A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

20 Best Adult Coloring Books for When You Need to Relax and Unwind

Turn off the TV, stop scrolling through social media, and spend your newly found free time reliving a blissful childhood hobby with these adult coloring books.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Coloring Books Product Collage
rd.com, via amazon.com (4)

Unwind with adult coloring books

When was the last time you picked up a finely sharpened colored pencil and began shading in an illustrated image that brought you joy? If you haven’t thought about coloring since kindergarten, you’re missing out on the comfort that comes from such a simple, low-stakes hobby. Adult coloring books may not be self-help books, technically speaking, but they can do you a lot of good.

The many science-backed benefits of coloring include relaxation and stress reduction. A 2018 study in the journal The Arts in Psychotherapy even found that art therapy can help reduce pain and anxiety. Another reason adult coloring books are all the rage these days is that they provide a screen-free escape from reality that makes you feel like a kid again. And the beauty of this hobby is that there’s no wrong way to color (read: you don’t need to be a skilled artist), so leave your self-judgment at the door.

Find a topic that piques your interest—you can draw inspiration from the best books of all time, books for your zodiac sign, books by female authors, and romance novels—and then choose from among these 20 highly rated adult coloring books. Most of these selections have well over 1,000 five-star reviews from happy colorers who have found peace in the process of putting colored pencils to paper.

19worlds Of Wonder By Johanna Basford
via amazon.com

1. Worlds of Wonder by Johanna Basford

Best for: Fantasy lovers

Think of this book as your gateway to wondrous worlds you’ve only dreamed about. Johanna Basford is on a mission to inspire creativity, and her die-hard fans can’t get enough—the book maintains a 4.8-star rating with nearly 3,000 reviews. Enjoy shading in tree-top castles, floating islands, and enchanted sea turtles that the talented Basford has sketched by hand. This is a must for anyone who can’t get enough fantasy books in their reading lineup.

Shop Now

Mandala Illustrations From Arteza
via amazon.com

2. Mandala Illustrations from Arteza

Best for: Anyone who appreciates symmetry

Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit, and these sacred geometric symbols are used to represent a spiritual journey. Coloring these symmetrical designs creates a calming, almost trancelike state, perfect for a dose of art therapy. Arteza makes many adult coloring books and art supplies, but this book in particular really allows creativity—there are 72 one-sided sheets that are detachable, which means you can showcase your work when you’re done. You can color while you watch TV or listen to an audiobook, but to really ditch your troubles, try focusing only on the art.

Shop Now

10mama Needs A Mother Fcking Nap From Honey Badger Coloring
via amazon.com

3. Mama Needs a Mother F*cking Nap from Honey Badger Coloring

Best for: The mom who swears like a sailor

It’s hard to keep swear words at bay around your kiddos all day long, so let them fly in all your favorite colors with this mom-approved book that’s definitely not appropriate for co-coloring with your kids. (Try these mother-daughter books for a shared reading experience instead.) It’s filled with curse words and patterns that pair well with your favorite glass of wine.

Shop Now

1adult Coloring Book By Cindy Elsharouni
via amazon.com

4. Adult Coloring Book by Cindy Elsharouni

Best for: Artists who like variety

So many adult coloring books are grouped by theme, so it’s refreshing to find one book that caters to everyone. That inclusivity must be why Cindy Elsharouni’s book has over 20,000 reviews. In it, you’ll find 60 designs, from animals and mandalas to paisleys and flowers. These one-sided sheets are thick, so even your favorite gel pens and markers won’t bleed through.

Shop Now

7exhale A Self Care Coloring Book By Latoya Nicole
via amazon.com

5. Exhale: A Self Care Coloring Book by Latoya Nicole

Best for: Anyone who could use some self-love

Need a little inspiration for how to incorporate some self-care acts into your daily routine? This book by a Black author features women of color reading, journaling, exercising, relaxing, and unapologetically putting themselves first. We’re so here for it. Grab your pencils and start coloring a scene you’d like to replicate in your own life.

Shop Now

100 Flower Designs Coloring Book For Adults
via amazon.com

6. 100 Flower Designs by MantraCraft

Best for: Floral fans

You want flowers? We’ve got your flowers—100 high-resolution images of them, to be exact. From flowers and vases to bunches and bouquets, MantraCraft’s 100 Flower Designs delivers on all your floral fantasies. With its over 4,000 positive reviews, it’s very possible that your next masterpiece lies within these pages. Now that you’re loving your self-care moments, check out these self-care gifts for some more TLC.

Shop Now

4be Fearless In The Pursuit Of What Sets Your Soul On Fire From Papeterie Bleu
via amazon.com

7. Be Fearless in the Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire from Papeterie Bleu

Best for: Dream-chasers

Need a little push to chase your dreams? Start by coloring your very own motivational poster. With its whimsical designs and self-love quotes such as “follow your soul; it knows the way” and “some days you just have to create your own sunshine,” the world will soon be your oyster.

Shop Now

3art Of Coloring Star Wars From Disney
via amazon.com

8. Art of Coloring Star Wars from Disney

Best for: Wannabe Jedis

If your idea of relaxation is a drink at Mos Eisley cantina, or if your favorite reads are all science fiction books, your search for the best adult coloring books is over. Packed with Star Wars–themed illustrations and including all your favorite characters, this will transport you from the daily stresses of your life to a galaxy far, far away.

Shop Now

16the Psalms In Color From Christian Art Publishers
via amazon.com

9. The Psalms in Color from Christian Art Publishers

Best for: Bible readers

Color in quiet contemplation or hum your favorite hymns as you move through the pages of The Psalms in Color. Just as prayer is personal, so is how you choose to use this book. It’s filled with 62 ink drawings (such as kaleidoscopic patterns and wallpaper-style prints) that incorporate Bible quotes. Nearly 4,000 reviewers have given it high praise.

Shop Now

8fragile World By Kerby Rosanes
via amazon.com

10. Fragile World by Kerby Rosanes

Best for: The eco-conscious

Too many creatures—from the Tapanuli orangutan to the hawksbill turtle—are in danger of vanishing from our planet, and soon they may be but a distant memory. This isn’t a sad book meant to mourn their disappearance but an inspiring book that’ll help you keep their magnificence top of mind. Fragile World features elaborate illustrations of 56 endangered, vulnerable, and threatened animals and landscapes.

Shop Now

5disney Princess Coloring Book By Thomas Kinkade
via amazon.com

11. Disney Princess Coloring Book by Thomas Kinkade

Best for: Disney buffs

Have you ever wanted to reimagine Snow White, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Ariel, Tiana, and the other Disney princesses? Now’s your chance to add your own spin on the colors of their skin, hair, and dresses with a collection of images based on paintings by Thomas Kinkade Studios. Sure, this book provides gorgeous, full-page color reproductions as a guide, but don’t let that stifle your creativity.

Shop Now

14the Mindfulness Coloring Book By Emma Farrarons
via amazon.com

12. The Mindfulness Coloring Book by Emma Farrarons

Best for: Anyone who is overstressed

If you’re searching for a coloring book you can stash in your purse or in a drawer at work, look no further than the pocket-sized Mindfulness Coloring Book, just one of many adult coloring books by female authors. It’ll allow you to channel your stress into something productive without requiring too much space. The soothing flowers, butterfly, bird, and wave designs give you a moment (or longer) to recharge your batteries.

Shop Now

17the Splat Coloring The '90s From Penguin Random House
via amazon.com

13. The Splat: Coloring the ’90s from Penguin Random House

Best for: ’90s kids

Are most of your favorite memories still trapped in the ’90s? Then The Splat is calling your name. You’ll be treated to over 96 pages of super-detailed Nickelodeon artwork, featuring such shows as Rugrats, Hey Arnold, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. Many happy reviewers (and there’s over 3,500 of them) report being able to use markers and gel pens, so you know the paper is high quality.

Shop Now

13sweet Home By Sally Berry
via amazon.com

14. Sweet Home by Sally Berry

Best for: Older adults

Most coloring books require fine motor skills and eagle eyes to color within the lines, but that’s not the case with Sweet Home. Its large print and relatively simple line drawings (think: cats, flowers, and fireplaces) are ideal for both beginners and older adults. And you won’t find these designs anywhere else, as they were drawn by independent artists. For a thoughtful gift for Grandpa and Grandma, bundle Sweet Home with historical fiction books.

Shop Now

6drinking Animals Coloring Book From Caffeinestar Publishing
via amazon.com

15. Drinking Animals Coloring Book from Caffeinestar Publishing

Best for: Party animals

Not only is this 52-page book filled with hilarious illustrations of animals sipping cocktails (which would be enough of a draw on its own), but the recipes for said cocktails are also included on the page. We highly recommend gathering the necessary ingredients, shaking up your concoction, and letting the good times roll.

Shop Now

9harry Potter Coloring Book From Scholastic
via amazon.com

16. Harry Potter Coloring Book from Scholastic

Best for: Potterheads

Think Harry Potter fans love to discuss the book series? Wait until you get them talking about the Harry Potter Coloring Book, which has over 8,000 five-star reviews. Obsessed much? You bet! You’ll get the chance to color scenes straight out of one of the best children’s books ever written, from Hogwarts Castle to the Forbidden Forest and beyond. Just be sure to reach for your pencils when shading in these intricate illustrations, as gel pens and markers will bleed through.

Shop Now

2african Glamour By Marjorie Sarnat And Cia Slater
via amazon.com

17. African Glamour by Marjorie Sarnat and Cia Slater

Best for: Fashionistas

Get ready for a couture fashion show within the pages of African Glamour, where it’s up to you to bring the stunning outlines to life. Few adult coloring books capture culture the way this one does, with its 31 classic African-inspired images of silhouetted figures wearing beautiful head wraps and flowing gowns. This book was designed for more experienced colorists and has perforated pages to showcase your final looks.

Shop Now

12princess Horror By Valery Green
via amazon.com

18. Princess Horror by Valery Green

Best for: Horror fans

Not all adult coloring books need to be filled with fairies and flowers, and Valery Green is proving that point with Princess Horror. Unleash your creativity as you bring these scary sovereigns to life—the blood, guts, scars, and skeletons are all part of the fun. It’s a newly released horror book but is sure to become a cult classic.

Shop Now

18the Tarot Coloring Book By Theresa Reed
via amazon.com

19. The Tarot Coloring Book by Theresa Reed

Best for: Followers of astrology

Interested in learning more about tarot cards and how to read them? Start by coloring your way through every card in a tarot deck. This book contains card-by-card insights into the symbolism and hidden wisdom of all 78 major and minor arcana. By spending so much time studying each card’s details while you color it in, you’ll easily start to memorize their meanings.

Shop Now

15the New York Housewives Coloring Book From Hello Harlot Via Alwaysfits
via alwaysfits.com

20. The New York Housewives Coloring Book from Hello Harlot

Best for: Reality TV superfans

If your love of The Real Housewives runs deep, simply tuning in to the TV show may not be enough to get your fix. Immerse yourself in the drama as it plays out on 16 hand-illustrated pages of The New York Housewives Coloring Book, which is the unofficial coloring book for superfans. Only true RHONY fans will get all the inside jokes in this one.

Shop Now

Source:

  • The Arts in Psychotherapy: “Art therapy improves mood, and reduces pain and anxiety when offered at bedside during acute hospital treatment”

Jill Schildhouse
Jill is an award-winning travel writer and editor with 23 years of experience. She covers travel cruises and hospitality for Reader's Digest and regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, Brides, TripSavvy, Insider, USA Today, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. An avid traveler, Jill has visited 37 countries but makes her home in Phoenix, where she lives with her fiancé and toy schnauzer.