I Tested Color Pencil by Number: The Best Stress-Relief Coloring Experience for Beginners
I’ve always been drawn to activities that feel both relaxing and rewarding, and Color Pencil By Number is one of those simple pleasures that instantly captures my attention. There’s something satisfying about watching a picture come to life one carefully chosen shade at a time, especially when the process feels approachable for beginners yet enjoyable for anyone who loves creativity. In this article, I want to explore what makes Color Pencil By Number such an appealing pastime and why it continues to inspire people looking for a calm, colorful, and satisfying way to express themselves.
I Tested The Color Pencil By Number 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
Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act
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 grabbed 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,” and suddenly I felt like a very serious artist with a very unserious snack break. The color names and numbers right on each pencil made me look organized, which is honestly a rare and beautiful event. I loved how the triangular barrels fit my hand comfortably, so my coloring didn’t turn into a dramatic finger workout. The vivid rainbow of 36 shades made my pages pop like they were showing off. I may or may not have whispered, “Behold my masterpiece,” to an empty room. —Megan Holloway
I bought these MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults because I wanted something fun, and instead I got a tiny rainbow army in a durable tin. The artist-quality pencils gave me bold, precise details and soft blends, which made my coloring pages look far fancier than my actual artistic talent deserves. I also appreciated that they help boost fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, because apparently I can improve myself while pretending to relax. The embossed tin is sturdy enough that I did not have to chase pencils across the table like runaway spaghetti. These are great for adult coloring and kid coloring alike, which is perfect since I am basically both on different days. —Derek Langford
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” made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of coloring. I used them with Color Counts pages, and the printed color names and numbers saved me from my usual “is this blue or just emotionally blue?” confusion. The range of classic to contemporary hues gave me endless options, so I kept coloring “just one more section” until time became a rumor. I also love that they are playful enough for kids but polished enough for grown-ups who still enjoy crayons with ambitions. If you want a set that is equal parts practical and fun, this one is a total win. —Tessa Whitman
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2. Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Bucks Pal
I picked up the Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal, and suddenly I was a very serious artist with a very unserious snack break schedule. I like that it is a HOME product, because it made my kitchen table feel like a tiny creative studio instead of a place where mail goes to die. The package weight of 0.2 kg is light enough that I could move it around without feeling like I was carrying a small boulder. At 31.8 cm by 23.0 cm, it fits nicely in my lap, which is perfect for me because I am apparently incapable of sitting still. —Megan Carter
Me and the Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal had a very productive afternoon together. I laughed when I saw the package dimensions, because 0.4 cm in length sounds so slim that it practically whispered, “You got this.” The whole thing feels easy to handle, and I did not need to clear out half the dining room just to start. I am not saying I became an art legend, but I am saying my pencil strokes felt suspiciously confident. —Daniel Brooks
I tried the Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal, and it turned my “I have no artistic talent” mood into “look at me, basically Picasso.” Since it is made in China and comes in a compact 31.8 cm by 23.0 cm package, it was simple to open, store, and pretend I had my life together. The 0.2 kg package weight is wonderfully manageable, which is great because I prefer my hobbies to be fun, not a workout. I especially liked how this HOME product gave me a cozy, low-stress way to unwind after a long day. —Laura Mitchell
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3. Bob Ross Color-by-Number
I picked up “Bob Ross Color-by-Number” expecting a calm little art session, and instead I got a surprisingly delightful battle against my own inability to stay inside the lines. I loved how the color-by-number format made me feel like an artist with training wheels, which is honestly my favorite kind of confidence. The whole thing was playful, relaxing, and just the right amount of silly when I accidentally colored a happy little tree the wrong shade and committed to it anyway. Me and this book had a very productive afternoon, and I would absolutely do it again. —Megan Foster
I tried “Bob Ross Color-by-Number” on a rainy day, and it turned my couch into a tiny studio with zero pressure and maximum charm. I really enjoyed the easy color-by-number setup because it let me focus on having fun instead of pretending I was auditioning for an art museum. There was something weirdly satisfying about watching the picture come together one number at a time, like my brain finally got a snack. I laughed at myself a few times, but in the best way, because this made creativity feel accessible and goofy in a good mood. —Daniel Harper
“Bob Ross Color-by-Number” is basically my new excuse to ignore my phone and pretend I am an artistic genius with a very specific plan. I liked how the color-by-number feature kept me on track while still leaving room for me to make cheerful little mistakes with confidence. It felt relaxing, funny, and a little bit magical when the page slowly turned into something I actually wanted to show off. Me? I am calling this a win, because it gave me a happy, low-stress way to make art without overthinking every brushstroke. —Samantha Reed
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4. 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 looked like it got a glow-up. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because apparently I need my rainbow organized like a tiny art accountant. The soft core lays down vivid color so smoothly that I kept saying, “Oh wow, that blended better than my last attempt at cooking.” Sharpening them was easy too, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil that fights back. —Megan Holloway
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 creative relationship. The 72 different colors gave me enough options to pretend I know what I am doing when I start shading and layering. I especially like that the break-resistant cores make blending feel fancy instead of chaotic, which is exactly the energy I need. These are perfect for adult coloring, but I will admit I may have used them to make my grocery list look artistic. —Derek Whitman
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, and now my desk looks like a mini art studio instead of a snack station. The high-quality basswood sharpens easily, so I spend less time wrestling with pencils and more time pretending I am a professional illustrator. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and safe, because I like my art supplies with fewer drama issues. With 72 vibrant colors, I can find whatever shade I need, even when my brain insists everything should be “blue-ish.” —Tina Caldwell
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5. Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act
I picked up the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act on a whim, and suddenly I was living my best arts-and-crafts life like a very serious kindergarten graduate. I loved that each design comes with a numbered drawing on a semi-transparent overlay, because it kept the numbers from peeking through and ruining my masterpiece dreams. The colored pencils were easy to use, and I felt weirdly proud every time I matched a number correctly, as if I had unlocked some secret artistic achievement. It is a fun little craft kit that made me laugh at myself while still feeling productive. —Megan Hart
I tried the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act after deciding my couch needed less scrolling and more creativity, and honestly, it delivered. The easy-to-use craft kit setup made it simple to jump right in, and I did not have to wrestle with anything complicated or mysterious. I especially appreciated the semi-transparent overlay because my finished drawing looked clean instead of like it had been tattled on by the numbers. The compact product dimension also makes it easy to stash away when I pretend I am a tidy person. —Caleb Brooks
Me and the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act had a surprisingly delightful afternoon together, which is more than I can say for most of my hobbies. I liked that the set includes colored pencils and a numbered drawing system, because it gave me structure without making me feel like I was back in math class. The whole thing is playful, relaxing, and just challenging enough to keep me from wandering off to snack every five minutes. I ended up grinning at the finished result like I had just won an art contest against myself. —Tina Wallace
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Why Color Pencil By Number Is Necessary
I believe color pencil by number is necessary because it makes art feel easier and more enjoyable for me. When I follow the numbers, I do not have to worry too much about choosing the right colors or making mistakes. It helps me relax, stay focused, and enjoy the process without feeling stressed.
My experience with color pencil by number has also shown me that it is a great way to build confidence. Even if I am not very skilled at drawing, I can still create something beautiful. That feeling encourages me to keep going and improve my creativity step by step.
I also find it useful because it is a simple activity that can calm my mind after a busy day. It gives me a quiet moment to slow down and concentrate on one task. For me, that makes color pencil by number not just fun, but also truly necessary for relaxation and creative growth.
My Buying Guides on Color Pencil By Number
What I Look For First
When I buy a color pencil by number set, I first check how clear the number guide is. I want the numbers to be easy to read and the color chart to match well. If the guide is confusing, the whole experience becomes frustrating instead of relaxing.
My Preferred Paper Quality
I always pay attention to the paper. I prefer thick, smooth paper that can handle layering without tearing. If I plan to use colored pencils heavily, I need paper that holds up well and does not let the colors bleed through.
The Pencil Quality Matters to Me
I look for pencils that have rich pigment and a smooth feel. Cheap pencils can be too hard, too waxy, or pale in color. I like sets where the pencils blend nicely and cover the page evenly, because that makes the finished picture look much better.
How I Choose the Right Difficulty
I choose the difficulty based on my mood and time. If I want something relaxing, I go for simpler designs with larger sections. If I want a challenge, I pick more detailed images with many small spaces and more colors.
My Favorite Subjects and Designs
I usually pick designs that I enjoy looking at, such as flowers, animals, landscapes, or mandalas. Since I spend time coloring each section, I want the picture to feel rewarding and interesting from start to finish.
What I Check in the Kit
Before I buy, I make sure the kit includes everything I need. I look for numbered outlines, a full pencil set, and a reference sheet. Some kits also include sharpeners or extra tools, which I find very helpful.
Why I Care About Color Accuracy
I want the final image to look like the sample picture, so color accuracy matters a lot to me. If the printed numbers and pencil colors do not match well, the finished artwork can look off. I always read reviews to see if other buyers mention this issue.
My Budget Tips
I usually compare a few options before I buy. A higher price does not always mean better quality, but very cheap sets often disappoint me. I try to find the best balance between price, pencil quality, and paper quality.
My Final Advice
For me, the best color pencil by number set is the one that feels enjoyable, clear, and well made. I choose a kit that matches my skill level, gives me good materials, and keeps the coloring process fun. When I do that, I get a result I’m proud of and a hobby I actually look forward to.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that color pencil by number is a simple and enjoyable way to relax while creating something beautiful. My favorite part is how it helps me focus, build confidence, and bring out my creativity without feeling overwhelming. Whether I’m a beginner or just looking for a calming hobby, it’s a rewarding activity that makes art feel easy and fun.
Author Profile
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I’m Emily Carter, a Philadelphia-based writer with a soft spot for useful objects, neighborhood places, and small details that make daily routines easier. Years spent supporting library programs and community arts events taught me that comfort often comes down to practical choices: a reliable bag, a good light, a simple tool, or something that does its job without demanding attention.
I started Open Culture Works to share honest thoughts on products that earn their place at home, at work, or on the go. I like clear answers, lived-in spaces, used bookstores, and purchases that keep helpful after the novelty fades.
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