Anker Art Case Review: Is It Really Perfect for Kids Activities?

The box arrived on a grey Tuesday afternoon, and my seven-year-old practically levitated with excitement. Another art case. I've lost count of how many we've gone through over the years—some brilliant, most disappointingly forgettable. But at under a fiver from the supermarket, the Anker art case seemed worth a punt. Three weeks and approximately forty-seven drawings later, I can finally give you the verdict.

What Is Anker Stationery, Anyway?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clear something up. If you've searched for "Anker" and ended up confused by phone chargers and power banks, you're not alone. There are actually two completely different companies using the Anker name.

Anker International Plc is a UK-based company that's been designing and supplying stationery, creative play products, and seasonal items since 1971. They're based in offices across the UK, Holland, and Hong Kong, with dedicated design studios and quality control teams. This is the Anker we're reviewing today—not the electronics giant.

You'll find Anker stationery products in supermarkets, discount stores, and online retailers across Britain. They're known for budget-friendly school supplies, reward stickers, pencil cases, and yes, those ubiquitous art cases that seem to appear in every trolley during back-to-school season.

What's Actually Inside the Anker Art Case?

Here's the thing about kids' art sets—the piece count on the box rarely tells the whole story. The Anker 52-piece colouring set sounds impressive, but let's break down what you're actually getting:

The Contents Breakdown

Colouring Pencils – Usually between 12-18 pencils in a decent range of colours. The leads are reasonably soft, which young children tend to prefer because they don't need to press hard.

Wax Crayons – A selection of chunky crayons in primary and secondary colours. These are the standard paraffin-based variety, not the fancy beeswax ones you'll pay three times as much for.

Felt Tip Pens – Typically 12-18 markers with bullet tips. They're fine-point rather than thick markers, which means more precision but also more opportunities for dried-out caps if your child forgets to replace them. (And they will. Every. Single. Time.)

The Case Itself – A plastic or cardboard carry case with a handle. Some versions have moulded compartments; others are more of a "chuck everything in" design.

My Honest Assessment of Quality

Right, let's talk quality. And I'll be straight with you—this is where things get mixed.

The colouring pencils are actually better than I expected. They lay down colour reasonably well, though they're not in the same league as Crayola or Staedtler. The main issue? Sharpening. Several Amazon reviewers mention the leads breaking easily during sharpening, and I can confirm this is a genuine problem. Out of a pack of 22 pencils in one Anker set I tested, about four had broken leads that wouldn't sharpen properly no matter what I tried.

The wax crayons are decent enough. They're not going to win any awards, but they colour smoothly and don't crumble immediately. My daughter actually preferred them to some pricier options because they're not too waxy—some kids find heavily-waxed crayons frustrating because they slip around too much.

The felt tips are the weakest link. Look, at this price point, you're not getting museum-quality markers. They work fine when new, but they dry out faster than premium brands. My tip: buy these knowing you'll likely need replacements within a few months if your child uses them regularly.

Is the Anker Art Case Good for Toddlers?

This is probably the question I get asked most by other parents. And honestly? It depends.

Age Suitability Breakdown

Under 2 years: I'd say no. The pieces are small enough to be a choking hazard, and toddlers at this age are still very much in the "everything goes in my mouth" phase. Look for chunky, purpose-made toddler crayons instead—beeswax crayons like Honeysticks are specifically designed for this age group.

Ages 2-3: Maybe, with very close supervision. The crayons are manageable for little hands, but you'll want to keep the smaller pieces out of reach when not in use. At this age, children are just starting to enjoy colouring in their own pictures, and the chunky wax crayons can work well.

Ages 4-6: This is really the sweet spot for the Anker art case. Kids in this age range have better grip control, understand that pens aren't food, and can get genuine enjoyment from a variety of materials without needing professional-quality supplies.

Ages 7+: Still perfectly usable, though older children who are genuinely interested in art might start outgrowing the quality level. My daughter (seven) still reaches for it for quick drawings but gravitates toward her better pencils for anything she wants to keep.

Safety Considerations

One thing Anker does get right is safety certification. Their products are typically tested to EN71 standards (the European toy safety directive). However—and this is important—always check the specific product packaging. Not all art supplies, even from the same brand, carry identical certifications.

If you have a child who still mouths objects, I'd recommend investing in specifically non-toxic, taste-safe art supplies regardless of brand. The AP Seal from The Art and Creative Materials Institute indicates products that have been certified safe by medical experts.

Anker Art Case vs. The Competition

Let's be real: at the budget end of the market, you've got options. Here's how Anker stacks up.

Price Comparison (UK, January 2026)

Quality vs. Value Assessment

Anker wins on: Price point, accessibility (available in most UK supermarkets), decent variety for casual use, good for travel or keeping at grandparents' houses.

Anker loses on: Long-term durability, pencil sharpening quality, felt tip longevity, premium feel.

The verdict? If you need a complete art set for occasional use, holiday entertainment, or a child who goes through supplies like water, Anker represents solid value. If your child is seriously into art or you want supplies that'll last years, invest in better brands even if it means buying fewer pieces.

Where to Buy Anker Art Supplies in the UK

Finding Anker products isn't difficult—they're stocked in most major retailers:

Supermarkets

• Tesco (usually in the school supplies aisle)
• ASDA
• Sainsbury's
• Morrisons

Discount Retailers

• Poundland
• B&M
• Home Bargains
• The Range

Online

• Amazon UK (search for "Anker International Stationary")
• eBay
• Various wholesale suppliers

One tip: prices can vary significantly between retailers. I've seen the same 52-piece set priced at £3.99 in Home Bargains and £6.99 in a supermarket the same week. If you're not in a rush, it's worth checking a few shops.

My Biggest Complaints (Being Completely Honest)

I promised you an honest review, so here are the things that genuinely annoyed me:

1. The sharpening issue – As mentioned, several pencils had broken leads that made them essentially unusable. For a child expecting 22 pencils and getting 18 that actually work, that's disappointing.

2. Felt tip dry-out – Within three weeks of regular use, about a third of the felt tips were noticeably lighter or completely dried out. Yes, my daughter sometimes forgets to put caps back on properly, but the same time period with Crayola markers hasn't produced the same result.

3. Case durability – The plastic case on ours developed a crack in the hinge after about six weeks. It still closes, but it feels flimsy. The cardboard versions might actually be sturdier, ironically.

4. Inconsistent quality between purchases – I've bought Anker products twice, and the quality varied noticeably. The first set was better than the second, which is frustrating when you're trying to recommend something.

What I Actually Liked

Because it's not all bad news:

Value for money overall – For the price of a coffee, you get a complete art set. That's genuinely impressive.

Good for multiple children – When my daughter has friends over for crafts, I don't stress about the Anker supplies getting destroyed. That peace of mind is worth something.

Decent colour range – The colours are actually pretty good across all the materials. Nothing muddy or weird.

Lightweight and portable – Perfect for throwing in the car for long journeys or keeping at Nan's house.

Available everywhere – You can pick one up with your weekly shop. Convenience counts.

The Rainy Sunday Test

Here's what I really think matters: the real-world use test. We had one of those typical January Sundays last week—grey, drizzly, nothing good on telly after Bluey finished. Out came the Anker art case.

Result? Three hours of occupied children, a kitchen table covered in drawings, and zero meltdowns. The crayons didn't snap immediately. The pencils coloured adequately. The felt tips worked (the ones that weren't already dried out, anyway).

Is it perfect? No. Would I recommend it? Actually, yes—with caveats.

Who Should Buy the Anker Art Case?

Buy it if:

• You need a complete set on a tight budget
• Your child goes through art supplies quickly
• You want something for occasional use or travel
• You're buying for multiple children
• You need a backup set for school/grandparents/holiday

Skip it if:

• Your child is seriously pursuing art as a hobby
• You want supplies that'll last years
• You're buying for a toddler under 2
• Pencil sharpening frustration would be a dealbreaker for your child

Final Verdict

The Anker art case is the supermarket own-brand of kids' art supplies. It's not trying to compete with premium brands like Faber-Castell or Melissa and Doug—it's offering decent functionality at a price point that makes sense for everyday family use.

After three weeks of testing, my daughter still reaches for it regularly. The surviving pencils are well-used, the crayons are holding up, and we've replaced the worst of the dried-out felt tips with some Crayola backups. It's become part of her art rotation rather than the centrepiece.

For under a fiver? That's a fair result. Just don't expect miracles, and you won't be disappointed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is in an Anker 52-piece art case?

An Anker 52-piece art case typically includes a selection of colouring pencils (12-18), wax crayons (12-16), felt tip pens (12-18), and sometimes additional items like a sharpener, eraser, or small ruler. The exact contents can vary between product versions, so always check the packaging. The set comes in a plastic or cardboard carry case with a handle for easy storage and transport.

Is the Anker art case safe for toddlers?

The Anker art case is best suited for children aged 4 and above. For toddlers under 3, the small pieces present a choking hazard, and the materials aren't specifically designed to be taste-safe. If you have a younger child, look for purpose-made toddler art supplies like chunky beeswax crayons (such as Honeysticks) that are non-toxic and safe if mouthed. Always supervise young children during art activities regardless of the brand.

Where can I buy Anker stationery in the UK?

Anker stationery products are widely available across UK retailers. You'll find them in major supermarkets including Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons—usually in the school supplies or stationery aisle. Discount retailers like Poundland, B&M, Home Bargains, and The Range also stock Anker products. Online, Amazon UK and eBay carry the range. Prices can vary significantly between stores, so shopping around can save you money.

How does the Anker art case compare to Crayola?

In direct comparison, Crayola products are generally higher quality but also more expensive. Crayola pencils sharpen more reliably, their felt tips last longer before drying out, and their crayons have a smoother, more consistent texture. However, an Anker 52-piece set costs around £4-6 compared to £18-25 for a Crayola Inspiration Art Case. For casual use or children who go through supplies quickly, Anker offers better value. For serious young artists, Crayola is worth the investment.

Do Anker colouring pencils sharpen well?

This is honestly a weak point for Anker pencils. Reviews and personal testing confirm that some pencils have leads that break during sharpening, making them difficult or impossible to use. In my testing, approximately 15-20% of pencils had this issue. Using a high-quality sharpener helps, but won't completely solve the problem. If easy sharpening is important to your child, consider investing in a higher-quality pencil brand for their main set.

Are Anker art supplies non-toxic?

Anker products sold in the UK are typically tested to EN71 European toy safety standards. However, "non-toxic" certification can vary between specific products, so always check the packaging of the particular item you're purchasing. For children who still put objects in their mouths, look for art supplies specifically marked as taste-safe or carrying the AP Seal from The Art and Creative Materials Institute.

What age is the Anker art case suitable for?

The Anker art case is best suited for children aged 4-8 years old. Children under 4 may struggle with the fine-tipped felt pens and smaller pieces pose choking risks for under-3s. Children over 8 who are genuinely interested in art may find the quality limiting, though it remains perfectly functional for casual drawing and colouring. The set works well as a starter kit, travel set, or backup supplies for any age.