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Adult coloring books have continued to rise in popularity, and quite frankly no one is complaining! Why? Because they are oodles of fun and don’t require you to go over huge, empty spaces with the same color. (That is a bonus for those of us grown-ups that get bored easily, Ha!)
Fun Fact on the Origin of Adult Coloring Books
Did you know that the first “adult coloring book” was published in 1970, and was called “Dover’s Antique Automobiles“? If not, check out this photo of what it looked like:
Cool, huh!? Sure, it may not be as fun as modern adult coloring books, but at the time, I bet it was so “far out“! 😄 If you have now entered nerd mode over that fact, I recommend reading more about the history of coloring in general, going back as early as the 1600’s, here: Culture to Color: A Brief History of Coloring Books
Modern Adult Coloring Books Rise in Popularity
According to Vox, adult coloring books took off in 2015, with around 12 million of them sold, along with the rise in the sales of colored pencils.
Adult coloring books come in three flavors: art, therapy, and novelty.
Constance Grady, Vox, 2016
As most fans of adult coloring books have noticed, that quote is spot on because adult coloring books are either themed with humor, mindfulness or highly detailed elements of art. Perhaps that is where some of the obsession is rooted from, since children’s coloring books don’t offer much mental stimulation for adults. Makes sense to me!
Psychological Benefits
Additionally, there are underlying psychological reasons that possibly contribute to the rise in popularity, such as it’s tendency to help with anxiety. It actually makes perfect sense, when you read through the reasons why coloring can be so appealing to adults:
Is it the nostalgia for the free coloring we experienced as children?
Perhaps it gives us a creative outlet to break our rigid routines?
Or could it be the mindfulness achieved as we disconnect from chaos and connecting to the present?
Psychology Today, Shaianna Ali, 2018
The Best Modern Adult Coloring Books
Not all adult coloring books are made equal! This is a fact, just as it is true when it comes to children’s coloring books. Some have thick lines (my favorite kind as a child), and some have thin lines – for example. To prove my point, here is the list of the best adult coloring books available today for you to color & compare your little heart out!
I even put them in sweet little categories for you. 💚
Funny Adult Coloring Books 😂
1. Whatever, Karen
Everyone loves to make fun of all the “Karen’s” out there and this coloring book does it perfectly, by featuring classic Karen quotes, like “Let me speak to the manager!”
CLASSIC. 😂 So funny!
2. Awkward Family Photos
Unless you have lived under a rock, you know that there are hilarious collections online of “awkward family photos“. This is one one of the best adult coloring books ever because you can’t make this stuff up! 😂
3. Funny Work Thoughts
The pages of this book is filled with all the sarcastic quotes that you wish you could say to your coworkers! Surprisingly profanity free, but that makes it more safe to bring to work in the true times of need. 😋
4. Cute Guys
Sometimes you cross pass with an item that is just too good to pass up. Just like that cute guy you are too shy to go talk to – the guys in this coloring book are “so HOT they’re gonna melt your crayons”. AYE, CALIENTE! 😍
Profanity & Inappropriate Adult Coloring Books 👀
1. The Big Adventures of Tiny Dick
This “very” adult coloring book inspires you with it’s front page headline: “You don’t have to be BIG to do GREAT things!” – including coloring a micro-penis riding an adorable unicorn.
2. Swear Word Stress Relief Pop Art
Being the mega fan of pop-art that I am, this was a must-have addition to this list! Popping colors, and prints, and pop – OH MY! 💛
3. You F*cking Donkey
Any list containing profanity & insults wouldn’t be complete without this gem, featuring the best insults from the one and only Gordon Ramsay (Hell’s Kitchen, anyone?)
Now don’t be an “idiot sandwich” and get this awesome book! 😛
4. Road Rage Relief
Road rage is a part of life, but just like all things that are, you can find your self getting real sick and tired of it, damnit. So, let out all those warm & fuzzy feelings of anger with this fitting coloring book! 🔑
You know what would be completely fitting for these profanity-filled coloring books? Offensive Crayons! From “Baby Sh*t Green” to “Boner Pill Blue“, they will surely keep a smile on your face as you doodle!
Positive & Calming Adult Coloring Books 🌙
1. Calming Doodles
When this one says “calming” – it means it! The pages are filled with breathtaking designs featuring bold designs and thicker lines.. Also – it is a hardcover, which I LOVE!
2. Good Vibes – Inspiring Quotes
Each page is filled with an inspirational and/or cheesy quote that will automatically make your heart be filled with joy! 😊
3. I Believe in Unicorns
The front cover may look like it was made for teen girls but as soon as you take a peek inside, you see that the designs are adult-level AWESOMENESS. Plus, what is more relaxing than coloring sweet unicorns?
Pop Culture Adult Coloring Books ⭐
1. Pin-Up Models
By far, this is one of the best ones on the list! The possibility of color combinations is endless and who doesn’t love bringing pop-art to life with their own twist of perspective? So fun!
2. Graffiti Adult Coloring Book
Even if you don’t like the look of graffiti in real life, this book has stunning graffiti pages that you’ll have a blast filling in!
I had to show off the following sample page from the graffiti book – look at how it looks 3-D! COOL! 😍
3. Marilyn Monroe Adult Coloring Book
So, the “Color the Stars” company has dozens and dozens of different celebrities and public figures available to get if you aren’t a Marilyn Monroe fan, so don’t skip this one too fast! Whether you choose Marilyn, Johnny Depp, John Wayne, or Melania Trump, you won’t regret it because the patterns are AMAZE-BALLS!
4. 90’s Adult Coloring Book
Every single time I find something that is 90’s related – I geek out. So will you when you start this nostalgic adventure as you bring some old memories back to life in screaming color!
5. Lisa Frank
The queen of fun coloring books is definitely Lisa Frank! This is a set of 4 coloring books, each with 24 pages of her fun to color designs! Oh YAH!
6. Margaritaville -One Particular Harbor
This collector’s edition “Margaritaville” book has it all! Not only does is have color pages, but it also comes with colored pencils, a pencil sharpener and 4 drink recipes to help you relax even further. Also, a fantastic gift idea. 🍹
Aren’t these picks the absolute best? I think I have pretty slick taste when it comes to picking cool ass coloring books, don’t you agree? Let me know in the comments below! 💛
