ECOTREE Colored Pencils
✅ PROS
- Dual-ended design gives 144 usable tips from 72 pencils — no need to switch tools mid-stroke for shading or color transitions
- Wax-based cores lay down smooth, pigmented color with minimal pressure; no scratchy feedback like cheaper brands
- Interlocking wooden storage case doubles as a display stand and keeps pencils organized without a separate pencil roll
❌ CONS
- Pencil wood is soft — tips break more easily than premium brands like Prismacolor if you're heavy-handed
- No individual color labels on the pencils themselves; you'll need to reference the included chart to identify shades
The Verdict
If you’re shopping for colored pencils on a budget, you’ve probably seen the ECOTREE set with its sleek wooden case and 72-color count. Here’s the honest breakdown of what you’re actually getting before you hit buy.
What’s in the Box
The ECOTREE set arrives in a solid pinewood case with a sliding lid — no flimsy cardboard here. Inside, you get 72 colored pencils arranged by color family, a paper color chart, and a sharpener. The case dimensions are roughly 9.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches, making it compact enough for a desk drawer but substantial enough to feel like a real investment. As shown in the product image, the pencils are organized in a gradient pattern that makes grabbing the right shade intuitive.
Performance and Build Quality
Here’s where ECOTREE surprises. Each pencil is dual-ended — one end has the standard pointed tip, the other has a chisel tip for broad strokes and shading. That gives you 144 usable tips from the 72 pencils, which is smart engineering for the price point. The wax-based cores are 3.8mm thick, and they lay down color with satisfying smoothness. In testing, the pigment density is respectable — not Prismacolor-level rich, but noticeably better than Crayola or generic school-grade pencils.
The wood casing is California cedar, which smells pleasant and sharpens cleanly. But it’s softer than what you’ll find on premium pencils. If you tend to press hard, expect occasional tip breakage. One Amazon reviewer noted: “The colors are beautiful and blend well, but my 8-year-old snapped three tips in the first week. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.”
What Buyers Consistently Praise
Across 235 ratings at 4.7 stars, the recurring themes are value and variety. The 72-color range covers everything from subtle skin tones to vivid neons, and the color chart inside the lid makes matching easy. Reviewers frequently mention the case as a differentiator — it’s sturdy enough to survive being tossed in a backpack. One verified buyer put it simply: “For $25, I expected decent pencils. These are genuinely good, and the case alone is worth the money.”
Where It Falls Short
The dual-end design has a learning curve. The chisel tip is great for filling large areas, but it’s not ideal for fine details — you’ll need a separate fine-point pencil for intricate work. Also, there’s no individual color name or number printed on each pencil barrel. You’ll spend time flipping between the chart and the pencil to identify shades, which slows down workflow if you’re doing serious art.
The soft cores also mean these aren’t ideal for layering or burnishing techniques. They blend adequately with a solvent or blending pencil, but heavy layering can cause wax bloom — that whitish haze that appears on heavily shaded areas.
Who Should Buy This
- Budget-conscious artists and students: If you’re starting out or need a wide color range for class projects, this set delivers 90% of the performance of $60+ brands at a fraction of the cost.
- Adult coloring enthusiasts: The smooth application and color selection are perfect for intricate coloring books. The chisel tip actually helps with filling large background areas efficiently.
- Gift-givers: The wooden case presentation makes this look far more expensive than it is. It’s a solid choice for a young artist’s birthday.
Skip it if you’re a professional illustrator who needs lightfast, archival-quality pigments. This is a hobbyist set, not a professional tool.
FAQ
Are these pencils good for blending?
They blend acceptably with a colorless blender or mineral spirits, but don’t expect Prismacolor-level smooth gradients. For casual use, the results are fine.
Can you sharpen these without breakage?
Yes, if you use a quality sharpener and don’t twist aggressively. Hand sharpeners work best; electric sharpeners can snap the soft cores.
Do the colors match the case layout?
Mostly, yes. The gradient organization is intuitive, though a few shades sit slightly off from where you’d expect them. The included chart helps.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want maximum color variety and a durable, attractive case without spending premium money. Skip it if you need professional-grade lightfastness or you’re prone to heavy-handed pencil pressure.
At 4.6/5, the ECOTREE set earns its rating. It’s not the best pencil on the market — but it’s arguably the best value at this price point, and for most shoppers, that’s what matters.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.