During lockdown, many of us rediscovered the joy of simpler, more mindful activities. One of the most popular and therapeutic pastimes has been jigsaw puzzles. Not only do they provide a satisfying challenge, but they also offer a much-needed escape from the stresses of the world. Here, we present 33 of the best jigsaw puzzles for adults that will keep you entertained, focused, and relaxed during lockdown.
1. Ravensburger’s “The Bizarre Bookshop 2”
A favorite among puzzle enthusiasts, this 1,000-piece puzzle features a colorful and quirky bookshop with hidden details. It’s challenging yet incredibly satisfying to piece together.
2. Cloudberries’ “Gradient” Puzzle
For minimalists who love a challenge, the Gradient puzzle by Cloudberries offers 1,000 pieces that gradually transition from one color to another. It’s visually stunning and requires keen attention to detail.
3. Liberty Puzzles’ “Moonlight on the Colorado”
Liberty Puzzles are known for their high-quality wooden puzzles, and this one is no exception. With 500 pieces, the image of the moonlit Colorado River is both serene and challenging.
4. Galison’s “The World of Yayoi Kusama”
Art lovers will appreciate this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring the iconic work of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns make it a joy to complete.
5. White Mountain’s “Tapestry Cat”
For cat lovers, this 1,000-piece puzzle features a detailed and ornate tapestry design centered around a majestic feline. The mix of patterns and colors offers a delightful challenge.
6. Buffalo Games’ “Charles Wysocki’s New England Harbor”
This 1,000-piece puzzle transports you to a charming New England harbor, complete with quaint buildings and sailboats. The detailed artwork and vibrant colors make it a pleasure to work on.
7. eeboo’s “Votes for Women” Puzzle
Celebrate history with this 500-piece puzzle that commemorates the women’s suffrage movement. The artwork is both inspiring and educational, making it a meaningful activity.
8. Springbok’s “Succulents” Puzzle
Perfect for plant enthusiasts, this 1,000-piece puzzle features a stunning array of succulent plants. The intricate details and varied textures make it a satisfying challenge.
9. Cobble Hill’s “Rainbow” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle is a kaleidoscope of colors, featuring a vibrant rainbow. It’s both challenging and visually rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment once completed.
10. Piecework Puzzles’ “Ice Cream” Puzzle
Indulge your sweet tooth with this 500-piece puzzle featuring a delicious array of ice cream cones. The pastel colors and playful design make it a fun and relaxing activity.
11. Clementoni’s “Impossible Puzzle”
As the name suggests, this 1,000-piece puzzle is designed to be extremely challenging. With a seemingly endless array of repeating patterns, it’s perfect for those who love a real brain teaser.
12. Pomegranate’s “Edward Gorey’s Dracula” Puzzle
Fans of gothic literature will appreciate this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring the eerie illustrations of Edward Gorey’s “Dracula.” It’s dark, atmospheric, and perfect for a moody afternoon.
13. Mudpuppy’s “Andy Warhol Soup Cans” Puzzle
Pay homage to pop art with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring Andy Warhol’s famous soup cans. The bold colors and repetitive design make it both challenging and iconic.
14. MasterPieces’ “National Parks of America” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle takes you on a journey through America’s national parks. The detailed artwork and scenic landscapes make it a perfect escape for nature lovers.
15. Areaware’s “Gradient Puzzle”
Similar to Cloudberries’ Gradient, this 1,000-piece puzzle features a smooth transition of colors. Its high-quality pieces and soothing design make it a go-to for relaxation.
16. Galison’s “Monet’s Garden” Puzzle
Step into the world of impressionism with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring Claude Monet’s famous garden. The soft colors and impressionistic style offer a calming experience.
17. New York Puzzle Company’s “Vintage Magazine Covers”
This 1,000-piece puzzle is a nostalgic trip through time, featuring a collection of vintage magazine covers. It’s perfect for history buffs and fans of retro design.
18. Lafayette Puzzle Factory’s “Vintage Toy Shop”
This 1,000-piece puzzle captures the charm of an old-fashioned toy shop, filled with intricate details and colorful toys. It’s a delightful trip down memory lane.
19. Eurographics’ “Periodic Table of Elements”
Science enthusiasts will enjoy this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring the periodic table. It’s both educational and challenging, making it a unique and engaging puzzle.
20. Heye’s “Vivid Vintage” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle features a colorful and intricate design with a vintage aesthetic. The bright colors and detailed patterns make it a visual treat.
21. Mudpuppy’s “Galactic Puzzle”
Explore the cosmos with this 500-piece puzzle featuring a stunning depiction of the galaxy. It’s both challenging and awe-inspiring, perfect for space enthusiasts.
22. White Mountain’s “TV Guide Covers” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle is a nostalgic look back at classic TV Guide covers. It’s a fun and challenging puzzle for fans of television history.
23. Cobble Hill’s “Candy Wrapper” Puzzle
Indulge your sweet tooth with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring a colorful array of candy wrappers. The variety of colors and patterns makes it a delightful challenge.
24. Cavallini & Co.’s “Celestial Chart” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle features a vintage celestial chart, perfect for astrology enthusiasts. The detailed design and muted colors make it both challenging and calming.
25. Eurographics’ “Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night”
Art lovers will appreciate this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night.” The swirling colors and intricate details offer a rewarding challenge.
26. Mudpuppy’s “Book Club Darlings” Puzzle
Celebrate literature with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring beloved characters from classic books. It’s a literary escape that will keep you entertained for hours.
27. MasterPieces’ “Route 66” Puzzle
Take a road trip across America with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring Route 66. The detailed artwork and nostalgic feel make it a perfect puzzle for travel enthusiasts.
28. Pomegranate’s “Audubon Birds” Puzzle
Bird lovers will enjoy this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring the intricate illustrations of John James Audubon. The detailed artwork and vibrant colors make it a visual delight.
29. Ravensburger’s “Underwater Paradise” Puzzle
Dive into the ocean with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring a stunning underwater scene. The vibrant colors and detailed marine life make it a challenging and beautiful puzzle.
30. Buffalo Games’ “Coca-Cola” Puzzle
Celebrate the iconic Coca-Cola brand with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring vintage advertisements. The bright colors and retro design make it a fun and challenging puzzle.
31. Heye’s “Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinoceros” Puzzle
This 1,000-piece puzzle features the famous woodcut by Albrecht Dürer. The intricate details and historical significance make it a fascinating and challenging puzzle.
32. Galison’s “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Saguaro Forms” Puzzle
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Saguaro Forms.” The geometric design and bold colors make it a unique and engaging puzzle.
33. Cloudberries’ “Mountain View” Puzzle
Escape to the mountains with this 1,000-piece puzzle featuring a breathtaking landscape. The detailed scenery and calming colors make it a perfect puzzle for relaxation.
Conclusion
Jigsaw puzzles have made a strong comeback during lockdown, offering adults a chance to unwind, focus, and escape from the pressures of daily life. Whether you prefer art, nature, or nostalgic designs, there’s a puzzle on this list for everyone. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let the pieces fall into place.
FAQs About Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults
1. What are the benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles?
Jigsaw puzzles offer several benefits, including improving cognitive skills, enhancing memory, and boosting problem-solving abilities. They also provide a relaxing and meditative experience, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. For many, puzzles can serve as a creative outlet, offering a sense of accomplishment once completed.
2. How do I choose the right puzzle difficulty level?
The difficulty of a jigsaw puzzle typically depends on the number of pieces and the complexity of the image. Beginners might start with puzzles that have 500 to 1,000 pieces, featuring clear, distinct sections. As you gain experience, you can try puzzles with more pieces (1,000 to 2,000 or more) and more intricate or abstract designs. Consider your patience and the time you have available when selecting a puzzle.
3. What should I do if I lose a piece?
Losing a puzzle piece can be frustrating, but there are a few steps you can take. First, thoroughly search the area where you’ve been working. If the piece is lost for good, some puzzle manufacturers, like Ravensburger or White Mountain, offer replacement piece services. You can contact them with the puzzle details, and they may be able to send you a replacement piece or, in some cases, replace the entire puzzle.
4. How can I preserve and display a completed jigsaw puzzle?
If you’re proud of your completed puzzle and want to display it, you can use puzzle glue to preserve it. Apply the glue to the surface of the puzzle to hold the pieces together, then mount it on a backing board. Once dry, you can frame the puzzle like a piece of art. Some people also use clear adhesive puzzle sheets that stick to the back of the puzzle, allowing you to move and frame it without the mess of glue.
5. Are there any tips for making puzzle assembly easier?
To make puzzle assembly more manageable, start by sorting the pieces. Separate the edge pieces from the middle pieces and group pieces by color or pattern. Assemble the border first, then work on distinct sections of the image. Take breaks if you feel frustrated, and remember that patience is key. Working on a puzzle in a well-lit area with ample space also helps improve the experience.
