Oil Pastel vs Crayola Colored Pencils for Art Therapy

Quick answer

For art therapy sessions, choose Crayola Oil Pastels when you want vibrant, smooth blending that's easy on small hands. Choose the 462 pc Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack when you need precise lines, break-resistant leads, and a large variety of colors for detailed work.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Blending vs. precision: Oil pastels blend easily with fingers for soft gradients; colored pencils give crisp, controlled lines.
• Cleanup and mess: Oil pastels can smudge and transfer to hands and surfaces. Colored pencils are dry and leave minimal mess. If you have limited time between sessions, colored pencils may be more practical.
• Cost per unit: The Oil Pastel Bulk Classpack costs about $34 for 336 pastels (14 colors). The Colored Pencils Classpack costs about $73 for 462 pencils (14 colors). Oil pastels offer a lower upfront cost if you need a large quantity for a tight budget.

Product facts at a glance

• 462 pc Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack (14 colors): Full-length pencils with thick 3.3mm leads for break-free drawing. Includes 33 each of 14 different colors. You can hand out a full set to multiple students without worrying about broken tips, and the color variety supports detailed art projects.

  

• Oil Pastel Bulk Classpack: Oil pastels lay down bright, vivid colors that blend smoothly. Hexagonal shape makes them easy to hold. Children with fine motor challenges can create expressive art with less effort, and the blending process encourages sensory exploration.

  

Which one fits your practice?

Best for

• Counselors who want a sensory-rich, expressive medium for younger children or those with fine motor delays
• Group sessions where quick blending and vibrant color laydown are more important than fine details

Not ideal for

• Therapists who need precise line work for detailed drawing or writing tasks
• Settings where cleanliness and quick cleanup between sessions are a top priority