Join the Coloring Book Craze with One of These

Although I have yet to get an “adult coloring book,” (keyword yet) I like to think I jumped on the Adults Can Color, Too bandwagon before it was cool. I’ve been coloring with my daughter since she first started to be able to grip a crayon. She’s since transformed into quite the artiste, so if I want to spend significant amounts of time with her, it’s done sitting at a table, coloring and drawing. Seeing her practice and improve so much over the past year has gotten my not-so-artistically inclined self practicing, too.

Drawing has never been a strength of mine, but it’s been fun to see how much I can improve with practice. Sure, human faces may never be my specialty, but I’ve drawn some downright cute animals — as long as I’m looking at an example to copy.

It’s honestly really fun to get back to coloring after decades of a break. There’s something soothing about picking colors, making progress and completing a work of art. It’s relaxing, and a fun way to take a break from screens and zone out. If you’ve been wanting to do some coloring for stress relief, here’s a treasure trove of coloring books that are out there now just waiting to be filled in.

10 Coloring Books for Adults

1. Tangled Treasures Coloring Book by Jane Monk. The soothing flow of tangling plus the meditative action of coloring makes this book a treat.

2. 100 Things to Draw with a Triangle by Sarah Walsh. Think of all the possibilities! Stars, snowflakes, trees, gifts and more!

3. Doodling for Tree Huggers and Nature Lovers by Gemma Correll. Doodling is for everyone, and we mean everyone! Know a nature lover? This sassy draw-in journal is great for those who get creative in the great wide open.

4. Change Your Life One Doodle at a Time by Salli S. Swindell. Change is excitement. Change is surprise. Change is progress. Change is the thrill that comes from something new. Making small changes through this doodle journal can help you become happier and more confident.

5/6. Color Me Stress-Free / Color Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow and Angela Porter. These books examine the benefits of putting pencil (or crayon, marker and ink) to paper and offers adults an opportunity to channel their anxiety into satisfying, creative accomplishment.

7/8. Portable Color Me Calm / Portable Color Me Happy by Lacy Mucklow and Angela Porter. The international bestselling series now in a smaller, portable package. Bring it with you on a plane when traveling for the holidays. Makes a perfect small gift for any night and fits right inside a stocking!

9. 20 Ways to Draw a Star by Studio SSS. This motivational practice book provides a new take on the world of sketching, doodling and designing. Take a step back and think about all the different ways to draw something. Open your mind to the possibilities and differences in everyday objects. Get out your favorite drawing tool, and remember, there are not just 20 Ways to Draw a Star!

10. Doodling for Bookworms by Gemma Correll. Of course you know someone who loves to unwind by the fire, relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book. Jump-start the creativity of your favorite book nerd and give them this great activity book filled with Shakespeare, George Orwell and Jane Austen.

11. Tangled Gardens Coloring Book by Jane Monk. If the snow and cold stress you out, cozy up to Jane Monk’s Tangled Gardens. Use your brightest pigments to create a warm and inviting garden while you wait for spring to return.

Have you bought a coloring book for yourself yet? —Erin