10 Best Pencils for Kindergarten

Practicing pencil grip from an early age is essential for children to help form and develop good writing habits. Preschoolers should start with pencils that are the right size for small hands with convenience and safety.

Particularly for left-handed children, there will also be separate pencil models that allow children to adapt and use them flexibly and quickly.

Our Top Picks:

Parents should buy these high-quality pencils to help their children create sharp and easy-to-erase lines for children’s learning journey to be uninterrupted.

Through the detailed top picks review below, I hope to help you successfully select good pencils for your child’s writing practice soon.

1. TICONDEROGA Wood-Cased First Pencils: Best for Overall

TICONDEROGA My First Pencils, Wood-Cased #2 HB Soft

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 3.53 x 0.63 x 8.96 inches

Product Highlights

TICONDEROGA is a leading pencil brand with unique collections and impeccable design and quality. This version is a prime example.

When directly experiencing the product, I was surprised at its appearance and quality. This pen has a simple design and does not create a chemical scent. Instead, it is a gentle fragrance from wood, guaranteed not to harm children.

A small eraser is on top of the pen, so children can easily use and correct mistakes. This high-value design makes it easy for children to write without detracting from their inspiration for learning.

For the most convenience for learning, the manufacturer has been highly psychological when equipping and sharpening the pencil inside the product. As such, it will help save time and money buying each item separately.

Unfortunately, these pencils are pretty fragile. Lead nibs don’t last long, and you must sharpen them often.

Today’s Best Deal:

Sale
Ticonderoga My First Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB, With Sharpener, Yellow, 4 Count
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Oversized pencil with large size diameter...
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula...
  • PREMIUM WOOD: Harvested from responsibly managed forests,...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Right size
  • Good budget
  • Perfect build quality
  • Made from non-toxic wood materials
  • Includes a convenient pencil sharpener

Things to Consider

  • Fragile head

2. Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Pencils: Best for Design

Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Wood-Cased

Specifications

  • Color: Mixed
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 8.98 x 2.48 x 0.88 inches

Product Highlights

See also:  10 Best Trampolines for Kids

Most pencils have a simple circular design. Although they are popular, they could be more optimal for children’s grasping movements. For preschoolers, steady grip and pencil use are essential for developing advanced skills.

Parents should consider choosing a pencil with a triangular shape, as it helps to hold the pen more accurately. And this product is the best choice for you.

Mark, my second son, feels hugely excited about this product compared to those round pencils. It was able to stabilize the handwriting and was easier to hold.

Its versatility makes these pencils even more valuable. It includes attractive and vibrant color tones that help arouse children’s interest in learning.

The lead inside is also a feature that surprised me quite a bit. Unlike many products I have tested, this model proves to be extremely tough and durable. It can help children write many words at a time.

Today’s Best Deal:

Sale
Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB, With Erasers, Neon Colors, 12 Count
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Triangular shaped, oversized pencil with...
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula...
  • PREMIUM WOOD: Harvested from responsibly managed forests,...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Easy to hold
  • Great quality lead
  • Impressive design
  • Include attractive colors

Things to Consider

  • Other accessories should be included.

3. Ticonderoga Beginners’ Elementary Pencils: Best for Child Safety

Ticonderoga Beginners’ Elementary Pencils

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 7.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches

Product Highlights

Using poor-quality pencils manufactured from toxic materials quickly affects children’s health. It will even cause some serious respiratory diseases. Parents should consider buying this pencil for their children to avoid this situation.

This product is high-quality wood, which does not contain harmful substances to ensure absolute safety for children.

Its round shape is just the right size for children, with a solid wood that doesn’t smell bad. So, parents can be assured of buying for their children to use.

Its eraser head is unique. It uses latex-free erasers for easy, fast, and safe removal. Yet, the most significant minus point is that it doesn’t sharpen the lead. To get started, you will need to purchase a separate sharpener.

Today’s Best Deal:

Sale
Ticonderoga® Beginners' Elementary Pencils, With Eraser, #2 Lead, Yellow Barrel, Pack Of 12
  • The perfect pencil for learner writers, the Ticonderoga...
  • Chunkier than standard pencils, the Beginners' Elementary...
  • Thick, break-resistant core stands up to repeated drops and...
  • No.2 HB lead ensures a dark, easy-to-read mark.
  • Made from sturdy 100% American wood.

What We Like

  • Safe for children
  • Non-toxic materials used
  • Latex-free lead eraser
  • Just the right size and easy to hold
  • Finish with Microban antimicrobial protection.

Things to Consider

  • No pre-sharpened lead.

4. Sargent Art 72 x 2pk Jumbo Pencils: Best for Graphite Quality

Sargent Art 72 x 2pk Jumbo Pencils

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 7.75 x 0.38 x 0.38 inches

Product Highlights

Sargent Art is the best nib-quality pen in my collection. It can be available for drawing, writing, or even sketching.

As a longtime engineer, I appreciate its lead nib after using this pen. The lead inside the enclosure is solid and durable, and it helps me quickly and sharply sketch my drawings. As for writing, my son is also very interested in this pen.

Every stroke it creates is detailed and smooth to inspire children. And most of all, I recommend you buy and use this product for your children.

I have used many different pencils, but Sargent Art is the most special. The solid wood used makes each pen more reliable to hold.

Today’s Best Deal:

Sargent Art 4 x 3pk Jumbo Pencils, total 12 Class Pack, Beginner Yellow Pencils, Mega Size, Non-Toxic
  • Good Quality: The graphite in this product makes it a...
  • Safe For Use: Jumbo pencils are non-toxic and safe for use...
  • Perfect Size: The size of the pencil makes it a good choice...
  • Specification: Our jumbo pencils and #2 HB graphite, perfect...
  • Ease of use: The extra strong wood and glued cores make them...

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • Good price
  • Safe wood material
  • The best quality lead
  • Use to draw, write, or sketch
See also:  10 Best Preschool Backpacks

Things to Consider

  • Not suitable for cheap papers

5. Ticonderoga Tri-Write Pencils With Erasers: Best for Beginners

Ticonderoga Tri-Write Beginners’ Pencils

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 1.75 x 7.75 x 3.75 inches

Product Highlights

For children learning to write, you need to pay special attention to the pens they use. The selected pencil should be the right size for the child’s palm. And this product is the perfect suggestion.

These pencils are designed with a unique triangular shape to promote a proper grip. Accordingly, children’s writing practice will become easier.

I was highly skeptical about this pen’s ability until I tested it for my son, and the result surprised me. Even though it was his first time holding a pen and writing, my son was able to get used to it quickly and easily make pattern strokes.

My biggest impression lies in its compact design and comfortable material. The pen is high-quality wood with solid grain to make it easier for children to practice letters.

This line is entirely child-friendly with non-toxic PMA certification. So parents can completely buy them for their children to use.

Today’s Best Deal:

Sale
Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, 2 HB Soft, With Erasers, Yellow, 36 Count
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Triangular shaped, oversized pencil with...
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula...
  • PREMIUM WOOD: Harvested from responsibly managed forests,...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Compact size
  • Include non-latex eraser
  • High-quality wood material
  • Friendly to children’s health
  • Suitable for children who are starting to write

Things to Consider

  • Limited colors

6. Ticonderoga Golf Pencils With Erasers: Best for Small Hands

Ticonderoga Golf Pencils With Erasers

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 4 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches

Product Highlights

Finding suitable pencils for my son was a big challenge for me. It took me over 3 months to find the right product. These Ticonderoga Golf Pencils are the result.

This pencil model is compact, suitable for children to hold, and easy to write. This kit includes 72 pens at an affordable price to suit every need and budget.

These models have a shorter length than the pens I introduced earlier. And it makes it more convenient for children to hold and write.

However, Graphite can create uneven strokes. It is easy to get smeared back into children’s hands when they accidentally touch those lines.

Today’s Best Deal:

Ticonderoga Golf Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB, With Erasers, Yellow, 72 Count
  • PERECT SIZE: 3.5" pencils are just the right size for golf,...
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula...
  • LATEX-FREE ERASER: Superior, latex-free eraser removes marks...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Safe for children
  • Include 72 pencils
  • Suitable for small hands
  • Shorter than other pencils

Things to Consider

  • Graphite can create uneven strokes.

7. Paper Mate Triangular Mechanical Pencil: Best for Convenience

Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencils

Specifications

  • Color: Various
  • Material: Plastic
  • Size: 0.51 x 4.88 x 7.88 inches

Product Highlights

Compared with traditional pencils, Paper Mate is more popular because of the convenience it brings to children during writing practice.

It doesn’t use the standard large graphite nibs but instead uses needle-like ones that are useful for creating vivid, clear lettering.

The pen has a modern design and simple and convenient operation. We need to add a nib to keep using it after each turn.

As a parent myself, I love the texture of this product. It is easier for children to learn to write and minimizes lead contamination.

Today’s Best Deal:

Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead & Eraser Refills, 1.3mm, Fun Barrel Colors, 8 Count
  • Designed for kids
  • Control to help early writers
  • Thick 1.3mm lead for less breakage
  • Triangular shape that guides finger placement
  • Includes 5 triangle pencils for kids in fun barrel colors, 1...

What We Like

  • The most convenient
  • Includes many attractive colors
  • Light and easy to hold
  • Modern design
  • Create sharp text
See also:  10 Best Science Kits for Kids

Things to Consider

  • Not suitable for children who are just learning to write

8. Ticonderoga 36 Count Pencils With Eraser: Best for Budget

Ticonderoga 36 Count Wood-Cased Pencils

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 6.52 x 2.84 x 0.88 inches

Product Highlights

The Ticonderoga 36 is the most affordable set in my collection. It includes 36 identical crayons in just the right size to make them easy for kids to hold and manipulate.

The lead nib produced by an exclusive formula is the most special in these pencils. With no harmful substances for children, it also provides sharp and precise handwriting.

Although this pencil has not been around for a long time, my son has been able to master pattern writing with this pen.

Today’s Best Deal:

Ticonderoga My First Wood-Cased Pencils, 2 HB, Yellow, 36 Count
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Oversized pencil (13/32”) is ideal for...
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Provides extra smooth...
  • PREMIUM WOOD: Made from responsibly sourced forests,...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Low price
  • Reliable lead
  • Include 36 quality pencils
  • Simple and compact design
  • High-quality wood material

Things to Consider

  • Challenging to sharpen the lead

9. TICONDEROGA Graphite Pre-Sharpened Pencils: Best for Versatility

TICONDEROGA, Wood-Cased Graphite Pre-Sharpened

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 24.3 x 27.71 x 25.3 inches

Product Highlights

These pencils are suitable for all types of people with specific work purposes, including preschoolers, students, or even highly specialized engineers.

My 3-year-old son and I are delighted with the quality of this pencil model. It provides soft, detailed handwriting and is predominantly free of smearing like other products I’ve used.

Yet, I find it quite long for my child’s level. For a kindergarten student learning to write, using a shorter pencil will make it easier for him to create lines.

The biggest plus of this product line is the impressive sharpening ability. With just a few simple sharpening turns, you’ll quickly have a decent-length nib that’s convenient for practicing writing, sketching, or whatever your kid likes.

Today’s Best Deal:

No products found.

What We Like

  • Easy to peel
  • No smudges
  • Child-friendly
  • High-quality lead nib
  • Suitable for many uses

Things to Consider

  • Pencil length is not convenient for practicing writing

10. Ticonderoga Pencils 18 Count Wood-Cased Pre-Sharpened: Best for Comfort

Ticonderoga Pencils 18 Count Wood-Cased

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Material: Wood
  • Size: 2.75 x 9 x 0.75 inches

Product Highlights

This Ticonderoga set has a satin-smooth surface that increases your child’s comfort when writing. I bought them for my son, and I am highly pleased with the quality of the product.

My child is quite excited about these pencils and is more intelligent than ever. As a result, after just over a month of training, its handwriting has gradually become perfect and progressed to higher levels.

Even the most demanding parents can choose this product confidently because of its excellent build quality and versatility for their child’s learning journey.

The product set includes 18 identical pencils manufactured from high-quality materials, friendly to children’s health. Unlike conventional products, it does not have an unpleasant smell or easily smudges lead on hands.

Today’s Best Deal:

Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 18 Count
  • EXCLUSIVE #2 GRAPHITE FORMULA: Proprietary graphite formula...
  • PREMIUM WOOD: Harvested from responsibly managed forests,...
  • LATEX-FREE ERASER: Superior, latex-free eraser removes marks...
  • SAFE FOR KIDS: PMA certified non-toxic so you have the...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Ticonderoga is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga...

What We Like

  • Feel free to write
  • Light and easy to hold
  • High-quality materials
  • No harm to children’s health
  • Sustainable in the long run

Things to Consider

  • Not suitable for sketching

Buying Guide

Features

Look for the ones that work best for your child’s literacy. A pre-sharpened pencil that uses a high-quality nib and a smooth, comfortable finish are what you need to consider when buying. It is perfect for your child to practice writing easily.

Durability

Durability is an essential factor in the pencils you choose for your child. Thus, you will only need to spend a little time sharpening the pencil and still ensure that your child can practice letters comfortably without your supervision.

On the other hand, it is also suitable for creating clear handwriting, so children get more excited and keep practicing.

Sharpeners

Choose to buy pencils for easy sharpening. This way, your child’s word training will be easier and more convenient.

FAQs

Are pencils necessary for kindergarten?

Yes. Pencils are necessary for kindergarten students. It is the first step in the formation and development of children’s later writing skills.

What kind of pencils are best for kindergarten use?

I appreciate the quality of a traditional wooden pencil. Although it takes a bit of effort to sharpen, the quality of writing it gives is the best for children to enjoy practicing.

Should kindergarteners use jumbo-sized pencils?

Preschoolers starting to learn to write should not use giant pencils. Because it may not fit their palm, leading to imbalance and difficulty when practicing writing.

Ideally, parents should find the right pen with the right size for the child’s hand. Thus, it will be better for children to practice writing actively.

What is the best pencil shape for children to start to write?

I am more satisfied with the triangle-shaped pen than other types. It helps to prevent slipping when the child holds it. From there, it helps to stabilize the holding position and write more efficiently.

What are the best brands of pencils for children?

TICONDEROGA is the best pencil brand available today. Each pencil produced has unique characteristics in terms of shape, size, and quality of the nib, suitable for the user’s needs.

Conclusion

Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write and Sargent Art 72 x 2pk Jumbo Pencils are my two favorite products in the list above. They are perfect for my son’s requirements and provide excellent experience.

Hopefully, these detailed reviews above can help you find the right product for your child. Thank you for reading!