Custom Children Coloring Books vs Custom Art Supplies: Which Should You Print?

Choose Custom Children Coloring Books when you need a one-item, low-supervision giveaway; choose Custom Art Supplies when you can run a supervised activity station and want higher hands-on engagement.

Children Coloring Books

Quick comparison table (decision variables that change the winner)

Choose Custom Children Coloring Books if…

• You need a true “one item per kid” plan. If you’re distributing at a door, desk, or grab bin, the book is self-contained.
• Staffing is limited. A coloring book works when you can’t supervise an activity table.
• The venue needs clean and quick. Booklets avoid open paint/adhesives and reduce “spill events.”
• You want predictable branding. The cover reliably carries logo + message; the activity happens inside.

Helpful bundle companion: If you want instant use without turning this into a craft station, pair with Custom Pencils (one tool per book).

Choose Custom Art Supplies if…

• You can run stations. If you can staff even 1 table per ~15–25 kids (age-dependent), supplies create higher interaction time.
• You want “created by the child” outcomes. Crafting can produce take-home items kids proudly show parents.
• Your goal is a branded experience, not just a giveaway. Supplies can be the centerpiece of a booth or classroom activity.
• You’re okay managing parts. Art kits often fail when one component runs out first—plan inventory carefully.

Best use cases (mapped to the right choice)

• Restaurant kids' activity / waiting room bins: Children Coloring Books
• School open house handouts (no stations): Children Coloring Books
• High-volume festival giveaways: Children Coloring Books
• Pediatric clinics / family lobbies: Children Coloring Books
• Community event craft corner (staffed): Art Supplies
• School art day or camp activity (structured time): Art Supplies
• Brand activation booth with photo moments: Art Supplies
• After-school program with planned projects: Art Supplies

If you’re choosing for a kid audience but deciding what kind of activity, the baseline rules live in.

Branding & imprint considerations (what stays readable)

Coloring books (reliability-first)

• Put the brand on the front cover in a bold, high-contrast block.
• Keep the cover message short; save QR/URL and details for the back cover.
• Inside pages should prioritize the activity don’t overload them with brand text.

Art supplies (surface-first)

• Small imprint areas punish tiny text. Use simple marks: icon + short brand name.
• Choose products with a predictable print location (flat surfaces are easier than rounded/irregular shapes).
• If the item is colorful, ensure your logo color contrasts strongly avoid “tone-on-tone” marks that vanish.

Need artwork rules (line thickness, safe areas, file types)?

Operational factors (what affects success on event day)

Setup + staffing

• Coloring books: can be dropped on tables or handed out in seconds.
• Art supplies: run best when you pre-stage materials and limit choices (too many options slows the line).

Cleanup + venue constraints

• Low-mess venues (restaurants, clinics) favor booklets + pencils.
• Craft stations require wipes, trash, and “where does this dry?” planning.

Storage + transport

• Booklets: easy to count, stack, and restock.
• Supplies: can be bulky; component-based kits create uneven depletion (one piece ends the activity).

Outdoor vs indoor

• Outdoor booths favor quick-start items (books) unless you can control wind, tables, and cleanup for supplies.

FAQs

1) Which option is easiest to hand out at high volume?

Children coloring books are easiest because they’re a single self-contained item per child.

2) Which option creates longer on-site engagement?

Art supplies usually create longer engagement when you can run a supervised station.

3) Can I do both without doubling complexity?

Yes use coloring books as the takeaway and supplies at one station. Keep the station simple so it doesn’t bottleneck.

4) What’s the most common failure with art supplies at events?

Running out of one component first (or missing pieces) which stops the activity midstream.

5) What’s the most common failure with coloring books?

Overly detailed pages or glossy interiors that make coloring frustrating or smear-prone.

6) Where should branding go for the cleanest impact?

On the cover for coloring books; on the most visible flat surface for supplies using high-contrast marks.

7) Should I include tools with a coloring book?

If you want instant use, yes plan one tool per book (pencils are the simplest option).

8) What if my audience is adults, not kids?

Use adult-focused activities instead like Adult Coloring Books (or puzzle formats) for a better fit.