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The Best Adult Coloring Books for Practicing the Art of Relaxation

Carey Schaal
Written By Carey Schaal
Writer + Editor
Last updated: Feb 28, 2025, 09:16 AM
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best adult coloring books

Modern adult life is a constant juggle: work, commutes, chores, family—the list goes on. For many, especially those with demanding jobs, prioritizing mental well-being can be a struggle. While there are many ways to destress, a pretty simple and effective way to give your brain a break is to spend some time coloring like you used to do back when you were a kid.

While you might think coloring books are only reserved for children, there are some amazing adult coloring books with themes and designs that are more adult-centric. Our favorite ended up being the Jade Summer Adult Coloring Book, but we have a bunch of other great options that you can explore based on your preferences.

View all Contents
  • Buyer’s Guide: Adult Coloring Books
    • What Are Adult Coloring Books?
    • Diversity in Adult Coloring Books
    • Benefits of Adult Coloring Books
    • What To Look For When Buying Adult Coloring Books
  • People Also Asked
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Adult Coloring Book Picks

  • Jade Summer Adult Coloring Book: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Vintage Tattoo Designs Adult Coloring Book: For Tattoo Lovers (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Mom's Coloring Book for Stress Relief: For Nature-Loving Moms (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Stress Relief Coloring Book for Adults: Most Calming (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Anxiety Relief Coloring Book for Adults: For Soothing Anxiety (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Disney Dreams Collection Adult Coloring Book: Disney-Inspired Imagery (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Home Sweet Home Adult Coloring Book: Home-Themed (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • 100 Mandalas Adult Coloring Book: Mandala Designs (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓
  • Witchcraft Coloring Book for Adults: Witchcraft-Inspired Designs (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this adult coloring book ↓

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Our Favorite Adult Coloring Books in Detail of 2025

Jade Summer Adult Coloring Book

Best Overall
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Kicking off our list is a leisurely and soothing adult coloring book that comes with 100 patterns. The patterns vary and consist of symmetrical designs that capture the simplistic beauty of flowers, animals, and other adorable prints. This vast collection makes it fun to pick, choose, and color at any time of the day.

The coloring patterns are all designed to reduce stress and ease your mind, and the single-sided design makes it easy to color without ruining the other side. In a nutshell, the well-thought-out designs, great quality paper, and range of difficulty levels make this adult coloring book our top pick.

Pros
  • Single-sided design prevents bleeding
  • Large and clear patterns
  • Versatile patterns for any mood
Cons
  • Not suitable for coloring with markers
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns100
PrintingSingle-sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, crayons

Vintage Tattoo Designs Adult Coloring Book

For Tattoo Lovers
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This adult coloring book by Rockridge Press is all about vintage tattoo designs. You get to have hours of fun coloring classic tattoo designs such as anchors, swans, and even the Grim Reaper. If you feel like traditional coloring book designs aren’t your thing, this might just be the ticket to get you reaping the benefits of coloring.

Pros
  • Single-sided pages to prevent color bleed
  • Many different iconic designs with ranging complexity
  • High-quality paper
Cons
  • Paper doesn’t play too well with color pencils
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns35
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryMarkers

Mom’s Coloring Book for Stress Relief

For Nature-Loving Moms
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This adult coloring book is made for moms who love nature and need to destress after a long day of homemaking. The pages contain images of flowers, birds, and natural scenery that are very pretty but easy enough to color in for a calming, frustration-free experience. 

Customers report that the pages of this book are a good thickness, and it’s very easy to lose track of time coloring in all the blank spaces.

Pros
  • Relaxing images of natural creatures and floral patterns 
  • High-quality pages and printing
  • Over 70 designs
Cons
  • Pages can be difficult to tear out
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns70+
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, Crayons, Gel Pens

Stress Relief Coloring Book for Adults

Most Calming
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If you are looking for an adult coloring book that encourages calmness, consider the Stress Relief Coloring Book for Adults by Jenny Palmer. It uses imagery of nature and idyllic landscapes to help you unwind after long and stressful days.

There are 35 scenes, each with different levels of detail, so you can fill in the appropriate ones according to your skill level and mood. Overall, this is another great adult coloring book that will especially be enjoyable for those who possess a general liking for nature.

Pros
  • Instills feelings of calm and control
  • Different detail levels for different moods
  • Suitable for people who love nature
Cons
  • Pages aren’t removable
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns35
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, Crayons, Gel Pens, Markers

Anxiety Relief Coloring Book for Adults

For Soothing Anxiety
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The Anxiety Relief Coloring Book for Adults features 35 beautiful images – organic patterns, peaceful scenes, nature, and calming landscapes – offering a soothing escape for many hours. This book also goes beyond coloring – it includes two beginner-friendly meditations to help you relax even further. Plus, the high-quality, single-sided pages prevent bleed-through and enable you to use all coloring materials, from pencils to crayons, markers, and even paint. Additionally, the pages can tear out easily, so you can share your creations or proudly display your artwork.

Pros
  • High-quality paper prevents bleed-through
  • Easy to tear and hang pages
  • Includes two beginner-friendly meditations to reduce anxiety
Cons
  • Some of the intricate designs can be difficult to color
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns35
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, Crayons, Gel Pens, Markers

Disney Dreams Collection Adult Coloring Book

Disney-Inspired Imagery
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With stunning artwork from a variety of different movies, such as Sleeping Beauty and Fantasia, this adult coloring book has more than a few timeless pieces of art waiting for you to color them. Although no matter your experience and/or fondness for Disney movies, these Disney-inspired pages will ease your stress and remind you of simpler times. The 63 pieces of Disney art also come with original colored counterparts for inspiration but there’s nothing stopping you from letting your inner artist loose.

Pros
  • Thick, matte pages
  • Simplified and decluttered drawings
  • A variety of Disney designs
  • Original images included for inspiration
Cons
  • Alcohol markers bleed through
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns63
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryGel pens, pencils

Home Sweet Home Adult Coloring Book

Home-Themed
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This excellent home-inspired adult coloring book was made by the Yorkshire-based artist Teresa Goodridge. It features 31 beautiful illustrations of furnished indoor and outdoor spaces, from immaculate bedrooms, studios, kitchens, and living rooms to beautiful outdoor views like patios and backyards.

The perforated pages and single-side printing make them easy to remove and hang anywhere when you’re done. With this adult coloring book, the artist seeks to create a getaway to a realm of inspiration and creative actualization, which helps lessen anxiousness and relax minds.

Pros
  • Beautiful and relaxing drawings 
  • Easy to tear perforated pages
  • The single-sided design prevents bleeding
Cons
  • Only has a single theme
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns31

100 Mandalas Adult Coloring Book

Mandala Designs
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If coloring mandalas is your thing, you will love this adult coloring book. You’ll get 100 stress-relieving designs, with each page providing a sense of calm as you channel your energy for creative expression. The well-crafted illustrations and neat printing help you set a base for expressing yourself with mandalas.

The color book is single-sided, so you can color without fear of bleeding through the lines. When you’re done, you can choose to frame your masterpieces. In addition, the wide diversity lets anyone find a pattern they can color easily, making it a great gift for all ages and skill levels.

Pros
  • Lots of designs
  • Great for crayons and watercolors
  • Relieves stress and provides relaxation
Cons
  • Customers have reported bleed-through with markers
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns100
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, Crayons, Gel Pens, Markers

Witchcraft Coloring Book for Adults

Witchcraft-Inspired Designs
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The Witchcraft Coloring Book for Adults features enchanting Wiccan imagery, such as candles, crystals, and familiars. This book offers more than just coloring—it’s a self-care guide. Learn the symbolism of colors and icons in witchcraft, and discover how the act of coloring fosters peace and focus. The high-quality, single-sided pages let you tear out your creations and use them for decoration. This coloring book also provides a beginner-friendly introduction to witchcraft, explaining its core philosophies and how it empowers you through creativity. 

Pros
  • Cool witchcraft theme
  • Guides for self-care and color included
  • Convenient tearable design
Cons
  • Pages are on the thinner side
Key Features
Number of Images/Patterns80
PrintingSingle-Sided
Compatible StationeryPencils, Gel Pens, Markers

Buyer’s Guide: Adult Coloring Books

As we’ve already established, coloring books are a great way to relax your mind and unleash your creativity after a long day of work. Every adult should try their hand at coloring books, and we have gathered everything needed to help you find the perfect fit.

What Are Adult Coloring Books?

Like children’s coloring books, adult coloring books consist of drawings for coloring but are more intricate and sophisticated. Their patterns are aimed to relieve stress and help adults cope with anxiety and depression. They also help keep adults busy without using a piece of technology or other gadgets.

Diversity in Adult Coloring Books

There is no right way to color; you don’t have to be perfect because art is all about expressing yourself the way you want. That said, various coloring patterns, prints, and books are available to help give a wide range of options, like landscapes, mandalas, nature scenes, and even snarky quotes.

Depending on the coloring book you purchased, you can use watercolors, paints, pens, markers, and even crayons. This lets you try different blending techniques and use tools you may not have used as a child.

Benefits of Adult Coloring Books

Many studies prove adult coloring books’ mental and physical health benefits.

Lowers stress

Adult coloring books are an excellent choice for alleviating stress. After a long day, they will help create a soothing effect and considerably reduce stress in adults. point toward adult coloring books’ mental and physical health benefits.

Enhances creativity

Adult coloring books offer a nostalgic escape into creativity, stimulating the artistic side of our brains. They allow us to imagine, innovate, and explore our creative callings, regardless of our artistic skill level. Research suggests that coloring can reduce anxiety and boost creativity by calming the amygdala (associated with fear/stress) and activating brain regions responsible for logic and creativity. It’s akin to mindfulness meditation, focusing on the present moment and de-stressing the brain. So, whether you’re coloring intricate mandalas or whimsical scenes, these books provide a therapeutic outlet that nurtures creativity and reduces stress.

Keeps you mentally active

Reading may become boring for senior citizens. A great pastime is using large-sized printed coloring books, which keep movements coordinated and promote expression through color.

An alternative to electronics

Many of our activities are related to screens. Reducing screen time and concentrating on something outside of the virtual world will help you avoid the harm it can cause in excess.

Connecting with family

By doing an activity like coloring, you can spend more time with your kids. This shows a supportive, loving, and easy-going side of yourself in front of your kids and is a great way to connect with your family without a screen.

What To Look For When Buying Adult Coloring Books

When purchasing an adult coloring book, consider the following details to ensure you get the perfect one for yourself.

1. Theme:

  • Match your interests: Do you like mythical creatures, calming landscapes, or intricate mandalas? Choose a theme that sparks your imagination and resonates with your mood.
  • Variety is key: Look for books with a range of complexity levels, from simple patterns for quick coloring to detailed illustrations for deep focus.

2. Paper quality:

  • Bleed-through: High-quality paper prevents colors from bleeding through to the next page, ruining your artwork. Opt for thicker paper suitable for your preferred coloring medium (pencils, markers, etc.).
  • Single-sided printing: Single-sided pages allow you to remove your creations for display or framing without damaging the book.

3. Artistic style:

  • Explore different styles: Some books feature bold outlines, while others offer more delicate linework. Choose a style that inspires you and complements the chosen theme.
  • Consider artist backgrounds: Research the artist behind the coloring book. Their background and artistic style might influence your enjoyment of the imagery.

4. Additional features:

  • Mindfulness and inspiration: Look for books that include inspirational quotes or guided prompts to enhance the relaxing and creative experience.
  • Coloring tips and techniques: Some books offer basic color theory or blending techniques, perfect for beginners or those wanting to explore new styles.

5. Personal preferences:

  • Binding and size: Do you prefer a spiral-bound book for flat-lay coloring or a traditional bound one? Consider the size as well—a portable option might be ideal for travel.
  • Price and value: Set a budget and compare features like page count, paper quality, and binding. Consider the value proposition—are you getting enough content and quality for the price?

People Also Asked

Can children use adult coloring books?

Younger kids might struggle with intricate details. But older kids (teens) can enjoy them! Look for age recommendations or books with a mix of complexity.

Is it childish for adults to color?

Adult coloring is not childish! It's a recognized stress-relief technique that fosters creativity and mindfulness. Think of it as a fun way to unwind, similar to meditation or playing music. Age doesn't limit the benefits of artistic expression!

What's the difference between adult and children's coloring books?

They differ in the type of patterns. For example, while children's books contain cartoons and characters, adults focus more on florals and symmetrical patterns. The designs themselves differ in the level of complexity, too. 

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is the use of creating art, such as drawing, coloring, sculpting and more, to release emotional tension, explore your creative side, and disengage from everyday stress. Art has been shown to have therapeutic effects which can be felt without a therapist's engagement. 

What colors are most essential for coloring books?

When you buy a coloring book, try using the ROYGBIV (rainbow) colos, black, and white. Using combinations of these, you can make basically any color pretty easily.

Why Trust Us?

You can trust My Family Life to provide practical tips and product recommendations that genuinely prioritize your family's best interests. As parents ourselves, our mission is to create a supportive community where you feel empowered and informed, knowing that we genuinely care about making your parenting experience as smooth and joyful as possible.

Contributors

Carey Schaal
Carey Schaal
Writer + Editor
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