We've tried quite a few pencil brands over the past few years and Dixon Ticonderoga always comes out on top. The yellow pencils are a pleasure to hold, easy to sharpen, and come with pink erasers that actually work.
If you want a little more "flare" of design, Dixon also offers pencils in pretty colors + shades. They may not be available for purchase at Target or Walmart, but you can find a variety of options online.
Dixon is also a good brand for teachers and homeschool parents to know about because their line extends beyond traditional pencils to erasable pens, red checking pencils, mechanical pencils, even dry erase markers.
* All photos are the property of Metropolitan Mama.