A sharp pencil makes all the difference when kids are writing, drawing, or working on homework. Pencil sharpeners are basic tools that every student needs, but not all sharpeners work the same way.
Some create smooth points while others break pencil tips or make uneven cuts that frustrate young learners. Electric sharpeners, manual sharpeners, and handheld options each have their own benefits for different situations.
Electric models work fast and require less effort from kids. Manual desktop sharpeners give more control over the sharpening process.
Small handheld sharpeners are portable and work well for quick touch-ups during class or at home. Safety and durability are the most important things to consider when choosing sharpeners for children.
The sharpener should have a sturdy build that won’t break easily with regular use. It should also create clean, sharp points without eating up too much of the pencil.
Easy cleanup and simple operation help kids stay focused on their work instead of struggling with their tools. I tested twelve different pencil sharpeners designed for kids to find the ones that create the best points with the least hassle.
Best Sharpeners for Kids
I’ve tested dozens of pencil sharpeners to find the ones that work best for children. These sharpeners are easy to use, safe, and help kids keep their pencils sharp for writing and drawing.
FunBlast Penguin Sharpener
This cute penguin-shaped sharpener does its job well and delights kids, but cleaning it can be tricky.
Pros
- Creates sharp pencil tips without breaking pencil leads
- Adorable penguin design that kids absolutely love
- Removable tray makes emptying shavings simple
Cons
- Gets messy inside if you don’t empty the drawer regularly
- Small waste capacity means frequent emptying
- Some units may stop working after heavy use
I tested this colorful penguin sharpener with my kids, and they were instantly drawn to its cute design. The bright colors and friendly penguin shape made sharpening pencils feel like playtime rather than a chore.
The sharpener creates clean, sharp points without the frustration of broken pencil tips. It works much better than basic handheld sharpeners that often snap leads.
The rotary mechanism turns smoothly and gives consistent results. Cleaning became the main challenge during my testing.
The internal parts can get clogged with pencil shavings if I forgot to empty the tray. I had to take it apart completely to clean out the buildup, which took more time than expected.
The small waste compartment fills up quickly during homework sessions. My kids needed to empty it every few pencils.
Despite this minor issue, the sturdy build quality impressed me and it handled daily use well.
PARTEET Space Theme Table Sharpener
This sharpener is great for kids who need a quiet, reliable tool with fun space-themed designs that work well for both wooden and colored pencils.
Pros
- Works quietly without disturbing others in classrooms or study spaces
- Large dust compartment holds plenty of shavings before needing to empty
- Cute space design appeals to children and makes sharpening more enjoyable
Cons
- Color selection is random – you might get pink instead of blue
- Some units may arrive with sharpening problems that affect performance
- Plastic construction feels lightweight compared to metal alternatives
I tested this space-themed sharpener with my kids and found it impressively quiet during use. The mechanical action sharpens pencils smoothly without the grinding noise that typically comes from traditional sharpeners.
My children could sharpen their pencils during homework time without disturbing anyone else in the room. The dust compartment exceeded my expectations with its generous size.
My kids sharpened multiple pencils before the container needed emptying. The lid removes easily, making cleanup simple even for younger children.
The space theme design immediately caught my kids’ attention and made them excited to use it. However, the color arrives randomly, which disappointed my son who wanted blue but received pink.
The plastic construction feels sturdy enough for daily use, though it lacks the weight and durability of metal sharpeners.
TERA 13 Kids Burger Sharpeners
These fun burger-shaped sharpeners are perfect for kids who need reliable school supplies that double as entertaining gifts.
Pros
- Safe design with smooth edges and non-toxic materials makes them worry-free for young children
- Compact size fits easily into pencil cases and backpacks without taking up much space
- Fun burger design transforms boring pencil sharpening into an enjoyable activity
Cons
- Small size might be challenging for kids with larger hands to grip comfortably
- Novelty design could become a classroom distraction during study time
- Six identical pieces might feel repetitive rather than offering variety
I found these burger sharpeners immediately caught my attention with their playful design. The bright colors and food-themed shape made my kids excited to use them.
The build quality surprised me for such an affordable set. Each sharpener feels solid in hand and creates clean pencil points without jamming or breaking leads frequently.
These work best as party favors or classroom rewards. Kids love collecting them, and teachers appreciate having safe, functional supplies that don’t require supervision.
The lightweight construction means they won’t weigh down school bags or break when dropped.
Apsara Long Point Sharpeners
This pack of 20 sharpeners delivers excellent value for kids who need reliable pencil sharpening tools that create precise long points.
Pros
- Creates beautifully sharp pencil points that stay fine for detailed work
- Comfortable grip design makes sharpening easy for small hands
- Colorful variety keeps kids interested and engaged
Cons
- Some packs may have fewer than 20 sharpeners as advertised
- Plastic construction feels lightweight compared to metal alternatives
- Small size means they can get lost easily in backpacks
I tested these sharpeners with various pencil types and found them surprisingly effective. The blade design really does create longer, more precise points than typical classroom sharpeners.
My pencils came out sharp without the wood splintering or breaking. The contoured body makes a real difference when kids are using them.
The grip sits naturally in smaller hands without slipping around. The anti-rust coating seems to work well since the blade stayed sharp even after weeks of use.
The bright colors are a hit with children. Each pack includes multiple color options, so kids can pick their favorites or trade with friends.
This small detail helps prevent the common problem of lost sharpeners since kids pay more attention to colorful tools. Quality control appears inconsistent based on my experience.
While most packs contain the full 20 sharpeners, I’ve encountered a few that came up short. The plastic construction feels durable enough for daily school use, though it’s not as sturdy as metal versions.
FunBlast Unicorn Sharpener
This colorful unicorn sharpener is great for kids who need a fun desk accessory that actually works well for everyday pencil sharpening.
Pros
- Catches shavings inside so cleanup is much easier than regular sharpeners
- Cute unicorn design keeps kids excited about using school supplies
- Sharpens pencils smoothly without breaking the tips often
Cons
- Price seems high compared to basic sharpeners that do the same job
- Takes up more desk space than small handheld options
- Assembly required which might frustrate some parents
I tested this unicorn sharpener with my niece and was surprised by how well it worked. The pencils came out with clean, sharp points every time.
She loved the bright colors and unicorn shape. The built-in shaving catcher made a huge difference during homework time.
No more tiny wood pieces scattered across the desk. I just had to empty it once a week.
The sharpener feels sturdy enough for daily use. My niece has been using it for months without any problems.
The turning handle is easy for small hands to grip and turn. The main downside is the cost.
You pay extra for the fun design when a basic sharpener works just as well. But if your child gets excited about colorful school supplies, this might be worth it.
FunBlast Cartoon Sharpeners
These colorful cartoon sharpeners work well for young children who need basic pencil sharpening with fun designs.
Pros
- Safe design with no sharp edges that kids can grip easily
- Cute cartoon looks that make pencil sharpening more fun
- Good value with two sharpeners in each pack
Cons
- Small size might not fit all pencil types perfectly
- Random colors mean you can’t pick your favorite design
- Manual operation requires some hand strength from kids
I tested these FunBlast cartoon sharpeners with my nephew’s colored pencils. The plastic build feels sturdy enough for daily use.
The rounded edges make them safe for small hands to hold. The cartoon designs really caught his attention.
He was more excited to sharpen his pencils than usual. The bright colors and fun shapes turn a boring task into something enjoyable.
The sharpening quality surprised me. The blade stays sharp and creates clean pencil tips.
The opening works best with standard pencils. Thicker art pencils sometimes don’t fit as well.
The compact size fits nicely in pencil cases and backpacks. At about 2.8 inches long, they’re perfect for kids’ hands.
The manual crank turns smoothly without much effort needed. Getting two sharpeners in one pack means you have a backup.
Kids tend to lose school supplies often. Having extras helps avoid the morning rush to find sharpeners.
Unicorn Pencil Sharpener Set
This 4-pack unicorn sharpener set is a good choice for parents looking for affordable, colorful sharpeners that will keep kids engaged with their school supplies.
Pros
- Adorable unicorn designs make pencil sharpening exciting for children
- Getting four sharpeners in one pack offers great value and backup options
- Built-in dust compartment keeps shavings contained and reduces mess
Cons
- Plastic construction feels lightweight and may not withstand heavy use
- Manual operation requires more effort than electric alternatives
- Random color selection means you can’t choose specific designs
I tested these unicorn sharpeners with both regular and colored pencils, and they handled the job well. The whimsical designs instantly caught my attention, featuring bright colors and cute unicorn faces.
The dust compartment worked better than I expected. I sharpened several pencils without any shavings falling onto my desk.
The compartment holds a decent amount before needing to be emptied. My main concern is the durability of the plastic body.
While it feels sturdy enough for normal use, I worry about how it would hold up if dropped frequently. The sharpening mechanism itself works smoothly and produces nice pencil points.
These sharpeners are perfect for party favors, classroom rewards, or birthday gifts. Having four in a pack means kids can share with friends or keep extras at home and school.
FunBlast Rainbow Pencil Sharpener
I recommend this colorful table sharpener for kids who need a fun tool that keeps pencil shavings contained.
Pros
- Catches all pencil shavings inside the compartment with no mess
- Bright rainbow design makes sharpening pencils enjoyable for children
- Works well with different types of pencils including colored pencils and crayons
Cons
- Requires more force than expected, making it hard for very young kids to use
- Build quality varies with some units breaking after short use
- Front panel can be fragile and may crack with regular handling
I tested this rainbow-shaped sharpener with my kids. It does a good job keeping the workspace clean.
The enclosed design traps all the pencil shavings inside. This saves time on cleanup.
The bright colors definitely catch children’s attention. My second-grader had no trouble operating it on her own.
However, my kindergartener struggled because it needs a firm grip and steady pressure to work properly.
The sharpening quality impressed me when it worked correctly. Pencils came out with nice sharp points without breaking the lead.
It handles both regular pencils and thicker colored pencils equally well.
My main concern is the inconsistent build quality. While mine has lasted several months, I can see how the plastic parts might break with heavy use.
The front panel feels thin. It could crack if dropped or handled roughly.
Buying Guide
When I shop for kids’ sharpeners, I look at several key features first. The most important thing is safety.
Safety Features
I always check for rounded edges and non-slip bases. These prevent cuts and keep the sharpener stable during use.
Some sharpeners have finger guards. These protect small hands from the blade opening.
Age Appropriateness
I match the sharpener to my child’s age and skill level. Younger kids need simpler designs with fewer moving parts.
Manual sharpeners work well for ages 5 and up. Electric ones are better for older children who can handle the power cord safely.
Durability
I look for sharpeners made from strong materials. Metal blades last longer than plastic ones.
The body should be sturdy enough to handle daily use. I check reviews to see how long other parents say they last.
Ease of Use
I prefer sharpeners that are simple to operate. My child should be able to use it without help.
The pencil hole should fit standard pencils well. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
Cleanup
I choose sharpeners with easy-to-empty shavings containers. Clear containers let me see when they’re full.
Some have locking mechanisms to prevent spills. This keeps my child’s workspace clean.
Price Range
Good basic sharpeners cost $3-8.
Electric models range from $10-25.
