Christmas Gift Idea: Adult Coloring Book Guide

Every year it’s the same question: what do you get someone who already has everything? An adult coloring book is a simple, affordable and genuinely useful gift. It doesn’t add one more object to a shelf, it gives time for yourself. Here’s how to choose the right one, my gift ideas, and how to turn it into a lovely gift box.

01  Why give a coloring book to an adult

Adult coloring has become a real creative break, away from screens. As a gift, it has a lot going for it:

No talent needed. The outlines are already there.

It suits every age, from teens to grandparents.

It fits a small budget and pairs easily with other little gifts.

It offers time for yourself, often the most precious thing during the holidays.

02  Who is it for?

• Someone who’s always on the go and needs a calm, screen-free activity.

• Someone who wants to try a creative hobby, with no pressure to get it right.

• A friend who already colors and is looking for new patterns.

• A parent or a teenager, to share a creative moment together.

03  How to choose the right coloring book: 5 criteria

The size of the spaces to color

This is the most important one. For a relaxing gift, go for large spaces: you see the result quickly, which makes you want to keep going.

The thickness of the outlines

Thick outlines let you color without worrying about going over the lines. Ideal for beginners.

Single-sided pages

With markers, and especially alcohol markers, ink can bleed through the paper. With a blank back, no design gets ruined.

The pattern style

Geometric (very satisfying to fill), mandala (meditative mood), cute and cozy, or color-by-number. Look at what the person already likes: their home decor or clothes often give you a clue.

The supplies they already have

A book designed for markers also works with colored pencils. If they have nothing, add a small set. To choose markers without overspending, read Alcohol Markers for Beginners.

04  My gift idea: the Bold & Easy Coloring Book

• 40 geometric, cozy and easy designs with thick outlines

• large spaces, designed for beginners

• single-sided pages, alcohol-marker friendly

• large US Letter format (8.5 × 11 in), English edition

Shopping for a French speaker? The same 40 patterns exist in a French square edition: BOLD & EASY, livre de coloriage on Amazon.fr. And for slower, reflective moments, my guided journal Slow Days (gratitude, journaling and coloring pages) is currently available in French: Slow Days on Amazon.fr.

05  Putting together a coloring gift box

• the coloring book (or the Slow Days journal, or both);

• a small set of 6 to 10 markers or pencils, no need to give 100 to start;

• a protective sheet to slip under the page;

• a tea bag or a candle, for the mood;

• a little note, something like “for your own quiet moments”.

Want to try the style before giving it? Get 3 free printable coloring pages.

06  When to order for Christmas?

FAQ

Which coloring book should I give an adult beginner?

A book with large spaces, thick outlines and simple designs, such as geometric patterns. The result looks good from the very first page.

Should I give alcohol markers with the book?

It’s not necessary, colored pencils are enough to start. If you do give alcohol markers, choose a book with single-sided pages.

Is there a French edition of Bold & Easy?

Yes: BOLD & EASY, livre de coloriage, in a square format, with the same 40 patterns.

How do I start adult coloring?

Everything is explained in How to Start Adult Coloring as a Complete Beginner.

The Amazon links in this article are affiliate links: I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.