Columns > Published on February 18th, 2016

6 Coloring Books You Won’t Be Sharing With the Kids

Coloring—it's not just for kids any more! You no longer need to raid the kid’s stash if you’re looking to unwind with a little art therapy. From crafty pages celebrating all things literary, to ones dedicated to creative swearing, adult coloring books are all the rage. Get your crayon on with these six adult coloring books.

1. 'Calm the F*uck Down' by Sasha O'Hara

This 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. Highlights 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. CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE. NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN.

Sometimes nothing says it better than a little foul language, and this irreverent adult coloring book is perfect for unwinding at the end of a long week. Indulge your inner child with a book dedicated to being an adult.

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2. 'The Official Game of Thrones Coloring Book'

In a world where weddings are red, fire is green, and debts are paid in gold, countless images leap off the page thanks to the eye-popping intricacy of the vivid settings and details. With dozens of stunning original black-and-white illustrations from world-renowned illustrators Yvonne Gilbert, John Howe, Tomislav Tomić, Adam Stower, and Levi Pinfold, this unique collector’s item expands the reach of an international phenomenon with flying colors.

If your tastes run a little more literary, here is a coloring book dedicated to George R.R. Martin’s bestselling novels. With page after page of highly detailed images, it’s just the thing to keep you busy during the long wait for the next installment.

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3. 'The Mindfulness Coloring Book' by Emma Farrarons

In today’s busy world, finding a moment of peace and calm can be a challenge. Mindful coloring is a simple yet powerful practice that combines the proven, time-honored tradition of thoughtful meditation with the growing popularity of adult coloring books, and shows that any activity, done right, can be an exercise in mindfulness.

It has been said that the act of coloring is a sure fire way to relieve stress, and with this unique and calming book, the focus is on simple elements and design aimed at mindful meditation.

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4. 'Splendid Cities' by Rosie Goodwin and Alice Chadwick

The most splendid cities in the world—some real, others imagined—come alive under your hand. Open this book and let yourself be drawn into a world tour dotted with floating kingdoms in the sky and spooky cities, and taking you from the domes of Moscow to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This journey knows no limits!

Coloring and relaxation should be an escape from the mundane of the everyday, and with this beautiful coloring book, you can satisfy your wanderlust without leaving home. Travel far and wide using only your colored pencils and crayons.

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5. 'Color Me Swooooon' by Mel Elliott

Color Me Swooooon will leave you weak in the knees as you and your pens caress chiseled features and chest hair. Along with coloring, you’ll rate more than sixty gorgeous guys on swoon-worthy-ness, as well as learning what in their lives (beyond their killer looks, duh) makes them so hot. From Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Will Smith to Daniel Craig, Jake Gyllenhaal, and even One Direction, all the heartthrobs are here, and in no particular order. (Except for Ryan Gosling, who is first. Obviously.)

If you like your free time with a healthy dose of tongue in cheek (or objectification, I suppose), this cheeky coloring book should be right up your alley. Find your next dream date as you bring color and life to Hollywood heartthrobs.

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6. Kama Sutra Adult Coloring Book

An ancient Hindu text, the Kama Sutra dates back to between 400 BC to 200 AD, and is regarded by many as an authoritative encyclopedia of human sexual behavior, and in specific, a canonical inventory of descriptively named positions and accompanying steps for sexual intercourse and other methods of sensual pleasures for the benefit of both partners. An accompanying adult coloring book to the Kama Sutra might be a valuable study aid, a sort of lab manual if you will, by which sexual inhibitions and or anxieties of one or either partner are lessened by expressive drawing and playfulness.

This titillating coloring book takes “adult” coloring to the extreme. If you really want to throw caution to the wind and explore the wide world of adult coloring, this book is a giant step in the right direction.

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Whether you’re looking for a little mild relaxation with abstract, flowing designs, or are in the mood for something a little bolder, there’s an adult coloring book that you can call your very own.

About the author

Riki has a long-standing love affair with all things books and writing. She indulged her love for all things literary with a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and is currently studying at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Although she is well past her own teen years, Riki’s reading passion lies with Young Adult literature where she devours books that handle the “firsts” in life. When not reading and writing she can be found yelling at the television while watching sports.

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