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Finding the right set of felt tip pens can feel surprisingly complex. Whether you're stocking up on kids art supplies for the summer holidays, looking for a thoughtful gift, or indulging in your own creative hobby, the options are vast. From pens that dry out the moment the cap is lost to ink that seems to permanently stain clothes, the challenges are familiar to many.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the choices. We will break down the key features to consider, from ink types to tip sizes, so you can find a colouring pen set that suits your needs perfectly.
Before diving into specific products, let's cover a few essential points. Keeping these in mind will make your decision much easier.
For anyone buying for children, the words "washable colouring pens" are a welcome sight. These pens use water-based inks formulated to wash out of most fabrics, which can save a great deal of stress and laundry time. For adult artists or crafters working on permanent projects, alcohol-based or permanent inks might be more suitable, but for general family use, washable ink is often the most practical choice. Some sets also offer special effects, like glitter pens, which use metallic ink to add a sparkling finish to creative work.
The tip of the pen determines the kind of line it produces.
When purchasing kids art supplies, safety is paramount. Look for pens that are CE and UKCA certified, indicating they meet UK safety standards. Many pens designed for children also feature ergonomic designs, such as triangular barrels, to encourage a proper grip. Other clever features include ventilated caps for safety and unique connecting systems that turn the pens into a toy in their own right.
Here are a few standout options that cater to different creative needs, from toddler scribbles to detailed illustrations.
Why It Stands Out: These glitter pens bring a touch of magic to any project. The metallic ink creates a sparkling effect on paper, cardboard and even wood, while the ergonomic triangular grip is specifically designed to help young children develop a correct pen hold.
Pros:
Who is it for? Creative children and adults who want to add a decorative, sparkling finish to cards, posters and DIY craft projects.
Why It Stands Out: The STABILO Cappi solves the age-old problem of lost pen caps. Its unique cap-ring allows all the caps to be threaded together, keeping them secure and making the set easy to carry without a case. According to the brand, the pens can also be left uncapped for up to 24 hours without drying out.
Pros:
Who is it for? Parents of children who are prone to losing caps, or for families who need a portable and practical colouring pen set for travel and days out.
Why It Stands Out: This set combines drawing with construction play. The special connecting caps allow the pens to be clipped together, while twistable clips enable children to build imaginative models. It all comes packed in a durable, truck-shaped storage box.
Pros:
Who is it for? Children aged 3 and up who enjoy both colouring and building. The combination of art and play makes it an excellent gift.
Why It Stands Out: These dual tip markers offer fantastic versatility. Each of the 10 pens in the set has two ends: a fine tip felt pen for outlines and details, and a broad tip for filling in large spaces. This makes them a highly efficient tool for a wide range of creative activities.
Pros:
Who is it for? Adult colouring enthusiasts, journalers, students and older children who need a versatile set for detailed illustrations and bold colouring.
If you haven't found the perfect match yet, or if you'd like to explore a wider variety of colours and tip styles, there are many more options available.
Explore our full collection of fibre tip pens to find the ideal set for your creative needs.
Q: What is the difference between felt tip pens and markers? A: The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK. Generally, "felt tip pens" refer to pens with finer, porous tips used for drawing and colouring. "Markers" can sometimes refer to pens with larger, broader tips and more permanent ink, like those used on whiteboards or for labelling, but many art markers are essentially high-quality felt tips.
Q: How can I stop felt tip pens from drying out? A: The most important step is to always replace the cap securely and immediately after use, ensuring you hear a "click". Storing pens horizontally can also help keep the ink evenly distributed in the tip. For children, choosing pens with a long "cap-off" time, like the STABILO Cappi, can be a great solution.
Q: Are washable colouring pens really washable? A: Pens labelled as "washable" use water-based inks that are designed to come out of most common fabrics in a standard machine wash. However, success can depend on the fabric type and how quickly the stain is treated. For best results, it's advisable to wash stained clothing as soon as possible without pre-treating with stain removers, which can sometimes set the colour.