I love jigsaw puzzles.
The challenge can be so deliciously frustrating.
I've been doing puzzles for years and thought I might share some of my favorites and some that I think look fun.
Toddler Animal Puzzle
Everyone had one of these.
We learned animal shapes quickly.
Best of all, we learned that feeling of success at completing a puzzle.
This Melissa & Doug puzzle is a throwback to the old classic.
You can pick up this fun puzzle here: https://amzn.to/4ki83W5.
500 Piece Puzzle
Bob loves birds.
It always seemed a little geeky to me, but he has binoculars, spy glasses, and a few bird books. (I think he makes himself feel a little less dorky by reminding himself birds are the dinosaurs that survived.)
We’ve done a couple of these puzzles with identifiable birds.
500 piece puzzles are great for a single sitting or something that’s not too challenging.
You can purchase this here: https://amzn.to/3SHhUbu
750 Piece Puzzle
I love doing puzzles like this.
It’s like doing a dozen small puzzles.
We even use them for crafts.
Stay tuned for a blog post on how we use puzzles for crafts.
Purchase this puzzle here: https://amzn.to/45bugjB
1000 Piece Puzzle
This one was so much fun, I bought two of them - one for me and one for my mom.
The colors are so vibrant and exciting.
It’s not too difficult, but it’s challenging.
Bob helped me finish it which is always a great time.
You can get it here: https://amzn.to/4kmwpxc
Puzzles and Learning
Puzzles don’t have flashing lights or controllers.
They are great ways to teach children to enjoy quiet, relaxing activities.
Where most children are accustomed to video games and social media as the only form of entertainment, jigsaw puzzles provide a fun and challenging way to play quietly.
Puzzles and Mindfulness
Puzzles are great for anxiety and even depression. The mindfulness that puzzles provide can give your mind and soul a break, so you can get centered and calm.
On those days when I just don’t feel like I can’t do anything else, a puzzle is a great pastime.
It might sometimes seem like you’re “wasting” time, but Bob often says that putting puzzle pieces together in the real world might be me putting pieces together in my subconscious.
There’s also the feeling you get when you complete any large project.