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10 Best Coloring Books for Adults in 2022 (ColorIt, Steve McDonald, and More)

Coloring books for adults are a great pastime, as they offer both stress-relief, creative outlet, and a chance to hone your dexterity. You can even learn about color theory or a specific subject. In this article, we'll cover our 10 favorite coloring books for adults. There's also a buying guide at the end that will help you find the best choice for you.


If you're having trouble choosing a book for yourself or a gift, check out our list of favorites. We love Blue Star Coloring's Stress-Relieving Patterns for its variety of patterns, which makes this a coloring book suitable for beginner to advanced levels. We've also included many other fun choices, so take a look below!

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Coloring Book for Adults - Buying Guide

When choosing a coloring book, it's important to keep in mind what coloring tools you plan to use and what you hope to achieve through coloring. 


Of course, taking a look through the designs and getting an idea of what the coloring book aims to do is important, but remember to check details like paper quality and binding, especially if you plan to use heavier, wetter media or want to hang up your finished piece. 

1

Think About Why You Want to Color

Perhaps you're looking for a way to clear your mind or you want to play around with colors. There are many reasons to start using coloring books, and there are coloring books to cater to those many reasons. 

Patterns or Mandalas for Stress Relief

Patterns or Mandalas for Stress Relief

Mandala or pattern coloring books are great for those who want to color to practice mindfulness or meditate by coloring. The repetitive elements of the images gives your mind something pleasant to rest on while maintaining an aspect of activeness through the coloring, making them great for stress relief and relaxation.

Themed Coloring Books for Enjoying Your Interests

Themed Coloring Books for Enjoying Your Interests

No matter what you're into, there's likely a coloring book that caters to it. Disney fans can find a plethora of Disney-themed coloring books, just as those who love tattoos can find books where they can color in tattoo designs. Add keywords to your search to help you find a coloring book that will shower you with images of the things you like.


Furthermore, coloring books are a calming, often meditative activity, making it a great time to connect with your spiritual practice. Whatever your beliefs, coloring books with spiritual themes or subjects can be a nice way to help you reflect and connect with your spiritual side. 

Informational Coloring Books for Studying or Knowledge

Informational Coloring Books for Studying or Knowledge

Coloring books may generally be looked at as a hobby, but they can also be a helpful and productive tool. Learning or studying with coloring books is great because it allows for the active association of information with color or structure.

2

Decide How Intricate You Want the Designs to Be

Decide How Intricate You Want the Designs to Be

Intricate designs may look pretty, but they require time and dexterity. That's why they might not be suitable for elderly adults or others with limited hand function. Moreover, if you don't have a lot of spare time to color, simpler designs may be better because they are quicker to finish. That way, you can enjoy your completed pictures!

3

Pick a Book That Suits Your Tools

When it comes to coloring utensils, basically anything goes. Different tools produce different effects and you can even mix and match tools to give your coloring pages more depth. 

Colored Pencils for Different Effects

Colored Pencils for Different Effects

Colored pencils are a popular tool because of their versatility. You can easily shade, blend, and build colors, resulting in many possible effects. Coloring in intricate details is as easy as sharpening the pencil. Colored pencils are compatible with most coloring book paper and don't have a high risk of bleed-through. 


However, those who want bright, saturated colors may find themselves a little disappointed when using colored pencils. They may also prove to be tedious when coloring in large areas

Markers for Bold Impact

Markers for Bold Impact

Markers are a favorite for many coloring book enthusiasts. Bright, vibrant colors, as well as faster coloring, can be achieved with markers. Markers can have different tip shapes that make them effective for different goals such as filling in large areas or coloring in small patterns.


However, markers have a high risk of bleeding through to the next page because they are more saturated and wetter. It's important to do a test swatch before coloring in pages to see if there is any bleed-through.


You can choose between water- and alcohol-based markers. Water-based markers don't smell and are easy to use. And if they dry out, they can be reactivated by being dipped in water. However, their ink is prone to fading and they take longer to dry on the paper.


Alcohol-based markers are available in plenty of vibrant colors. They're quick-drying and transparent, which means they can be blended. Their ink is also more resistant to fading. The downsides are they may have a strong smell and can bleed through thin paper.

Pens for Small Details and Line Work

Pens for Small Details and Line Work

Gel pens are great for coloring in small patterns or adding cool effects like sparkles or metallics. They are also great to use for adding more detail over other coloring mediums like markers or colored pencils, but are not good for filling in big chunks of space on a coloring page.

Crayons for a Nostalgic Feel

Crayons for a Nostalgic Feel

Crayons may spark nostalgic memories of school, art projects, and of course, coloring books. Crayons are a classic coloring book tool that work well for coloring in large areas or capturing that childhood feel. However, they are difficult to use with precision, making them inadequate for realistic or detailed coloring books.


Alternatively, you can try oil pastels, which are made with a non-drying oil and wax. Their colors are bolder and easy to blend, but also break easily. They feel similar to crayons but may have a steeper learning curve. In return, you get bright and vibrant colors.

4

Look at the Paper Quality, Binding, and Size

Look at the Paper Quality, Binding, and Size

Coloring books vary in paper quality, binding, and size. Look through descriptions and reviews to ensure that you're choosing a coloring book that is as nice to handle as it is to color. For example, if you want a coloring book to fill your time in waiting rooms or on public transportation, you may find a large coloring book bothersome to bring.


Spiral-bound coloring books lie flat on surfaces, making it easier to color. If this is something that could potentially bother you, prioritize lay-flat or spiral binding. However, most coloring books aren't bound too tight, so they should be able to lie relatively flat.


Companies typically don't list the paper thickness (GSM) of their coloring books. That means you might have to look carefully at the product descriptions to figure out whether a coloring book is suitable for your coloring tools.


Paper that is too thin risks bleed-through and ripping, which is a problem especially if the coloring book is double-sided. If you plan on only using colored pencils, most coloring books should pose no problem.


And if you want to show off or display your finished work, look for a coloring book with perforated pages. That way, you can easily tear out the page when you've finished coloring it. Store it in a folder, take it with you, or frame it on your wall, the choice is yours.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Coloring Books for Adults

We have put together a 10 best list with attention to the types and complexity of illustrations, the paper quality, and the entertainment factor. Read on to find your perfect coloring book!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Blue Star Coloring, Adult Coloring Book Teams

Stress Relieving Patterns

Blue Star Coloring, Adult Coloring Book Teams Stress Relieving Patterns 1

$9.95

Mid

Best Coloring Book for Stress Relief

2

Sasha O'Hara

Calm the F*ck Down

Sasha O'Hara Calm the F*ck Down 1

$4.99

Low

Best at Humor and Sass

3

ColorIt, Hasby Mubarok

Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book

ColorIt, Hasby Mubarok Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book 1

$19.99

High

Best for Relaxing Scenery Coloring

4

Steve McDonald

Fantastic Cities

Steve McDonald Fantastic Cities 1

$10.39

Mid

Best for the Cityscape Lover

5

Random House

The Splat

Random House The Splat 1

$13.49

High Mid

Best for the 90s Kid

6

Kerby Rosanes

Mythomorphia

Kerby Rosanes Mythomorphia 1

$12.59

High Mid

Best for an Advanced Challenge

7

Johanna Basford

Secret Garden

Johanna Basford Secret Garden 1

$9.99

Mid

Best for an Intricate Challenge

8

Caffeinestar Publishing

Drinking Animals Coloring Book

Caffeinestar Publishing Drinking Animals Coloring Book 1

$8.97

Mid

Best Coloring Book That Doubles as a Recipe Book

9

Coloring Book Cafe

Coloring Book Cafe  1

$9.99

Mid

Best for Coloring Mandalas

10

MantraCraft

Stress Relieving Animal Designs

MantraCraft Stress Relieving Animal Designs 1

$5.54

Low Mid

Best for Animal Lovers

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Blue Star Coloring, Adult Coloring Book TeamsStress Relieving Patterns

Stress Relieving Patterns 1
Source:amazon.com
Stress Relieving Patterns 2
Source:amazon.com
Stress Relieving Patterns 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.95
Mid
Reference price
$9.95
Mid

Best Coloring Book for Stress Relief

Pros:

  • Thick, heavyweight paper that works with any tool
  • Single-sided pages that won't bleed through
  • Perforated pages to frame your finished work
  • A variety of designs for all levels

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to tear out the pages

This coloring book features patterns of varying complexity designed to calm your mind and relieve stress. To prevent bleed-through, it uses heavyweight artist-grade paper. The coloring book welcomes colorists of all levels and encourages creative expression.


Some reviewers found the coloring book to be boring and predictable. Others liked it because it was soothing and time-consuming. Many enjoyed seeing the patterns come to life and seeing how they looked once the coloring was done.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Sasha O'HaraCalm the F*ck Down

Calm the F*ck Down 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.99
Low
Reference price
$4.99
Low

Best at Humor and Sass

Pros:

  • Contains positive affirmations for a pick-me-up
  • Pairs beautiful illustrations with adult humor
  • Thick pages fit for any coloring tool
  • Test pages at the front to check your markers on

Cons:

  • Doesn't have perforated pages

This coloring book features illustrations of varying complexity with accompanying witty, and sometimes strongly worded, quotes. Pages are single-sided, making this coloring book safe to color with any coloring tool.


Some reviewers thought the print quality was sub-par. But most found that there are coloring pages that suit every mood. Not only was the coloring book a good way to relax, but it also made many giggle and lifted their spirits. 

No.3

ColorIt, Hasby MubarokBlissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book

Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book 1
Source:amazon.com
Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book 2
Source:amazon.com
Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book 3
Source:amazon.com
Blissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book 4
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
High

Best for Relaxing Scenery Coloring

Pros:

  • Spiral-bound so it can always lay flat
  • Artist-grade and acid-free paper for the highest quality
  • Easy-to-tear perforated pages
  • Comes with a blotter to protect the page underneath

Cons:

  • Small spaces can be hard to color in

This coloring book has a spiral binding to keep it lying flat and the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out. While the paper is thick to prevent bleeding, the book also comes with a blotter to protect the page beneath the one you're coloring, making it great for wetter media like markers.


Some reviewers wanted some more variety in the pictures or more details. Reviewers confirmed that the pages were sturdy and could handle alcohol-based markers. The designs were praised as well, some saying the biggest problem they encountered was deciding which page to color next.

No.4

Steve McDonaldFantastic Cities

Reference price
$10.39
Mid

Best for the Cityscape Lover

Pros:

  • Includes line art of real places around the world
  • Inception-like architectural designs to keep your attention
  • Create incredible images with colored pencils or gel pens
  • Great for the city-lover and the traveler

Cons:

  • Double-sided pages make big markers bleed through

This coloring book features illustrations of various cities around the world as well as imagined ones. Aerial views of cities and buildings form detailed landscapes and mandala-like designs.


Some reviewers were disappointed that the pages aren't perforated, making them difficult to rip out. Still, many love the designs and say this book works great with colored pencils and watercolored pencils. It offers a good challenge, too.

No.5

Random HouseThe Splat

Reference price
$13.49
High Mid

Best for the 90s Kid

Pros:

  • Easy-to-color illustrations for beginners
  • Nostalgic feel for 90s kids
  • Single-sided to allow for better focus
  • Available in paperback or spiral-bound formats to give you options

Cons:

  • Pages aren't perforated
  • Heavy markers may bleed through

This coloring book is filled with fun illustrations from Nickelodeon shows such as Rugrats, Ren and Stimpy, Rocko's Modern Life, and more, along with quotes from the show. It's a great choice for days when you just want to feel like a kid again. It's also good for beginners.


Reviewers warned that heavy markers could bleed through and recommended using a blank sheet of paper between pages to combat this issue. However, they agreed that most tools worked well, thanks to the thick and high-quality paper.

No.6

Kerby RosanesMythomorphia

Mythomorphia 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.59
High Mid

Best for an Advanced Challenge

Pros:

  • Double-sided pages create large and detailed illustrations
  • Stunning images inspired by myths and fantasy
  • Look for hidden objects for extra fun
  • Provides a challenge for the most determined

Cons:

  • Alcohol markers and gel pens may bleed through

In this coloring book, mythical creatures are illustrated in extreme detail, giving you many options for colors and methods. If coloring in these intricate designs isn't enough, you can also search for hidden objects, likely keeping you busy for a good chunk of time.


Since the pages are double-sided, alcohol-markers easily bled through, according to reviewers. However, they noted that water-based markers and watercolors worked better. Many appreciated the creativity and artistry in these pages and had a lot of fun bringing the images to life.

No.7

Johanna BasfordSecret Garden

Secret Garden 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

Best for an Intricate Challenge

Pros:

  • Hypnotic illustrations to keep you occupied for hours
  • Mindful coloring gives a well-deserved break
  • For an extra challenge, try to find the hidden creatures on the pages
  • Space to add your own creations

Cons:

  • Double-sided pages can cause bleed-through

Filled with intricate designs and scenes, this book is great for mindful coloring, stress-relief, and playing with colors. The secret of the coloring book is that there are small creatures hidden throughout the book to find. Additionally, some illustrations are left incomplete for you to add your own creations


Reviewers warn that the paper is on the thinner side and markers are likely to bleed through. Reviewers enjoyed patiently filling in the designs to see the final product and say this book is better for meditative time, not for fast results.

No.8

Caffeinestar PublishingDrinking Animals Coloring Book

Drinking Animals Coloring Book 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.97
Mid
Reference price
$8.97
Mid

Best Coloring Book That Doubles as a Recipe Book

Pros:

  • Funny and cute animal illustrations to unwind with
  • The simple designs are great for beginners
  • Doubles as a recipe book for drinks
  • Popular gift idea for cocktail lovers

Cons:

  • Large markers tend to bleed through

Not only are there illustrations of "party animals" with various cocktails, but the recipes for the cocktails are also written alongside the illustrations, making this a two-in-one coloring and recipe book


Reviewers warned that markers tend to bleed through. Some solved this by placing a sheet of paper behind the one they were coloring. Many appreciated the simple illustrations, saying they were good for amateurs. The book was also a huge hit for those who received it as a gift.

No.9

Coloring Book Cafe

 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

Best for Coloring Mandalas

Pros:

  • Contains 125 mandalas to keep you entertained for a long time
  • Includes the most popular mandalas across several genres
  • Single-sided pages to prevent bleed-through
  • Cultivates meditative relaxation

Cons:

  • Large markers may be too big for small spaces

This gorgeous coloring book focuses solely on mandalas. It includes some of the most popular designs from various cultures, such as the Greek and Aztec. While the illustrations are detailed, the difficulty level ranges from beginner to intermediate.


Reviewers loved using gel pens to color these mandalas. Some also recommended fine-tipped markers. Some warned that the paper is a little thin, though. Still, they enjoyed the relaxing nature of this coloring book.

No.10

MantraCraftStress Relieving Animal Designs

Stress Relieving Animal Designs 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.54
Low Mid
Reference price
$5.54
Low Mid

Best for Animal Lovers

Pros:

  • Includes illustrations for all levels
  • Intricate animal designs that encourage creative solutions
  • Single-sided pages to combat bleed-through
  • Works well with most coloring tools

Cons:

  • Pages aren't perforated

This letter-sized coloring book features 50 animal illustrations with patterns of varying levels of intricacy. The amount of detail in each illustration will lead you into a focused, calm meditative state


Reviewers mentioned that there is inconsistent paper quality throughout the book, with some pages having faded or blurry ink. Most loved the illustrations and liked that there is a variety to choose from. The coloring book served as a nice escape from their busy everyday life. 

Find Some Art Supplies to Go With Your Coloring Book

Now that you know what coloring book you want, you'll need something to color it with. Check out the links below to get you started on finding the tools you need to create a beautiful piece.

Amazon's Best Selling Coloring Books

If you want to explore more options, check out Amazon's best selling list of coloring books for grown-ups.

Top 5 Coloring Books for Adults

No. 1: Blue Star Coloring, Adult Coloring Book TeamsStress Relieving Patterns

No. 2: Sasha O'HaraCalm the F*ck Down

No. 3: ColorIt, Hasby MubarokBlissful Scenes Adult Coloring Book

No. 4: Steve McDonaldFantastic Cities

No. 5: Random HouseThe Splat

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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