(Updated 2019)
I did an informal poll at my office and amongst my family about adult coloring books. I asked if they knew what these coloring books were and most of them looked at me with trepidation, some snickered, and a few blushed.
The rare individual actually did know that an adult coloring book is not something X-rated but rather just a grownup version of a children’s coloring book, with more detailed and intricate patterns. Yes, I am sure like with most any product, someone produces a “for grownup eyes only” version of these coloring books but that is definitely NOT what I am talking about here.
(Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission that will help support this blog. Thanks so much. )
I am referring to what is quickly becoming a new craze among adults for rediscovering our former love of coloring. Whether for relaxation or as a new hobby, people are flocking to purchase their own coloring books.
According to The New Yorker adult coloring books have actually been around for a number of years, but the demand for them has grown substantially in the last couple of years. The success of a Scottish artist and commercial illustrator’s adult coloring book along with works from several others sources have fueled the fire.
Mainstream chain bookstores in the U.S. are now placing pop up displays and special sections of adult coloring books in their stores. And these coloring books are breaking into the top 20 on book bestseller lists both online and offline.
Check out the variety of adult coloring books available:
The Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt
Doodle Invasion: Zifflin’s Coloring Book 
I feel calmer just looking at the cover of Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns
Dream Catcher: life on earth: A powerful & inspiring colouring book celebrating the beauty of nature
Mandala Meditation Coloring Book 
Lots of light-hearted coloring pages can be found in Happy Campers Coloring Book.
Enjoy the sights and sounds (in your head) of the big city with Fantastic Cities: A Coloring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined
And keep your eyes pealed for more adult coloring books being released all the time as the popularity continues to grow. Also, look for drawing inspired fabric prints coming to a clothing store near you in the not to distant future.
To Check Out More Ideas For Coloring Fun:
15 Great Adult Coloring Books for Nature Lovers
15 Adult Coloring Books for Travel & Architecture Fans
Those look awesome! I’m definitely asking for one for my birthday.
A fun birthday treat!
I still love colouring! My sister and I are the weird adults who bring colouring books on vacation as it is great to do on the plane and super relaxing. I would so buy these! BUT, need to keep them away from my toddler or my OCD tendencies will go haywire when she wants to “help”. I love that elephant one, I think I may need it for my birthday next month.
So wonderful nature coloring book choices.
Many times I have spoken with friends or co workers and mentioned my love for “adult” coloring, only to get met with a strange look. I think it is very relaxing to sit down and color–to just get lost in the art. It’s a wonderful way to get rid of unnecessary stress! Usually I will just print off a graphic I find online, but I will have to check out some of these books for purchase. Thank you for sharing with us at Merry Monday!!
Now you are the hip person who embraced adult coloring books ahead of the curve!
I am so happy these are finally becoming more mainstream! Coloring has always been a fun stress reliever for me – but I used to end up with Disney coloring books for kids, and doodling in my own extra details. Now there are so many more “adult” options (though I still think artsy kids can really enjoy these as well). Thanks for sharing all of the links! I think it may be time to grab another…
Love some of the designs in these coloring books so much. Totally agree that kids that love art would love these, as well.
I love to color. It does help me relax and think through issue that I may have going on at times. It is also a great way to connect with my daughter who also loves to color. She’s at the age when coloring is fun. Once I finish the book I am coloring now, ill take a look at the ones you suggested. Thank you.
I love how coloring brings out the inner child in us adults.
I need these so bad! I love coloring…such a great stress reliever.
Something about putting that color on the page that really does release the stress.
Haha how fun! I love to color and these books could keep me occupied for hours!
They are so fun aren’t they.
I’m actually a huge fan of coloring… I’ve colored with my kids for years and the adult coloring books are nice because I feel challenged with them…
Thanks for sharing so many options!
I’d also like to invite you to join my weekly link up, The Cozy Reading Spot. We share any posts that express what has been on our hearts, minds and bookshelves. I think you’d be a great addition to the community. If you’re interested, click the link below, it’s open through Sunday, but will reopen again on Thursdays. I really do hope you will join us!
Marissa
The Cozy Reading Spot on Reading List
The designs are really intricate in some of the coloring books. Will have to hop on over and check out The Cozy Reading Spot.
This looks like a really relaxing way to pass the time, especially when flying! Great post! Stop by and share on Monday, if you like! I have a link party that goes Monday through Friday! 🙂
Taking on a flight is a great idea. Especially if both kids and parents can be coloring at same time.
I have been hearing so much about Adult Coloring Books and search for a few as well. Thanks for the great lists to help me get started!
Yes indeed. They are all the rage.
Thank you SO much for this! My mom is going through a really rough time right now and she loves to paint and draw. I’ve been looking for some good coloring books for her to relieve some stress, and couldn’t find any that seemed to suit her. I will be purchasing the life on earth book today! 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much!
Want to let you know how much your note means to me. Wonderful knowing that the post has been of help. I wish your mom peace and strength.
I am totally going to buy one these. Clicking the affiliate link now. 🙂 I had no idea these existed. This is great!
Aren’t they fun. Thanks so much for clicking through.
Yes! I’ve really, really wanted to try this for relaxation purposes. I bought some colored pencils (hello, back to school sales!) and have a few pages to print. I actually have ordered several coloring books for my family for Christmas this year. 🙂
Great point. Back to School Sales are a wonderful time to pick up colored pencils and crayons at great prices.
I got a few for my birthday and they’re great! A little wine, Netflix, and coloring books…wild Friday night!
Sounds like the perfect Friday night to me.
I’ve looked at these books online, and they are all very pretty. However, though I’m only 36, I have health issues that leave my hands shaky and painful. Having said that, I’m finding that (although I’d love to be able to use these books) the coloring areas are mostly much too tiny and intricate for my needs. Do you know of anything, besides the normal range of children’s coloring books, that might be geared more toward adults, but without such small coloring spaces? Thanks in advance for any replies.
Tammy, I did a google search for adult coloring books and large print and I did run across one on ebay called Adult Coloring Books: Stress Relieving Patterns Cat Designs. Same author or company may have others, as well.
I sell colouring pages and colouring cards through etsy. If anyone is interested, please check out my designs! I create them all myself 🙂
http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PixiePlunders
I love love love these adult coloring books. I even have a special box of ultra fine sharpies and other fine tip marker type pens to use when coloring. My kids definitely aren’t allowed to play with anything in that box and I happily print out lots of kid coloring pages for them to color so they won’t color mine lol
Very clever with the coloring pages for everyone!
My husband gave me two coloring books and color pencils for Christmas. I love them! They are very detailed and each will take quite awhile to finish, but that is what makes them so soothing to color.
Coloring is definitely so relaxing.