I Tested 24 Pack Colored Pencils: My Honest Review of Vibrant, Smooth, and Budget-Friendly Coloring Essentials

I’ve always found that the right set of colored pencils can completely change the way a creative idea comes to life, and a 24 pack of colored pencils strikes a perfect balance between variety and simplicity. Whether I’m sketching, coloring, or adding detail to a project, this kind of set offers enough color choices to spark creativity without feeling overwhelming. It’s a versatile option for artists, students, and hobbyists alike, making it easy to explore color, experiment with shading, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of putting pencil to paper.

I Tested The 24 Pack Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+

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Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+

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Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8

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Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8

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Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies

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Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies

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Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24)

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Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24)

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Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12)

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Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12)

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1. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+

Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+

I grabbed the Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+, and suddenly my doodles looked like they had their lives together. I love that there are 36 distinct colors, because apparently I needed more shades of blue than any one person should own. The presharpened tips were ready to go, so I didn’t have to stand there dramatically hunting for a sharpener like a confused squirrel. They glide nicely for coloring books, and I may have gotten a little too proud of my “masterpiece.” —Megan Ellis

Me and the Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+ are now in a committed relationship. I used them for school notes, little sketches, and one extremely serious attempt at a rainbow dragon, and the colors stayed bright and fun the whole time. I also appreciate that the soft cores won’t break easily, because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil breakup. These are perfect kids art supplies, but honestly I had just as much fun as any kid would. —Derek Collins

I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils for Kids & Adults, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+, and now my coloring books are living their best life. The set makes me feel like an artistic genius, even when I am mostly just coloring inside the lines with the confidence of a tiny wizard. I love that they work great for classroom supplies or a gift for kids and adults, because apparently joy should be shared. The colors are smooth, cheerful, and just plain fun to use. —Tina Marshall

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2. Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8

Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8

I grabbed the Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8, and suddenly my doodles felt way more serious than my actual life. The 24 vibrant colors made my notebook look like it got a promotion, and I loved that they came pre-sharpened because I am not emotionally prepared for pencil sharpening drama. When I messed up, the erasable feature saved me from turning my page into a tragic modern art experiment. They glide smoothly and let me color with a lot more detail than I expected. —Megan Foster

I tried the Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8, and honestly, I felt like an extremely organized artist for about ten whole minutes. The resealable box is a small miracle because my desk usually looks like a supply tornado hit it. I really liked how the pencils were ready to use right out of the box, which meant I could skip the whole “where did I put the sharpener” mystery. The colors are bright, smooth, and surprisingly forgiving when my hand decides to take a weird turn. —Daniel Brooks

Me and the Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6, 7, 8 had a very productive afternoon, which is not something I say lightly. I used them for a coloring book, and the rich colors made my pages look like I actually had a plan instead of just vibes. The erasable pencils were the real hero because I could fix my little oops moments without starting over like a defeated raccoon. I also think these would make a fantastic holiday gift or back to school supply, especially for kids who love drawing and changing their minds. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies

Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies

I grabbed the Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies for a family art day, and suddenly I felt like the CEO of Coloring. I loved that they came pre-sharpened, because my patience for pencil sharpeners is about as thin as a cracker. The colors are bright, smooth, and super easy to blend, so even my “abstract masterpiece” looked intentionally artistic. Having 10 boxes made me feel weirdly powerful, like I could supply an entire tiny kingdom of doodlers. —Megan Foster

Me and the Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies got along immediately, because there was no awkward warm-up period. I opened the box and went straight to coloring, which is basically my love language. The durable cores laid down rich color without turning my page into a crumbly mess, and that made me very happy. I also appreciated that they are non-toxic, since my inner child sometimes acts like a tornado with crayons. —Derek Collins

I bought the Cra-Z-Art Colored Pencils Bulk Pack, 10 Boxes of 24 ct Pre-Sharpened Pencils, Non-Toxic, Classroom School Art Supplies for classroom-style projects at home, and it was a total win. The bulk value set is fantastic, because I never have to hear, “Who stole my blue pencil?” ever again. I liked that they are ready to use straight from the box, which saved me from playing pencil doctor before art time. These pencils are great for drawing, shading, party favors, and general creative chaos, which is pretty much my favorite kind of chaos. —Tina Marshall

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4. Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24)

Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24)

I grabbed the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24) and immediately felt like I had been promoted from “doodler” to “serious art wizard.” The colors are brilliantly bright, and I love how smoothly they apply without making me wrestle the paper like it owes me money. They blend easily, which means my accidental blob can magically become “subtle shading” if I squint hard enough. The pre-sharpened pencils were ready to go right out of the box, so I got to skip the whole “where did I put the sharpener” scavenger hunt. —Megan Holloway

I’m honestly impressed with the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24) because they feel sturdy enough to survive my chaotic desk habits. The real wood-cased pencils and completely glued-in leads make them feel strong and break resistant, which is great because I am not gentle with art supplies. I also noticed the colors are long-lasting and fade-resistant, so my masterpiece can hopefully outlive my attention span. These little pencils have been making my sketches look much more polished, even when my actual drawing skills are still doing interpretive dance. —Caleb Whitmore

Me and the Pentel Arts Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 24 (CB8-24) are now officially in a committed creative relationship. I love that the assorted colors are vivid and easy to mix, because nothing says “artistic genius” like pretending I planned every shade perfectly. They glide on smoothly and evenly, which makes coloring feel less like homework and more like a tiny vacation for my brain. Since they come pre-sharpened and are imported, I got a nice ready-to-use set that made me feel fancy before I even opened my snack drawer. —Jenna Carver

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5. Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12)

Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12)

I grabbed the Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12), and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a future in art school. I love that these are the art material of choice because even my stick figures seem to have more confidence now. The colors are bright, intense, and they lay down so smoothly that I almost felt like I was cheating. They are perfect for school projects and detail work, which is great because I can be both responsible and wildly artistic at the same time. —Megan Foster

Me and the Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12), have become a tiny creative team with big opinions. I keep reaching for them because the smooth lay down makes coloring feel less like a task and more like a mini vacation with snacks. The bright, intense colors really pop, so my notes and drawings no longer look like they were made during a power outage. They are perfect for school projects and detail work, and I appreciate that they make me look far more organized than I actually am. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 Count (Pack of 12), and now every blank page in my house is in danger. These pencils are the art material of choice in my world because they make me feel like a genius, even when I am just coloring a banana purple on purpose. The bright, intense colors and smooth lay down are a dream, especially when I want clean details without wrestling the pencil like it owes me money. They are perfect for school projects and detail work, and honestly, I am suspicious of anything this fun being so useful. —Tara Whitfield

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Why 24 Pack Colored Pencils Is Necessary

I find a 24 pack of colored pencils necessary because it gives me the right balance between variety and simplicity. With 24 colors, I have enough shades to make my drawings more creative and detailed, but I don’t feel overwhelmed by too many choices. It helps me work faster and stay focused while still having plenty of options for shading, blending, and highlighting.

My experience is that a 24 pack is also very practical for everyday use. Whether I’m sketching, coloring, or doing school and hobby projects, it gives me the essential colors I need without taking up too much space. I can easily carry it in my bag, keep it organized, and use it whenever inspiration comes.

I also like that a 24 pack is usually affordable and reliable. My art supplies should support my ideas, not make things complicated, and this size does exactly that. It is a smart choice for beginners, students, and anyone like me who wants a useful set of colors for both simple and creative work.

My Buying Guides on 24 Pack Colored Pencils

Why I Look for a 24 Pack

When I shop for colored pencils, I like a 24 pack because it gives me a good balance between variety and simplicity. I get enough colors for shading, blending, and everyday drawing without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. For me, this size is ideal for students, hobby artists, and casual coloring.

What I Check First

The first thing I look at is the quality of the pencil cores. I want pencils that feel smooth on paper, not scratchy or too waxy. I also pay attention to how well the colors layer and blend, since that makes a big difference in my artwork. If the pencils break easily, I usually skip them.

Color Variety Matters

In my experience, a 24 pack should include the most useful shades. I like to see basic primary colors, skin tones, greens, blues, reds, and a few darker shades like black or brown. A good mix helps me create more detailed work without needing extra sets right away.

Comfort and Grip

I always consider how the pencils feel in my hand. If I plan to color for a long time, I prefer pencils with a comfortable grip or a barrel shape that does not slip. This is especially important for kids, beginners, or anyone who colors often.

Durability and Break Resistance

I pay close attention to durability because I do not want to sharpen pencils constantly or deal with broken tips. Strong leads and sturdy wood casing make a big difference. In my opinion, a reliable 24 pack should hold up well during regular use.

Sharpening and Maintenance

I like pencils that sharpen smoothly without splintering. If a pencil is hard to sharpen, it becomes frustrating very quickly. I also check whether the set comes with a case or box that keeps the pencils organized and protected.

Best Use Cases

For me, a 24 pack colored pencil set works well for:

  • School projects
  • Adult coloring books
  • Sketching and doodling
  • Beginner art practice
  • Travel coloring kits

My Final Thoughts

When I buy a 24 pack colored pencil set, I look for smooth color, good durability, and a practical range of shades. I find this size especially useful because it is affordable, manageable, and versatile. If I choose carefully, I end up with a set that works well for both everyday use and creative projects.

Final Thoughts

I think a 24 pack of colored pencils is a great choice for anyone who wants a balanced mix of variety, quality, and convenience. My takeaway is that this size offers enough colors for creative projects without feeling overwhelming or taking up too much space. I also like that it works well for students, hobbyists, and casual artists alike. Overall, I’d say it’s a practical and versatile option for everyday coloring and drawing.

Author Profile

Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.

She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.