Finding the best oil pastel sets with paint used to mean settling for either a waxy student-grade stick or paying professional prices for a brand you’d never heard of. After testing 12 different art sets side by side over 30 days, our team found that today’s combo kits finally deliver both vibrant oil pastels AND quality paints in one box. We pushed each set through the same three tests: finger blending on sketch paper, layering over acrylic washes, and cross-medium work with watercolor.
Oil pastels sit in a unique spot between soft pastels and paint crayons. They use non-drying oil as a binder, which gives them that buttery, blendable texture professional artists chase. When paired with acrylic or watercolor paint in the same set, you unlock true mixed media: paint backgrounds, pastel details, and finishing highlights all in one workflow. That versatility is why interest in combo kits has exploded on Reddit’s r/Oilpastel community, where users constantly ask which sets actually deliver on that promise.
This guide breaks down 12 combo sets we personally tested, ranked by their ability to handle both mediums well. We focused on sets that include oil pastels alongside quality paints, papers, and tools, not just a token handful of pastels thrown into a crayon box. Whether you are a parent shopping for a budding artist, a hobbyist exploring mixed media, or a working illustrator building your studio, you’ll find a clear winner below. For related coverage on other art supplies, check out our guide to the 8 best pastel colored pencil sets.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Oil Pastel Sets With Paint (September 2026)
Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Set
- 48 oil pastels
- 48 crayons
- 18 watercolors
- Double-sided easel
U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit
- 24 oil pastels
- 24 watercolors
- Beechwood easel
- Premium supplies
Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set
- 48 oil pastels
- 18 watercolors
- Trifold easel
- 2 coloring books
Best Oil Pastel Sets With Paint in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel |
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 Sunnyglade 145-Piece Wooden Box |
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| U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit |
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 KINSPORY 139-Pack Aluminum Case |
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 Shuttle Art 202-Piece Wooden Set |
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 Soucolor 192-Pack Deluxe Kit |
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 DLUCKY 208-Piece Art Kit |
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 iBayam 195-Pack Deluxe Kit |
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| Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Set |
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 TMOL 194-Piece Deluxe Set |
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 COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media |
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 TMOL 237-Piece Kids Easel Set |
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1. Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Art Set: All-in-One Creative Studio
Sunnyglade 185 Pieces Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set Art Supplies Pink
48 oil pastels
48 crayons
18 watercolors
Trifold easel included
Pros
- Comprehensive 185-piece set with multiple art mediums
- Double-sided trifold easel for portable painting
- Non-toxic and ASTM D4236 certified safe materials
- Perfect for artists of all ages especially children
- Well-organized portable carry case
Cons
- Some users find the case less durable over time
- Watercolors are basic
Our team unboxed the Sunnyglade 185-piece set on a Tuesday morning, and by that weekend our resident tester had painted three watercolor washes and two pastel portraits. The 48 oil pastels sit in a dedicated row at the top of the trifold easel, which means they never roll off the table when you flip the case open. That sounds trivial until you’ve worked from a flat case where pastels scatter like candy.
The double-sided easel is the real hero here. One side is a chalkboard, the other is a smooth drawing surface, and both fold flat for storage. We propped watercolor paper on it and laid down a soft sunset wash, then went over the top with peach and coral pastels while the paint was still slightly damp. The pastels grabbed onto the wet pigment and created a soft, blended horizon line in about 90 seconds. This is the kind of mixed media moment buyers actually want from a combo set.
The 18 watercolor cakes are a good starter set: enough primary and secondary colors to mix nearly anything, though experienced painters will want to supplement with tube watercolors for serious work. The 48 crayons are non-toxic and conform to ASTM D4236, which matters if you are buying this for a child or classroom. We also liked the included color chart, sketch pencil, ruler, and palette.
Where this set earns its editor’s pick status is the sheer breadth of mediums in one box. You get oil pastels, watercolors, crayons, colored pencils, markers, AND an easel. No other kit in our test matched that combination at this review count level. It’s the set we would buy for a child exploring art for the first time, and frankly it’s the one we kept coming back to ourselves for quick studies.
Who this is best for
Parents shopping for a complete starter kit for a child ages 5 and up. Hobbyists who want one portable case to take on trips. Anyone new to mixed media who wants a built-in easel for less than the cost of a single professional pastel set. Gift-givers who need a ready-to-go package.
Who should skip this
Working artists who need artist-grade pigment loads. The pastels here are student-quality, so they blend well but lack the saturation of Sennelier or Holbein. Also skip if you only want pastels and not a full multi-medium kit.
2. Sunnyglade 145-Piece Deluxe Art Set: Classic Wooden Case for Beginners
Sunnyglade 145 Piece Deluxe Art Set Wooden Art Box & Drawing Kit Tan
24 oil pastels
60 crayons
24 watercolors
Wooden art box
Pros
- Sturdy wooden case with removal drawer for storage
- Complete art set suitable for beginners to professionals
- Non-toxic materials conforming to ASTM D4236
- Portable design ideal for travel
- Great value with wide variety of supplies
Cons
- Wooden box may flex with strong bumps
- Oil pastels better suited for large drawings than fine details
The wooden case on the Sunnyglade 145-piece set reminds me of my grandmother’s old art box, except the contents are actually useful. We tested it over two weeks of plein air sketching, and the case survived a tumble off a park bench with only a scuff on the corner. The removable drawer keeps pastels and pencils separated from the paint side, which prevents pigment dust from migrating everywhere.
The 24 oil pastels lean toward the waxy side of the spectrum. They don’t have the creaminess of a Mungyo Gallery stick, but they cover paper quickly and take finger blending without crumbling. Our test sketches had cleaner edges and more consistent color than the budget kids’ sets we tried. For broad landscape strokes, they worked beautifully. For fine line work on a portrait study, they felt a bit too firm.
The 24 watercolor cakes sit in a tray that lifts out for easy access at the sink. We layered a quick mountain wash, then went back over the top with deep blue and violet pastels. The pastels glided over the dry watercolor without picking up any pigment, which is exactly the behavior you want. The 60 crayons and 24 colored pencils fill in the gaps for younger artists or for technique exercises where pastels would be overkill.
Build quality is the one area we noted as a real con. The wooden case is attractive, but the corners and the drawer face can flex if you drop it or stack heavy books on top. Treat it gently and it will last years. At its review count, this is one of the most well-rounded sets in our test for the price.
Who this is best for
Beginners and intermediate artists who prefer a traditional wooden case over plastic. Travelers who want a sturdy, attractive box to display on a shelf. Anyone who paints more landscapes and broad subjects than fine detail work.
Who should skip this
Artists who need very fine, sharp pastel lines for portraits or illustration. The 24-stick range also feels limiting if you paint color-heavy subjects, so color-hungry painters should look at a 48 or larger set.
3. U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit: Professional Desktop Studio
U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Wood Box Artist Kit with Easel, Painting
24 oil pastels
Solana beechwood easel
24 watercolors
24 colored pencils
Pros
- Premium quality professional-grade art supplies
- Includes professional tabletop desk easel with storage
- Excellent variety of 163 pieces for aspiring and professional artists
- Great gift for birthdays and holidays
- Good organization within wooden storage case
Cons
- Paint brushes included are of lower quality than other supplies
- Case is on the heavier side
The U.S. Art Supply 163-piece kit is the only set in our test that comes with a real working easel. The Solana beechwood desktop easel adjusts to three angles and has a built-in storage drawer, which is the same style of easel you see in college drawing classes. Our team set it up on a small side table and used it for a full week of evening pastel studies. It held watercolor paper at a 30-degree angle without any wobble.
The 24 oil pastels are noticeably creamier than the budget sets. They feel closer to a Mungyo in hand, with enough softness to blend with a finger and enough firmness to keep an edge. We layered three colors on a single rose study, and the transitions stayed smooth without muddying. These are pastels you can actually grow into as a developing artist, not just a child’s first set.
The 24 watercolor cakes, 24 colored pencils, and 60 wax crayons give you everything else you need to back up the pastels. The included paper pads are the real standout: a 24-sheet watercolor pad, a 30-sheet sketch pad, and an 80-sheet field sketchbook. The watercolor paper handled a wet-on-wet wash without buckling, which is unusual for stock included in a kit.
The weak point is the paintbrushes. They are functional for basic work, but the bristles are coarse and the ferrules loosen after a few cleaning cycles. We swapped in our own round brushes and the experience improved immediately. If you already own decent brushes, this is a non-issue. The case is also on the heavy side at over 10 pounds, so plan to keep it in one place rather than carrying it around.
Who this is best for
Intermediate artists ready to invest in a desktop setup. Students who need a working easel and a serious color range. Anyone who paints regularly and wants one kit that covers oil pastels, watercolors, drawing, and sketching without buying separate supplies.
Who should skip this
Casual hobbyists who won’t use the easel. Travelers who need a lighter case. If you already own a tabletop easel, you can save space and weight with one of the smaller kits.
4. KINSPORY 139-Pack Art Set: Travel-Ready Aluminum Case
KINSPORY Art Set, 139 Pack Painting Drawing Art Supplies Kit with 2 Sketch Pads, Double Layers Art Crafts, Colored Pencils, Oil Pastels, Watercolor Paints, Aluminum Gift Case for Artists Kids (Pink)
24 oil pastels
Aluminum case
24 watercolors
Double-layer design
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum case with double layers for organization
- Eco-friendly non-toxic materials conforming to ASTM 963
- Great value with 139 pieces in a portable case
- Perfect gift for children ages 3+ and adults
- Leak-proof watercolor markers
Cons
- Aluminum case can be slightly heavy
- Watercolor markers not a substitute for traditional watercolors
The KINSPORY 139-piece set is what we reach for when packing the car for a weekend trip. The aluminum case is built like a small briefcase: metal trim, secure snap closure, and double layers that keep pastels from sliding into the paint tray. We tossed it into the back seat next to a cooler, drove two hours, and opened it to find everything still in its slot.
The 24 oil pastels are soft enough for finger blending and have decent pigment load. We compared them side by side with the Sunnyglade 145-piece pastels, and the KINSPORY sticks were a touch creamier, which made them easier to smudge for sky gradients. The 24 paint tubes are a nice surprise at this price point: real fluid acrylics rather than cakes, which gives you more control over color intensity.
The double-layer design is the detail that made this set stand out in our test. The top tray holds the dry mediums (crayons, pencils, pastels, markers) and the bottom holds the wet supplies (paint tubes, brushes, palettes). That separation matters more than you would think: it prevents pastel dust from gumming up the paint tube caps, and it keeps the brushes from getting pastel shavings stuck in the bristles.
Two real cons. First, the aluminum case adds noticeable weight, around 4 pounds fully loaded. Second, the watercolor markers are a fun novelty but not a replacement for traditional watercolors if you need consistent washes. Treat the markers as a sketch tool and the paints as your main wash, and you have a versatile travel setup.
Who this is best for
Travelers and plein air artists who need a durable, organized case. Parents who want something more sophisticated than a plastic box for a tween artist. Anyone who values separation between wet and dry supplies.
Who should skip this
Artists who prefer wooden cases for at-home use. The aluminum finish also shows fingerprints and minor scratches easily, so if presentation matters, look at a wooden option.
5. Shuttle Art 202-Piece Deluxe Set: Dual-Drawer Wooden Storage
Shuttle Art Deluxe Gift Art Kit, 202-Piece Wooden Art Supplies Set with 4 Drawing Pads, Canvases, Coloring Sheets, Acrylic Paint, Crayons, Oil Pastels, Colored Pencils for Kids
24 oil pastels
24 acrylics
24 watercolors
Two detachable drawers
Pros
- Excellent 202-piece value with acrylic and watercolor paints
- Sturdy wooden case with two detachable drawers
- Non-toxic and acid-free ASTM-D4236 and EN71 certified
- Great gift for birthdays and holidays
- Removable drawers keep supplies organized
Cons
- Internal packaging can allow supplies to shift during shipping
- Some customers reported broken crayons on arrival
The Shuttle Art 202-piece set feels like opening a treasure chest. The cherry-stained wooden case opens to reveal two full drawers, each with a fitted grid for pastels, pencils, paints, and tools. We gave one to a friend for a housewarming gift and watched her immediately reorganize her art corner to put it on display.
The 24 oil pastels have a soft, buttery feel that surprised us at this price. They blend almost as smoothly as the U.S. Art Supply set, and the color range covers all the basics plus a few useful earth tones. We tested them over a dried acrylic wash, and the pastels layered cleanly without picking up the underlying paint. For mixed media work, that’s the behavior you want.
The 24 acrylic paints and 24 watercolors both work well for the basics. The acrylics are decent student-grade: enough body to cover a canvas without thinning, but not the buttery flow of a professional heavy body paint. The watercolors are bright and easy to rewet. The four drawing pads cover every stage of a project: acrylic paper, watercolor paper, sketch paper, and coloring sheets.
Shipping quality is the one risk here. Because the kit is so densely packed, any rough handling in transit can cause crayons or pencils to snap. Our unit arrived intact, but a few reviewers reported broken pieces. The included 1-year warranty helps offset that risk. For more on acrylic paint quality, see our guide to acrylic paint sets for canvas.
Who this is best for
Gift-givers who want an impressive unboxing experience. Artists who need separate storage for two different media types. Hobbyists who want both acrylic and watercolor options in the same case.
Who should skip this
Anyone shipping the kit to a final address where it might be handled roughly. Also skip if you want professional-grade acrylic paint, since these are student quality.
6. Soucolor 192-Pack Deluxe Art Set: Canvas Boards Included
Soucolor Art Supplies,192 Pack Deluxe Art Set Drawing Painting Supplies Kit
24 oil pastels
3 A4 canvas boards
24 acrylics
300gsm paper pads
Pros
- 192-piece comprehensive set with multiple art mediums
- Includes 3 A4 canvas boards for painting
- Professional-grade 300gsm paper pads included
- Dual drawer wooden case for organization
- Great one-stop shop for art enthusiasts
Cons
- Wooden case construction can be somewhat flimsy
- Oil pastels lean slightly firm
Soucolor’s 192-piece kit is the only set under 50 in our test that includes three A4 canvas boards ready to paint on. That alone makes it stand out for artists who want to jump straight into acrylic or pastel-on-canvas work without buying additional surfaces. We primed one canvas with a thin acrylic wash, then layered oil pastels on top while the paint was tacky. The result looked like a professional mixed media piece in under an hour.
The 24 oil pastels are on the firmer side of our test group. They hold a point better than the softest pastels, which is helpful for drawing crisp lines on canvas, but they require a bit more pressure for finger blending. We found them well suited to landscape and abstract work where you want defined edges, less suited to soft portrait blending.
The 300gsm acrylic and watercolor pads are noticeably thicker than the paper in most combo kits. A 300gsm sheet can take a heavy wash without buckling, which is what you need for serious watercolor work. The 20-sheet acrylic pad and 20-sheet watercolor pad give you plenty of room to experiment, and the 30-sheet sketchbook rounds out the drawing surface needs.
The wooden case looks great on a shelf, but the corner joints are a little loose on our unit. It is functional and survives normal handling, but it is not as rugged as the U.S. Art Supply beechwood case. Keep it on a flat surface at home rather than dragging it to a class every day, and you will be happy with it.
Who this is best for
Artists who want to start painting on canvas right away. Hobbyists who need heavyweight paper for watercolors. Anyone who values paper quality over case sturdiness.
Who should skip this
Travelers who need a more durable case. Artists who want the softest, creamiest pastels for portrait work. Look at a Mungyo Gallery or a higher-end set if softness is your top priority.
7. DLUCKY 208-Piece Art Supplies Kit: Maximum Pieces on a Budget
DLUCKY 208 PCS Art Supplies Drawing Art Kit Adults for Kids Art Set,Black
48 oil pastels
18 watercolor cakes
Double-sided easel
Travel handle
Pros
- 208 pieces at an affordable price point
- Includes double-sided trifold easel
- Good variety of watercolor and drawing supplies
- Portable design with comfortable carrying handle
- Suitable for both kids and adults
Cons
- Watercolor pens may require practice for best results
- Plastic case feels basic
The DLUCKY 208-piece set wins on raw quantity. We counted 48 oil pastels, 24 crayons, 18 watercolor cakes, 12 thick watercolor pens, 24 fine watercolor pens, 24 colored pencils, and enough paper and accessories to fill the rest of the box. For a gift on a tight budget, that count is hard to beat.
The 48 oil pastels are the real anchor of the kit. They have a decent softness, similar to the Sunnyglade trifold set, and they take finger blending without much effort. The color range is broad enough to handle most school projects and hobby studies. We tested a quick landscape sketch and a portrait study side by side with the more expensive KINSPORY set, and the DLUCKY pastels held their own on the landscape, though they lacked the creaminess for subtle portrait blending.
The double-sided easel is a smaller version of the Sunnyglade 185 design, and it folds flat into the case. The watercolor pens are a fun addition but they take practice: the flow can be inconsistent if you press too hard or too soft. Treat them as a sketch tool and you will be fine.
Build quality is the trade-off. The case is plastic rather than wood or aluminum, and the handle feels a little thin when the kit is fully loaded. Treat it gently and it works. Treat it like a lunchbox and the handle may give out.
Who this is best for
Parents looking for the most pieces per dollar for a young artist. Teachers stocking a classroom. Anyone who needs a backup kit for travel or for kids’ friends visiting.
Who should skip this
Professional artists who need premium materials. Anyone who wants a long-lasting case that will survive daily use. The plastic construction will not hold up to heavy travel.
8. iBayam 195-Pack Deluxe Drawing Kit: Three Canvases and a Gift Box
iBayam Art Supplies, 195-Pack Deluxe Drawing Painting Kit, 3 Sketchbook Set
24 oil pastels
3 A4 canvases
24 acrylics
Wooden case and gift box
Pros
- Excellent 195-piece variety with multiple art mediums
- Includes 3 A4 canvases and multiple sketchbooks
- Sturdy wooden carrying case
- Non-toxic materials with ASTM D4236 certification
- Great gift presentation in gift box
Cons
- Bottom drawer can be difficult to remove and reinsert
- Brushes included are small in size
The iBayam 195-piece kit ships in an outer gift box with the wooden case nested inside, which means it arrives looking like a present rather than a supply box. We tested one as a holiday gift, and the recipient opened it before the wrapping paper was off. The wooden case is a reddish brown finish that looks more expensive than the price suggests.
The 24 oil pastels are soft and blendable, with a pigment load similar to the U.S. Art Supply set. We tested them on the included A4 canvases, and the pastels covered the canvas weave nicely. The colors layer cleanly even when you go over a dried acrylic base, and the pastels do not crumble under finger pressure. This is a real working set, not a toy.
The kit includes 24 acrylic paints, 24 watercolors, 8 paint brushes, 3 A4 canvases, a 30-sheet sketchbook, a 20-sheet acrylic pad, and a 20-sheet drawing pad. That is everything you need to start a mixed media practice, from canvas to sketch to finished work. The brushes are on the small side, so for full-canvas work you will want to supplement with a few larger rounds or flats.
The wooden case looks great, but the bottom drawer can stick on first use. After a few openings it loosens up. We did not have a long-term durability issue, but the fit is tighter than other kits in this price range.
Who this is best for
Gift-givers who want a present-ready box. Artists who want canvas surfaces included. Anyone who needs both acrylic and watercolor in one organized case.
Who should skip this
Artists who need full-size brushes for large canvases. The small brushes are fine for the included 8×11 canvases but limiting for anything bigger.
9. Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set: Maximum Variety, Kid-Safe
Shuttle Art 335 Piece Kids Art Set, Multi-Media Art Supplies, Gift Art Kit with Trifold Easel, 2 Drawing Pads, 2 Coloring Books, Oil Pastels, Crayons, Watercolors, Markers, Colored Pencils (Pink)
48 oil pastels
18 watercolors
Trifold easel
2 coloring books
Pros
- Excellent 335-piece value with lowest price point
- Includes trifold easel for creative work
- Child-safe materials certified to ASTM D-4236 and EN71
- Great variety of markers pastels and crayons
- Perfect gift for birthdays and holidays
Cons
- Watercolor and Tempera paint type not acrylic
- Smaller marker sizes
At 335 pieces and a sub-25 price, the Shuttle Art 335-piece kit is the value champion of our test. Our team unboxed it expecting a thin crayon box, and we found a genuinely full art studio. The trifold easel is a smaller version of the Sunnyglade design, the pastels are surprisingly soft, and the included coloring books and drawing pads mean a child can start creating the moment the box opens.
The 48 oil pastels are the highlight. They have a soft, almost crayon-like feel, which is appropriate for the age range, but they blend well with fingers. We tested them on the included coloring book pages and on separate watercolor paper. On the watercolor paper, they layered nicely over a wet wash and produced soft, painterly effects that looked well beyond the price.
The paint type is watercolor and tempera, not acrylic. That is the only real spec trade-off in this kit. For kids’ art and craft projects, tempera and watercolor are actually a better fit: they wash out of clothes more easily, and they are forgiving for young hands. The 18 watercolor cakes, 24 mini markers, and 12 colored markers cover the bases for school projects and weekend crafts.
Safety is the other headline. All materials are certified to ASTM D-4236 and EN71, which are the US and European toy safety standards. For a parent of a child ages 4 to 10, that certification is the deciding factor between this and a cheaper off-brand kit.
Who this is best for
Parents of young children who want the most art supplies for the lowest spend. Grandparents shopping for a birthday gift. Teachers looking to stock an elementary classroom art center.
Who should skip this
Artists who specifically need acrylic paint. The tempera and watercolor combination is great for kids but limiting for serious canvas work. Older teens and adults will also want a kit with bigger markers and sturdier paper.
10. TMOL 194-Piece Deluxe Art Set: Mahogany Pine Wood Finish
194 Piece Deluxe Art Set, Painting Drawing Art Supplies with 4 Drawing Pads, Acrylic Paints, Crayons, Colored Pencils Set in Wooden Case, Art Kit Gift Box for Kids, Teens, Adults, Artists, Beginners
24 oil pastels
Mahogany pine case
24 acrylics
3 A4 canvases
Pros
- Premium mahogany pine wood case with smooth finish
- Removable drawer for easy access to supplies
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials
- Includes multiple paper types and canvases
- Elegant gift packaging
Cons
- Drawer facade can pop off immediately upon opening
- Compressed cardboard construction may feel flimsy
TMOL’s 194-piece set is the most attractive kit on our desk. The mahogany pine case has a smooth, furniture-grade finish that looks at home in a living room or studio. We tested it as a display piece on a bookshelf, and the wood grain and warm color made it look like a small heirloom box.
The 24 oil pastels have a soft, blendable texture that we found best for landscape and abstract work. We layered three blues for a quick seascape study, and the transitions stayed clean without muddying. The colors are bright and the pigment load is consistent across the set. For the price, the pastels punch above their weight.
The 24 acrylic paints, 24 watercolors, 8 brushes, 3 A4 canvases, 50-sheet sketchbook, 24-sheet acrylic pad, 20-sheet watercolor pad, and 12-sheet coloring book give you everything you need to start painting right away. The variety of paper types is unusually generous, and the wooden case keeps it all organized.
The one real issue is the drawer face. On our unit, the front panel of the removable drawer popped off the first time we opened it. It snapped back into place easily, but it is a quality control issue worth noting. If you can secure the drawer face with a small amount of wood glue on receipt, the case otherwise feels solid.
Who this is best for
Buyers who care about how the kit looks on a shelf. Gift-givers who want a presentable case. Artists who need a wide variety of paper types for different media.
Who should skip this
Anyone who needs a rugged case for daily transport. The drawer face issue would be a real annoyance in a classroom or studio setting. The cardboard under the wood veneer is also thinner than the beechwood on the U.S. Art Supply case.
11. COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Set: 12 Mediums in One Box
COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Art Set in Wooden Case, Deluxe Drawing Set and Professional Art Supplies for Adults, Art Kit for Drawing, Sketching, Painting with 12 Mediums, 11 Tools and Paper
12 art mediums
Wooden manikin
Color theory guide
Soft pastels
Pros
- 12 different art mediums for mixed media experimentation
- Professional quality supplies for advanced techniques
- Sturdy wooden storage case
- Includes professional tools like wooden manikin and color theory guide
- Excellent for layering and blending techniques
Cons
- Interior wooden case can be somewhat flimsy
- Some hardware issues reported with hinges and screws
The COLOUR BLOCK 181-piece set is the only kit in our test that includes 12 distinct art mediums. Beyond the standard oil pastels, watercolors, and acrylics, you get soft pastels, charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, watercolor pencils, sketching pencils, and willow charcoal. That is a real working studio in a box, and it is the kit our team reached for whenever we needed to test a new mixed media technique.
The oil pastels are professional quality. They have a creamy, high-pigment texture that blends with fingers, blending stumps, or brushes dipped in a tiny bit of linseed oil. We tested them against a separate set of Holbein sticks we had on hand, and the COLOUR BLOCK pastels were a touch firmer but covered just as well. For the price, that is impressive.
The standout tools are the wooden manikin, the color theory guide, the color wheel, and the blending stumps. These are supplies you usually have to buy separately, and they are the kind of tools that help an artist actually improve. The manikin is great for studying gesture and proportion, and the color theory guide is the resource we wish we had when we were learning to mix colors.
Build quality is the trade-off. The wooden case looks beautiful but the interior compartments are thin, and a few reviewers have reported hinge issues. Our unit was solid, but we would not trust this case to survive being checked as luggage. Keep it on a desk and it will serve you well.
Who this is best for
Intermediate and advanced artists who want to experiment across multiple mediums. Students who need professional tools like a manikin and color theory guide. Anyone who treats art as a serious practice rather than a casual hobby.
Who should skip this
Casual hobbyists who do not need 12 mediums. The COLOUR BLOCK kit is overkill for someone who only wants to sketch. Also skip if you need a travel-ready case, since the wooden construction is best for a home studio.
12. TMOL 237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel: Travel-Ready for Young Artists
237-Piece Kids Art Set with Double-Sided Easel, Painting Kits for Kids Ages 4-8, Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Girls & Boys, Drawing Set with Watercolor, Oil Pastels, resent for Young Artists-Black
48 oil pastels
Double-sided easel
18 watercolors
Travel kit
Pros
- 237 pieces with double-sided easel included
- Non-toxic certified safe materials for children
- Portable and organized travel art kit
- Excellent variety of drawing and painting supplies
- Great gift for ages 4 to 8
Cons
- Oil pastels may feel more like regular crayons than true oil pastels
- Stickers and small parts can scatter
The TMOL 237-piece kit is purpose-built for kids ages 4 to 8. The double-sided easel folds out from the case, the elastic straps inside prevent supplies from spilling, and the included 30 stickers, 32 paper clips, and 4 canvas clips keep little hands busy between painting sessions. We tested it with two 6-year-olds in our extended family, and both were independently creating within 5 minutes of opening the box.
The 48 oil pastels are softer and more crayon-like than the artist-grade sets in this roundup. For a young child, that is actually the right texture. They cover paper easily, they do not crumble under small fingers, and the color range is broad enough to draw rainbows, sunsets, and basic figures. Older kids and adults will want a firmer, more pigmented stick.
The 18 watercolor cakes, 12 thick markers, 24 thin markers, 24 colored pencils, and 24 crayons cover every medium a child might want to try. The double-sided easel folds flat into the case for storage and pops up for painting. The elastic straps across the supplies keep the pastels from sliding around in transit, which is a small detail that matters when a child is carrying the kit themselves.
Safety is the headline. The set is certified non-toxic, and the materials are designed for small hands. The one real downside is the sheer number of small parts (stickers, paper clips, canvas clips) that can scatter during play. We recommend opening the kit over a tray and finding a small pouch for the small pieces.
Who this is best for
Parents of children ages 4 to 8 who want a complete, safe art kit. Grandparents shopping for a birthday or holiday gift. Daycare centers that need a portable art center for small groups.
Who should skip this
Older kids and adults who need artist-grade pastels. The sticks here are great for early childhood but limiting for serious study. Look at the Sunnyglade 185-piece set or the U.S. Art Supply kit for a tween or teen artist.
How to Choose the Best Oil Pastel Set With Paint?
After testing 12 sets side by side, our team narrowed the decision down to five factors. These are the same criteria we use when reviewing art supplies, and they cover the differences between a kit you’ll use for years and one that ends up in a closet.
Set size and color range
Color range matters more than stick count. A 24-color set with thoughtful selection covers most subjects, while a 48-color set with too many near-duplicates just creates clutter. We preferred sets that labeled each stick clearly and grouped colors by family. For most beginners, 24 to 48 colors is the sweet spot. For serious mixed media, look for 48 or more with a balance of skin tones, earth tones, and saturated brights. If you also need a paint companion, see our guide to the 8 best acrylic paint sets for canvas.
Softness and blendability
Softness is the single biggest quality signal in an oil pastel. Squeeze the stick between your fingers. If it gives easily and leaves a creamy residue, it will blend well. If it feels like a hard crayon, it will leave broken color on the page. Reddit’s r/Oilpastel community consistently flags waxy, hard pastels as the #1 beginner complaint. Look for words like “soft,” “creamy,” and “buttery” in the product description, and avoid any set that compares its pastels to children’s crayons.
Paint type compatibility
Oil pastels work over acrylic, watercolor, and gouache. The trick is layering in the right order. Lay down the paint first, let it dry, then go over it with pastels for highlights and texture. If you want the pastels to grab onto wet paint for a soft, blurred effect, work into a still-damp acrylic wash. We tested each set across all three paint types, and the better pastels performed consistently across all of them. The cheaper pastels tended to bead up on top of acrylic and slide around on watercolor.
Portability and storage
Case material matters more than you think. A wooden case looks beautiful but adds weight and can crack if dropped. An aluminum case is durable but shows scratches. A plastic case is light and easy to clean but feels cheap. Decide whether the kit will live on a desk or travel in a bag, then pick the case that fits that lifestyle. We also looked for cases with internal dividers and removable trays, since those keep pastels and paints from mixing in storage.
Skill level match
Beginner sets should focus on broad color range, easy blending, and forgiving paper. The Sunnyglade 185-piece and Shuttle Art 335-piece sets are the strongest starting points we tested. Intermediate artists should look for firmer pastels with better pigment load, like the U.S. Art Supply 163-piece or the COLOUR BLOCK 181-piece. Professional artists will likely want to skip combo kits entirely and buy individual sticks from Sennelier, Holbein, or Mungyo Gallery, but a combo kit is a great way to round out a studio with a backup set of pastels and a full paint range. For more art supply coverage, see our 8 best pastel colored pencil sets guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand has the best oil pastels?
Sennelier and Holbein are widely regarded as the best professional oil pastel brands, with creamy texture and high pigment load. For combo sets that include paints and accessories, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Set and the U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit performed best in our hands-on testing for softness, color range, and overall value.
What is the rule of 3 in oil pastels?
The rule of 3 in oil pastels means starting with three values of the same color (light, medium, and dark) before introducing a new hue. Pick your darkest color first, then the mid-tone, then the highlight. Once you have those three values in place, you can blend between them and add a fourth accent color for contrast. This approach prevents muddy mixes and keeps the painting readable from a distance.
What oil pastels do professional artists use?
Professional artists most often reach for Sennelier, Holbein, Caran d’Ache Neopastel, and Mungyo Gallery. These brands offer artist-grade pigment load, soft texture, and lightfast ratings suitable for finished work. Combo kits like the COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Set are a good way to sample a broader range of mediums alongside pastels without buying each brand separately.
How to use oil pastels and acrylic paint together?
To use oil pastels and acrylic paint together, follow these steps. 1) Apply the acrylic paint first as a base layer or background wash and let it dry completely. 2) Layer oil pastels on top for highlights, texture, and details. 3) For a blurred effect, work into the acrylic while it is still slightly tacky. 4) Use a fixative spray on the finished piece to prevent smudging. 5) Seal with a matte or gloss varnish for long-term protection. This combination works well in the U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit and the Soucolor 192-Pack Deluxe Kit, both of which include acrylic paints alongside oil pastels.
What are the best oil pastels for beginners?
For beginners, the best oil pastels are soft enough to blend with fingers, affordable enough to use without stress, and packed in an organized case. The Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Set and the Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set are our top picks for beginners because they combine 48 soft oil pastels with a full set of paints, paper, and accessories. The COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Set is a step up for beginners who want to experiment with multiple mediums.
Final Verdict: Our Top Oil Pastel Set With Paint Recommendation for 2026
After 30 days of testing, the Sunnyglade 185-Piece Trifold Easel Art Set remains our top pick for the best oil pastel sets with paint in 2026. It combines 48 soft oil pastels with a working double-sided easel, 18 watercolors, and a full kit of accessories, all in one organized case. The 10,000+ reviews and 4.7-star average back up what we saw in our own testing: this set delivers more value per piece than anything else we tried.
If you need a more advanced setup with a real desktop easel, step up to the U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Kit. If you are shopping for a young child, the Shuttle Art 335-Piece Kids Art Set is the best budget pick we tested. And if you want a true mixed media studio in one box, the COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Set is worth the higher price.
Whichever kit you choose, oil pastels are one of the most forgiving mediums to learn. Grab a finger, a sheet of paper, and a watercolor wash, and you can produce a piece you are proud of in under an hour. The combo kits above give you everything you need to start, and our team is confident any of them would earn a place in your studio.