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Ever picked up a pen or pencil and felt the difference instantly? The right writing and drawing instruments can transform a doodle into a finished piece, a school project into a proud moment, or a sketch into a sellable design. Whether you’re shopping for a child who loves colour or an adult sketcher chasing precision, choosing the right kit makes the creative journey smoother and more enjoyable.
When we talk about writing and drawing instruments, we mean more than just pencils and pens. This category includes crayons, twistable crayons, coloured pencils, mechanical and wooden pencils, fineliners, markers, charcoal sticks, pastel sticks, and tools like blending stumps or erasers. Even storage tubs and sharpeners are part of the ecosystem, because the way you store and maintain tools affects how long they last.
Sweetzy Rainbow Pencil Tub is a colourful classic for kids and craft lovers. Imagine a round tub packed with bright wooden pencils in every rainbow shade — that’s what this product brings to the table. It’s perfect for classrooms, birthday parties, or simply keeping on hand for rainy-day craft projects. The tub format makes it easy to grab a pencil, refill, or stash in a drawer without worrying about loose pieces.
Kids are drawn to colour by nature, and a rainbow tub is like a tiny treasure chest. The tactile feel of wooden pencils, the satisfying sound as you sharpen them, and the visual payoff of layered colour all contribute to hours of creative play. Parents appreciate the simple, no-fuss design — it’s easy to share among siblings and cheap to replace when the inevitable happens.
Crayola’s 12 Twistable Crayons are a handy, mess-free option that’s gained popularity across the UK. Unlike traditional wax crayons, twistables sit in a plastic barrel and advance with a twist — no sharpener needed. This makes them ideal for younger children who may struggle with sharpening or for adults who want a portable, ready-to-use colouring tool. Ebebek lists these as a featured product, highlighting their convenience and vibrant colour range.
Why choose twistable crayons? They’re cleaner, less likely to snap in a backpack, and convenient for travel. For parents, the plastic barrel helps reduce broken crayon mess and extends usable life. For artists, twistables offer consistent colour laydown and controlled point width, which can be great for colouring books, sketching, or mixed-media pieces when you don’t want to switch to a full art pencil set.
Looking for the best places in the UK to buy these tools? You’ve got options. From high-street chains to specialist art shops and online marketplaces, each retailer offers different strengths: value, range, professional-grade materials, or kid-friendly kits. Here’s a guided tour of the most helpful spots.
If convenience and familiar brands matter, high-street stores like WHSmith, Ryman, and Paperchase are great bets. They stock everyday essentials — gel pens, notebooks, standard pencil boxes, and branded crayons. These shops are perfect when you need something quickly or are buying for school supplies. Prices are usually fair, and they run seasonal sales around the start of term.
When you want quality and range, specialist stores like Hobbycraft and Cass Art step up. These retailers offer a deeper selection of artist-grade pencils, professional markers, water-soluble graphite, and pastel sets. They also carry accessories like paper types, fixatives, and professional sharpeners. If you’re serious about sketching, painting, or design, visiting a specialist gives you access to expert staff and hands-on product testing.
If you’re after variety and budget-friendly options, The Range and Dunelm stock a wide assortment of craft and school supplies. Amazon UK, meanwhile, offers the convenience of huge choice and customer reviews to guide decisions. These outlets are useful when you want to compare brands, read feedback, or buy bundles that offer the best price per item for classrooms or clubs.
Choosing the right tool depends on your task. Are you sketching a portrait, filling a colouring book, or labelling school folders? Each activity benefits from different properties like hardness, blendability, or washability. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick with confidence.
Graphite pencils come in grades from hard to soft. Harder pencils give a precise, light line good for technical drawing, while softer pencils offer richer, darker marks for shading. For realistic portraits, a mix of H, HB, and B grades gives the flexibility to render fine details and deep shadows. Don’t forget a kneaded eraser — it’s a gentle eraser that doubles as a blending tool.
For colouring books and crafts, crayons, coloured pencils, and markers each have advantages. Wax crayons are forgiving and inexpensive; coloured pencils offer layering and detail; markers deliver bold, flat colour but can bleed through thin paper. Twistable crayons sit in the middle: cleaner than wax, less breakable, and excellent for kids and quick projects. Paper weight matters here — heavier paper prevents bleed and allows richer colour build-up.
Should you splurge on art supplies? It depends on your goals. Hobbyists and professionals will notice the difference in pigment saturation and durability from premium supplies, while beginners and kids often do fine with budget-friendly options. Let’s break it down.
Splash out on premium pencils and markers for projects you want to last — like portfolio pieces or gifts. Premium brands tend to have smoother pigment, better lightfastness, and less breakage. Save on basics like sharpeners, basic erasers, and starter crayon sets, especially for younger users whose work might be on paper that won’t be kept long-term. Bundles and back-to-school packs can also be great value for classrooms or group activities.
Good care keeps your supplies ready and reduces waste. A few simple habits go a long way in preserving both cheap and expensive instruments. Think of your supplies like a garden — they need the right storage and a little attention to flourish.
Store pencils and crayons in tubes or boxes to prevent breakage. Keep markers horizontally to extend ink life, and separate wax products from paper to avoid smudging. Use a small, dedicated case for on-the-go kits so caps don’t get lost. For expensive pencils, a pencil roll or hard case shields tips from pressure in bags. Lastly, always recap markers and twist crayon barrels fully to preserve the media.
If sustainability and safety matter to you, you’re not alone. Lots of brands now offer non-toxic, recycled, or FSC-certified wooden pencils, as well as vegetable-based inks for markers and crayons. Choosing non-toxic options is especially important for very young children who might put tools in their mouths.
Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) on wooden products and AP (Approved Product) non-toxic seals for art supplies. Crayola, for instance, often carries non-toxic labels, and many specialist art brands publish details about pigment sourcing and lightfastness. If you need allergy-safe or vegan-friendly tools, check product descriptions for materials like beeswax or animal-derived ingredients.
Want to level up your artwork? Try pairing different media. A graphite sketch with a touch of coloured pencil can add emphasis; wax crayons over water-soluble pencil make interesting textures; fineliner pens paired with watercolour pencils create crisp outlines and soft washes. Experimentation is where discovery happens — don’t be afraid to mix a humble Rainbow Pencil Tub item with a premium sketch pencil or a twistable crayon.
For beginners: HB pencil + twistable crayon for shaded colouring books. For mixed media: soft charcoal + fixative + coloured pencil for bold, archival-looking pieces. For fast, travel-friendly work: a compact set of twistable crayons and a small sketchbook are all you need to capture quick ideas on a commute or in a park.
Want the best value? Keep an eye on back-to-school sales, holiday discounts, and multi-buy bundles. Signing up for newsletters from your favourite high-street or specialist shops often unlocks early access to deals or exclusive coupons. If you’re buying in bulk for classrooms, chain stores and marketplaces typically offer the best per-item price.
When comparing similar items, read reviews for durability, check ingredient or material lists for non-toxic claims, and look at sample images when available. For pencils and markers, a small test swatch can reveal colour intensity and blending ability. If you can’t test in person, customer photos and detailed reviews are the next best thing.
Whether you pick up a Rainbow Pencil Tub from Sweetzy, a pack of Crayola 12 Twistable Crayons via Ebebek, or explore offerings from WHSmith, Hobbycraft, and Cass Art, remember that the best tool is the one that gets you creating. Start small, explore boldly, and let your supplies support the art you want to make. Creativity isn’t about having the most expensive gear — it’s about using what you have to say something only you can say.
Conclusion: Choosing the right writing and drawing instruments is a mix of personal preference, practical needs, and budget. From kid-friendly twistable crayons to professional-grade pencils, the UK market offers something for everyone. Try different stores, experiment with combinations, and keep your tools organized — your work will thank you for it.
| £ 29,- |
| Plus By Pentel Junior Scissors Display Pack Stainless Steel 155mm Assorted Pastel Colours Pack 24 35416 | £ 39,92 |
