforward classroom distribution matter more than a broad color range or specialized artist performance.

Blending and Shading Pick – Prismacolor Premier 24-Count

Prismacolor Premier is a strong option for colored pencils for art classes that emphasize smooth shading, shadows, and layered color. Its 24 soft-core pencils deliver saturated pigments in a portable tin.

Best For: Students and artists practicing blending, shading, drawing, and sketching with a compact color selection.

Pros:

• Soft, thick cores are suited to shading and creating shadows.
• Provides a smooth, even color laydown.
• Richly saturated, lightfast pigments support vivid artwork.
• Durable leads resist cracking and chipping, and the tin aids storage.

Cons:

• With 24 colors, it offers less variety than a 120-color set.
• The soft-core format may require more care during heavy classroom use.

Choose this set when technique practice and smooth color application are priorities. The manageable assortment also works well for students who need a focused palette rather than a large bulk supply.

Ready-to-Share Value – Cra-Z-Art 144-Count Bulk Pack

When shopping for colored pencils for art classes on a budget, this Cra-Z-Art multipack offers 144 presharpened pencils in 12 individual 12-count packs. The separated packs are convenient for classrooms, daycare carts, family bins, and restocking.

Best For: Teachers, daycare providers, after-school programs, and families distributing smaller pencil packs across groups.

Pros:

• Includes 144 pencils divided into 12 separate packs.
• Presharpened pencils are ready to use immediately.
• Non-toxic materials are safety-tested for children.
• Works for classroom, school, preschool, and art-class supply needs.

Cons:

• The set provides 12 colors per pack rather than an extensive artist palette.
• Individual packs may require separate storage once opened.

This multipack is especially useful when pencils need to be portioned out quickly. It balances classroom quantity and easy distribution, with a kid-focused design suited to everyday coloring and drawing.

Expanded Palette Pick – 120-Color Oil-Based Art Set

For art classes that move beyond basic coloring, this 120-color set provides a broad palette for blending, layering, shading, and sketching. It also includes a three-color sketchbook, portable zipper case, and drawing tutorial.

Best For: Beginners, students, and aspiring artists who want many color options plus basic drawing materials in one kit.

Pros:

• Offers 120 oil-based colored pencils with soft cores for layering and blending.
• Includes bright, vivid, assorted colors for detailed artwork.
• Comes with a sketchbook, zipper case, and parrot drawing tutorial.
• Pencils are presharpened and the set conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards.

Cons:

• The large assortment may be more than needed for introductory color exercises.
• It is a single artist kit rather than a bulk classroom pack.

This kit fits students who need a wider color vocabulary and supporting materials for independent practice. Its soft, oil-based pencils are geared toward creative techniques rather than supplying an entire class.

Vibrant Blending Pick – 72-Color Soft-Core Set

For art classes that involve detailed drawing, shading, and color transitions, the Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils offer a broad palette with soft, break-resistant cores. The pencils arrive pre-sharpened, and their numbered, named barrels make it easier to identify colors during classroom projects.

Best For: Students and adults who want a versatile set of colored pencils for art classes, sketching, blending, and detailed illustrations.

Pros:

• 72 richly pigmented colors support gradients, layering, and shading.
• Soft, break-resistant cores are designed for smooth blending without waxy buildup.
• Pre-sharpened pencils include numbered and named barrels for easy color identification.
• Storage case and non-toxic, odorless materials make the set practical for regular use.

Cons:

• The set is not water-resistant, so it is intended for dry-media work.
• A 72-color set may be more than needed for simple, limited-palette assignments.

Choose this set when smooth blending and a wide range of shades matter more than a bulk classroom quantity. Its soft core and organized color labeling make it a strong all-purpose option for art students.

Beginner-Friendly Choice – KALOUR 72-Color Soft-Core Pencils

The KALOUR 72-count set is a practical choice for art classes needing a colorful, blendable pencil assortment. Its soft, highly pigmented cores are suited to coloring, drawing, layering, and shading, while the numbered and named barrels help beginners find the right shade quickly.

Best For: Beginners, children ages 5 and up, and classroom projects requiring a broad, easy-to-identify color selection.

Pros:

• 72 colors provide plenty of options for coloring books, drawing, and sketching.
• Soft, vivid cores lay down smooth color and support blending and layering.
• High-quality basswood is designed to sharpen easily.
• Pre-sharpened, non-toxic pencils conform to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards.

Cons:

• The product details list an inconsistent unit count, so buyers should verify the package contents.
• The set is aimed at general coloring and drawing rather than specialized classroom color systems.

For art classes serving mixed experience levels, KALOUR combines a generous palette with beginner-friendly color labeling and a soft core. It is especially suitable when students need to practice blending without managing a complex professional setup.

Classroom Bulk Value – 408-Piece Colored Pencil Pack

When an art class needs supplies for many students, the Shuttle Art 408-pack provides a large quantity of pre-sharpened colored pencils plus 20 sharpeners. With 12 commonly used colors, it prioritizes shared classroom access and straightforward projects over a wide range of subtle shades.

Best For: Classrooms, daycare centers, art classes, and group activities that need a high-volume supply of basic colors.

Pros:

• 408 pencils provide a substantial shared supply for group projects.
• Includes 20 sharpeners to help keep materials ready for use.
• Pre-sharpened pencils allow students to begin drawing immediately.
• Basswood construction and thick cores are designed for easy sharpening and durability.

Cons:

• The set contains 12 assorted colors, offering less shade variety than 72-color sets.
• Bulk packaging is relatively large and weighs 5.2 pounds.
• It may be excessive for an individual student or small personal art kit.

This pack is the most practical option when quantity and shared access are the main priorities. The limited palette works well for foundational art-class exercises, while the included sharpeners reduce the need for separate classroom accessories.

Classroom Classic – Crayola 36-Count Colored Pencils

For straightforward colored pencils for art classes, this Crayola set offers 36 distinct colors in a familiar, child-friendly format. The pencils arrive presharpened, so students can begin drawing or coloring immediately.

Best For: Preschool and elementary classrooms, coloring activities, and general school art projects.

Pros:

• Includes 36 colors for varied classroom artwork.
• Presharpened tips are ready to use out of the box.
• Soft cores are designed to resist breaking under normal use.
• Non-toxic construction is suitable for the stated kid age range.

Cons:

• Offers fewer color choices than larger artist-oriented sets.
• The notes emphasize coloring and basic drawing rather than advanced blending techniques.

This is a practical pick when reliability, easy setup, and a recognizable classroom brand matter more than an extensive color range.

Color Range Pick – Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils

Students who need more variety from their colored pencils for art classes may prefer this 80-color Shuttle Art set. Named and numbered barrels make color selection easier, while the soft cores support shading, layering, and blending.

Best For: Older students, beginner artists, and classes that practice detailed coloring, sketching, shading, or blending.

Pros:

• Provides 80 unique colors with no duplicates.
• Color names and numbers help students identify shades quickly.
• Soft, break-resistant cores are designed for smooth application and blending.
• Includes a sturdy case and DIY color list for organization.

Cons:

• Its larger color range may be more than younger students need.
• The pencils are not water-resistant.

With its broad palette and color identification system, this set is well suited to classes moving beyond basic coloring into more deliberate shading and color planning.

Bulk Classroom Value – 288-Count Colored Pencils for Classrooms

For teachers outfitting a group, this bulk set offers 288 presharpened colored pencils for art classes in 16 assorted colors. The large quantity is designed for shared classroom use, student supplies, prizes, and back-to-school preparation.

Best For: Kindergarten and elementary classrooms, group projects, classroom prizes, and high-volume supply closets.

Pros:

• Includes 288 pencils, providing a substantial classroom supply.
• Presharpened tips let students start using them immediately.
• Sixteen vibrant colors cover basic coloring and drawing needs.
• Hexagonal wood bodies are designed for a comfortable student grip.

Cons:

• The 16-color palette is less versatile than an 80-color artist set.
• The large quantity may be unnecessary for individual students or small groups.
• Storage may require more classroom space than a compact set.

This set prioritizes quantity and convenience over color breadth, making it a sensible choice when every student needs access to basic colored pencils.

How We Picked the Best Colored Pencils for Art Classes

We evaluated these sets around the needs of teachers, parents, and students: total pencil count, color selection, core feel, sharpening convenience, durability, safety labeling, and overall classroom value. Bulk packs earned consideration for shared supplies and large groups, while smaller artist-oriented sets were included for classes that prioritize blending, layering, and more detailed work.

Because product specifications can vary by listing, check the current package contents, age guidance, and whether the stated count refers to unique colors, repeated pencils, or accessories before purchasing.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Look For	Typical Advantage
Large classrooms	144–408 total pencils	Lower cost per student and easy replacement
Young beginners	Pre-sharpened, non-toxic pencils	Simple setup and age-appropriate use
Coloring and general drawing	36–80 colors	More variety without excessive storage
Detailed artwork	Soft-core or artist-style pencils	Smoother layering, shading, and blending

Key Buying Factors for Colored Pencils for Art Classes

Count and Color Distribution

For a full classroom, repeated 12- or 16-color pencils can be more practical than one small premium set. They keep popular colors available and make distribution easier. For individual students or advanced projects, a larger range of unique colors may be more useful.

Core Hardness and Blendability

Harder cores hold a sharper point and work well for outlines, worksheets, and younger students. Softer cores generally lay down richer color and blend more easily, but they may use up faster and require more careful sharpening.

Durability and Sharpening

Look for sturdy wood casings, consistent cores, and pencils that sharpen without frequent breakage. Pre-sharpened pencils save preparation time, though a classroom should still have dependable sharpeners available.

Safety, Storage, and Cleanup

For elementary settings, verify non-toxic labeling and the recommended age range. A classroom box, divided organizer, or labeled student pouch can reduce lost pencils and simplify end-of-class cleanup.

Who Should Buy Which Colored Pencils for Art Classes?

Choose a large bulk pack when you are equipping a busy classroom, after-school program, or art station where pencils will be shared. Choose a mid-size 36- to 80-color set for one student, a small group, or a teacher who wants broader color coverage without buying hundreds of pencils. Select a softer artist-oriented set when the class focuses on blending, shading, adult coloring, or more polished illustrations.

For mixed-age groups, prioritize safety information, pencil durability, and easy color identification. The best Colored Pencils for Art Classes are not necessarily the most expensive; they are the ones that match the class size, skill level, project goals, and replacement budget.