Quick answer: Yes, adult colouring books make good gifts for people who enjoy calm, creative, screen-free activities, especially grandparents, busy parents, people managing stress and anyone who likes art or architecture. They work best when the book feels personal, such as a colouring book of a place the person loves, and when it's good quality: thick paper, hand-drawn artwork and a binding that lies flat.
Who are adult colouring books a good gift for?
- Grandparents and older relatives: gentle, absorbing and a great way to spark memories. See our gifts for grandparents guide.
- Busy or stressed adults: colouring is a simple way to switch off. Read how colouring helps reduce stress.
- People who love a particular place: a book of their hometown or favourite town makes the gift feel personal.
- Architecture and history fans: buildings and landmarks are satisfying to colour.
- Carers and people supporting someone with memory loss: see colouring books and dementia.
When is a colouring book not a good gift?
A generic, cheaply printed book with thin paper can feel like an afterthought. The fix is simple: pick a book that's clearly chosen for the person, and make sure the quality is there.
How do you choose a good adult colouring book as a gift?
- Make it personal. Choose a subject they care about, such as their hometown, a favourite holiday spot or a theme like castles or the seaside.
- Check the paper. Look for 160gsm or more so colours don't bleed through.
- Choose a binding that lies flat. Wire-bound books are far easier to colour than glued ones.
- Look for hand-drawn artwork. It has more character and accuracy than AI-generated pages.
- Add pencils. A pencil set turns it into a complete, ready-to-use gift.
What's a good colouring book gift in the UK?
Britain in Lines makes hand-drawn colouring books of UK towns, cities and themes, from Harrogate and Liverpool to UK Castles. Each book has 20 illustrations, 160gsm paper, wire binding and a soft-touch cover, for £16.99, and 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a colouring book a thoughtful gift for an adult?
Yes, especially when it's personal to them, such as a book of their hometown, and well made.
What age are adult colouring books for?
Adult colouring books are designed for teens and adults of any age, and are especially popular with people over 50.
What should I give with a colouring book?
A set of coloured pencils makes it a complete gift. Our 10-pack is £4.99 and our 20-pack is £7.99.
