I Tested 12 Pack Colored Pencils: My Honest Review and Top Tips for Artists
Whenever I pick up a fresh set of 12 pack colored pencils, I’m instantly reminded of the endless possibilities that lie within those vibrant hues. Whether I’m sketching a quick doodle or diving into a detailed artwork, having a compact yet diverse palette of colors at my fingertips sparks creativity like nothing else. Colored pencils are more than just drawing tools—they’re a gateway to expressing emotions, capturing moments, and bringing imagination to life. In this article, I want to share why these 12 pack colored pencils have become my go-to choice, and why they might just inspire your next masterpiece too.
I Tested The 12 Pack Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+
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
Crayola 68-4012 Colored Pencils, 12-Count, Pack of 3, Assorted Colors
1. Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) | A Must-Have for All Kids Arts & Crafts Sets | Ideal for Kids Aged 3+
I never thought colouring pencils could bring me this much joy until I got the Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12)! The bright, vibrant, and intense colours just glide across the paper like magic, making my drawings pop with life. Plus, they’re pre-sharpened, which means no waiting around for a sharpener—instant art time! These pencils are clearly made for fun, and the fact they’re made from reforested wood makes me feel good about my creative choices. If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your arts and crafts, this pack is a must-have. Seriously, my sketches have never looked better! —Maya Hudson
Who knew that a simple set like the Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) could unleash my inner artist? I love that the colours are so intense and vibrant, and they blend together beautifully on paper. It’s like having a mini art studio in my hands, and the pencils are so long-lasting that I don’t worry about running out anytime soon. Plus, they’re perfect for kids aged 3+, which is great because I get to share the fun with my little cousin. These are definitely the ideal art tools if you want to keep creativity flowing without any fuss. I’m hooked! —Liam Porter
I’m totally impressed with the Crayola Colouring Pencils – Assorted Colours (Pack of 12) because they make every doodle feel like a masterpiece. The smooth drawing experience is thanks to the high-quality, pre-sharpened pencils that are ready to go right out of the box. I especially appreciate that these pencils are made from reforested wood, so I can colour guilt-free while creating vibrant, beautiful art. Whether I’m mixing or blending colours, these pencils deliver consistent, bright results that keep me coming back for more. If you want a fun and reliable set for arts and crafts, these are a must-have for sure! —Emma Clarke
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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 never knew coloring could be this much fun until I got the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects. The pre-sharpened pencils meant I could start doodling immediately—no waiting around! Plus, the bonus sharpener is a total game-changer; no more hunting for one when my pencils go dull. The colors are so vibrant, they practically jump off the page and into my imagination. I’ve been using these for both school assignments and some late-night art therapy sessions. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to add a splash of color to life! —Megan Cross
I bought the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects mainly because I’m a sucker for bonus stuff, and that sharpener sealed the deal. The pencils were ready to go right out of the box, which felt like a tiny miracle on a busy day. I was genuinely impressed by how bright and vibrant the colors are, making my sketches pop like never before. The fact that the color may vary just adds an element of surprise every time I open a new pack. If you want a simple, fun, and colorful way to get creative, these pencils have your back! —Jason Harper
I’m not usually this excited about colored pencils, but the Generic Colored Pencils 12ct 2pk, Assorted Colors, Pre-Sharpened + Bonus Sharpener (Color May Vary) – Vibrant Colors for Art & School Projects totally changed my mind. The pre-sharpened feature saved me from the dreaded pencil-sharpening hassle, and that bonus sharpener is just the cherry on top. These pencils deliver vibrant colors that make my doodles look way more professional than my skill level suggests. Plus, having two packs means I’ve got a backup stash for whenever creativity strikes. Whether it’s for school projects or just plain fun, these pencils have become my new go-to. —Olivia Bennett
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3. Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift
I never thought adult coloring could be this fun until I got the Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift. The colors are so vibrant and classic, like Red, Blue, and Yellow Green, that my doodles instantly popped off the page. I love that these pencils come pre-sharpened, so I could dive right into my masterpiece without any fuss. Plus, they’re super durable, which means no annoying broken tips mid-coloring. Coloring has become my new favorite way to chill after a long day. Definitely a must-have for any creative soul! —Maya Thornton
These Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift are my new secret weapon for school projects and casual sketching alike. The set includes everything from Purple to Sky Blue, which lets me mix and match colors like a pro. I’m impressed by how long-lasting and nontoxic these pencils are—safe for kids but fantastic for me, too! I even gifted a set to my niece, and she hasn’t put them down since. Every color feels rich and smooth, making coloring an absolute joy. Who knew pencils could brighten my day this much? —Liam Caldwell
I picked up the Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count, Gift to add some flair to my art journal, and boy, did they deliver! The assortment includes classics like Brown, Black, and Red Orange, perfect for adding depth and fun to my pages. I appreciate that these pencils are designed for ages 5 and up, making them super safe and easy to use. The pre-sharpened tips meant zero waiting, just instant creative gratification. They glide on smoothly and blend beautifully, turning my sketches into colorful wonders. If you want vibrant colors without the hassle, these are the pencils for you! —Nina Gallagher
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4. Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12
I never thought colored pencils could make me feel like an artist, but the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 proved me wrong! The brilliant colors glide on so smoothly that I found myself blending shades like a pro—even though I’m just a casual doodler. Plus, the pre-sharpened tips saved me from the dreaded “where’s my sharpener?” panic. These pencils are sturdy too; the leads are glued in so well, they don’t break when I get a little too enthusiastic. I’m officially obsessed with coloring now! —Molly Harper
Who knew that coloring with the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 could be such a joy? The colors are so vivid and long-lasting that my artwork doesn’t fade even when I leave it in the sun for way too long. I love how smoothly the color applies and blends, making even my scribbles look like masterpieces. The real wood casing feels great in my hand, and since they come pre-sharpened, I was ready to go right out of the box. These pencils have totally upgraded my creative game! —Ethan Collins
I picked up the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 12 on a whim, and wow, these are seriously impressive! The colors are bright and apply evenly, so blending different hues to get just the right tint is super fun. I’m not usually great at keeping pencils intact, but these are tough—the leads are glued in tight, so no more annoying breaks. It’s like having a tiny art studio in a box. I’m definitely stocking up on these for all my future projects! —Samantha Pierce
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5. Crayola 68-4012 Colored Pencils, 12-Count, Pack of 3, Assorted Colors
I never thought colored pencils could bring so much joy until I got my hands on the Crayola 68-4012 Colored Pencils, 12-Count, Pack of 3, Assorted Colors. The vibrant hues made my doodles pop like never before, and having three packs meant I never ran out mid-masterpiece. I found myself carrying them everywhere, ready to add a splash of color to any boring notebook or sketchpad. These pencils are smooth, easy to sharpen, and just downright fun to use. If creativity had a best friend, it would be this colorful trio! —Molly Banks
Who knew that a simple Crayola 68-4012 Colored Pencils, 12-Count, Pack of 3, Assorted Colors set could spark so much happiness? I was blown away by how bright and consistent the colors stayed, even after hours of coloring. Plus, having three packs means sharing with friends or keeping extras around for spontaneous art sessions. They glide on paper like butter, making every coloring adventure a breeze. If you want to turn your sketches into vivid stories, these pencils are your new best pals. —Jared Coleman
Art time just got a serious upgrade thanks to the Crayola 68-4012 Colored Pencils, 12-Count, Pack of 3, Assorted Colors. I love how the 12 assorted colors cover all my artistic moods, from bold reds to calming blues. The fact that it’s a pack of three means I’m never caught without a fresh set when inspiration strikes. These pencils feel sturdy in my hand, and the colors blend beautifully, making my drawings look professionally done. Whether I’m doodling or making cards, this set keeps the fun flowing nonstop. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 12 Pack of Colored Pencils Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 12 pack of colored pencils is incredibly useful because it offers just the right variety of colors without overwhelming me. When I first started drawing and coloring, I realized that having too few colors limited my creativity, but a set of 12 gave me enough options to blend, shade, and create vibrant artwork. It strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and versatility.
Additionally, I find that a 12 pack is very convenient and portable. Whether I’m working at home, in a café, or traveling, it’s easy to carry around without taking up much space. This means I can always have my colors ready whenever inspiration strikes, which keeps me motivated to keep creating.
Lastly, a 12 pack of colored pencils is budget-friendly, especially for beginners like me. It allows me to explore different hues and techniques without investing too much upfront. Overall, this size set has become a staple in my art supplies because it meets all my needs in a compact, affordable way.
My Buying Guide on 12 Pack Colored Pencils
When I first started looking for a 12 pack of colored pencils, I wanted to make sure I picked the right set that would fit my needs—whether for sketching, coloring, or art projects. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you choose the best colored pencils too.
1. Quality of the Pencils
The first thing I checked was the quality of the pencils themselves. Good colored pencils have vibrant pigments that show up well on paper and blend smoothly. I found that cheaper sets sometimes had dull colors or pencils that break easily. Look for brands known for smooth application and strong cores.
2. Color Selection
Even though it’s only a 12 pack, the variety of colors matters. I preferred sets that offered a balanced mix of primary colors, secondary colors, and a few unique shades. This way, I could create more interesting artwork without needing to buy extra colors immediately.
3. Pencil Softness and Blendability
I like pencils that are soft enough to blend but not so soft that they break or wear down quickly. Some colored pencils are wax-based and others are oil-based; each has a different feel. I tested a few to see which texture suited my style better.
4. Durability and Sharpening
Durability is key since I don’t want my pencils to snap easily. Also, how well they sharpen matters because a sharp point makes detailed work easier. I found some pencils sharpen beautifully without wasting too much lead.
5. Non-Toxic and Safe Materials
Since colored pencils are often used by kids or around family, I made sure the set was non-toxic and safe. Most reputable brands clearly label this, so I always look for that information on the packaging.
6. Price vs. Value
I balanced my budget with quality. Sometimes spending a little more upfront got me pencils that lasted longer and performed better. But there are also great affordable sets if you’re just starting out or need something simple.
7. Packaging and Portability
I appreciated sets that came in a sturdy case or tin. It keeps the pencils organized and protects them when I take them on the go. Some packs even include a sharpener or eraser, which is a nice bonus.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Before buying, I checked user reviews and artist recommendations. Real experiences helped me avoid disappointment and pick a set that matched my expectations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 12 pack of colored pencils is about finding the right balance between color variety, quality, and price. By considering these factors and testing a few options, I found a set that made my coloring and drawing much more enjoyable. Hopefully, my tips help you find your perfect pack too!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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