While I’m a huge fan of binge-watching shows, playing video games and taking naps, settling down with a good jigsaw puzzle is one of my favorite ways to unwind.
“The best puzzles for adults are challenging and fun to solve,” says economics professor and jigsaw puzzle historian Dr. Anne Williams. “When finished, the puzzler feels pride and a sense of accomplishment at having conquered the unknown,” she says.
Studies also show that jigsaw puzzles have a positive effect on visual-spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills and reduce the risk of cognitive decline over time.
SKIP AHEAD The best adult puzzles | How to shop for the best adult puzzles
Plus, “solving a jigsaw puzzle involves making order out of chaos, and gives a sense of control,” according to Williams. “Jigsaw puzzling can be a fun social activity for family or friends, but it can also be a soothing and solitary way to get absorbed in something that diverts one from the outside world.”
We asked Williams for advice on shopping for the best adult puzzles and consulted our staff of shopping experts for their favorite picks.
Related
The best adult puzzles in 2024
Our NBC Select staff includes puzzle lovers, so we’re sharing some of their favorites, expert-recommended picks and top-rated bestsellers.
Best mini puzzle: Areaware Little Puzzle Thing
- Great for beginners
- Not very challenging
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider loves gifting these miniature puzzles — they’re perfect for short breaks or beginner puzzlers, as they can be finished in 20 minutes or less, according to the brand. Each puzzle is also designed to resemble a different food, with options including a cupcake, french fries, a New York slice and more.
Pieces: Approx. 70 | Material: Cardboard | Dimensions: 12 x 12 in
Best overall: Piecework Puzzles Sugar & Spice Double-Sided Puzzle
- Two puzzles in one
- Great value
- Detailed artwork
- Higher difficulty level
This brand is recommended by Schneider and NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown for its stunning imagery. Each Piecework puzzle features original artwork representing a different theme and has random, ribbon-cut pieces for an added challenge, according to the brand. With this double-sided puzzle, you get two different candy-centric designs in one box, with one glossy and one matte so you can easily tell them apart. Many options also come with corresponding playlists to help you create the perfect mood and atmosphere while puzzling.
Pieces: 1000 | Material: Cardboard | Dimensions: 19.25 x 26.6 in
Best artwork puzzle:Apostrophe Puzzles The Routes We Follow by Hodaya Louis
- Eco-friendly
- Contemporary artwork
- Nothing to note at this time.
NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson recommends these gorgeous puzzles. She loves the artwork and has been tempted to frame a few of them. Apostrophe Puzzles is woman-owned and made with eco-friendly materials.
Piece count: 1000 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 24 x 24 in
Best for beginners:Jiggy Puzzles Disco Moonlight Puzzle by Katie Smith
- Made to be preserved
- Glue and edge tool included
- Nothing to note at this time
Jiggy’s puzzles feature beautiful artwork uniquely designed by a woman artist who receives a portion of every sale, according to the brand. Each puzzle also comes with a reusable glass jar, glue and a straight-edge tool included to help with preservation, something that NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin especially loves. “It’s so rewarding to be able to do the puzzle and then save it forever,” she says.
Piece count: 800 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 18 x 24 in
Best aesthetic puzzle: Le Puzz Juicy Puzzle
- Unique piece shapes
- Extra-thick pieces
- Challenging to complete
Another of Schneider’s favorite puzzle brands, Le Puzz specializes in random-cut puzzle pieces, meaning that each piece has a unique shape, according to Le Puzz. The pieces are also extra-thick to help prevent the puzzle from coming apart (every puzzler’s worst nightmare). Each puzzle also comes with a reusable, resealable bag for storing the pieces and a bonus, double-sided poster of the puzzle’s image.
Piece count: 500 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 25 x 18 in
Best 3D puzzle: ROKR 3D Wooden Wall Clock Puzzle
- Real working clock
- Intricate design
- For advanced puzzlers
Williams loves the imaginative cutting designs and figure pieces of wooden puzzles. Brown recommends this 3D puzzle, which doubles as a mechanical wall clock — “I spotted this in my sister’s apartment a few years ago and immediately thought, ‘I need!’” she says. “It requires focus and dedication to complete, but the finished product is worth the work. Plus, you’ll never lose track of time.”
Piece count: 168 | Material: wood | Dimensions: 13 x 12 in
Best unique puzzle: Curves by Sean Brown Foxy Fisheye Puzzle
- Unique design
- Circular shape
- Very challenging
- Takes a long time to finish
I received this round puzzle as a gift about three years ago, and to this day, it’s still one of the most difficult I’ve ever tried. It’s a portrait image with a ton of similarly-colored pieces for added difficulty, but the result is well worth it. Even in the box, it’s an eye-catching decor piece that I’m constantly fielding questions and compliments about from guests. It also makes for a pleasantly challenging game night with friends.
Piece count: 500 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 18.89 x 18.89 in
Best mystery puzzle: Magic Puzzle Company Mystic Maze Puzzle
- Visual illusion
- Hidden surprises
- Vibrant graphics
- Nothing to note at this time.
All puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company feature intricate original artwork and come with a fun, rewarding twist — upon completion, each puzzle does a visual illusion magic trick, according to the brand. Each design is also packed with over 50 hidden easter eggs (along with a list in the box to help you keep track of them), and comes with two art posters, making it easier for groups to solve together. I love the storylines behind each puzzle and how the surprise trick weaves into the plot — it makes building the puzzle feel like you’re solving a mystery.
Piece count: 1000 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 27 x 28 in
Best advanced puzzle: Areaware Gradient Puzzle
- Calming design
- Extra-thick pieces
- Advanced-level difficulty
Gradient-style puzzles are a fun and engaging way to unwind, and this one from Areaware makes a great holiday gift. The design is meant to inspire meditation on color, and the chipboard is extra-thick to prevent damage from repeated use. It’s also available in a teal, blue, and purple color combo and 500- and 100-piece versions.
Pieces: 1000 | Material: Cardboard | Dimensions: 20 x 28 in
Best family-friendly puzzle: Ensky Kiki’s Delivery Service Puzzle
NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez is a big Studio Ghibli fan, so she loves these puzzles featuring characters from her favorite Ghibli films. Ensky specializes in Japanese animation puzzles, according to the brand, and in addition to Kiki’s Delivery Service, it also offers puzzles from other Studio Ghibli movies, such as My Neighbor Totoro, and popular Japanese franchises like Pokemon and Demon Slayer.
Piece count: 1000 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 12 x 10 in
Best scenic puzzle: Galison Autumn in the Neighborhood Puzzle
- Seasonal artwork
- Thick-cut pieces
- Nothing to note at this time
This beautifully illustrated puzzle by Galison features a warm, cozy fall theme that lets you enjoy the chilly weather without ever having to step outside. It has thick-cut cardboard pieces to prevent damage in the long-run, and is also made from recycled paper, according to the brand. Each puzzle comes with an insert of the full image for reference, and Galison offers year-round seasonal designs, including puzzles themed for winter, spring and summer.
Piece count: 1000 | Material: cardboard | Dimensions: 27 x 20 in
Related
How to shop for adult puzzles
Shopping is probably the easiest part of the process when it comes to puzzles. However, if you’re as indecisive as me, the huge assortment of styles and designs available can be a bit overwhelming. To help you narrow your search, we got some expert tips on finding the best puzzle for you.
- Size: The size of puzzles varies greatly, from mini 50- or 100-piece puzzles to sprawling 5,000-piece puzzles. When choosing a puzzle size, Williams recommends taking your time and commitment level into consideration. “Are you looking for entertainment for a couple of hours or a couple of days?” she asks.
- Image: Choosing puzzles that speak to your style or design preference is also important. Williams recommends selecting artwork that appeals to you and the purpose for which you’ll be using the puzzle — “Do you want a busy, energetic picture or a more relaxed and contemplative one?”
- Type and budget: If you’re looking for an inexpensive option or for a puzzle to complete more casually, you may want to consider cardboard puzzles rather than wooden ones, which can become expensive. “Wooden puzzles are more costly, and have a very different feel from cardboard ones,” says Williams.
- Cutting style: The cutting style of the puzzle pieces can dictate the difficulty level. According to Williams, more traditional styles have a grid cut, where the pieces line up in rows and columns, whereas other options can include irregularly shaped pieces that are harder to arrange.
Meet our expert
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently.
- Dr. Anne Williams is a Professor Emerita of economics at Bates College. She is a historian of the American toy and puzzle industry, and author of The Jigsaw Puzzle, Piecing Together A History.
Why trust NBC Select?
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select who regularly covers skin care, body care, wellness, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a puzzle historian for guidance on what to look for when shopping for adult puzzles, and consulted NBC Select staffers for their shopping recommendations.
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