Best Colored Pencils for Beginners: Bright in One Stroke
If you have ever felt frustrated because your colored pencils looked too light or pale on paper, you are not alone. So many people, especially beginners and kids, struggle with pencils that need a lot of pressing just to get a little color. The good news? Tombow just changed the game — and it is something really worth talking about.
Tombow Pencil, one of Japan's most trusted stationery brands, released the Tombow Wood Story 12 Colors back in October 2025. And since its release, stationery lovers have been buzzing about it for one very simple reason: it is one of the best colored pencils for beginners that actually delivers big, bold color without all the hard work.
What Makes These Pencils So Special? 🌟
The Soft Touch Core: Color That Pops in One Stroke
The biggest thing about these pencils is the brand-new Soft Touch Core. This is the special material inside the pencil tip that makes the color come out so smooth and rich.
With just one light stroke, the color comes out about 30% darker than Tombow's older pencils. That means you get beautiful, deep color right away, no need to press hard or go over the same spot five times. The smoothness also improved by about 10%, which makes coloring feel almost like gliding on ice. 🎨
This is exactly why so many people call them the best colored pencils for beginners. You do not need any special skill or technique. Just pick them up and start coloring.
Hexagonal Shape: No More Rolling Off the Desk 😄
The pencil body has six sides, which is called a hexagonal shape. This is a really smart design because round pencils roll off desks so easily. With six flat sides, these pencils stay right where you put them. No more chasing pencils across the floor!
Beautiful Wood Finish That Feels Natural
These pencils are not just great to use, they are also really pretty to look at. The wood has a see-through natural finish that lets you see the actual wood grain underneath. The color names are even stamped on in a warm, burnt wood style that looks handcrafted and special.
It feels like holding a little piece of nature in your hand.
A Case That Makes Life Easier 🎒
Lightweight and Slim
The pencils come in a kraft paper case, which is that sturdy, earthy brown paper you might have seen on shopping bags or notebooks. The whole set weighs only about 100 grams. That is more than 30% lighter than the old tin version Tombow used to sell.
Tossing this in your school bag, art bag, or travel bag is so easy. You will barely notice it is there.
Compact Size, Big Convenience
The case measures only 115mm wide, 14mm thick, and 19mm long. It is slim, clean, and takes up almost no space. Whether you are coloring at home, at school, or on a trip, this set is easy to bring along everywhere.
The Problem It Solves 💡
Here is the truth about a lot of colored pencils out there: they make you work too hard for too little color. You press, and press, and press, and the result still looks faded. That is tiring, especially for young kids or anyone just starting out.
The Tombow Wood Story 12 Colors was made to fix exactly that. With its Soft Touch Core, you get rich, vibrant color with the lightest touch. It removes the frustration and makes coloring feel fun again. That is what makes it stand out as one of the best colored pencils for beginners available today.
It is also a wonderful pick if you are looking for smooth colored pencils for kids, affordable Japanese colored pencils, or a lightweight colored pencil set that is easy to carry anywhere.
Who Is This For?
These pencils are perfect for:
Kids who are just learning to color and need easy, smooth results. Adults who enjoy journaling, sketching, or light drawing. Anyone who wants a beautiful, well-made colored pencil set without spending a lot. Stationery lovers who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Whether you are six years old or sixty, these pencils will make you smile every time you open that little kraft paper case.
A Little Something Extra for Stationery Lovers 🗒️
Before you close this tab, here is a little treat for you. If reading about this made your heart skip a beat (because same!), there is a whole world of stationery goodness waiting for you to discover.
At Stationery Pal, we share the joy of beautiful pens, notebooks, and paper goods from Japan and beyond. Our blog is filled with honest reviews, helpful guides, and exciting new releases from the brands you love and the ones you are about to fall in love with. From smooth-writing gel pens to the cutest washi tapes, there is always something new to spark your creativity. Go ahead and take a look around. Your next favorite stationery find might already be waiting for you.
Final Thoughts
The Tombow Wood Story 12 Colors is proof that great stationery does not have to be complicated or expensive. It is simple, smooth, beautiful, and just really fun to use. With its Soft Touch Core, natural wood design, and feather-light case, it truly earns its spot among the best colored pencils for beginners out there.
If coloring has ever felt like a chore because your pencils just would not cooperate, this little set might be exactly what you have been looking for. Give it a try and see how much easier and more colorful your world can be. 🌈
