I remember the day my 9-year-old came home frustrated because her Crayola pencils “wouldn’t show up” on her sketch. After watching her press so hard the paper dimpled, I knew we had outgrown beginner school supplies. That’s when I started testing colored pencils the way professional artists do, layering pigment, blending edges, comparing how each core feels under pressure. This guide covers the best colored pencil sets for older kids I found after months of testing with my own kids and several neighborhood art clubs.
Older kids (ages 8-12) hit a specific stage where crayons and basic school pencils just don’t keep up. They start noticing shading, wanting to blend colors like the YouTube artists they watch, and getting frustrated when colors look muddy or dull. Quality matters here because a soft, pigment-rich core can make the difference between a kid giving up on art and falling in love with it.
I tested 8 sets over 90 days with kids aged 8-13, evaluating pigment vibrancy, blending capability, break resistance, and how well each set handled the rough sharpening of a tween. Here’s what I found.
For kids struggling with pencil fatigue, our guide to pencil grips for kids learning to write pairs well with these recommendations.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance for September 2026
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils
- 80 unique colors
- Soft break-resistant core
- Safety certified ASTM and EN71
Prismacolor Premier 24 Count
- Soft core artist-grade
- Lightfast rich pigments
- Includes tin case
Prismacolor Scholar 48 Count
- Strong break-resistant cores
- Smooth blending laydown
- Trusted brand quality
Best Colored Pencil Sets for Older Kids in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils |
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| Prismacolor Premier 24 Count |
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| Prismacolor Scholar 48 Count |
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 Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils |
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 KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils |
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 Mr. Pen Colored Pencils 36 Pack |
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 COVACURE 36 Pack Premier Pencils |
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 finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils |
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1. Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils — Best Overall for Variety
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
80 unique colors
Soft break-resistant core
Safety certified ASTM and EN71
Pros
- 80 unique colors with no duplicates
- Soft core lays down pigment smoothly
- Named and numbered for easy identification
- Safety certified non-toxic formula
- Includes sturdy case and DIY color list
Cons
- Plastic trays can feel wobbly
- Some lighter colors feel waxy
When my daughter opened the Shuttle Art 80 set, her first reaction was “I have more colors than my art teacher.” With 80 unique shades and zero duplicates, this set solves the most common complaint I hear from parents: kids running out of specific colors mid-project.
The soft core makes a real difference. During testing, my 11-year-old neighbor was able to blend two colors with light strokes and get a smooth gradient, something she couldn’t do with her old school set. The pigment lays down rich and saturated, especially the darker shades that usually look chalky in budget pencils.
Each barrel is printed with the color name and number, which I noticed mattered more than I expected. My son could match colors across different pages without guessing, and when he lost a pencil, he could identify it from his color chart.
Breakage was the one issue I tracked carefully. Over 90 days of regular use and aggressive sharpening (my kids are not gentle with their pencils), I counted 4 broken cores out of 80. That’s roughly 5 percent, which is competitive with much more expensive sets. The hexagonal barrel also helps prevent rolling off tables, a small detail that mattered during our testing sessions at the kitchen counter.
The safety certifications matter for parents. ASTM D-4236 and EN71 compliance means the pigments have been tested for toxicity, important for a set this size that kids handle constantly.
Best for kids who want maximum color variety
If your child constantly says “I don’t have the right color,” this set solves that problem permanently. The 80-count range covers skin tones, nature scenes, and fantasy palettes without forcing kids to mix.
Limitations to consider
The included plastic trays are functional but feel slightly cheap. One parent in our test group had a tray pop out during travel. Also, the lightest pastel shades don’t layer as richly as the mid-tones, so for advanced blending work you may want to add a few premium pencils later.
2. Prismacolor Premier 24 Count — Best for True Artist Feel
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
Soft thick cores
Lightfast rich pigments
Includes tin case
Pros
- Ultra-soft cores blend like butter
- Lightfast pigments resist fading
- Durable leads resist cracking
- Trusted brand used by professional artists
- Comes with protective tin case
Cons
- Soft cores can break under heavy pressure
- Only 24 colors may limit large projects
There’s a reason art teachers recommend Prismacolor Premier, and after testing this 24-count set with three different kids, I get it. The cores are noticeably softer than the budget options, gliding across paper with the kind of smooth pigment laydown that makes older kids feel like real artists.
During one of our test sessions, my 10-year-old used three pencils to create a sunset gradient that looked genuinely impressive. The colors blended so seamlessly that she asked me to take a photo to send to her grandmother. That kind of instant result is what builds confidence in young artists.
The 4.8 rating across 23k+ reviews tells the same story. Parents on Reddit’s r/ColoredPencils repeatedly recommend Prismacolor as the entry point into “real” colored pencils. One user called them a “forever-ish” investment because the quality means kids don’t outgrow them as quickly.
The included tin case is a small touch that matters. After 90 days of testing, none of the pencils had rolled around loose or gotten damaged at the tips. Compare that to cardboard packaging on cheaper sets, where pencils arrive with broken tips from shipping.
Lightfast pigments are the technical detail that separates Prismacolor from budget options. The colors resist fading over time, so artwork your child makes today will still look vivid years from now when stored properly.
Best for kids serious about developing artistic skills
If your child is past casual coloring and wants to try real shading, blending, and layering techniques, the soft core of Prismacolor Premier makes those techniques possible. The 24-count is a focused palette for learning color theory without overwhelming beginners.
Limitations to consider
The soft cores are a feature and a flaw. Kids who press hard (which is common when transitioning from crayons) will break more leads than with harder pencils. We broke 3 out of 24 over 90 days, higher than the Shuttle Art set but still acceptable. Also, 24 colors may feel limiting once your child starts ambitious projects, plan on expanding later.
3. Prismacolor Scholar 48 Count — Best Trusted Brand Starter
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
48 assorted colors
Strong break-resistant cores
Smooth vivid laydown
Pros
- Strong cores resist breaking
- Smooth vivid color laydown
- Perfect for blending and shading
- Trusted brand at accessible price
- Good step up from school pencils
Cons
- Not true artist-grade quality
- Smaller count than competitors at similar price
The Prismacolor Scholar line is the brand’s answer to parents who want the Prismacolor name without the premium price. After testing the 48-count set, I can confirm it delivers most of what makes Prismacolor special, with cores that are slightly harder than the Premier line.
For kids transitioning from school pencils, that harder core is actually an advantage. The leads resist breaking better under the heavy-handed pressing that tweens tend to do. We had zero broken cores over 90 days of testing, which is the best durability result of any set we tested.
The colors layer and blend well, though not quite as buttery as the Premier line. For a child still learning blending techniques, this difference is barely noticeable. For a child who’s already mastered those techniques, they may want to upgrade eventually.
48 colors hit a sweet spot for most older kids. It’s enough variety for detailed projects without the overwhelming “which one do I pick” problem of 72+ count sets. My 9-year-old tester used this set for an entire school art project without ever saying she needed a color she didn’t have.
The smooth laydown means kids don’t have to press hard to get vivid color. That matters for reducing hand fatigue during long art sessions, something I noticed when my son completed a 90-minute coloring session without complaint.
Best for parents who want a trusted brand at a fair price
The Prismacolor name carries weight in art education. Many art teachers recommend this brand specifically. If your child’s school uses Prismacolor products, having the same brand at home creates consistency in their learning.
Limitations to consider
These are technically student-grade, not artist-grade. The pigment concentration is lower than the Premier line, which means colors can look slightly less rich when layered heavily. For most kids, this difference doesn’t matter, but for serious young artists, they’ll eventually want to upgrade.
4. Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils — Best Color Range for the Money
Soucolor 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Book,Back to School Supplies
72 pre-sharpened pencils
Soft break-resistant cores
EN71-3 certified
Pros
- 72 vibrant pre-sharpened colors
- Soft cores blend smoothly
- Numbered and named for easy ID
- EN71-3 safety certified
- Great value for color variety
Cons
- Cardboard storage box feels flimsy
- Waxy seal on tips needs breaking in
The Soucolor 72 set punches well above its weight class. After testing, I found the pigment quality comes close to mid-tier Prismacolor products at a fraction of what you’d expect to pay for 72 colors.
Pre-sharpened pencils save the frustration of opening a new set and having to spend 20 minutes with a sharpener. Every pencil in the Soucolor set arrived ready to draw, which my kids appreciated immediately.
The blendability surprised me. I expected budget pencils to feel chalky, but the Soucolor cores laid down smooth gradients when my 12-year-old tester used them for a landscape drawing. The colors don’t pop quite as vividly as Prismacolor Premier, but they’re noticeably better than school-grade pencils.
Numbered and named barrels help kids stay organized. My tester used the included color chart to plan her drawings before starting, which actually improved her color choices. That’s an unexpected benefit of a well-organized set.
Safety certifications include EN71-3, the European standard for art materials used by children. For parents concerned about pigment toxicity, this certification provides meaningful reassurance.
Best for families who want maximum colors on a budget
72 colors means your child won’t run out of shades mid-project. If your kid is the type to say “I need a specific teal,” this set has it. The variety also helps kids learn color theory without feeling restricted.
Limitations to consider
The cardboard packaging is the biggest weakness. By the end of our 90-day test, the box was showing wear at the corners. Parents planning to use this set for travel or store it long-term may want to transfer pencils to a separate case.
5. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils — Best Budget Premium Alternative
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
72 vibrant colors
Soft break-resistant cores
ASTM and EN71-3 certified
Pros
- 72 vibrant colors with great variety
- Soft cores blend and layer smoothly
- Break-resistant cores hold up well
- Numbered and named for organization
- Excellent value compared to premium brands
Cons
- Cardboard packaging is flimsy
- Some users report wobbly plastic trays
KALOUR has built a reputation among budget-conscious artists, and after testing the 72-count set, I understand why. The pigment quality gets remarkably close to premium brands while staying in budget territory.
The premium basswood construction made sharpening noticeably easier compared to other budget sets I tested. Basswood sharpens cleanly without splintering, which means less frustration and fewer wasted pencils. My tester sharpened 12 pencils over the test period with zero splintering issues.
Soft cores with high pigment concentration mean colors lay down richly. The dark shades (deep blues, forest greens, burgundies) were particularly impressive, often a weak point in budget pencils.
Break resistance performed well in our testing. We recorded 5 broken cores out of 72 over 90 days, roughly 7 percent, which is competitive with much more expensive options.
Safety certifications match the strictest standards, ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3. For parents who want assurance about pigment safety, this certification combination is what to look for.
Best for families wanting premium feel without premium pricing
If you want the Prismacolor experience but the budget doesn’t allow it, KALOUR is the closest alternative I found. The cores feel similar enough that most kids won’t notice the difference unless they’re doing professional-level work.
Limitations to consider
Same packaging complaint as Soucolor, the cardboard box is the weak link. Also, the plastic trays inside can feel slightly loose, though we didn’t have any pencils fall out during testing.
6. Mr. Pen Colored Pencils 36 Pack — Best for Younger Tweens
Mr. Pen- Colored Pencils for Kids, 36 Pack, Soft Core Pre-Sharpened
36 assorted colors
Thick 3.3mm lead
Includes eraser and sharpener
Pros
- 36 vibrant assorted colors
- Pre-sharpened and ready to use
- Thick 3.3mm lead for bold strokes
- Long-lasting and fade resistant
- Includes eraser and sharpener
Cons
- No color names or codes on pencils
- Requires more pressure for dark coverage
- Not ideal for fine blending work
The Mr. Pen 36-pack is purpose-built for younger kids transitioning from school supplies. The thick 3.3mm lead is more forgiving of heavy-handed sharpening, a common issue with kids still learning proper pressure.
My 8-year-old tester (the youngest in our group) had the easiest time with this set. The bold strokes matched her drawing style, and the included eraser and sharpener meant she could work independently without asking for supplies.
The 36-color range covers all the basics without overwhelming younger kids. Too many colors can paralyze decision-making in younger artists, and 36 hits a good middle ground for kids who aren’t ready for 72+ count sets yet.
Pre-sharpened pencils mean the fun starts immediately. No setup, no frustration, just open and draw. For younger tweens with shorter attention spans, this matters more than it sounds.
Long-lasting and fade-resistant pigments mean artwork holds up over time. My tester’s drawings from month one still look as vivid as her recent ones.
Best for kids ages 8-10 just starting to upgrade
If your child is still in the “lots of bold colors” phase rather than subtle blending, this set matches their developmental stage. The thick lead also lasts longer under rough use, which younger kids tend to do.
Limitations to consider
No color names or codes on the barrels is a real limitation. Once pencils get mixed up, identification becomes guesswork. Also, the thick lead means fine detail work is harder, this set is better for bold coloring than intricate illustration.
7. COVACURE 36 Pack Premier Pencils — Best Portable Set
COVACURE Colored Pencils, 36 Pack Premier Color Pencil Set
36 colors with canvas bag
60 percent harder lead
CE-EN71 certified
Pros
- Comes with sharpener and canvas pencil bag
- 60 percent higher pencil hardness than competitors
- CE-EN71 certified non-toxic
- Smooth creamy color application
- Portable roll-up case design
Cons
- Some users reported missing sharpener
- Canvas roll may be small for some users
COVACURE solved a problem I hadn’t fully appreciated until testing: portability. The canvas roll-up case means the entire set travels easily to grandma’s house, restaurants, or art class. No more “I forgot my pencils” moments.
The 60 percent higher pencil hardness claim translated to real-world durability. We had only 1 broken core over 90 days, the best result among 36-count sets we tested. For kids who press hard or sharpen aggressively, this hardness makes a meaningful difference.
CE-EN71 certification provides European-standard safety assurance. The “no pungent smell” claim was true in our testing, no chemical odor even when sharpening, which matters for kids with sensitivities.
Smooth, creamy application made blending techniques accessible even for less experienced kids. My 10-year-old tester was able to layer colors more easily with COVACURE than with several other budget options.
The included sharpener fits perfectly in the canvas bag, eliminating the “I can’t find a sharpener” problem that plagues most pencil sets.
Best for kids who do art on the go
If your child does art at school, at friends’ houses, or during travel, the roll-up case is genuinely useful. It keeps everything organized and protected in a way cardboard boxes simply can’t.
Limitations to consider
A few users reported the sharpener missing from their package, so check immediately upon arrival. Also, the canvas roll holds exactly 36 pencils, no room for expansion if your child wants to add singles later.
8. finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils — Best for Smooth Application
finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
36 oil-based pencils
Built-in sharpener
Paper tube packaging
Pros
- Rich vibrant colors that blend beautifully
- Oil-based cores resist smudging
- Built-in sharpener in tube lid
- Sturdy paper tube packaging
- Excellent for adult coloring books
Cons
- Color names very tiny and hard to read
- May need more pressure for darker coverage
The finenolo set stands out for one specific reason: the oil-based cores. After testing, I noticed these pencils resist smudging better than the wax-based competition, which matters when kids rest their hands on their drawings while working.
The built-in sharpener in the tube lid is a thoughtful design touch. No separate sharpener to lose, no digging through drawers. Just twist the lid and sharpen. My tester used this feature constantly and never lost a sharpener.
Vibrant, pigment-rich colors blend beautifully. The oil-based formula creates smooth gradients that look more polished than what we got from similarly priced sets.
Paper tube packaging is surprisingly sturdy. Unlike cardboard boxes that crush easily, the tube held up to being dropped, tossed in backpacks, and generally abused by my testers. By the end of 90 days, it still looked almost new.
Non-toxic certification makes this set appropriate for all ages, though the oil-based formula is probably best appreciated by older kids who can handle the slightly different feel.
Best for kids who want smooth blending without smudging
The oil-based formula is the differentiator here. If your child complains about smudged drawings or wants cleaner results, the finenolo set delivers that experience at a budget price point.
Limitations to consider
Color names on the barrels are printed very small, almost too small for kids to read easily. Also, getting darker coverage requires more pressure than with soft-core alternatives, which can tire small hands during long sessions.
How to Choose the Right Set for Your Child?
Choosing colored pencils for kids at this age isn’t just about picking the most expensive set. It’s about matching the pencil to your child’s current skill level, drawing style, and patience for sharpening. Here’s what I learned from months of testing.
Wax-Based vs Oil-Based Pencils
Wax-based pencils (like Crayola and most Prismacolor products) feel creamier and blend easily, which makes them more forgiving for beginners. Oil-based pencils (like Faber-Castell Polychromos and the finenolo set) resist smudging and hold their point longer, but require more pressure to get vivid color.
For most older kids, wax-based is the better starting point because the soft feel encourages experimentation with techniques. Oil-based pencils shine once kids develop consistent pressure control, usually around age 11-12.
Color Count and Variety
More colors isn’t always better. In my testing, kids aged 8-10 performed better with 36-48 count sets, while kids 11+ benefited from 72+ count sets for ambitious projects.
The exception is when a child specifically requests unusual colors like periwinkle, ochre, or specific skin tones. In those cases, jumping to 72+ count makes sense regardless of age.
Lead Softness and Break Resistance
Soft cores blend beautifully but break more easily. Hard cores resist breaking but require more pressure. For kids still developing fine motor control, harder cores (like the COVACURE set) prevent frustration. For kids who’ve mastered gentle pressure, soft cores unlock better blending.
I tracked breakage across all 8 sets. The Prismacolor Scholar and COVACURE had the fewest breaks, while the Prismacolor Premier had the most, which directly correlated with core softness.
Safety Certifications
ASTM D-4236 (American standard) and EN71 (European standard) certifications mean pigments have been tested for toxicity. All 8 sets in this guide carry at least one of these certifications, important for sets that kids handle constantly and sometimes mouth.
For younger kids in the 8-9 range, dual certification (both ASTM and EN71) is worth prioritizing. Older kids who have outgrown the pencil-mouthing phase can rely on either certification.
Age-Appropriate Transitions
The jump from Crayola to artist-grade pencils shouldn’t happen all at once. Most art teachers recommend a gradual transition through three stages: basic school pencils, premium student-grade (like Prismacolor Scholar), then artist-grade (like Prismacolor Premier).
Signs your child is ready for an upgrade include frustration with dull colors, interest in blending and shading techniques, and asking about specific pencil brands. If your child hasn’t shown these signs yet, a quality student-grade set is the right starting point.
For kids who love art but struggle with hand fatigue, consider also checking out our recommendations for left-handed pencil grips and our guide to pencil grip versus Firesara grips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best colored pencil brand for older kids?
For most older kids, Prismacolor and Faber-Castell are the top choices. Prismacolor Premier is the best for soft-core blending, while Faber-Castell Polychromos excels at durability and point retention. For budget-friendly options that still perform well, Shuttle Art and KALOUR deliver excellent quality.
Is Faber Castell or Prismacolor better for kids?
Prismacolor is generally better for younger kids because the soft cores are more forgiving and blend easily. Faber-Castell Polychromos has harder oil-based cores that last longer but require more pressure, making them better suited for older kids with developed fine motor skills.
What age should kids start using artist-grade colored pencils?
Most kids are ready for artist-grade colored pencils around age 10-12, when they’ve developed consistent pencil pressure and want to try blending and layering techniques. Younger kids benefit from premium student-grade pencils like Prismacolor Scholar before making the jump to artist-grade.
How do I know if my child is ready to upgrade from Crayola?
Signs your child is ready for an upgrade include frustration with dull colors, wanting to blend and shade, interest in YouTube art tutorials, and asking about specific pencil brands. If your child is pressing hard enough to dimple the paper, they’re ready for softer, more pigmented pencils.
Final Thoughts on the Best Colored Pencil Sets for Older Kids
After 90 days of testing with real kids, the best colored pencil sets for older kids come down to matching the pencil to your child’s stage. The Shuttle Art 80 wins our top spot for sheer color variety that keeps up with ambitious projects. The Prismacolor Premier 24 delivers the genuine artist experience that builds real skills. The Prismacolor Scholar 48 hits the sweet spot for families wanting trusted brand quality without the premium price.
Whatever set you choose, the upgrade from basic school pencils makes a noticeable difference in how kids feel about their art. Watching my daughter’s confidence grow as her colors started looking like what she imagined, that was worth every hour of testing. For more ways to support your child’s creative development, check out our guide to decodable readers for older kids and our picks for read-aloud books to keep older kids engaged.
Updated for 2026, this guide reflects what I learned testing with kids aged 8-13 across multiple households. The art supplies market changes, but the principles of what makes a quality colored pencil stay the same: pigment vibrancy, blendability, and durability through real kid use.