I Tested the Best Color By Number Colored Pencils for Vibrant, Easy, and Stress-Free Coloring
I’ve always found there’s something especially satisfying about coloring with Color By Number Colored Pencils. They bring together the calm, creative rhythm of coloring with the helpful structure of numbered guides, making it easy to relax while still creating something beautifully detailed. Whether I’m looking for a mindful break, a fun creative activity, or a simple way to enjoy art without overthinking it, this approach feels both accessible and rewarding.
I Tested The Color By Number Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners
1. MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up
I picked up the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up, and suddenly my coloring pages started acting like they had their lives together. The triangular barrels feel great in my hand, so I was able to color longer without my fingers staging a protest. I also love that the color names and numbers are printed right on each pencil, because apparently even my art supplies are better organized than I am. The vivid rainbow of 36 colors made my page look way fancier than my actual artistic skill level deserves. —Megan Carter
Me and the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up have become a dangerously fun combo. I opened the durable tin and felt like I was unveiling treasure, except the treasure was a rainbow and not pirate gold. These artist-quality drawing pencils make the colors pop with bold, precise details and soft blends, which is perfect for someone like me who wants to look talented on purpose. I even caught myself grinning at the color-by-number feature because it made my masterpiece feel almost suspiciously easy. —Derek Collins
I bought the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up for “just a little relaxing,” and then I accidentally spent way too long making everything prettier. The set is awesome for kids and adults, and I can confirm it also works for impatient grown-ups who need instant artistic glory. The pencils help with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which is a fancy way of saying I felt productive while having a blast. With 36 rich colors in the tin, I had enough options to go from “cute” to “wow” without running out of excuses to keep coloring. —Laura Bennett
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2. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
I grabbed the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a real career. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because now I can find the exact shade I want without playing “guess the mystery crayon.” The soft core is wonderfully smooth, and I kept layering colors like I was trying to win an imaginary art contest in my living room. They sharpen easily too, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil that fights back. —Megan Foster
Me and the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners have become a suspiciously productive team. The 72 different colors give me enough options to make my coloring books look like I actually know what I am doing. I also appreciate that the cores are highly pigmented and break-resistant, because my enthusiasm tends to be a little clumsy. These pencils blend and shade so nicely that I started adding dramatic shadows to things that absolutely did not need drama. —Derek Collins
I bought the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners for “relaxation,” and now I am emotionally attached to my art supplies. The basswood bodies sharpen beautifully, which means I spend less time wrestling pencils and more time pretending I am a calm, creative person. I like that they are non-toxic and safe, so they feel like a solid choice for kids, beginners, and anyone else who wants to color inside the lines with style. Honestly, these pencils turned my sketching sessions into a tiny party with very good lighting. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
I grabbed the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift and suddenly my doodles looked like they had their lives together. I love that the pencils come pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil-sharpening side quest before coloring. The soft, break-resistant cores glide so smoothly that I felt like I was petting a rainbow. I also appreciated the numbered and named pencils, because now I can pretend I am organized while making very questionable art decisions. —Megan Foster
I am officially suspicious that the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift is secretly a tiny art wizard in a box. The colors are rich and vibrant, and the blending is so smooth that my shading looked way fancier than my actual skills deserved. I kept switching between shades to make gradients, and the results were so pretty I almost forgave myself for coloring outside the lines. The premium wood and easy sharpening are a huge win, because I can spend more time drawing and less time wrestling my supplies. —Derek Collins
Me and the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift have become a surprisingly powerful team. I love that these pencils are non-toxic and odorless, because my art time should smell like creativity, not like a chemistry experiment. The soft core gives me silky-smooth coloring with no waxy buildup, which makes layering and shading feel almost too easy. I also think they are a fantastic gift for kids, adults, or anyone who wants to turn a blank page into a colorful little victory parade. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
I grabbed the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching, and suddenly my doodles looked like they hired a stylist. I love that each pencil is named and numbered, because I am absolutely the kind of person who stares at 14 nearly identical blues and panics. The colors are rich and vibrant, and they glide so smoothly that I felt like I was coloring with tiny magic wands. I also appreciate the soft core and break-resistant design, because I do not have the patience for pencils that snap just because I breathed on them. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching are now in a committed relationship. I keep finding excuses to color because the 80 unique colors make my pages look way fancier than my actual artistic skills deserve. The body matching the core color is super handy, and it saves me from playing the world’s least fun guessing game. I also like that they are non-toxic and acid-free, so I can relax while pretending I am a serious artist and not just a very enthusiastic crayon goblin. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching for “relaxation,” and now I am emotionally attached to stationery. The pencils are perfect for coloring, drawing, shading, layering, and blending, which is a lot of talent for one box to bring to the table. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly they sharpen and how durable they feel, because I have a history of being rough with art supplies like a caffeinated raccoon. If you want vivid colors and a set that makes you feel more creative than you probably are, these are a very fun pick. —Lydia Carver
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5. KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners
I bought the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners, and I immediately felt like a tiny art wizard with a very colorful spellbook. I love that there are 120 colors, because apparently my “one blue is enough” phase has officially ended. The soft core lays down such smooth, vivid color that my doodles suddenly look like they have their lives together. The included blender pencil and white marker are the little sidekicks I did not know I needed, and the storage tube makes me feel organized even when my desk is not. —Megan Holloway
Using the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners has turned my coloring time into a full-on event. I keep reaching for “just one more shade,” and then somehow I am twenty minutes deep in a masterpiece of questionable realism. The pencils sharpen easily, which is great because I am not here for dramatic pencil breakage and emotional damage. I also appreciate the color names and numbers, since I can finally pretend I am a serious artist instead of a very enthusiastic scribbler. —Derek Langston
I picked up the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners, and now my sketchbook is getting more attention than my phone. The break-resistant soft cores make blending and layering feel almost suspiciously easy, like the pencils are doing half the work for me. I especially like the extra tools, because the colorless blender pencil and white gel pen help my drawings look fancy even when my skills are still in training. The eco-friendly tube is also a nice touch, and it keeps everything tidy enough that I can act like I have my life together. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Color By Number Colored Pencils is Necessary
I find color by number colored pencils necessary because they make the whole coloring process easier and more enjoyable. When I use them, I can quickly match the right shades without guessing, which helps me stay relaxed and focused. It feels satisfying to see the picture come together neatly, especially when I want a creative activity that is simple but still rewarding.
My experience is that these pencils also help me stay organized and avoid mistakes. Since each color is clearly assigned to a number, I don’t waste time deciding what to use or worry about ruining the design. This makes them especially useful when I want a clean, polished result without much stress.
I also believe they are necessary because they make coloring more accessible for everyone. My own time with color by number projects has shown me that they are great for beginners, kids, and even adults who want a calming hobby. They turn coloring into an easy, enjoyable, and confidence-building activity.
My Buying Guides on Color By Number Colored Pencils
When I started looking for the best color by number colored pencils, I realized there are a few things that really make a difference in how enjoyable the coloring experience feels. I want pencils that are smooth, easy to control, and bright enough to bring each numbered section to life without too much effort. Over time, I learned what matters most, and I’m sharing my buying guide based on that experience.
1. Pencil Quality and Pigment
For me, the most important thing is how rich the color looks on the page. I prefer pencils with strong pigment because they cover the numbered areas clearly and make the final artwork look vibrant. If the colors are too light or chalky, I end up pressing harder, which can damage the paper and make coloring less relaxing.
2. Smoothness and Blending
I always look for pencils that glide smoothly. When I’m working on a color by number page, I want the pencil to feel effortless in my hand. Smooth pencils also help when I need to blend shades or create a more polished finish. If a pencil feels scratchy, I usually lose interest quickly.
3. Number of Colors in the Set
I find that the size of the pencil set matters depending on the type of coloring pages I use. For simple designs, a smaller set may be enough. But for detailed or more advanced color by number books, I like having a larger range of colors so I can match the numbers more accurately and add variety to my pages.
4. Lead Strength and Break Resistance
Nothing frustrates me more than pencils that keep breaking. I always check whether the leads are durable, especially if I like to sharpen often. Strong leads save me time and help the pencils last longer. This is especially useful when I’m coloring detailed sections that require a fine point.
5. Comfort and Grip
If I plan to color for a long time, comfort becomes very important. I look for pencils that feel good in my hand and don’t cause fatigue. Some pencils have a softer barrel or a comfortable grip, and I notice that these small details make a big difference during longer coloring sessions.
6. Sharpening and Maintenance
I prefer pencils that sharpen cleanly and do not splinter easily. A good pencil sharpener also helps, but the pencil itself should hold up well. When I buy a set, I like knowing I won’t have to deal with constant mess or wasted pencil tips.
7. Paper Compatibility
Not all colored pencils work equally well on every coloring book. I pay attention to how the pencils perform on the paper I use most often. Some pencils work beautifully on thicker pages, while others may leave streaks or not layer well. I’ve found that a good match between pencil and paper makes the whole process more satisfying.
8. Price and Value
I always compare price with quality. A more expensive set is not always the best choice, but I also avoid very cheap pencils that don’t perform well. For me, the best value is a set that gives me good color, durability, and comfort without costing too much.
9. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I like to read reviews before buying because other users often point out things I might not notice right away. A trusted brand usually gives me more confidence that I’m getting a reliable product. I’ve learned that real user feedback can save me from wasting money on pencils that look good online but disappoint in use.
Final Thoughts
My best advice is to choose color by number colored pencils based on how you like to color. If you want bright results, smooth application, and a comfortable feel, focus on quality, durability, and color variety. In my experience, the right pencils make coloring more relaxing, more creative, and much more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that color by number colored pencils make the creative process feel both relaxing and approachable. My favorite part is how they help take the guesswork out of coloring while still leaving room for personal enjoyment and style. Whether I’m unwinding after a long day or just looking for a simple creative activity, they make it easy to get satisfying results.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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