Finding the right art supplies for students means balancing cost, durability, and the kind of creative work each child actually does. Crayola Super Tips Markers (100ct) earn my best overall pick for their unmatched color range, washability, and price per marker. For students ready to move beyond crayons, the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set stands out as the strongest beginner sketching kit, while the TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set offers the broadest all-in-one value for families who want everything in one wooden case. The main tradeoff in this category is versatility versus quality: bulk classroom staples like crayons and glue sticks are cheap and reliable, but bundled art sets trade refinement for variety. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 14 picks and which ones deserve a spot in your cart.
Key Takeaways
- Washability was the single biggest differentiator among markers, with Crayola Super Tips and Broad Line Markers cleaning off skin and clothes far more easily than specialty alternatives like scented or artist-grade options.
- All-in-one kits (TMOL 175-Pack, Caliart 176PCS) deliver the most pieces per dollar, but their individual component quality falls short of standalone products like the Artecho Oil Pastels or Crayola Colored Pencils.
- Bulk classroom packs (Crayola Crayons 24-pack bundle, 480-sheet Construction Paper) offer the lowest cost per student and make sense only for teachers or large families — solo students will never use the volume.
- The Prina 76 Pack beat larger kits for beginners because it includes a tutorial and sketchbook, turning supplies into actual skill-building rather than just materials.
- Adhesives split cleanly by purpose: Elmer’s Disappearing Purple 12-count suits young students who over-apply glue, while the 30-count All Purpose pack is the better per-stick value for classrooms.
| Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count) |  | Best Overall | Quantity: 36 pencils | Brand: Crayola | Preparation: Presharpened | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 6 Grams, 12 Count |  | Best Value Adhesive | Quantity: 12 glue sticks | Stick weight: 6 grams each | Application color: Purple | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TMOL Art Supplies 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set with Wooden Case |  | Best Premium Gift Set | Total pieces: 175 | Includes: Crayons, acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, brushes, palettes, drawing pencils, sharpener, sandpaper block, eraser, drawing pads | Case: Wooden storage case | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 22 Count |  | Best for Young Kids | Color count: 22 assorted colors | Tip type: Chisel | Feature: Scented ink | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Construction Paper Bulk Pack (480 Sheets) – 10 Assorted Colors, 9×12 |  | Best Classroom Bulk Buy | Sheet count: 480 sheets | Colors: 10 assorted colors | Sheet size: 9 x 12 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Crayons Bulk (24 Packs) |  | Best Classroom Bulk Buy | Number of Packs: 24 | Colors per Pack: 24 | Color Range: Apricot to Yellow Orange, including Bluetiful, Cerulean, Indigo, and Scarlet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct), Washable Fine Point Markers for Kids & Adults |  | Best for Color Variety | Quantity: 100 markers | Colors: Assorted, 100 shades | Tip Type: Fine point, pressure-variable for thick or thin lines | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Air Dry Clay (5 lbs), Natural White Modeling Clay for Kids and Art Projects |  | Best for 3D Projects | Weight: 5 lbs | Color: Natural White | Material: Air dry clay, natural | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 30 Count, 7g each |  | Best Value Essential | Brand: Elmer’s | Type: All purpose school glue sticks | Quantity: 30 sticks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack), Assorted Colors for Kids |  | Best for Young Classrooms | Number of Packs: 12 | Markers per Pack: 10 | Colors Included: Orange, Yellow, Brown, Violet, Red, Blue, Black, Pink, Gray, Green | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils for Kids (24 Pack, 12 Colors) |  | Best Classroom Bulk Buy | Quantity: 24 packs | Colors per pack: 12 | Colors included: Red, Red Orange, Orange, Yellow, Green, Yellow Green, Sky Blue, Blue, Purple, Black, Brown, White | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial for Artists, Beginners, Teens, Adults |  | Best Starter Sketching Kit | Total pieces: 76 | Sketchbook size: 6 x 9 inches | Sketchbook pages: 50 (30 white, 10 toned tan, 10 black) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors |  | Best for Bold Color Exploration | Number of colors: 48 | Pastel size: 70 mm x 10 mm | Material: Oil pastel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book |  | Most Complete All-in-One Set | Total pieces: 176 | Sketchbook sheets: 100 | Sketchbook colors: 3 (white, tan, black) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count)
Crayola’s 36-count set earns the top spot because it nails the balance students actually need: enough colors for shading and blending without the overwhelm or price of a professional set. The pencils arrive presharpened, which matters more than it sounds — a classroom session doesn’t stall because nobody can find a sharpener. Compared with the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils (24 Pack), this set doubles the color range for only a modest price bump, making it the smarter pick for older elementary and middle school students doing detailed work. The tradeoff is real, though: pigment load is student-grade, so art students building portfolios will eventually outgrow it for an option like the Artecho Oil Pastels or a premium pencil brand.
Pros:- Presharpened and ready for classroom use on day one
- 36 colors cover most school project and coloring needs
- Durable cores resist breaking in backpacks and pencil cases
- Works for both kids and adults, so the whole household can share
Cons:- Student-grade pigment lacks the blendability of artist pencils
- 36 colors may feel limiting for serious colored-pencil work
Best for: Elementary through middle school students who need one reliable pencil set for homework, coloring, and art class
Not ideal for: Advanced art students or hobbyists seeking rich, blendable pigment — student-grade cores limit layering and color depth
- Quantity:36 pencils
- Brand:Crayola
- Preparation:Presharpened
- Suitable for:Kids & adults
- Recommended age:3+
- Primary use:Coloring, school projects, creative work
Our verdict“The dependable default choice for any student who needs quality colored pencils without paying artist-grade prices.”
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 6 Grams, 12 Count
This is the glue stick set I’d hand to a parent stocking up for the school year. The disappearing purple formula solves the most common glue-stick frustration: kids can see exactly where they’ve applied it before it dries clear, which means fewer misplaced cutouts and less wasted material. Against the Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks (30 Count), this 12-pack is the better value for a single household, while the larger pack makes more sense for teachers buying at scale. At 6 grams per stick, each one is genuinely small — a classroom poster project can burn through two sticks. For heavy-duty bonding like foam board displays, plan on a liquid adhesive instead.
Pros:- Purple color shows application coverage before drying clear
- Washable and non-toxic, safe for young children
- Acid-free and photo safe for scrapbooking and keepsakes
- Bonds paper, cardboard, foam board, and display board
Cons:- Only 6 grams per stick — runs out quickly on big projects
- Not strong enough for heavy or dimensional materials
Best for: Parents and younger students doing paper crafts, collages, and school glue projects at home
Not ideal for: Students building science fair displays or 3D projects — the small sticks lack strength and capacity for heavy materials
- Quantity:12 glue sticks
- Stick weight:6 grams each
- Application color:Purple
- Dry finish:Clear
- Bonding surfaces:Paper, cardboard, foam board, display board
- Safety:Washable, non-toxic, acid-free, photo safe
- Brand:Elmer’s
Our verdict“The smart pick for everyday paper crafts at home, as long as projects stay lightweight.”
TMOL Art Supplies 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set with Wooden Case
This 175-piece set is the roundup’s splurge pick, and its appeal is immediacy: everything a student needs to explore painting, pastel, and pencil techniques arrives in one organized wooden case. Compared with the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set, it trades focus for breadth — where Prina goes deep on sketching, TMOL spreads across watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, and colored pencils. That breadth is the tradeoff. A student who already knows they love drawing would get more from a focused kit, and experienced artists will find some pieces redundant. But as a gift for a curious beginner who hasn’t settled on a medium yet, nothing else in this lineup offers this much to experiment with.
Pros:- 175 pieces spanning paints, pastels, pencils, and brushes
- Wooden case keeps everything organized and portable
- Includes drawing pads, sharpener, eraser, and sandpaper block
- Non-toxic and suitable for a wide age range
Cons:- Variety comes at the cost of depth in any single medium
- Overwhelming for young beginners who can’t yet use most tools
- Some pieces duplicate supplies a student may already own
Best for: Gift-givers and hobbyist students aged 8 and up who want to sample every medium before committing to one
Not ideal for: Students focused on a single medium like sketching — the specialized Prina 76 Pack delivers better depth for less money
- Total pieces:175
- Includes:Crayons, acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, brushes, palettes, drawing pencils, sharpener, sandpaper block, eraser, drawing pads
- Case:Wooden storage case
- Safety:Non-toxic
- Skill level:All levels
- Best use:Multi-medium exploration and gifting
Our verdict“Buy it as a gift for an undecided creative; skip it if the student already knows their favorite medium.”
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 22 Count
For younger students, engagement is half the battle, and Mr. Sketch scented markers win it outright — the scents make kids want to keep creating. The chisel tip handles both broad fills and finer lines, giving children more control than the standard Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack) while staying easier to manage than fine-point options like the Crayola Super Tips 100ct, whose slim tips suit more precise, older hands. At 22 colors, the palette sits comfortably between those two sets. The honest limitation: scents fade over time, and some classrooms restrict scented products, so check before packing these in a school bag. They shine brightest at home and in casual craft time.
Pros:- Scents make creative time more engaging for young children
- Chisel tip supports both broad strokes and detail work
- AP certified non-toxic for ages 3 and up
- Large cylinder barrels are easy for small hands to grip
Cons:- Scent fades noticeably with use and age
- 22 colors is thin compared with 100-count marker sets
- Not permitted in some schools with fragrance policies
Best for: Parents of kids aged 3-8 who want markers that make craft time genuinely exciting
Not ideal for: Scent-sensitive kids or classrooms with fragrance restrictions — and older students will find 22 colors limiting
- Color count:22 assorted colors
- Tip type:Chisel
- Feature:Scented ink
- Safety certification:AP certified non-toxic
- Age range:3 years and up
- Barrel design:Large easy-hold cylinder
Our verdict“A fun, safe pick for home craft time with young kids — just verify scent rules before sending it to school.”
Crayola Construction Paper Bulk Pack (480 Sheets) – 10 Assorted Colors, 9×12
At 480 sheets, this pack exists for one buyer: someone feeding a lot of projects. A teacher stocking a classroom art corner or a parent running through weekly crafts will go months without reordering, and the heavy-duty weight holds up to glue, markers, and folding better than budget construction paper. Paired with the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks or the Crayola Air Dry Clay for cut-and-build projects, it forms the backbone of a craft supply closet. The constraints are straightforward: the 9×12 sheet size caps project scale, so anyone planning large posters or bulletin board displays will need a bigger format, and there’s no recycled-content claim for eco-conscious buyers.
Pros:- 480 sheets keep a classroom supplied for months
- 10 vibrant colors give projects visual variety
- Thick, sturdy stock withstands glue, folding, and markers
- Standard 9×12 size fits most kid craft templates
Cons:- Sheet size limits larger posters and displays
- No recycled or eco-certified content listed
- Overkill for families doing occasional crafts
Best for: Teachers, homeschoolers, and high-volume craft families who burn through paper constantly
Not ideal for: Students needing large-format paper for posters or displays — 9×12 inches is too small for big projects
- Sheet count:480 sheets
- Colors:10 assorted colors
- Sheet size:9 x 12 inches
- Paper weight:Heavy-duty construction paper
- Brand:Crayola
- Intended use:Classroom projects, crafts, school assignments
Our verdict“The best cost-per-sheet option for classrooms and heavy craft users; casual households should buy a smaller pack.”
Crayola Crayons Bulk (24 Packs)
Teachers stocking a classroom for the year will find 24 individual 24-count boxes hard to beat on a per-student basis. Unlike the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils (24 Pack, 12 Colors), which doubles up on colors across boxes, this set gives every kid a full 24-color palette — including shades like Cerulean and Yellow Orange — so no one fights over the “good” colors. Compared with the Broad Line Markers 12-pack set, crayons are the safer bet for younger grades: no caps to lose, no ink drying out, no smudging on clothes. The tradeoff is that crayons simply can’t produce the bold, saturated coverage markers offer, and 24 boxes is overkill for a single household. This pick makes the most sense for group settings where quantity and durability matter more than fine detail.
Pros:- Individual boxes prevent sharing disputes and germ spread in classrooms
- Full 24-color range per box, including uncommon shades like Bluetiful and Indigo
- Crayons survive drops and rough handling better than markers or pencils
- Trusted brand consistency means predictable color quality across every box
Cons:- 24 boxes is far more than any single family needs
- Crayon coverage is lighter and less vibrant than marker alternatives
Best for: Teachers, homeschool co-ops, and daycare providers who need an individual box for every student
Not ideal for: Parents buying for one or two kids at home — two-thirds of these boxes will sit unused in a closet
- Number of Packs:24
- Colors per Pack:24
- Color Range:Apricot to Yellow Orange, including Bluetiful, Cerulean, Indigo, and Scarlet
- Format:Individual retail boxes
- Intended Use:Classrooms, group crafts, homeschool
Our verdict“Buy this only if you’re supplying a whole classroom; families should grab a single box elsewhere.”
Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct), Washable Fine Point Markers for Kids & Adults
This is the most versatile marker option in the lineup. Where the Broad Line Markers 12-pack set stops at 10 basic colors, Super Tips delivers 100 shades, and the flexible fine-point tips shift between thick and thin lines with pressure changes — useful for everything from adult coloring books to hand-lettering practice. Compared with the Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, these trade novelty scents for genuine creative range, making them better suited to middle schoolers and teens than to preschoolers. The washable, non-toxic formula means mistakes on skin and clothes rinse out, a real advantage over cheaper off-brand markers. Two honest drawbacks: 100 markers without a storage case quickly becomes a desk disaster, and casual users will never touch half the palette. This set stands out for serious young artists, not doodlers.
Pros:- 100-color range opens up shading, blending, and detailed work impossible with 10-color sets
- Dual-width tips handle both broad fills and fine details in one marker
- Washable ink cleans off skin and most fabrics easily
- Non-toxic and safe for ages 3 and up
Cons:- No included storage case, so organization falls entirely on the buyer
- Overwhelming quantity for casual or very young users
Best for: Detail-oriented students, teen artists, and hand-lettering hobbyists who want maximum color choice
Not ideal for: Preschool classrooms or casual colorers who will lose track of 100 loose markers without a case
- Quantity:100 markers
- Colors:Assorted, 100 shades
- Tip Type:Fine point, pressure-variable for thick or thin lines
- Washable:Yes
- Non-Toxic:Yes
- Age Range:3+
- Storage Case:Not included
Our verdict“The right pick when color range matters more than tidiness — just budget for a storage box.”
Crayola Air Dry Clay (5 lbs), Natural White Modeling Clay for Kids and Art Projects
Every other item on this list is flat — this is the only option for students who want to sculpt in three dimensions. The 5-pound bucket is sized for classroom groups, closer in spirit to the bulk Construction Paper 480-Sheet Pack than to single-student kits like the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set. The natural white surface is essentially a blank canvas: once pieces air dry, they take paint, marker, and even the Super Tips set for decoration, which makes it a strong pairing purchase. Compared with oil-based modeling clays, it hardens permanently without an oven or kiln — but that strength cuts both ways. Clay cracks if left uncovered between sessions, projects take a day or more to fully cure, and unfinished work can’t be re-fired or repaired easily. Plan lessons around the drying schedule.
Pros:- Air-dry formula eliminates the need for an oven or kiln entirely
- 5-pound resealable bucket keeps unused clay workable between sessions
- White surface takes paint and marker well for detailed finishing
- Softens with just water, making it manageable for small hands
Cons:- Drying time of a day or more delays gratification and complicates lesson pacing
- Clay cracks if not stored sealed, wasting material
Best for: Art teachers and parents running sculpture lessons who want a no-kiln, paintable medium
Not ideal for: Impatient young kids or anyone wanting same-day finished projects, since drying takes 24+ hours
- Weight:5 lbs
- Color:Natural White
- Material:Air dry clay, natural
- Drying Method:Air dry, no kiln or oven required
- Finish Compatibility:Paintable and marker-decoratable once dry
- Storage:Resealable bucket
Our verdict“The go-to for hands-on 3D assignments, as long as your schedule can tolerate the drying time.”
Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 30 Count, 7g each
Glue sticks are the unglamorous backbone of every school year, and this 30-pack covers a classroom’s worth of collage work for very little money. At 7 grams per stick, each one holds slightly more adhesive than the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple 6-gram sticks, and the clear formula means no purple smears on finished projects — though parents of younger kids may prefer the purple version precisely because it shows where glue has been applied. The sticks bond paper, cardboard, and foam board with quick, clump-free drying, which pairs naturally with the bulk Construction Paper Pack for poster and diorama assignments. The honest limits: glue sticks are weak on non-porous surfaces like plastic and metal, and 7 grams runs out fast on big laminated projects. Liquid glue still wins there.
Pros:- 30-stick quantity outlasts an entire school year for most families
- Washable, acid-free, and photo-safe for scrapbooks and keepsake projects
- Dries clear and fast without the clumping of cheap glue sticks
- Bonds reliably to paper, cardboard, and foam board
Cons:- Small 7g capacity runs dry quickly on large projects
- Poor adhesion on glossy or non-porous surfaces
Best for: Teachers and parents buying a full year’s worth of adhesive for paper crafts on a budget
Not ideal for: Students working with plastic, metal, or fabric, where glue sticks barely adhere
- Brand:Elmer’s
- Type:All purpose school glue sticks
- Quantity:30 sticks
- Weight per Stick:7 grams
- Drying:Quick-drying, clear finish
- Features:Washable, acid-free, photo safe
- Compatible Surfaces:Paper, cardboard, foam board
Our verdict“The cheapest way to check the glue-stick box on a school supply list — just keep liquid glue for heavy jobs.”
Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack), Assorted Colors for Kids
This set solves a specific problem the Super Tips 100-count doesn’t: distributing markers to twelve students at once with a manageable 10-color box each. The broad tips are built for small hands still developing control — bold, fast coverage beats fine detail at ages 3 to 7, and the durable tips survive the pressing and jabbing that destroys finer markers. Compared with the Bulk Crayons 24-Pack, markers deliver far more saturated color for posters and signs, at the cost of needing caps replaced and drying out if neglected. The palette sticks to basics — Orange, Red, Blue, Pink, Gray, and six others — so older students doing shading or skin-tone work will outgrow it fast. This model is better suited to early-elementary group art than any individual artist’s kit.
Pros:- 12 separate boxes make classroom distribution effortless
- Broad tips produce satisfying, fast coverage for young artists
- Tips resist fraying under heavy-handed use
- Non-toxic and rated safe for ages 3 and up
Cons:- Only 10 basic colors with no pastels or skin tones
- 12 boxes is excessive for a single household
Best for: Preschool and early elementary teachers who need one simple box per seat
Not ideal for: Older students or hobbyists needing nuanced color — 10 basics won’t support detailed artwork
- Number of Packs:12
- Markers per Pack:10
- Colors Included:Orange, Yellow, Brown, Violet, Red, Blue, Black, Pink, Gray, Green
- Tip Type:Broad line, durable
- Ages:3+
- Non-Toxic:Yes
- Intended Use:Classroom and group coloring activities
Our verdict“A practical bulk pick for young classrooms; individuals should buy one box and a richer color set instead.”
Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils for Kids (24 Pack, 12 Colors)
For teachers and group leaders, this 24-pack bulk box solves the perennial shortage problem — every student gets a full set without sharing battles. The pre-sharpened, durable cores mean zero prep time, a real advantage when a class of 25 needs supplies immediately. Compared with the single Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count), you trade color range for sheer quantity: 12 colors per pack covers basic assignments and coloring, but students working on detailed shading or skin tones will hit a ceiling fast. That tradeoff makes sense for elementary classrooms where volume beats nuance. At roughly the cost of two individual sets, the per-unit price is hard to beat. Just don’t expect it to satisfy an art student working on portfolio pieces — the palette is deliberately basic.
Pros:- 24 identical packs eliminate sharing conflicts in group settings
- Pre-sharpened cores are classroom-ready on day one
- Durable Crayola cores resist breaking under kid-level pressure
- Extremely low cost per pack compared with buying individually
Cons:- Only 12 colors per pack — no fine art range like grays or skin tones
- Bulk shipping box has no storage solution once opened
Best for: Teachers, camp counselors, and parents managing multiple kids who need identical supply sets
Not ideal for: Art students developing advanced techniques — 12 basic colors limits blending depth and tonal range
- Quantity:24 packs
- Colors per pack:12
- Colors included:Red, Red Orange, Orange, Yellow, Green, Yellow Green, Sky Blue, Blue, Purple, Black, Brown, White
- Pre-sharpened:Yes
- Core type:Durable Crayola colored pencil core
- Intended use:Classrooms, group projects, home art
Our verdict“Buy this if you’re supplying a classroom or several kids; skip it if one student needs a rich, expandable palette.”
Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial for Artists, Beginners, Teens, Adults
What separates this set from bigger kits like the Caliart 176PCS is restraint with intent — 76 pieces covers graphite, charcoal, blending, and erasing without burying a beginner in redundancy. The included 7-step drawing tutorial is the real differentiator: a student who has never shaded a sphere gets a guided path rather than a pile of tools and guesswork. The 50-page sketchbook mixes 30 white, 10 tan, and 10 black pages, which lets new artists experiment with light-on-dark techniques early. Compared with the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils, this is the clearly better fit for a student taking an actual drawing class. The tradeoff is size — the 6 x 9 inch sketchbook feels cramped for ambitious compositions, and quality per pencil is student-grade rather than professional.
Pros:- Built-in 7-step tutorial gives beginners structure instead of overwhelm
- Compact zippered case keeps 76 pieces organized in a backpack
- Mixed-tone sketchbook pages teach white-pencil and toned-paper techniques
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials safe for younger users
Cons:- 6 x 9 inch sketchbook is too small for serious assignments or portfolio work
- Pencil quality is student-grade; a dedicated artist will outgrow it quickly
Best for: Middle school and high school students starting formal drawing instruction who need one organized kit
Not ideal for: Advanced students or adults — pencil quality is entry-level and the small sketchbook constrains larger work
- Total pieces:76
- Sketchbook size:6 x 9 inches
- Sketchbook pages:50 (30 white, 10 toned tan, 10 black)
- Tutorial:7-step drawing guide included
- Material:Non-toxic, eco-friendly
- Portability:Zippered carrying case
Our verdict“The smartest first sketching kit for a student who wants guided practice, not just raw supplies.”
Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors
Where the Prina 76 Pack and Caliart 176PCS focus on dry drawing media, this set delivers something neither offers: richly pigmented, blendable color at speed. Oil pastels let students cover large areas and blend gradients in minutes, which makes them perfect for posters, mixed-media projects, and expressive classroom work. The 48-color range comfortably beats the 12-color ceiling of the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils, giving students real options for layering and shading. At 70 mm long with protective sleeves, they’re tidy enough for a backpack — a contrast to messier paint options. The honest drawback: soft pastels snap under heavy pressure, and impatient students will go through broken sticks fast. Blending also requires finger work or tortillons, so it’s messier than pencils and unsuitable for detailed line work.
Pros:- 48 richly pigmented colors enable serious blending and layering
- Smooth application covers large areas far faster than pencils
- Compact 70 mm sticks with protective sleeves travel well
- Non-toxic formula safe for all ages
Cons:- Sticks break easily under heavy-handed use
- Smudges transfer to hands, sleeves, and adjacent pages without fixative
Best for: Students who want vibrant, painterly color effects for posters and mixed-media work without paint cleanup
Not ideal for: Detail-oriented illustrators and anyone who hates messy hands — pastels smudge and can’t produce fine lines
- Number of colors:48
- Pastel size:70 mm x 10 mm
- Material:Oil pastel
- Non-toxic:Yes
- Techniques:Blending, shading, layering
- Packaging:Protective sleeves on each stick
Our verdict“The go-to pick when a student’s project needs bold, blendable color instead of precise linework.”
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
This is the maximum-coverage option in the lineup: 176 pieces spanning graphite, colored, watercolor, charcoal, metallic, and white charcoal pencils, plus blending stumps, a water brush pen, and a 100-sheet three-tone sketchbook. Compared with the Prina 76 Pack, you get more than double the supplies and twice the paper — a better fit for a student juggling multiple classes or media. The watercolor pencils and water brush pen open up painting effects that no other set here provides. That abundance is also the weakness: beginners may face genuine choice paralysis, and quality is uneven across so many pieces — the metallic and charcoal sticks won’t match dedicated artist-grade brands. Where the TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set uses a wooden case, Caliart’s lightweight zippered design wins for students commuting with a backpack.
Pros:- 176 pieces cover six pencil types from graphite to watercolor and metallic
- 100-sheet three-tone sketchbook doubles the paper of competing kits
- Lightweight zippered case beats wooden cases for backpack portability
- Accessories like blending stumps and a water brush pen support advanced techniques
Cons:- Quality varies across 176 pieces; not everything is artist-grade
- Overwhelming scale for beginners who need a simpler starting point
Best for: Serious high school or college art students who need many media in one portable kit across different assignments
Not ideal for: Young or first-time artists — the sheer piece count is overwhelming, and casual users won’t touch half of it
- Total pieces:176
- Sketchbook sheets:100
- Sketchbook colors:3 (white, tan, black)
- Sketchbook size:6 x 9 inches
- Pencil types:Graphite, Colored, Watercolor, Charcoal, White Charcoal, Metallic
- Pencil quantities:12 each (graphite, colored, watercolor, charcoal, metallic), 3 white charcoal
- Additional tools:Blending stumps, water brush pen, eraser, sharpener, pencil extender, sandpaper block, paint brush
- Case:Portable zippered travel case
Our verdict“The best value for a committed student who wants every drawing medium in one bag — overkill for everyone else.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each product through the specific lens of a student buyer, which meant prioritizing washability, safety, cost per use, and age-appropriate usability over professional-grade quality. Classroom staples were judged on durability and bulk value — how many students a pack can serve and how well the product survives backpacks, desk drawers, and heavy daily use. Kits and sets were compared on the quality of their individual components, not just the piece count, since a 175-piece set with weak pigments loses to a 40-piece set that performs.
The ranking also reflects versatility across grade levels. Products that work for a wide age range, like Crayola Super Tips that suit both elementary posters and teen projects, ranked higher than single-audience items. Finally, I weighed mess factor and cleanup burden — a real concern for parents and teachers — which is why washable formulas consistently placed above their permanent or specialty counterparts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Art Supplies For Students
Beyond the individual picks, choosing art supplies for students involves decisions about age fit, budget structure, and how supplies will actually be used day to day.Match the Medium to the Age, Not the Grade
Age appropriateness matters more than packaging suggests. Fine-line tools like colored pencils demand hand strength and control that most children under seven haven’t developed, which is why crayons and broad-line markers dominate early elementary classrooms. A common mistake is buying a sophisticated sketching kit for a young student, only to find it sits unused because the child defaults back to markers. Scented markers and disappearing glue sticks are genuinely functional for young kids — the scent aids color recognition, and purple glue shows where it’s been applied. Save pencil sets, oil pastels, and blended kits for ages eight and up, when fine motor skills and patience for technique develop. Matching the tool to developmental stage prevents waste and frustration on both sides.
Buy Bulk for Classrooms, Singles for Students
The per-unit math changes dramatically depending on how many students you’re supplying. A 24-pack crayon bundle or 480-sheet construction paper pack drops the cost per student to pennies, but a single child would take years to use it all — and crayons stored that long become brittle and waxy. Parents should generally buy standard retail sizes and replace as needed, since fresh supplies outperform stale bulk stock. Teachers and homeschool co-ops get real value from bulk packs because the supply gets distributed and consumed within a school year. Also watch storage: bulk paper warps in humid classrooms and bulk glue sticks dry out once opened. The right quantity is the amount that gets used before it degrades.
Washability Is Worth Paying For
Parents routinely underestimate cleanup until the first marker incident ruins a shirt or a carpet. Washable formulas — standard across the Crayola marker and crayon lineup here — cost roughly the same as non-washable alternatives but save significant money on ruined clothing over a school year. Oil pastels and air-dry clay, by contrast, are inherently messier and permanent on fabric, so they’re better reserved for supervised sessions or older students. Check labels for “ultra-clean” or “super washable” designations, which remove pigment from walls and skin with plain water. One school year of art projects multiplies quickly; a washable premium of even a dollar per pack pays for itself the first time it saves a uniform.
Bundled Kits: Variety Versus Quality
Art kits are the category’s biggest trap. A 175-piece wooden-case set looks impressive, but buyers should ask whether each component — the included crayons, pastels, pencils — performs as well as buying those items separately. Generally, kits win on convenience and gift appeal, and lose on pigment quality and durability of the tools themselves. The smarter approach for a serious student is building a small collection of standalone quality items over time. Kits make the most sense for beginners still discovering which medium they enjoy, or as a portable option for travel and grandparents’ houses. If a kit includes a sketchbook and tutorials, like the Prina set, it carries added instructional value that raw materials don’t.
Don’t Forget the Consumables: Paper and Adhesives
Buyers focus on color tools and overlook that paper and glue drive most school art projects. Standard 9×12 construction paper in assorted colors covers nearly every elementary assignment, and heavier-weight paper matters if projects involve paint or glue-heavy collages — thin paper buckles and tears. For glue, sticks beat liquid for young students because they’re spill-proof and dry clear, and the disappearing-purple variant solves the over-application problem almost entirely. Stock adhesives in proportion to your paper supply: most projects consume both together. A well-stocked student kit has a 2:1 ratio of paper sheets to glue sticks for a typical school year of crafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a large art kit or individual supplies for a student?
It depends on the student’s stage. Kits like the TMOL 175-Pack or Caliart 176PCS make sense for beginners who are still exploring which mediums they enjoy, since sampling individual categories separately costs far more. However, once a student shows sustained interest in one area — say sketching — individual supplies beat kit versions on quality every time. A standalone colored pencil set from Crayola or a dedicated pastel set like Artecho’s outperforms the same items tucked inside a bundle. My rule: one kit to explore, then graduate to standalone quality in the medium they actually use.
Are scented markers like Mr. Sketch safe and worth buying over regular markers?
Mr. Sketch markers are non-toxic and AP-certified, so safety isn’t the concern — value is. They cost more per marker than Crayola’s washable options and the scent fades over months of use. Where they earn their price is engagement: teachers consistently find young students spend longer on scented-marker projects, and the smell-to-color association helps early learners remember colors. For a home supply where a child uses markers weekly, standard Crayola Super Tips deliver better value. Treat scented markers as a supplemental or gift purchase rather than the everyday workhorse set.
What’s the right glue stick quantity to buy for a school year?
A single student typically goes through six to ten glue sticks across a school year of crafts and projects, making the Elmer’s 12-count Disappearing Purple pack the right size for one child with margin to spare. The 30-count All Purpose bulk tub only makes sense for classrooms or families with multiple students, since opened glue sticks dry out within a year regardless of brand. The disappearing-purple formula specifically helps younger children who tend to glob glue, showing exactly where it lands before drying clear. If you’re buying for a classroom supply list, follow the teacher’s specified count — schools budget quantities precisely. Otherwise, buy the smaller pack and restock rather than storing extras that degrade.
When should a student upgrade from crayons and markers to pencils and pastels?
The shift usually works best around ages eight to ten, when fine motor control matures and kids start wanting shading and detail that wax tools can’t deliver. Colored pencils are the natural first step — the Crayola 36-count offers enough color range to learn blending without overwhelming a beginner. Oil pastels like the Artecho 48 set come next, though they’re messier and better suited to students who can work at a table with supervision. Sketching kits such as the Prina 76 Pack bridge the gap well because the included tutorials teach technique alongside the tools. Don’t force the upgrade early; a frustrated student who isn’t ready will abandon drawing entirely.
Is air-dry clay like Crayola’s a good alternative to a pottery class or kiln access?
Air-dry clay serves a different purpose than kiln-fired clay, and understanding the difference prevents disappointment. Crayola’s 5-pound tub is excellent for freeform sculpting, school dioramas, and hand-building projects — it dries hard without any equipment, which is exactly what most students need. The tradeoffs are real: air-dry pieces are more fragile than fired ceramic, aren’t food-safe, and can crack if dried too quickly or painted before fully cured. For learning three-dimensional thinking and completing school assignments, it’s genuinely the right tool. For a student serious about ceramics as a craft, no air-dry product substitutes for kiln access, so treat this as a skill-building medium rather than a permanent-art medium.
Conclusion
After comparing all 14 products, the right choice comes down to who’s doing the art. For best overall, the Crayola Super Tips 100-count Markers deliver the best combination of color range, washability, and price — they suit the widest range of students and projects. The best value pick is the Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks 30-count for classrooms or the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils 24-pack for families, both offering the lowest cost per use in the lineup. For a premium gift or serious hobbyist student, the TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set with Wooden Case provides the most complete presentation, though component quality trails standalone picks. Best for beginners goes to the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set, because its sketchbook and tutorials teach skills rather than just supplying materials. For specific needs: choose Artecho Oil Pastels for a student focused on color-blending, Crayola Air Dry Clay for sculptural projects, and the Mr. Sketch Scented Markers as a motivational treat for reluctant young artists. Whichever direction you choose, matching the tool to the student’s age and interest will matter more than any single product’s specs.
