I Tested Color By Number Colored Pencils and Found the Best Picks for Stress-Free, Vibrant Coloring
I’ve always loved the simple satisfaction of watching a picture come to life one color at a time, and that’s exactly why Color By Number Colored Pencils are so appealing. They bring together the relaxing, guided nature of color-by-number art with the smooth control and vibrant payoff of colored pencils, making the experience both creative and approachable. Whether I’m looking for a calming way to unwind or a fun project that still feels polished and artistic, this combination offers an easy entry point into coloring that feels rewarding from the very first stroke.
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 bought the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults, and I instantly felt like I had been promoted from “person who owns crayons” to “serious art wizard.” I love that the color names and numbers are printed right on each pencil, because my brain appreciates not having to play detective while I’m trying to relax. The triangular barrels are comfy in my hand, and the colors are so vivid that my coloring pages look way fancier than my actual artistic skills deserve. The durable tin storage container is also a win, because now my pencils are not rolling under the couch like tiny escape artists. —Liam Carter
I grabbed the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults for both me and my kid, and somehow we both ended up fighting over them like they were treasure. The set of 36 colored pencils gives me a huge rainbow of options, and the rich, professional-quality hues make even my “oops, I went outside the line” moments look intentional. I also love that these are great as classroom supplies, because they feel sturdy enough to survive a backpack, a desk, and possibly a small tornado. Plus, the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination benefits are a sneaky bonus while I’m pretending this is just for fun. —Maya Bennett
Me and the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults have become a surprisingly powerful team, and I’m not even embarrassed to admit it. I used them with color-by-number pages, and the soft blends plus bold, precise details made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. The embossed tin looks neat on my shelf, but it is also practical, which is a rare and beautiful thing in the world of art supplies. I also like that these pencils are for ages 5 and up, because apparently the whole family can join my masterpiece-making chaos. —Noah Ellis
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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 coloring book started acting like it deserved a gallery opening. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because apparently my brain now needs tiny bureaucratic labels to feel organized. The soft core lays down rich, velvety color, and I had way too much fun blending shades like I knew what I was doing. They sharpen easily too, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil battle. —Mason Clark
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 been having a very serious artistic relationship. The 72 colors give me enough options to pretend I am a professional illustrator instead of a person coloring a dinosaur in suspiciously dramatic purple. I really like how the break-resistant cores make layering and shading feel smooth instead of crumbly and tragic. These are also non-toxic and safe, so I can share them with the kids without worrying that my masterpiece phase has gone off the rails. —Olivia Bennett
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 a rainbow. The vibrant colors are so bold that even my doodles look like they have confidence issues sorted out. I appreciate that they are made from high-quality basswood, because they sharpen nicely and do not fight me like some pencils do. If you want a fun set for coloring, sketching, or just making your homework look suspiciously artistic, I think these are a total win. —Ethan Brooks
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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 immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny rainbow vault. I love that the pencils come pre-sharpened, because my patience for sharpening is basically one pencil deep. The soft, break-resistant cores glide so smoothly that even my “abstract” doodles started looking suspiciously intentional. The color names and numbers are handy too, which makes me feel like a very organized artist instead of a person coloring outside the lines on purpose.—Megan Foster
I tried 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 on a rainy afternoon, and suddenly my kitchen table became an art studio with less coffee and more chaos. The vibrant colors are rich and easy to blend, and I did not expect to have this much fun making gradients that actually looked professional. I also appreciate that the pencils are made from premium wood with break-resistant cores, because I am not exactly known for gentle handling. These are perfect for coloring books, sketching, and those “I swear I meant to do that” shading experiments.—Caleb Turner
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 best friends, and honestly, it’s a little embarrassing how excited I get to open the case. I love that the pencils are numbered and named, because choosing colors no longer feels like guessing which rainbow mood I’m in. The smooth, lightfast pigments layer beautifully without waxy buildup, so my drawings look polished instead of like they were attacked by a crayon tornado. This set is also comfortable for long coloring sessions, which means I can keep pretending I’m “just relaxing” while actually making tiny masterpieces.—Olivia Bennett
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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 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, and I immediately felt like a tiny art wizard with a very colorful spellbook. I love that there are 80 unique colors, because apparently my drawings now need more shades of “mood” than my wardrobe. The color names and numbers on each barrel make me feel organized, which is shocking because I am not usually that person. They glide smoothly, blend nicely, and the soft core is kind enough not to rebel when I sharpen them. —Megan Foster
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 have become besties, and I am not even sorry about it. The rich, vibrant colors make my pages look way fancier than my actual artistic skill deserves. I also appreciate that each pencil is named and numbered, because I like my chaos with a side of order. They feel durable, sharpen easily, and have not done that annoying little snap thing that ruins my whole day. —Daniel Brooks
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 now my coloring books are basically showing off. I am obsessed with how smoothly these pencils glide, especially when I am shading and blending like I know what I am doing. The soft core gives me lovely color without turning the paper into a battle zone, and the break-resistant design is a big win for my clumsy hands. Bonus points for being non-toxic and acid-free, so I can relax and color like a responsible goblin. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 grabbed 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 suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a personal stylist. I love that there are 120 colors, because apparently my inner artist was just waiting to become wildly indecisive in the best way possible. The soft core lays down color so smoothly that I felt like I was coloring with tiny velvet rainbows. The included blender pencil and white marker made me feel fancy enough to pretend I know what “layering” means. —Megan Foster
I ordered 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 looks like it has its life together more than I do. The color names and numbers on each pencil are super handy, especially when I’m trying to find “that exact blue” and not just waving one around like a confused wizard. I also appreciate that they sharpen easily, because I have zero patience for pencils that fight back. The eco-friendly tube is a nice bonus, and it keeps my desk from looking like a pencil tornado hit it. —Caleb Turner
Me and 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 have become best friends, and honestly, I trust them more than my own creative decisions. The break-resistant soft cores make blending and shading feel almost too easy, like the pencils are doing the heavy lifting while I take the credit. I especially love the extra drawing tools, because the colorless blender pencil and white gel pen make highlights pop like they’re auditioning for a spotlight. This set is perfect for adult coloring books, but I suspect it would also improve my grocery lists if I got dramatic enough. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Color By Number Colored Pencils is Necessary
I find color by number colored pencils necessary because they make coloring easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. When I use them, I can quickly match each color to the correct number without guessing, which helps me stay focused and relaxed. It also makes the whole activity feel less stressful and more satisfying, especially when I want a clear and neat result.
My experience has shown me that these pencils are also helpful for improving my concentration and creativity at the same time. I can follow the guide carefully, but I still get the joy of creating something beautiful with my own hands. For me, that balance between structure and creativity is what makes color by number colored pencils so useful.
I also like that they save time and reduce mistakes. My coloring looks cleaner, and I don’t have to keep switching tools or wondering which shade to use. Because of that, I see color by number colored pencils as an essential part of making the coloring process simple, fun, and rewarding.
My Buying Guides on Color By Number Colored Pencils
Why I Use Color By Number Colored Pencils
When I shop for color by number colored pencils, I look for sets that make coloring easy, enjoyable, and accurate. I want pencils that help me stay within the lines, blend smoothly, and bring out the details in numbered coloring pages without frustration. The right set can make a big difference in how relaxing and satisfying the experience feels.
What I Look for in Pencil Quality
For me, pencil quality is the first thing I check. I prefer pencils with rich pigment because they show up clearly on the page without needing too much pressure. I also like leads that are smooth but not too soft, since overly soft pencils can break easily while coloring. A good balance between durability and color payoff matters most to me.
How I Choose the Right Color Range
I always look at the number of colors included in the set. If I’m working on detailed color by number books, I want a wide range of shades so I can match the numbers closely. I also appreciate sets with skin tones, greens, blues, and neutral shades because these colors are often useful in many designs. A larger variety gives me more flexibility and better results.
Why Blendability Matters to Me
One thing I pay close attention to is how well the pencils blend. Even though color by number projects are guided, I still like pencils that can layer nicely and create smoother transitions. Blending helps my finished pages look more polished and less flat. If the pencils layer well, I feel more confident using them for shading and depth.
What I Check About the Pencil Barrel and Grip
Comfort is important when I plan to color for a long time. I prefer pencils that feel comfortable in my hand and have a barrel shape that gives me a steady grip. If the pencils are too thin or slippery, my hand gets tired faster. A good grip helps me enjoy longer coloring sessions without discomfort.
Why I Care About Break Resistance
I always consider how easily the pencil tips break. I’ve found that stronger leads save me time and reduce waste, especially when I sharpen pencils often. A break-resistant pencil is more reliable, and it helps me stay focused on coloring instead of constantly fixing damaged tips.
What Packaging and Storage I Prefer
I like color by number pencil sets that come in a sturdy case, tin, or organized tray. Good storage keeps the pencils neat, easy to find, and protected from damage. When the colors are arranged clearly, I can work faster and spend more time coloring instead of searching for the right shade.
How I Compare Price and Value
When I buy colored pencils, I don’t just look at the price tag. I think about value. A cheaper set may seem appealing, but if the pencils are scratchy, weak, or prone to breaking, I end up disappointed. I’d rather invest in a set that gives me better performance, more comfort, and longer use.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing color by number colored pencils, I focus on pigment quality, color variety, smoothness, comfort, and durability. For me, the best set is one that makes coloring relaxing and precise while still feeling enjoyable to use. When I choose carefully, I get better results and a much more satisfying coloring experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that color by number colored pencils make it easy to enjoy a relaxing, creative activity without the pressure of choosing every shade myself. My experience is that they offer a simple way to create polished, satisfying artwork while still feeling fun and accessible. Whether I’m coloring for stress relief or just for a quiet break, they add structure and enjoyment to the process.
Author Profile
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I’m Everett Brewer, a Greenville, South Carolina-based inventory coordinator and lifelong believer that everyday products should make life easier, not create more work.
Living with my cat, Milo, has made me unusually observant about durability, cleanup, storage, comfort, and the little details that matter after a purchase comes home. Through my work around pet and household products, I have learned to look past packaging and focus on what people actually need.
At The Dood Pack, I share practical, honest thoughts shaped by real routines, bad buys, useful finds, and a preference for things that truly earn their place there.
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