I’ve always loved to color. As a teenager I would often steal my young nieces’ coloring books to try to color when I was bored, and as an adult I’ve always gravitated to doodling or decorating random pieces of paper when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. So, it goes without saying that I was thrilled when I started seeing adult coloring books popping up all over the place. The illustrations are gorgeous and there’s something completely and utterly relaxing about just zoning out in front of a coloring book for an hour or so to unwind after a rough day.

I’m still learning and experimenting with different tools for actually getting my coloring done – I grabbed a big box of Crayola pencils when I got my first book, and I’ve used those exclusively so far. I also have some fine-tipped markers that I want to try, but I’m not sure how they’ll do with the more intricate details. I don’t have a lot of tips yet on what tools to actually use when coloring, but I’d love to hear from anyone who knows what the best brands are!

I do, however, know a good coloring book when I see one! Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best adult coloring books out there right now, and a few links to websites where you can print off a page or two so you can try the trend out for yourself without committing to a full book!

Adult-Coloring-Books

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1) Color Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow & Angela Porter  |  2) “Today is Going to be a Great Day” by Christian Art Publishers  |  3) Creative Coloring Inspirations by Design Originals  |  4) Lost Ocean, Enchanted Forest, and Secret Garden by Johanna Basford  |  5) Joyful Designs Adult Coloring Book by Joy Ting  |  6) Harry Potter Coloring Book by Scholastic  |  7) Fantastic Cities by Steve McDonald |  8) Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns by Blue Star Coloring

And, my 10 favorite free coloring pages online:

10-Favorite-Free-Coloring-Pages

1) Abstract coloring page via Art is Fun  |  2) Mandala coloring page via The Country Chic Cottage  | 3) Mandala coloring pages via Dabbles and Babbles |  4) Birds and Giraffes via Easy Peasy and Fun  |  5) Elephant coloring pages via Easy Peasy and Fun  |  6) “Everything will be okay” via Beauty that Moves  |  7) “I love everything about you” via Tried & True  |  8) “Today is going to be awesome” via In The Playroom  |  9) “If you can be anything, be kind” via Dawn Nicole Designs  |  10) “Wherever you go…” via Easy Peasy and Fun

Have you tried an adult coloring book yet?