"Coloring books for boys" and "coloring books for girls" are popular searches, and stores often split books that way: robots and dinosaurs on one shelf, unicorns and princesses on another. But kids don’t read the shelf labels. Plenty of boys love unicorns, and plenty of girls are obsessed with robots and dinosaurs.
The best coloring book for any child is the one about the thing they love.
Why let kids choose
- Interest drives use. Kids color far longer when they love the subject.
- It builds confidence. Choosing for themselves says their preferences matter.
- It avoids stereotypes. Kids who hear "that’s for girls" or "that’s for boys" may give up things they enjoy.
- It’s more creative. A wide range of subjects means a wider range of ideas.
Themes almost all kids love
- Animals, from baby animals to pets
- Dinosaurs: Trace Then Color: Cartoon Dinosaurs
- Monsters, cute or gross
- Robots: Trace Then Color: Robot Dinosaurs
- Magic: unicorns, mermaids and fairies, as in Trace Then Color: Mermaids, Unicorns and Other Cute Stuff and Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses and Other Cute Stuff
- Food with faces
- Space and aliens
How to let kids pick
- Browse together. Show a range of themes and let them choose. Our book finder sorts by age and interest.
- Don’t comment on gender. Skip phrases like "that one’s for girls."
- Offer variety. Even if your child has a favorite, keep other options around.
- Follow phases. Interests change. A dinosaur year might become a mermaid year.
When gifting
If you’re buying for a child you don’t know well, ask parents about current interests, or choose a mixed-theme book. See the coloring book gift guide by age.
When kids face teasing
If your child loves a subject that others tease them about, reassure them. Talk about how people of all kinds love all kinds of things. Their favorites are worth enjoying.
Questions parents ask
My son wants a unicorn coloring book. Should I buy it?
Absolutely. Unicorns are fun for everyone.
Are there colors for boys and girls?
No. Kids of every gender love every color.
What if relatives give gendered gifts?
Thank them and let your child enjoy what they like. Gently share your child’s interests for next time.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
