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The Best Coloring Book

Last updated on November 16, 2021
Best Coloring Book

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A few years ago, adult coloring books were all the rage. The trend caused sales of coloring books to surge online, as publishers came up with books specifically targeted to the interests of adults. But the popularity of adult coloring books soon waned.

But as more adults began to stay home, the trend re-emerged, giving consumers a way to beat stress when they couldn’t get to the gym or meet up with friends. This is in addition to an increase in sales for children’s coloring books, which serve as an affordable alternative to costly toys.

If you’re new to the adult coloring trend, though, you may not know exactly what features to look for as you shop. If you’re looking for stress-busting effects, it’s important to note that the repetitive nature of coloring is what helps calm the mind. It can begin to have similar benefits to meditation if you choose the right book.

For best results, look for adult coloring books with plenty of small, intricate spaces to color. If you’re coloring one large blob in a solid color, you’ll be finished in a matter of minutes. Being able to alternate between colors can extend the benefits well beyond what a child’s coloring book would give you.

Our Picks For The Top Coloring Books

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Hopscotch Girls I Am Confident, Brave & Beautiful

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Hopscotch Girls

I Am Confident, Brave & Beautiful

Boost your daughter, niece or granddaughter's image of herself with this coloring book. As girls work through the pages, they will discover that they are beautiful on the inside and out, as well as strong, creative and brave. The pages can even be removed, framed and hung on the wall.

Overall Take

Boosts Self-EsteemGive the little lady in your life a chance to express her creativity with this coloring book.

 Runner Up

John T. Hansen Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book Updated Edition

John T. Hansen Netter's Anatomy Coloring Book

Whether you're learning anatomy in high school or college, this coloring book is an excellent educational tool. Each coloring page reinforces what you're learning in your textbook. You'll review everything from muscle attachments to the flow of blood through your arteries and veins.

Overall Take

Educational OptionAt the end of each section in this coloring book are review questions that will help you master the material.

 We Also Like

Cindy Elsharouni Adult Coloring Book, Stress Relieving Designs

Cindy Elsharouni

Adult Coloring Book, Stress Relieving Designs

With more than 60 different designs in varying difficulty levels, this coloring book will give you hours of stress relief and fun. You can use crayons, gel pens, markers or colored pencils to color in the pictures. You'll get animals, patterns, florals, gardening images and more in this collection.

Overall Take

More Than 60 ChoicesYou'll get more than 60 designs in this coloring book, with each page only having printing on one side to reduce the risk of bleed-through.

 Strong Contender

MantraCraft Adult Coloring Book, Stress Relieving Animal Designs

MantraCraft

Stress Relieving Animal Designs Coloring Book

You'll get 50 different animal patterns in stress-relieving patterns in this coloring book. You'll have options of designs for beginners and advanced colorers, so you can work your way up as you get more comfortable. Each design is printed on one side of the page, reducing the risk of bleed-through.

Overall Take

Hours of RelaxationThe images in this book are set up to enhance your stress relief as you color.

What to Look For

  • One issue with children’s coloring books is that images are printed on both sides of the page. That means the color from one side can bleed through, interfering with the experience. There are plenty of adult coloring books that keep printing to one side, so prioritize that in your search.
  • Although most people associate crayons with coloring books, you can actually color using a variety of writing implements. Those include gel pens, markers and colored pencils. Experiment to find your preference.
  • The patterns can make a difference. Perhaps you like animals or flowers. You can find coloring books that prioritize those images. But you may like a coloring book that has assorted images to shake things up every time you sit down to color.
  • One feature found in some adult coloring books is a spiral binding. This allows you to keep the book flat while you’re coloring.
  • Paper quality is an essential feature. Some paper is thicker than others, which gives you a better experience.
  • Look at the number of images included with each coloring book. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you spring for a book with 100 images or more. However, you may prefer to work with a new, thinner coloring book more often, rather than coloring in the same, thick book for weeks at a stretch.

More to Explore

Adult coloring is a form of art therapy, which has been in effect for decades. But unlike with art therapy, when you’re coloring, the biggest benefits don’t come from expressing yourself through your creation. Sure, you’re creative in the colors you choose, but the boost to mental well-being comes from the state of meditation the act of coloring puts you in.

There are plenty of other activities that can bring similar benefits. One is walking. When you walk, the repetition of steps allows your mind to relax. Some housekeeping activities can be meditative in nature, as well, including sweeping and folding laundry. The key is to focus on the tasks you’re doing rather than letting your mind wander to the stresses of the day.

More to explore