It’s gift time again and I’m on a budget, not to mention that in my opinion most of my family and friends already have everything they need. So I’m going to be giving adult coloring books as gifts and I have a great list of different types of books that might interest you if you’re considering doing the same.

Coloring is Fun and Relaxing

Coloring is fun and relaxing and it isn’t just for kids anymore. There are so many adult coloring books to choose from and they really do make great presents or stocking stuffers for you or your loved ones. Some of these books are under $5 and with a nice set of colored pencils or pens you’re good to go.

In my article: “Can Adult Coloring Books Really Help Ease Your Anxiety?”, I discuss in length the reasons why coloring can actually give you a much needed break from your battle with stress and anxiety.

Since anxiety and panic attacks are a daily part of my existence, I have found different activities that let me de-stress and help me to relax. Coloring is something that I enjoy tremendously and find that I can actually forget my worries while I’m engaged in it.

Below is a small list of some popular themes and subjects that are available for adult coloring enthusiasts.

12 Types of Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Books:

1. Adult activity books:

Ryan Hunter and Taige Jensen have a series of activity books that are aimed for adults and are chalked full of humor and fun activities. These two comedians have over 200 YouTube videos racking up over 75 million views. These are some of the titles they have released so far.
“Coloring for Grown-Ups: The Activity Book“
“Coloring for Grown-Ups: College Companion”
“Coloring for Grown-Ups: Holiday Fun Book”

2. Mandalas, Labyrinths, Psychedelic Patterns and Stained Glass:

“Detailed Designs and Beautiful Patters (Sacred Mandala Designs and Patterns Coloring Books for Adults – Volume 28”) is currently #1 Best Seller on Amazon’s Illustration and Graphic Design category. You definitely won’t get bored with this one and your eyes will dance on the page with all the delightful array of patterns.

3. Elaborate Beautiful Gardens, Flowers and Vegetation:

“Flower Designs Coloring Book Volume 1” by Jenean Morrison is a beautifully illustrated book and is #1 Best Seller on Amazon’s Children’s Coloring Books category. The intricate designs in this book are complex and detailed for a child, in my opinion, and that’s why I list it as an adult coloring book.

4. Medieval Art and Celtic Art

For those of you who are in love with the Medieval time period or Celtic art there are really cool coloring books for you as well. “Medieval Tapestries Coloring Book” (Dover Publishing) and “Celtic Design Coloring Book” (Dover Publishing) offer some historical information and small descriptions of the designs to your delight.

5. Treasure Hunts:

One of the more popular books in this genre is the “Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book” – M & E Books). Within each intricate picture are hidden images that you will delight in finding.

6. Christmas/Holiday Themes:

Dover publishing has some really good Christmas and holiday themed coloring books.

7. Insects and Animals:

In “Creative Haven’s Art Nouveau Animal Designs Coloring Book”, you will find wonderful butterflies, peacocks and many more majestic creatures to color. It is currently #1 Best Seller on Amazon’s Plant and Animal Art category.

8. Myths, Legends, Fantasies and Fairies:

From Japanese dragons, trolls, elves, unicorns, fairies and angles, you can find these types of coloring books in almost every fantasy category imaginable.

9. Therapeutic:

Coloring books like the gorgeously illustrated “Therapy in Color – Therapeutic Tool” and “Color Me Calm” (currently #1 Best Seller in Graphic Design Color Use by Amazon),  both aim to be used as a therapeutic tool.

10. Coloring Book for Couples:

Can you believe there’s even adult coloring books for couples as well. Hollan Publishing has a Playtime for Couples coloring book that’s available. This way you can have some fun with a significant other while coloring the pages.

11. Celebrities:

Nicholas Cage, Bill Murray (the actors) and the famous filmographer Wes Anderson (known for the films Moonrish Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Limited to name a few, have jumped in on the coloring book band wagon too.

“Snake Eyes: A Nicholas Cage Activity Book “.
“Thrill Murray (coloring book)”.
“The Wes Anderson Collection” is currently #1 Best Seller at Amazon in the video reference category.

12. Muscle Cars and Antique Airplanes:

For the car enthusiast, Dover Publishing has a really neat coloring book, American Muscle Car, 1960-1975, and for the airplane lover they have an Antique Airplane Coloring Book.

Ok so I think I’ve established that there’s not a shortage of subjects in the adult coloring book genre. Aside from the ones I listed above, I’m sure there are other interesting themes.

These books not only serve to help you take part in a relaxing activity they are also enchanting works of art. Once you color them in with your own style and personality you will delight in what you have completed. You’ll also have pictures to enjoy for years to come.

Coloring for adults is becoming quite popular and there are actual Facebook adult coloring book groups. If you really get into this you’ll probably enjoy sharing your creations with other enthusiast, as well as looking at how others are coloring their pages.

Whatever the occasion, these books not only make unique gifts, but can help you or someone you love de-stress and relax while engaging in the innocent and fun pastime of your childhood.