Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils (50ct) Review – Are They Worth It?

Quick Verdict

I spent two weeks putting the Crayola Twistables colored pencils through their paces – coloring sessions at my desk, a long car trip, and a rainy afternoon with my niece. Here's what I found: these pencils deliver exactly what they promise. No sharpening, no peeling, 50 usable colors, and a portable design that actually works for real-world use. The color payoff won't satisfy advanced artists, but for kids, beginners, or anyone who just wants to color without fuss, this set earns its spot on the shelf. My rating: 4.2 out of 5.

What Is the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set?

Let's cut through the marketing: the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set is a 50-piece bulk pack of twist-up colored pencils designed primarily for kids but versatile enough for casual adult colorists. Each pencil features a plastic barrel with an internal color core that extends or retracts by twisting the base – no sharpening required, ever.

What's interesting about this specific pack is that it's an Amazon Exclusive. You won't find this exact 50-count configuration in most retail stores, which makes it a solid option for back-to-school shopping or bulk gifting. The set covers a wide color range, from bold primaries to more nuanced earth tones and skin shades, giving artists enough variety for most projects without buying multiple smaller sets.

Key Features

• 50 vibrant colors in one convenient Amazon-exclusive set
• Twist-up design eliminates sharpening, peeling, and mess
• Plastic barrel protects the internal color core from breakage
• Twist-down tip protection keeps color tips safe during transport
• Lightweight and portable – ideal for travel, school, or art on the go
• Non-toxic and certified safe for ages 4 and up
• Works on multiple surfaces – coloring books, drawing paper, crafts

Hands-On Review

I'll admit I was skeptical when I first picked up the Crayola Twistables. I've used plenty of colored pencils over the years, and the plastic-barrel twist design usually feels like a compromise – convenient but compromised in quality. The first thing I noticed was the weight. These pencils are noticeably lighter than wood-cased sets, which actually worked in their favor during a three-hour coloring session. My hand didn't fatigue the way it typically does with heavier pencils.

The color range surprised me. On day one, I tested all 50 colors on printer paper and a mid-weight coloring book page. The saturation is what I'd call "Crayola bright" – vivid without being garish, and consistent across the set. There's no weird color gap where you expect a good forest green and get something muddy. By the end of that first session, I had a small color chart that looked genuinely useful.

What surprised me was the portability test. I tossed the set into a tote bag with a coloring book and took it on a four-hour road trip. No case, just loose in the bag. Usually, that ends in broken cores and frustration. I was pleased to find that twisting the tips down actually protected them – none of the 50 pencils suffered damage, even after being jostled around.

The twist mechanism is smooth on the first few twists, but here's the thing nobody mentions in the listings: under firm pressing pressure, the twist can slip back slightly. I noticed this most when trying to color large solid areas quickly. It's not a dealbreaker – you just learn to check your tip length mid-session. After the first week, I adjusted my technique and stopped noticing it altogether.

Who Should Buy It?

Buy these if:

• You're shopping for a child ages 4-12 who wants independence from adult supervision (no sharpener needed)
• You need a portable art kit for travel, car rides, or classroom settings
• You're a teacher or activity coordinator building a bulk art supplies stash
• You're an adult colorist who values convenience over ultra-fine pigment quality
• You want a reliable back-to-school supply that won't need restocking every few weeks

Skip these if:

• You're an intermediate to advanced colored pencil artist who needs heavy layering and blending capabilities
• You prefer the tactile feel of real wood-cased pencils and don't mind sharpening
• You need archival-quality pigments for finished artwork you plan to sell or display long-term

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the Crayola Twistables don't quite fit your needs, here are two alternatives worth evaluating:

• Prang Thrift Pack Colored Pencils (48ct) – A budget-friendly alternative with wood casings and decent pigment. Best for classrooms where cost per pencil matters more than twist convenience. Prang pencils require a sharpener but offer a more traditional coloring experience.
• Crayola Classic Colored Pencils (50ct) – The wood-cased version of this brand. If you love Crayola colors but prefer traditional pencils, this set delivers comparable vibrancy with the classic sharpening experience. Slightly better for detailed work due to the sharper point.

FAQ

Final Verdict

After two weeks of real-world use, the Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set earns its reputation as a reliable, low-fuss option for young artists and casual colorists. The no-sharpening design genuinely works, the color range is impressive for the price, and the portability makes them practical for life outside a dedicated art room. They're not the right tool for advanced colored pencil techniques – if you need museum-quality layering, look elsewhere. But for kids, beginners, teachers, or anyone who values convenience without sacrificing color variety, this set delivers. Will I keep using mine? Yes – they're already living in my bag for quick coloring sessions when I need a break from screen time.