How to Buy Colored Pencils for Children

Understand that colored pencils are a cross between crayons and pencils. On the outside they look like pencils, but they color almost like crayons. A major benefit is that they are eraseable and easily sharpened.

See that colored pencils can come in packages of 12 to 50 pencils.

Know that Crayola has a very extensive line of colored pencils and usually offers the best price compared to other brands.

Consider the types of colored pencils available. Crayola and Alex make long colored pencils ($2.80 for a Crayola 24-pack and $3 for an Alex 12-pack). Crayola also offers short colored pencils ($2.80 for a 36-pack). Extra-thick colored pencils are available from Crayola ($2 for an 8-pack of Write Start) and Rose Art ($6 for a 50-pack of Large Colored Pencils).

Recognize that colored pencils come in other shapes as well. Ferby makes a 12-pack of colored pencils ($15) in a shape designed to be easy for children's hands to grip.

Notice that Crayola offers Watercolor Pencils with Brush ($1.50). The artist draws with these pencils, then brushes on water to create a watercolor-painting effect.

Be aware that you can purchase art-quality colored pencils like the 12-pack of Memory Pencils ($5) made by EK Success. These pencils are acid-free and photo-safe and are described as archival quality.

Note that Color Giants makes a 12-pack of skin-toned colored pencils ($20) that accurately depict human skin shades.