A friend of mine recently called to ask about what to get for another friend who mentioned that she was interested in learning to color to decrease her stress level. I get a LOT of questions about ideas for gifts and how to put together a coloring book gift basket or creativity kit. Here is some information to help you customize this gift for you.
Step 1: Select the coloring book.
The two Super Doodle Girl coloring books available on Amazon (linked below). There is a short description below to help you decide which one is best for your purpose.
Step 2: Add some quality pens and markers.
Now, let’s chat about the pens, markers, colored pencils etc to pair with these selections. I am a frugal person and also a creative who gets a great deal of satisfaction from coloring and creating.
Quality art supplies make a difference. I know. I know. They can be pricey. That’s why you are here because I am going to guide you to the best ones. You don’t have to buy all of them. 
My friends over at Marker Supply always have a great selection of both individual markers and sets.
For use with these two coloring books on the paper that they are printed, here are some of my recommendations. Repeat after me. You. Do. Not. Have. To. Buy. All. Of. Them. 
- Stabilo Pen 68 Metallic Set (Tiny nib point that is great on the mandalas.)
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils (A set of 12 is plenty because you can mix and blend them. Remember to also grab a sharpener if you are giving these as a gift.)
- Pentel Milky Pop Gel Pens (These are similar in color to the Souffle pens, but the ink dries quicker and is flat on the paper.)
- Pentel Sparkle Pop Gel Pens (They are absolutely delightful to doodle with!)
- Sakura Souffle Pens (The ink on these takes FOREVER to dry, but it is a gorgeous, matte, 3D finish!)
Step 3: Put it in a marker pencil bag.
Creativity on the go helps remove any barriers. You know how it is when you get busy. So go ahead and add a marker pencil bag to the gift.
Mindful Mandalas is great for someone who needs a structured way to calm their mind. Each mandala is hand-drawn and repeats small patterns around the circle. This soothing pattern calms an active mind and can help your settle into the present.
These designs should be paired with fine-tipped markers or colored pencils to use coloring in the tiny parts. Then use a bold gel pen or colored pencils for the larger areas.
Embrace Your Journey is the coloring book that I created in memory of my younger sister who passed away unexpectedly at age 41. It was such a shock to my system and came shortly after my husband passed away. I created the illustrated quotes of phrases that helped me through that tough time in my life. There is space in some of the illustrations that can be used as a mini-journal.
