I’m not going to lie, I think it’s a bit silly that they’ve started marketing coloring books towards adults, am I right? Coloring is for everyone, from 1 to 101 (or older, you know, if you’re older)! That being said, I’m also totally happy about it because it seems as if this “adult” coloring book push is just opening up the selection of coloring books that much more– which is awesome.
I have a love hate relationship with coloring (mostly love though). I’m definitely one of those people who is unsatisfied unless I’m doing multiple things at once. Doing one thing? Unproductive. Doing multiple things? It means I’m getting things done! But with coloring, it’s definitely one of those things, where you can’t do anything else, but color. You can’t read, you can’t watch anything, you can’t eat (not neatly anyway)– you just have to sit still focus, and color. Which makes a lot of sense to why they (whoever they are) are saying coloring is just as effective as meditation. Marlowe and I have always had a pretty amazing stack of coloring books, but with her recent birthday this week, well, we’re set for a long time– not only did she get some (more) of the best books, but also major coloring sets too. It’s amazing really. So now, the whole family has been spending hours on end well…. meditating 😉 At least thats what I tell myself I’m doing every time I get antsy and feel like I should be doing ten more *productive* things.
So here we are… I wanted to share with you guys some of favorite coloring books around here. Some are targeted to kids and some are to adults– some are pretty challenging (teeny tiny coloring spaces) and some are not, but all are really stunning!
I’ve posted this one in the past— it’s one of our favorites. It’s fashion based and gives you (or your kid) a lot of prompts for creating your own designs. My only issue is that I wish the paper was thicker so markers wouldn’t go through. It’s great cause the book itself is super thick with so many pages. My Wonderful World Of Fashion and a second version too!
And last but not least, The Indie Rock Coloring Book— lots of band references and the royalties go to charity 🙂 I also want to get THIS similar book, because I think it could strike some more creative ideas in M 🙂
And our favorite markers:
for super fine details either the staedtler’s or this sharpie set.
for a cheap option, and for bigger coloring spaces this super tip set.
and if you’re looking to splurge on an amazing set (alex and I have been sharing this set for 6 years: the double sided prismacolors are where it’s at. Again, they’re pricey, might be a good gift idea 😉
if you’re looking for a good set for mixed mediums (markers, crayons, colored pencils) Marlowe just got THIS one and it’s pretty badass.
Okay, thats it (for now) guys! If you have any personal favorite, please do share! We always want more 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful and meditative weekend. Happy friday, friends.
22 Comments
Thanks for the recommendations! I just bought an adult coloring book because I'd heard great things about the benefits from mindful activities. I might have to check these out though, they're gorgeous!
-Ally
Hustle & Whoa
I used to be ridiculously skeptical about adult colouring books but this post makes me want to colour everything! They are all so pretty xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Yes! Im loving the new colouring book craze! Ive been wanting colouring books for ages, great for long trips and relaxing times, but for ages all I could find was those giant spaces cheap newsprint kids books, so I love how many options there are everywhere now. It seems every shop has them! I have 'the amazing creative colouring book' and 'the magical city' which you should totally check out! On the hunt for some skinny, not too pricey and dont go through the paper markers!
Some of the colouring designs are really stunning, I must admit I haven't coloured in years but I am tempted to go buy some books! 🙂
thanks for posting these…just curious…which out of all of these has the best quality/thickness of paper?
definitely the secret garden one! next would be the animal kingdom one 🙂
I just bought about 7 adult coloring books! I haven't got to the part where it's de-stressing… I've been stressing about making them look nice! I'm sure I'll get over it. 🙂
haha, so we're on the same boat 🙂 I'm at a point where I'm coloring a bunch of different pictures at once because one will piss me off and I start a new one 🙂
I really love this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/246875302/colouring-book-an-introduction-to
Adult coloring books are so fun!
oh that one looks beautiful!
I'm currently designing City Landmark Paint by Numbers and Coloring Books! I only have a couple cities done so far but check them out if you'd like! etsy.com/sitprettyart
amazing!!
What markers do you use to color? I haven't found any that I really like and have been sticking to colored pencils, but they're not as good in tiny detailed spaces. 🙂
I LOVE colored pencils, but have definitely made the switch to fine tip markers all week! I added a list to the bottom of the post– with lots of different options– for different kinds of coloring 🙂
Do you have any good marker recommendations? I have the Secret Garden and have been using colored pencils, but some of those tiny details are so hard to color with a pencil. Ha ha.
Yes! I just added links to my favorite ones at the bottom of the post! the Secret Garden book is by far the most challenging, especially with thick markers. The staedtler's ones might be best!
I've downloaded the Colorfy app on my phone (it's free!) so I can 'meditate' to and from work everyday! It's good when on the go- and no one can tell what I'm doing!
haha nice!
They're everywhere aren't they. We have the Secret Garden one, and Johanna Basford has done another one called Enchanted Forest. And my littlest boy has the new one, Lost Ocean, on his wish list. I like that the paper is really good – better than most children's colouring books. I completely understand what you say about needing to be doing several things at once though, I am the same. I've been dabbling in calligraphy a little and I have to force myself to stop everything else and just do one thing. Enjoy your meditation! CJ xx
I love that one too! we don't have it (yet) but I'm sure we'll get it! 🙂 Have a great weekend, CJ!
Two years ago, I bought two kids coloring book – for myself. I'm kind of excited that they have adult coloring books now with cool intricate designs that you can actually showcase 🙂 And I don't feel silly buying kids coloring books, although I'm hush hush and nobody knows I color using Dora coloring books 😉
Marlowe would be happy to hear you might both have the same Dora book 😉