Best Coloring Tools for Beginners (Kid & Adult Friendly!)

Lidia Rodriguez
3 days ago
2 min read

Whether you're just getting into coloring (or you're looking for the perfect tools for your kids), this guide will help you pick the right supplies without feeling overwhelmed. I’ll walk you through my favorite beginner-friendly tools — the ones that are easy to use, affordable, and super fun.

And yes… I’ll leave spots where you can insert your Amazon affiliate links so you can earn a little extra while recommending products you already love. ✨

1. Alcohol Markers (Beginner-Friendly Sets)

If you want vibrant, smooth coloring with beautiful blends, alcohol markers are AMAZING for beginners. They’re easy to layer, great for kids 8+, and perfect for adults who want Pinterest-worthy coloring pages.

I highly recommend the Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Sets.

Ohuhu has multiple sets depending on how many colors you want, you can buy them on Amazon. I personally started with the 120 Colors set, which is great and from there I started growing my collection.

2. Colored Pencils (Kid-Safe + Adult Approved)

Colored pencils are gentle, easy to control, and perfect for both detailed adult pages AND simple kid-friendly illustrations.

I would recommend the Crayola Colored Pencils or the Prismacolor ones.

These are brands that I personally LOVE.

3. Gel Pens (For Shiny + Fun Details)

Gel pens are perfect if you love adding sparkles, highlights, and little decorative touches. Kids LOVE them — and adults do too.

I like Shuttle Art so I'd recommend the Gel Pen Sets by Shuttle Art.

4. Watercolor Paints (Beginner Sets That Don’t Make a Mess)

Watercolors might look intimidating, but beginner sets are incredibly forgiving — and they make mandalas look magical. Kids can use them too with proper supervision.

5. Coloring Books for Beginners

The best coloring tools deserve good coloring pages! Look for books with:

✔ simple line art

✔ thick paper

✔ single-sided pages

✔ cute themes kids love

✔ stress-relief designs adults enjoy

We have coloring books that meet all these criteria, and you can see them all HERE!

6. Crayons (The Classic Kid-Friendly Option)

Simple, safe, and fun — crayons are perfect for younger kids who are just discovering coloring.

You could get Crayola Crayons, any pack works but I would recommend the 152-color set.

7. Fine Liners (Great for Details & Outlining)