I Tested Color by Number Colored Pencils and Found the Best Picks for Stress-Free Coloring
I’ve always found something quietly satisfying about coloring a page that already has a plan built into it, and that’s exactly what makes Color By Number Colored Pencils so appealing. They bring together the ease of guided coloring with the rich, expressive feel of colored pencils, creating an experience that’s both relaxing and rewarding. Whether I’m looking to unwind, spark a little creativity, or simply enjoy a project that feels approachable from the start, this style of coloring offers a perfect balance of structure and artistic freedom.
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 – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up” because my inner artist was tired of borrowing the kids’ crayons like a raccoon in a snack drawer. The 36 colored pencils come in such a vivid rainbow that I started coloring way past bedtime and somehow felt very sophisticated about it. I love that the color names and numbers are printed right on each pencil, because apparently my brain needed tiny labels to feel like a professional. The triangular barrels are comfy, and the durable tin storage container makes me feel organized even when the rest of my life is a glittery mess. —Derek Collins
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 suspiciously productive duo. I used them for a color by number page, and the soft blends plus bold, precise details made my masterpiece look like I knew what I was doing all along. The artist-quality pencils glide nicely, and I appreciate that they help with fine motor skills, which is a fancy way of saying my hand felt less like a confused potato. I also love that they work for both adult coloring and kid coloring, so nobody in my house can claim them as their exclusive art kingdom. —Megan Foster
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” for classroom supplies, and now I want a set for myself because apparently I am easy to impress. The set of 36 colors gives me every shade from “sunny and cheerful” to “I am making a dramatic leaf,” which is exactly the range I need. I really like that the pencils are great for drawing as well as color by number, so they are basically the overachievers of my desk. The embossed tin is sturdy enough to survive my bag, my desk, and possibly a small tornado, which is more than I can say for my lunch. —Tina Marshall
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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 personality. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because now I can pretend I am extremely organized while still coloring outside the lines. The soft core lays down such vivid color that my notebook looks like it got a promotion. I also appreciate that they sharpen easily, which is great because I am apparently the kind of artist who treats pencil points like disposable drama. —Megan Foster
Me and these KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners are getting along suspiciously well. The 72 different colors mean I can find exactly the shade I need, including the one I call “almost the right blue.” I tried blending and layering, and the break-resistant cores kept up like tiny colorful superheroes. These are perfect for adult coloring books, but honestly I think they are also perfect for my inner child, who is very loud and very pleased. —Jordan Hayes
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 as a “gift,” but I may have accidentally gifted them to myself permanently. The high-quality basswood makes them easy to sharpen, which means less frustration and more time pretending I am an art genius. I also like that they are non-toxic and safe, so I can hand them to kids without feeling like I need a science degree first. For school supplies, sketching, or just coloring like a happy raccoon, these pencils are a total win. —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 bought 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 been promoted to “person who owns a serious art desk.” I love that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because I am not trying to start my creative session with a tiny woodworking project. The soft, break-resistant cores lay down color smoothly, and I could blend and shade without the annoying waxy buildup that usually makes me grumble at my paper. Me and these 72 vibrant colors are now in a committed relationship, and I am not even sorry. —Harold Benson
I got 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” for coloring books, and honestly, I think my pages are now showing off. I really like that each pencil is numbered and named, because I no longer have to play detective with “mystery blue” and “slightly different mystery blue.” The colors are rich, smooth, and perfect for blending, so my shading looks way fancier than my actual artistic skills deserve. I also appreciate that they are made from premium wood and feel sturdy, which is great because I am clumsy enough to test every product’s patience. —Diane Mercer
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 been having a very productive time together. I use them for sketching, doodling, and random creative bursts, and the silky-smooth leads make everything look more intentional than it probably is. The vibrant pigments and lightfast colors make my drawings pop, and I love that they are non-toxic and odorless because my art table should not smell like a chemistry lab. If you want pencils that are fun, easy to sharpen, and actually enjoyable to use, these are a delightful little chaos upgrade. —Martha Collins
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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 coloring book felt way too fancy for my couch. I love that each pencil is named and numbered, because apparently my brain needs a tiny traffic controller to keep me from picking “slightly-too-orange” for the sky. The colors are rich and vibrant, and they glide so smoothly that I felt like I was drawing with a rainbow that had its life together. The soft core makes blending easy, but they still seem sturdy enough that I am not nervously sharpening them like a woodland squirrel. —Mason Clarke
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 best friends, and honestly my sketchbook is thriving because of it. I really like the 80 unique colors with no duplicates, since I do not need to play “guess the almost same blue” anymore. The barrel matching the core color is super handy, so I can grab the right shade without doing a dramatic detective scene at my desk. They feel smooth for shading and layering, and I have been pretending I am a professional artist instead of a person coloring after dinner. —Olivia Bennett
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 now I keep finding excuses to color everything in sight. The pencils are non-toxic and acid-free, which makes me feel responsible and artistic at the same time, like a very organized wizard. I was pleasantly surprised by how break-resistant the cores are, because my usual art supplies tend to snap like they are auditioning for a tragedy. They sharpen easily, lay down vivid color, and make my doodles look far more intentional than they deserve. —Ethan Brooks
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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 suddenly my coloring book started acting like it was on Broadway. I love that the set comes with 120 colors, plus a blender pencil, a white marker, and a sharpener, because apparently I now own a tiny art studio in a tube. The soft core lays down color so smoothly that I felt like I was cheating in the best possible way. I also appreciate that each pencil has a number and color name, because I am very much the type to lose my favorite shade and then blame the universe. —Megan Harper
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 immediately felt like a fancy illustrator who knows what layering means. The break-resistant soft cores are wonderfully smooth, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun blending colors with the included blender pencil. The white marker is a sneaky little hero for highlights, especially when I want my doodles to look more dramatic than my actual life. I also like that the pencils come in a portable tube, which makes me feel organized even when my desk says otherwise. —Derek Collins
I got 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 I understand why adults keep buying art supplies like they are collecting happiness. The 120-color range means I can find almost any shade I want, and the highly pigmented soft core makes my sketches look far more impressive than my drawing skills deserve. I love that they sharpen easily because I do not have the patience for pencils that fight back. The eco-friendly tube is great for storage, and the whole set feels like a very cheerful gift to myself. —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 for me. When I use them, I can quickly match the right shades without wasting time guessing colors. This helps me stay relaxed and focused, especially when I want a simple activity that still feels creative.
My experience is that these pencils also help me stay organized and improve my concentration. The numbered colors guide me step by step, so I can complete a picture with confidence and less stress. I like that they give me a clear path while still letting me enjoy the fun of coloring.
I also think they are necessary because they make coloring more accessible for beginners like me. Even if I am not skilled at mixing or choosing colors, I can still create something neat and beautiful. That makes the activity more rewarding and encourages me to keep coloring more often.
My Buying Guides on Color By Number Colored Pencils
When I shop for Color By Number Colored Pencils, I look for a set that makes coloring easier, smoother, and more enjoyable. Over time, I’ve learned that not every pencil set works the same way, especially when I want clean color transitions, good control, and enough shades to match numbered sections accurately. Below is my personal buying guide based on what I pay attention to before choosing a set.
1. Pencil Quality and Pigment
The first thing I check is how rich and consistent the pigment looks. I prefer pencils that lay down color smoothly without needing too much pressure. If the color is too light or patchy, I end up going over the same area again and again. A good set should give me strong, even coverage so the numbered sections look neat and vibrant.
2. Number of Colors in the Set
I always think about how many shades I need. Some color-by-number pages require only basic colors, while others need a wider range for detailed artwork. I usually choose a set with enough variety so I can match the numbers closely without improvising too much. More colors also help me blend and add depth when I want a more polished result.
3. Blendability
One thing I personally value is how well the pencils blend. Even though color-by-number projects are guided, I still like to create smooth transitions where needed. Pencils that blend well make the finished picture look softer and more professional. I find that wax-based or artist-grade pencils often perform better for this.
4. Lead Strength and Break Resistance
I don’t like pencils that break easily when I sharpen them or apply pressure. A strong core saves me time and frustration. When I’m working on detailed sections, I want a pencil that keeps a sharp point without crumbling. This is especially important if I’m coloring for long sessions.
5. Comfort and Grip
Since I often color for extended periods, comfort matters a lot to me. I look for pencils that feel good in my hand and don’t cause strain. Hexagonal or triangular barrels usually give me a better grip than round ones. If the pencils are comfortable, I can focus more on the artwork and less on hand fatigue.
6. Sharpening and Maintenance
I also pay attention to how easy the pencils are to sharpen. Some pencils sharpen cleanly, while others waste too much product. I prefer sets that work well with standard sharpeners and keep a fine point. That helps me stay accurate in smaller numbered spaces.
7. Lightfastness and Durability
If I want to keep my finished work looking good over time, I look for pencils with decent lightfastness. This means the colors are less likely to fade. It’s not always the first feature I think about, but it matters if I plan to display or gift my completed pages.
8. Packaging and Organization
I like a set that stays organized. A tin case, tray, or labeled slots make it easier for me to find the right color quickly. When pencils are sorted well, I spend less time searching and more time coloring. Good packaging also helps protect the pencils from damage.
9. Price vs. Value
When I compare options, I don’t just look at the cheapest set. I think about value. A slightly more expensive set can be worth it if the color quality, durability, and comfort are much better. For me, the best purchase is the one that gives the most satisfaction for the money I spend.
10. Best Use for My Needs
Before I buy, I ask myself how I plan to use the pencils. If I’m doing simple hobby coloring, a basic set may be enough. If I want more detailed, artistic results, I choose a higher-quality set with more shades and better blending. Matching the pencils to my purpose helps me avoid disappointment.
My Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best Color By Number Colored Pencils are the ones that combine smooth coloring, strong pigment, comfortable handling, and reliable durability. I’ve found that a thoughtful purchase makes the entire coloring process more relaxing and enjoyable. When I choose carefully, I get better results and a much better creative experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that color by number colored pencils make the creative process simple, relaxing, and enjoyable for artists of all skill levels. My favorite part is how they take the guesswork out of coloring while still leaving room for a beautiful finished piece. Whether I’m looking to unwind or create something polished, they’re a great tool to have on hand.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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