Whether you’re an artist, student, hobbyist, or simply someone who enjoys coloring as a way to unwind, a good set of colored pencils can make all the difference. A budget-friendly yet high-quality solution for anyone looking to explore or expand their creative journey.
From sketching and blending to shading and coloring intricate designs, these pencils deliver the kind of smooth performance you’d expect from much pricier brands. With vibrant pigments, durable cores, and user-friendly design, Amazon Basics Colored Pencils prove that quality art supplies don’t have to break the bank.
Why Choose Amazon Basics Colored Pencils?
1. Rich, Vivid Pigmentation
One of the standout features is their intense color payoff. Whether you’re filling in adult coloring books, creating detailed illustrations, or adding finishing touches to school projects, each pencil glides onto the page with bold, bright color.
The pigments are consistent and rich, allowing for smooth layering and blending. From soft pastels to deep, dramatic tones, the wide color range opens the door to endless creative possibilities.
2. Durable, Break-Resistant Cores
Few things are more frustrating than pencils that constantly snap. These are built with sturdy, break-resistant cores that hold up well under pressure. Whether you’re sharpening them frequently or applying heavy pressure while shading, these pencils remain reliable and strong.
They’re ideal for kids and adults alike — durable enough for little hands that might press hard, and refined enough for precision artists.
3. Smooth, Blendable Application
Blending is essential for creating depth and realism in colored pencil artwork, and this set delivers. The soft cores allow you to layer colors easily, build gradients, and transition smoothly between shades.
You can blend dry using a blending pencil or tissue, or use techniques like burnishing for a polished look. This makes the set incredibly versatile — suitable for sketching, coloring books, landscapes, portraits, mandalas, and more.
What’s in the Set?
It come in sets of 24, 36, 50, or 72 colors, depending on your needs and preferences. Each pencil is:
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Pre-sharpened and ready to use
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Labeled for easy color identification
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Encased in a smooth, comfortable wooden barrel
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Packaged in a convenient, organized box or tin
With larger sets, you get a broader spectrum of shades, including skin tones, earth tones, brights, cool blues, and more, giving you the tools to create virtually anything you can imagine.
Who Are These Colored Pencils For?
✅ Students and Beginners
For those just getting started with art, coloring, or design, this set is an affordable way to explore techniques without investing in high-end materials. The colors are vibrant and forgiving, making them ideal for practice, school projects, and casual sketching.
✅ Hobbyists and Coloring Enthusiasts
Adult coloring books have surged in popularity as a form of stress relief and meditation. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils are perfect for mandalas, florals, and pattern-based books, providing smooth, consistent coverage that makes the experience enjoyable and rewarding.
Even experienced artists can benefit from having a dependable, inexpensive set for everyday use, travel sketching, or layering under mixed media projects. You can use them for underpainting or test sketches without worrying about wasting costly materials.
✅ Educators and Classrooms
Teachers love these pencils for art classrooms or creative learning environments. They’re durable, safe, and economical, allowing for bulk ordering without compromising on quality. Each pencil is non-toxic and conforms to ASTM safety standards, making them safe for all ages.
Built for Comfort and Convenience
Each pencil is designed with a smooth, hexagonal barrel that’s comfortable to hold for long coloring sessions. The shape also prevents the pencils from rolling off your desk — a small detail, but one that artists and students truly appreciate.
The wood casing is strong but not too thick, allowing for easy sharpening with most standard manual or electric sharpeners.
Creative Uses for Amazon Basics Colored Pencils
If you’re wondering how you might use your set beyond standard coloring pages, here are just a few ideas:
🎨 Sketching & Drawing
Use them for contour sketches, quick studies, or expressive full-color pieces. The wide color selection allows for tonal experimentation.
📓 Bullet Journaling & Scrapbooking
Add decorative elements, highlights, or mood tracking to your journal. These pencils are less messy than markers and allow for more control in small spaces.
🧠 Mindfulness and Therapy
Coloring and drawing with colored pencils can be calming and therapeutic. Create mood mandalas, gratitude pages, or visual affirmations.
🎁 DIY Gifts and Cards
Handmade holiday cards, bookmarks, or wall art become more personal and heartfelt with a touch of color.
Use colored pencils alongside ink, watercolor, or markers. Their waxy texture creates interesting effects when layered or blended with other mediums.
Comparison with Premium Brands
You might be wondering how Amazon Basics stacks up against more expensive brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell. While it’s true that premium brands offer ultra-soft cores and artist-grade pigments, Amazon Basics offers exceptional value for the price.
They may not replace high-end tools in a professional’s studio, but they’re an excellent choice for:
Many users are surprised at the performance — the color saturation, layering ability, and smooth application rival that of mid-range brands, at a fraction of the cost.
Storage and Portability
Amazon Basics Colored Pencil sets come in compact, organized packaging — often in foldable cardboard boxes or metal tins. These keep your pencils neatly arranged by hue, making it easy to find the color you need quickly.
For those who like to color on the go, the slim profile fits well in backpacks, totes, or carry cases. Whether you’re heading to class, traveling, or attending a workshop, you’ll appreciate the portability.
What Customers Are Saying
With thousands of positive reviews, continue to earn praise for quality, usability, and value:
“Honestly surprised by how great these are. I’ve tried more expensive pencils and these compare really well.”
“My kids use them for homework and art projects — vibrant colors, and they haven’t broken once!”
“I bought the 72-pack for my adult coloring books, and they are perfect. The range of skin tones is amazing.”
“I’m an art teacher and I recommend these to students all the time. Affordable and dependable.”
The reviews speak for themselves: Amazon Basics delivers where it counts.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Amazon Basics Colored Pencils:
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Use a quality sharpener to maintain fine tips without breakage.
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Layer lightly to build depth gradually.
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Blend with white or cream pencils for soft highlights.
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Experiment on different paper textures to see how the pigment reacts.
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Organize by color family for faster access and better workflow.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of overpriced art supplies, Amazon Basics Colored Pencils offer a breath of fresh air. They strike a perfect balance between performance and affordability, making them accessible to anyone who wants to create — from seasoned artists to curious beginners.
Whether you’re coloring to relax, crafting with your kids, or diving into serious artwork, this set gives you the tools to express yourself vividly and confidently.
So if you’re ready to add more color to your day — without overcomplicating your art supply shelf — grab a set and start creating.
