Want a new hobby? Fancy doing something a little bit crafty? You're not going to get much better than adult colouring books.
Adult colouring books first became popular several years ago, but the trend is still ongoing. There are multiple benefits to the hobby. It's deeply relaxing, for one, it improves your art skills and you get something lovely at the end of it.
If you've never looked at an adult colouring book, they're not quite the same as the ones you probably remember from childhood. There's a huge range of things to choose from - classic art, pop culture, abstract images and more.
We've selected the best of the bunch for you to kickstart your hobby or indulge a passion. Don't forget you can vote for your favourite, and let us know if we've missed anything great!
- More ideas for keeping busy and creative: best craft kits for adults
The best adult colouring books to while away the hours
If you love Japanese design, this is for you. With traditional Japanese art featuring flowers, dragons, koi carps and more, this book is full of beautiful designs for you to fill in. Nothing rude in this one, either, so it's good for kids too.
Another more adult themed book, this isn't for the faint of heart. Featuring serial killers from over the years, this would be a fantastic gift for anyone into true crime.
Subjects for your pencils include Jeffrey Dahmer, Robert Berdella and Ted Bundy.
If you want a storyline with your colouring, this is perfect for you. The designs themselves are obviously gorgeous – intricate escapism at its best. But you'll also be taken on a quest through the enchanted forest itself, meeting flowers, birds, animals and more on your way there.
This is perfect if you're looking for something to make you take a step back, breathe and relax. Specifically designed with mindfulness at its heart, this book will have you feeling calm and serene in no time.
Filled with vivid artworks from your favourite books and films, any Potterhead would be thrilled with this colouring book. Quidditch games, tense battles between good and evil and everyone's favourite house elf Dobby – what's not to love?
Think you could create the next great comic? You might not be wrong – and this colouring book is a good start. Featuring images of some of your favourite DC characters, there's hours of fun to be had with this book. And when you're done? You can just put the films on.
Colouring-in really doesn't have to be twee, as evidenced by this sweary colouring book. A number of bold, abstract designs are paired with swear words for you to colour in however you like. Definitely one to keep away from the kids, if you ask us.
Fashionistas will love this book. Designer and fashion editor Iain R. Webb has collated some of the most iconic images from VOGUE's 1960s edition – think Twiggy, the Beatles and Mary Quant.
Lovely for anyone into vintage fashion, but would also make a brilliant gift for any mums or grans who were actually there to see the Swinging Sixties themselves.
Missing Game of Thrones? Of course you are. So why not relive some of your favourite scenes with this colouring book? Featuring some of the stunning scenes from the show, as well as much-loved characters, it's the next best thing to that ending you secretly wanted.
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