Did you know that Jigsaw puzzles were so popular during lockdown that sales have been soaring?
Puzzles can be relaxing and slightly addictive. And there’s anecdotal evidence that completing puzzles helps people cope with ADHD, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD.
One of my aunts has a large jigsaw puzzle collection featuring mainly beautiful landscapes and foreign places. In my last workplace, there was usually a jigsaw puzzle in the common room. People could attempt a few pieces over sipping their coffee and taking some time out from their desk.
When you are problem-solving, it’s sometimes helpful to shift gears and focus on something else. You can often go back to your desk with the right words to an email or the solution to your problem.
When completing a puzzle, I like to start on the edges first. Then I’ll place anything obvious approximately where I think it’ll go. Some people like to finish off any words or sentences, as this is usually easy. Lastly, I’ll sort the pieces into similar shades or shapes.
Modern puzzles come in lots of different designs to suit all tastes. If you love contemporary art then you might even want to frame your puzzle on completion.
Here’s our guide of the best places to buy modern jigsaw puzzles online:
Australia Unseen
Australia Unseen has a range of jaw-dropping stunning scenery puzzles. There’s the Sydney Opera House, Honeymoon Bay, Shelly Beach, Byron Bay and frames for your puzzle. Australia Unseen website: https://australiaunseen.com/collections/jigsaw-puzzles
Journey of Something
Designer jigsaw puzzles by local and international artists. Jigsaw puzzles you can turn into frameable puzzle art. Uber cool gifts for adults – Guess Who like you’ve never seen before, designer games, art cubes and arts and crafts kits that result in your very own frame-worthy art creations. The coolest DIY art kits in town. Journey of Something website: https://journeyofsomething.com/
Kakadu Plum Co
Kakadu Plum Co. is a social enterprise celebrating Indigenous culture and Australian native ingredients. Kakadu Plum Co website: https://kakaduplumco.com/collections/puzzles
Okay Lady
Okay Lady is brought to life by a team of incredibly talented, like-minded women whose mantra is ‘we got your back girlfriend’. Think of us as your bossy bestie who will tell you it’s more than Okay Lady to take some time out for YOU.
All of their illustrations are created by professional female artists who receive royalties from every single sale. The Puzzle Collections are designed and shipped with love from Melbourne, Australia. Okay Lady website: https://www.okaylady.com.au/
Steam Kids
STEAM kid® is both a creative resource store for adults, kids and teachers, as well as a leader in the field of kids STEAM-based education. The Brisbane retail space and online store reflect their passion for all this Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. Steam Kids website: https://www.steamkids.com.au/collections/all-puzzles
Jiggy Puzzles
Kaylin says ‘5 years ago, I was working around the clock at an early start up and fell in love with jigsaw puzzles as my nightly meditation. I was doing one every week and the stress relief was great, but the designs were outdated and uninspired. I started dreaming up a puzzle that would be beautiful for both the doing and the decorating, that would look good before, during and after completion. I knew I wanted to support and highlight the work of amazing female artists and after a year of curating the art and reimagining and designing the packaging, JIGGY was born’. Jiggy Puzzles website: https://jiggypuzzles.com/
Inner Piece
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Inner Piece is a jigsaw puzzle company that spreads quiet time in a loud, distracted world. Inner Piece website: https://www.findinnerpiece.com/
Puzzle Warehouse
Puzzle Warehouse first opened its doors in 2003, and since then they have grown to become the largest jigsaw puzzle company in the world carrying over 10,000 items and still counting. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the family-run business offers a huge range bringing smiles to puzzle lovers all over the world. The warehouse stocks all of the top name brands in the puzzle world including; Ravensburger, Sunsout, MasterPieces, Springbok, and Cobble Hill. You’ll be able to find a jigsaw puzzle for every age and skill level. Puzzle Warehouse website: https://www.puzzlewarehouse.com/
Innovations
Innovations make tabletop jigsaw puzzle boards, puzzle boards that tilt with carrying case, and puzzle sorting tray sets. https://www.innovations.com.au/p/craft/jigsaws
Please leave a comment and let us know where you bought your last puzzle from?
