Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time to seriously consider what kind of gift you’re going to get your girlfriend or wife this year. Sure, chocolates and jewelry are always a viable option but this year it’s time to step outside the box a bit. But still stay inside the lines.
Adult coloring books were a huge hit in 2015. If you didn’t snatch one up as a Christmas gift, now is the time to give one to the important person in your life. Aside from the artistic value, this type of activity is a great stress-reliever and way to mentally relax after a long day.
These aren’t your typical Garfield or Disney activity books. Each one is filled with unique designs that are more Van Gogh than Melissa & Doug. At $5-$15 per book, it’s an ideal and fun gift for that special person in your life. Head below for our top picks.
Before we get to the coloring books, let’s add a nice colored pencil or marker set to your cart. Because what good is a coloring book without the tools needed to get the job done? We’re adults here, let’s skip on the Crayola set and go for something a bit more refined.
Prismacolor is one of the top art supply brands out there. Its 24 color set of Soft Core Pencils is perfect for this kind of activity. This set goes for $20 at Amazon where it is the best-selling product in the Arts/Crafts category with a 4.8/5 star rating from 875 customers. Even better, it ships in a handy tin for easy storage.
Prefer markers? Stabilo’s best-selling 30 color set is our top choice. The thin-tips are perfect for this kind of application. For $15 you can grab this set and pair it with a coloring book and be out the door for under $30. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
Enchanted Forest – Johanna Basford: $10
This was one of the most popular adult coloring books of 2015. That’s reflected by it’s impressive 4.8/5 star rating from nearly 2,300 Amazon reviewers.
This magical coloring book by Johanna Basford takes colorists through an enchanted forest to discover what lies in the castle. Beginning at the entrance to a fairy-tale forest, the journey progresses through highly embellished woods and through intricate flora. Castles, treasure chests, and other magical elements add a fairy tale narrative to the designs. Special features include a gate-folded two-page spread, and a colorable jacket.
Secret Garden – Johanna Basford: $10
Another popular option from Johanna Basford focuses on the popular book series The Secret Garden. This is the best-selling option in its category with a 4.7/5 star rating from 3,192 Amazon customers.
This beautiful and interactive coloring book features delicate and highly detailed pen-and-ink illustrations—all waiting to be brought to life with color. As added entertainment, tiny garden creatures are hidden on the pages, waiting to be found, and a key and index are included in the back. The book’s cover and jacket are also colorable.
Stress Relieving Animal Designs – Blue Star Coloring: $10
This option from Blue Star Coloring is filled with original Animal designs that are a change from other books. It’s a perfect gift for the animal-lover in your life. Rated 4.5/5 stars.
Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Coloring Book – Sasha O’Hara: $8
How about something a little less refined? Calm the F*ck Down is more humor than art but is still a great gift. It has a similar layout as the books above but with more text. It’s already shot up to #1 in the Pop Culture Art category.
This best selling adult coloring book is the perfect way to unwind and relax for those with a subversive and irreverent sense of humor. Color the things you can’t say. 21 single sided adult coloring pages and 2 color test pages. Moderate to complex in detail. Images include: Beautiful abstract doodles, animals, people and fairies. Each has its own sassy quip like “Home is where the vodka is”, “Suck it up buttercup” and “Dance like no one attractive is watching”, and other humorous and subversive sayings.
More Popular Adult Coloring Books:
- Harry Potter Coloring Book – Scholastic: $10
- Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book – Johanna Basford: $10
- The Sweary Coloring Book for Adults – CreateSpace: $16
- Good Vibes Coloring Book – Thaneeya McArdle: $6
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