The best oil pastels for kids are the Pentel 50-color set: creamy, blendable, non-toxic, rated 4.6 stars by over 24,000 buyers, and under $8. Young beginners (under 7) do best with firmer sticks like Crayola; older kids will love the blending magic of softer sets like Artecho.
Key takeaways
- Pentel 50-color set is the #1 pick: 4.6 stars from 24,000+ reviews, creamy and blendable, under $8.
- Crayola 28-color is the trusted first set for young kids — non-toxic and classroom-proven.
- Under-7s do better with firmer pastels (Pentel, Crayola); ages 7+ will love soft blendable sets (Artecho).
- Traditional oil pastels are NOT washable — use old clothes and table covers, or pick the washable KUPTOOL set.
- Textured paper grips pastel pigment far better than smooth printer paper.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and ratings were accurate at the time of writing and may vary.
In This Guide
Oil pastels are the perfect bridge between crayons and “real” art supplies. They’re vibrant, blendable, and forgiving — everything a young artist needs. But not all oil pastels are kid-safe, and the quality gap between brands is huge.
We compared the 10 most popular oil pastel sets on Amazon — checking safety certifications, blendability, color range, and thousands of verified parent reviews — to find the sets actually worth your money in 2026.
Quick Comparison Table
| # | Product | Colors | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels | 25 Colors | ~$6 | ★ 4.7 |
| 2 | Crayola Oil Pastels | 28 Assorted Colors | ~$7 | ★ 4.7 |
| 3 | Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels | 24 Colors with Case | ~$12 | ★ 4.7 |
| 4 | Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set | 25 Colors (PHN-25) | ~$5 | ★ 4.6 |
| 5 | Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist | 50 Colors | ~$9 | ★ 4.7 |
| 6 | Crayola Oil Pastels Neon | 12 Neon Colors | ~$5 | ★ 4.6 |
| 7 | Artecho Oil Pastels | 24 Colors | ~$9 | ★ 4.7 |
| 8 | Mr. Pen Oil Pastels | 45 Colors | ~$6 | ★ 4.5 |
| 9 | Mont Marte Oil Pastels | 48 Colors in Tin | ~$18 | ★ 4.7 |
| 10 | Pentel Arts Oil Pastels | 36 Colors | ~$6 | ★ 4.6 |
What Age Can Kids Start Using Oil Pastels?
Most kids can start around age 3-4 with jumbo or hexagonal oil pastels designed for small hands. The key isn’t age — it’s whether the pastels are non-toxic and ACMI AP certified.
Here’s what to look for by age:
- Ages 3-5: Jumbo sticks, hexagonal shape (won’t roll), washable formulas. Crayola’s jumbo neons are perfect here.
- Ages 6-8: Standard-size pastels, 24-36 colors. They can handle blending now. Sakura Junior Artist or Pentel are ideal.
- Ages 9+: Larger sets (48-50 colors), focus on blendability and pigment quality. Mont Marte or Faber-Castell.
Safety first: Always check for ACMI AP (Approved Product) seal. This means it’s been evaluated by toxicologists and is safe for children. Avoid unbranded pastels without certification — they may contain harmful pigments.
How Do You Choose Safe Oil Pastels for Kids?
Choosing oil pastels for kids comes down to four things:
1. Safety certification. Look for the ACMI AP seal. This is non-negotiable for kids. All 10 sets on our list are certified or marketed as non-toxic.
2. Texture. Softer pastels blend easily but create more mess. Firmer pastels (like Crayola) are cleaner but harder to blend. For young kids, start firmer. For older kids who want to blend, go softer.
3. Shape. Hexagonal or triangular pastels don’t roll off the table. Round pastels do. If you’ve ever chased 24 pastels across a kitchen floor, you understand why this matters.
4. Color count. 24 colors is plenty for beginners. 36-50 is the sweet spot for kids who are serious. More than 50 is overkill unless they’re doing detailed work.
What to avoid: Extremely cheap unbranded sets (safety unknown), artist-grade pastels (too soft, too messy, too expensive for kids), and sets without age recommendations.
The 10 Best Oil Pastels for Kids in 2026
1
Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels — 25 Colors
Best Overall
✓ Inventor of oil pastels
Product Image
25 Colors
25 Colors
Best for: Beginners and classrooms — the safest, most trusted starter set
Why It’s GreatSakura literally invented oil pastels in 1925. The Junior Artist line is ACMI AP certified non-toxic and allergen-free (no tree-nut, soy, latex, wheat, dairy, or egg). The texture is soft enough for small hands to blend easily, but firm enough not to crumble. At around $6 for 25 colors, it’s the set art teachers buy in bulk.
25 Colors★ 4.7/5~$6
What We Like
- ACMI AP certified non-toxic
- Allergen-free formula
- Soft, easy blending
- Amazon’s Choice
Keep in Mind
- Only 25 colors
- Basic cardboard box
2
Crayola Oil Pastels — 28 Assorted Colors
Classroom Favorite
✓ Teacher approved
Product Image
28 Assorted Colors
28 Assorted Colors
Best for: Schools and homeschool — the bulk-buy classroom standard
Why It’s GreatCrayola is the name every parent trusts. These are non-toxic, kid-safe for ages 4-15, and the colors are bright and consistent. They’re slightly firmer than Sakura, which means less mess on little fingers — a real plus for younger kids. The 28-color range covers everything a child needs.
28 Assorted Colors★ 4.7/5~$7
What We Like
- Trusted kid-safe brand
- Less messy than softer brands
- Ages 4-15
- Great value
Keep in Mind
- Firmer texture, harder blending
- Limited to 28 colors
3
Faber-Castell Blendable Oil Pastels — 24 Colors with Case
Best for Blending
✓ Won’t roll off table
Product Image
24 Colors with Case
24 Colors with Case
Best for: Kids who love mixing colors — the hexagonal shape is genius
Why It’s GreatThe hexagonal shape means these don’t roll off the table — anyone with a 5-year-old knows why that matters. They’re genuinely blendable, not just marketed as such. The snap-close case keeps everything organized. At $12, you’re paying for German engineering in a kid’s art supply.
24 Colors with Case★ 4.7/5~$12
What We Like
- Hexagonal no-roll shape
- Excellent blending
- Sturdy storage case
- Non-toxic
Keep in Mind
- Higher price
- Only 24 colors
4
Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set — 25 Colors (PHN-25)
Best Budget
✓ Under $5 steal
Product Image
25 Colors (PHN-25)
25 Colors (PHN-25)
Best for: Budget buyers — the cheapest quality set that doesn’t feel cheap
Why It’s GreatUnder $5 for 25 ACMI-certified oil pastels with a carrying case and lifetime warranty. Pentel doesn’t cut corners here — the colors are vibrant, acid-free, and fade-resistant. If you need multiple sets for a classroom or party favors, this is the one.
25 Colors (PHN-25)★ 4.6/5~$5
What We Like
- Unbeatable price
- Carrying case included
- Lifetime warranty
- ACMI certified
Keep in Mind
- Colors less intense than premium
- Case is basic
5
Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist — 50 Colors
Best Value Pack
✓ 50 colors, still cheap
Product Image
50 Colors
50 Colors
Best for: Kids who’ve outgrown the 25-set — double the colors, same trust
Why It’s GreatSame trusted Sakura quality as #1, but with 50 colors instead of 25. The color-matrix testing means every shade blends well with every other shade. The storage case is a step up from the 25-count box. For under $10, this is the sweet spot between variety and price.
50 Colors★ 4.7/5~$9
What We Like
- 50 colors under $10
- Same trusted quality
- Good blending
- Storage case
Keep in Mind
- Still basic packaging
- Some similar shades
6
Crayola Oil Pastels Neon — 12 Neon Colors
Most Fun
✓ Glow-bright neons
Product Image
12 Neon Colors
12 Neon Colors
Best for: Kids obsessed with bright colors — the neon pop is unreal
Why It’s GreatThese aren’t just bright — they’re electric. The jumbo hexagonal sticks are easy for small hands to grip, and the tapered points allow detail work. Pair these with the regular Crayola set and your kid has every color imaginable. ACMI certified non-toxic for ages 4+.
12 Neon Colors★ 4.6/5~$5
What We Like
- Incredible neon brightness
- Jumbo easy-grip sticks
- Won’t roll
- Non-toxic
Keep in Mind
- Only 12 colors
- Neon only, no basics
7
Artecho Oil Pastels — 24 Colors
Best Gift Set
✓ 5,700+ happy reviews
Product Image
24 Colors
24 Colors
Best for: Gift buyers — the packaging looks premium
Why It’s GreatWith 5,700+ reviews at 4.7 stars, Artecho has earned its reputation. Each stick has a protective sleeve (less mess), the texture is soft and blendable, and the gift box looks like you spent twice the price. Non-toxic and kid-safe.
24 Colors★ 4.7/5~$9
What We Like
- Protective sleeves
- Soft blendable texture
- Beautiful gift box
- Highly rated
Keep in Mind
- Sleeves can be fiddly
- 24 colors only
8
Mr. Pen Oil Pastels — 45 Colors
Most Colors Under $7
✓ 45 colors for $6
Product Image
45 Colors
45 Colors
Best for: Variety lovers on a budget — the most colors per dollar
Why It’s Great45 colors for around $6 is almost absurd value. The hexagonal shape gives good grip, and the application is smooth and creamy. While not quite at Sakura’s blendability level, the sheer variety means kids can find exactly the shade they want. A fantastic second set or classroom supply.
45 Colors★ 4.5/5~$6
What We Like
- 45 colors, unbeatable price
- Good grip shape
- Smooth application
- Great for classrooms
Keep in Mind
- Blending not premium
- Packaging basic
9
Mont Marte Oil Pastels — 48 Colors in Tin
Premium Pick
✓ Tin box keepsake
Product Image
48 Colors in Tin
48 Colors in Tin
Best for: Serious young artists — the tin box feels professional
Why It’s GreatThe sturdy tin box alone sets this apart — it feels like a real artist’s set, which matters to a kid who’s serious about art. The pigments are vibrant, blending and layering are excellent, and at ~$18 for 48 colors, the per-color value is strong. This is the ‘upgrade’ set.
48 Colors in Tin★ 4.7/5~$18
What We Like
- Professional tin box
- Excellent blending
- Vibrant pigments
- Great value per color
Keep in Mind
- Highest price on list
- Tin can dent if dropped
10
Pentel Arts Oil Pastels — 36 Colors
Best 36-Color Set
✓ 36 colors, $6
Product Image
36 Colors
36 Colors
Best for: The middle ground — more than 25, less than 50
Why It’s Great36 colors hits the sweet spot for kids who want variety without overwhelm. Same Pentel quality as #4 — ACMI certified, acid-free, fade-resistant, vibrant and blendable. At around $6 (often on sale), it’s a no-brainer upgrade from the 25-count sets.
36 Colors★ 4.6/5~$6
What We Like
- Perfect color count
- ACMI certified
- Often on sale
- Vibrant colors
Keep in Mind
- No storage case
- Basic packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil pastels safe for toddlers?
Only if they’re ACMI AP certified non-toxic. Even then, supervise children under 3 — pastels are a choking hazard. For toddlers, jumbo crayons are safer.
Only if they’re ACMI AP certified non-toxic. Even then, supervise children under 3 — pastels are a choking hazard. For toddlers, jumbo crayons are safer.
What’s the difference between oil pastels and crayons?
Oil pastels have more pigment and a softer, creamier texture. They blend like paint but handle like crayons. Crayons are wax-based and harder; oil pastels are oil-based and more vibrant.
Oil pastels have more pigment and a softer, creamier texture. They blend like paint but handle like crayons. Crayons are wax-based and harder; oil pastels are oil-based and more vibrant.
Do oil pastels wash out of clothes?
Not easily. They’re oil-based, so treat stains immediately with dish soap or stain remover. For young kids, use smocks and washable formulas.
Not easily. They’re oil-based, so treat stains immediately with dish soap or stain remover. For young kids, use smocks and washable formulas.
Can you blend oil pastels with fingers?
Yes! That’s the fun part. Fingers, cotton swabs, or blending stumps all work. Just wash hands afterward — the pigment stains skin temporarily.
Yes! That’s the fun part. Fingers, cotton swabs, or blending stumps all work. Just wash hands afterward — the pigment stains skin temporarily.
Final Verdict
For most families, the Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist 25-color set is the one to buy. It’s from the company that invented oil pastels, it’s certified safe, and it’s under $7. You can’t go wrong.
If your kid is ready for more colors, step up to the Sakura 50-count or the Mont Marte 48-color tin. For classrooms on a budget, Pentel’s 25-count at under $5 is unbeatable.
Whichever you choose, you’re giving your child a tool that’s been inspiring young artists for a century. That’s worth more than any color count.
