The Best Paint by Numbers Kits Online (And How to Choose the Right One for You)
Paint by numbers has quietly become one of the most loved creative rituals of the last few years. What was once seen as a nostalgic pastime is now embraced by adults, families, and creatives looking for a slower, more mindful way to unwind.
At Kiki’s Club, we see paint by numbers not as a product, but as an experience. One that supports mental wellbeing, creativity, and connection, without the pressure of “being good at art”. Whether you’re completely new to painting or returning to it after years away, choosing the right kit makes all the difference.
This guide breaks down why paint by numbers works, what to look for in a quality kit, and where to buy paint by numbers online, based on real use cases and needs.
Why Paint by Numbers Has Become So Popular Again
Paint by numbers is experiencing a renewed popularity because it sits at the heart of a broader cultural shift toward analog hobbies. In 2026, more people are intentionally stepping away from screens and algorithm-driven entertainment in favour of activities that feel tactile, grounding, and human. Paint by numbers answers that need perfectly.
At a time when so much of daily life is optimised, tracked, and digitised, paint by numbers offers focus without pressure. The structure is already there, so you don’t have to make constant decisions or perform creatively. You simply start painting. That simplicity is precisely what makes it so effective for stress relief. Filling in numbered sections creates a steady, repetitive rhythm that helps calm the nervous system and quiet mental noise, much like knitting, journaling, or puzzle-solving.
Unlike traditional painting, there is no expectation to produce something original or impressive. There is no “wrong” way to do it. You can follow the numbers closely, adapt colours to your mood, or pause and return whenever you like without losing momentum. This sense of permission is especially appealing to adults who feel creatively blocked or intimidated by blank canvases after years away from hands-on art.
Paint by numbers is also refreshingly accessible. You don’t need a studio, advanced skills, or expensive equipment. All it asks for is time, curiosity, and a willingness to slow down. In a culture increasingly defined by speed and stimulation, paint by numbers feels less like a trend and more like a quiet form of resistance, choosing presence over productivity.
What Makes a Good Paint by Numbers Kit?
Not all paint by numbers kits are created equal. Based on our experience designing and testing kits at Kiki’s Club, these are the elements that matter most.
Design quality is key. A well-designed kit should feel contemporary and intentional, not cluttered or overly busy. The final result should be something you’re genuinely proud to display, not just something you enjoyed making.
Paint consistency also matters more than people expect. High-quality acrylic paints should be smooth, pigmented, and easy to layer, without requiring multiple coats to cover the canvas.
Canvas thickness and clarity affect the entire experience. A good canvas is sturdy, clearly numbered, and doesn’t warp or tear while you paint. This is especially important for beginners.
Finally, guidance without restriction is what turns paint by numbers into a calming experience rather than a frustrating one. The best kits support you, but still leave room for interpretation and personal expression.
Where to Buy Paint by Numbers Kits Online
There are many paint by numbers brands online, but they don’t all serve the same needs. Here’s how they tend to differ, and where Kiki’s Club fits in.
Kiki’s Club
Kiki’s Club focuses on modern, design-led paint by numbers kits for adults, kids, and families. Our kits are created with wellbeing in mind, combining aesthetic designs with an experience that feels calming rather than childish or overly technical. We also offer custom paint by numbers, allowing customers to turn meaningful photos into personalised paintings, perfect for gifts or shared family moments.
Other Paint by Numbers Brands Worth Exploring
When choosing where to buy, it’s worth considering not just price or quantity, but how the finished piece will fit into your home and how the painting process will make you feel.
The paint by numbers space is broad, and different brands cater to different creative preferences. While Kiki’s Club focuses on curated, design-led kits, some brands stand out for serving very specific needs particularly when it comes to scale, variety, or gifting.
Best for Large Collections and Choice
If having a wide range of designs to choose from is your priority, these brands are known for the sheer breadth of their catalogues.
- The All Paint by Numbers store offers one of the largest selections available, with hundreds of themes spanning landscapes, animals, cities, and classic motifs. It’s a strong option for painters who enjoy browsing extensively or like to switch styles frequently.
- Figured’Art is particularly well known for its large-format canvases and extensive design range. It’s a good fit if scale matters to you or if you’re looking for statement-sized pieces rather than tightly curated collections.
Best for Gifting
Some paint by numbers brands are especially well suited to gifting, either because of their presentation, storytelling, or artist-led approach.
- Pink Picasso focuses on carefully selected designs that translate well into keepsake pieces. Their kits are often chosen as thoughtful gifts, especially for people who enjoy creative hobbies but may not paint regularly.
- With an emphasis on artist collaborations and narrative-driven collections, Winnie’s Picks appeals to those who enjoy the story behind the artwork as much as the act of painting itself.
Choosing the Right Kit for Your Needs
If your goal is stress relief or mental wellbeing, look for designs that feel balanced and uncluttered, with colour palettes that are soft rather than overwhelming.
If you’re painting with kids or as a family, opt for kits that are beginner-friendly, with clear numbering and forgiving paint coverage.
If you’re buying a kit as a gift, custom paint by numbers kits add a deeply personal touch and often become keepsakes rather than one-time activities.
And if you’re returning to creativity after a long break, start with a design you genuinely love. Motivation matters more than skill.
Why Paint by Numbers Belongs in Modern Life
Paint by numbers isn’t about producing perfect art. It’s about carving out space to slow down, focus your hands, and reconnect with yourself or the people around you. In a world designed for constant stimulation, it offers something rare: gentle attention.
At Kiki’s Club, we believe creativity should feel good, not intimidating. Paint by numbers is one of the simplest ways to bring that belief into everyday life.
How Kiki’s Club Differs from Other Paint by Numbers Stores
Many online paint by numbers stores focus on volume rather than craft. They often offer hundreds of designs at low prices, typically featuring generic landscapes, animals, or replicated artworks. In recent years, a growing number of these designs have been generated using AI or mass-produced templates, which can result in poor composition, awkward colour mapping, and a finished painting that feels flat or unrefined once completed.
At Kiki’s Club, we take a very different approach.
All of our paint by numbers kits are designed in London by our in-house team, with a strong focus on balance, colour harmony, and how the final artwork will look in a real home. Each design is carefully developed and tested to ensure that the painting process feels calming and intuitive, and that the finished piece feels intentional, modern, and display-worthy.
Production is handled with a trusted manufacturing partner we work closely with to maintain consistent quality across canvases, paints, and tools. This allows us to control details that are often overlooked elsewhere, from paint pigmentation and coverage to canvas thickness and clarity of numbering.
When choosing where to buy a paint by numbers kit, it’s worth looking beyond price or quantity. The origin of the design, the quality of the materials, and the thought behind the experience all shape how the painting feels and what you’re left with at the end. A well-designed kit doesn’t just fill time; it creates a moment of focus, satisfaction, and something you’ll genuinely want to keep.
If you’re curious to explore further, you might also enjoy:
- The mental health benefits of paint by numbers for adults
- Custom paint by numbers: turning memories into art
- Benefits of Paint by Numbers for Adults