Colored pencil advice.

[sweetlittlejenny]

Hi there. So I've gotten a few of those adult zen tangle type coloring books lately and would like to color them. I have some regular crayola colored pencils which are fine but I was looking into maybe getting a slightly better quality pencil. But I can't afford $50 for a set of 12 or 24 either. Is there anything a step up that's not crazy expensive for a casual color-er person like myself, lol?
And yes, I googled it but there are so many choices I was looking for some firsthand advice.
TIA!

[Sochy]

Hello! : D
Well, a brand I always use is Faber-Castell. They come in many varieties and usually the ones in cardboard boxes are cheaper.
In Amazon I just saw a box of 48 watercolor pencils for 28.87.

A classic pencil box of 24 colors (no watercolor ones. I personally dont like a lot the normal ones because I found them like more "heavy" to paint, but is only my opinion. For what you are looking they may be fine!) Is only 11.99.

Caran d'Ache is also another amazing brand! They are a bit more expensive that the FC ones, but I personally LOVE them! Paint whit them is like... so soft. Amazon have a box of 18 of them for more or less 24USD. (And I think they are the watercolor ones)

Pentel is another... I personally never try them, but I use their watercolors and they are kinda ok. I dont know a lot of information about the pencil ones, but I asume is cheap too. Still this is only a "I dont found anything more" option for me 

[Emerald Treasure]

For high quality pencils that are not too ridiculous, I would definitely look into Prismacolors. For these, Amazon is the best place to buy them, as art stores have high mark-up most of the time, so they turn out cheaper online even with shipping fees. Plus, online shopping gives you way more affordable size options.

Personally, I was required to buy them for an AP art class, and I have found that they blend beautifully and create a very solid, almost marker-like look when applied with high pressure.

[ponygrl07]

I agree with Emerald Treasure Prismacolors are a great color pencil. I would also check with Michael's they constantly have a 40% off coupon. That could make a set of colored pencils very affordable.

[ponyqueen]

I agree with Emerald Treasure Prismacolors are a great color pencil. I would also check with Michael's they constantly have a 40% off coupon. That could make a set of colored pencils very affordable.

Yes don't forget the Michael's coupon! I think other stores like Joanne also accept this coupon.

[calzephyr]

Prismacolors and Faber Castell are totally good brands to buy :-)

[ZennaBug]

I have Faber-Castell watercolor pencils and I love them.  They blend well on their own and also are fun to mix with water.  I also just use my plain old Crayolas sometimes too. 

[buttonso]

Dick Blick often has really good prices on Prismacolors too!