After years of skipping out on family jigsaw puzzle time for TV reruns, I finally discovered the appeal of putting together all those pieces. Sure, it's an entertaining and gratifying activity, but puzzling can also act as a form of mindful meditation [1]. Zoned into a jigsaw puzzle of New York City, I found myself uncharacteristically calm and focussed on the present.
So instead of gifting my loved ones yet another hat and gloves set this year (unless they specifically ask for one), I'm sending them their own puzzle to do — whether they need a new hobby or something to help them find a moment of calm.
From classic holiday scenes, city scapes, and even mouthwatering snacks, these 14 jigsaw puzzles are sure to please.
Piecework Puzzles Disco Queen
Going out for NYE might not be in the cards this holiday season, so safely ring in the new year with those in your household instead. Put on a sparkly outfit, and break out the champagne and the festive Piecework Puzzles Disco Queen [2] ($21) — a jigsaw masterpiece that's perfect for the occasion.
Areaware Little Puzzle Things
Complete a gift of the Areaware Little Puzzle Things [3] ($15) with a matching snack. I mean, a French fries puzzle paired with actual French fries sounds great to me.
Jiggy Puzzles Snow Day
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow — and then let's puzzle! The Jiggy Puzzles Snow Day [4] ($49) scene is ideal for one of those super chilly winter days, where all you wanna do is bundle up and drink hot chocolate.
New Yorker Santa’s Little Helpers
It's understandable for Santa to need a cup of coffee (or two) before his famous all-nighter. That's what The New Yorker Santa's Little Helpers [5] ($20) is all about. You might want to brew yourself a cup of joe before sitting down to put this puzzle together — or gift it with a new mug and some delicious beans.
Gray Malin The Hawaii Two-Sided Puzzle
It's two puzzles in one with the Gray Malin The Hawaii Two-Sided Puzzle [6] ($25). One side features a gorgeous Waikiki backdrop, while the other features a picturesque Kauai moment.
Galison Rainbow Crystals 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Pair an amethyst or rose quartz crystal with this on-theme and colourful Galison Rainbow Crystals 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle [7] ($14).
Little Feminist 500 Piece Family Puzzle
Celebrate inspiring and influential women of history with the Little Feminist 500 Piece Family Puzzle [8] ($27), which highlights people like Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton, Bille Jean King, and more.
Vintage National Parks Puzzle
Know someone yearning for a national parks holiday? The Vintage National Parks Puzzle [9] ($20) features snapshots from breathtaking destinations like Yosemite, Acadia, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and more.
Cavallini & Co Wildflowers 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Instead of your standard bouquet, gift the avid gardener the Cavallini and Co Wildflowers 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle [10] ($22), featuring pretty blooms of wildflowers.
Rifle Paper Co Maps Jigsaw Puzzle
You can visit the Eiffel Tower and Westminster Abbey from the comfort of your living room (kind of) with the Rifle Paper Co Maps Jigsaw Puzzle [11] ($34).
Galison Cosmos Astrology 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle
The Galison Cosmos Astrology 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle [12] ($20) is a great gift for your loved one who reads their horoscope every single day — they might already have a hint from a universe that it's on the way.
FRIENDS Jigsaw Puzzle
Quote your favourite Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe moments while putting together the FRIENDS Jigsaw Puzzle [13] ($15).
1000 Colours Puzzle
Each of the pieces in the 1000 Colours Puzzle [14] ($48) is representative of a single hue of colour. While this definitely seems like a challenge, its aesthetically pleasing design will be worthy of a frame later.
EmpowHerPrints Michelle Obama Puzzle
This Etsy seller creates items like art prints, ornaments, cards, and puzzles featuring inspiring and empowering women and their memorable quotes. The EmpowHerPrints Michelle Obama Puzzle [15] ($23) is just one example — the shop also features puzzles of AOC, Angela Davis, RBG, and more.