topic Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get? in Community Chat

How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

qualitygal — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:29:28 GMT

There's more animals in what I've looked at, birds, horses, Tiger's face (cool), so early Americana type of ones. There's just so many choices. Or, prices, ratings? I even saw some rounds one, chose one of those as a possibility. I just don't know. Changed from 1000 to 500 pieces.

I may get one of those boards, that has extentions which would help a lot in doing this.

Anyway, how do you choose?

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

software — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:38:09 GMT

I'm with you on the 500pc. I saw one shaped like a Hershey's kiss.

I agree, so much to choose from.

I buy puzzles at Target for the toddler, 50pc usually & I always look for one for me.

I just don't think I would make time to work one

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

SXMGirl — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:40:11 GMT

@qualitygal I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and ordered a 500 piece last year. It also had glitter. The picture was beautiful, but I wish that I had gone with the 300 piece version and no glitter. I always thought that I was good at putting the puzzles together, but I found that the 500 piece was just too much for me. Also, definitely no glitter! Enjoy whatever puzzle that you select.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

x Hedge — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:41:57 GMT

Depends upon what attracts you to puzzles in the first place.

Do you like slowly building a recognizable picture? Is it the picture that keeps you interested, right to the end?

Not me. I like building order out of chaos. A blank/no picture, but challenging shapes would suit me better.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

dsw503 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:43:42 GMT

Based on experience gained last year trying to do puzzles when not able to go outside: 1. Buy puzzles that have some words or signs. That gives you a place to start putting pieces together. 2. Bite the bullet and spend more than what you think you should. Cheap puzzles are not cut very well and it is very frustrating when 1 piece will fit in more than 1 place. Some may find that fun or challenging but I did not. 3. See if you can find others in your family, neighborhood or social group who have puzzles and trade with them so that you don't have to always be buying a new one. 4. Have a dedicated space with plenty of light to assemble it. Setting it up on the dining room table the week before T-Day is not so smart. Have fun!

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

pupwhipped — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:49:18 GMT

For some reason I've always liked seasonal type puzzles. I think it started many years ago when I would buy a beautiful Christmas themed puzzle and then the family visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday would work on it. Such fond memories as now it's just me and my husband left. Anyway, I'm still drawn to seasonal puzzles and my husband just opened this one a few days ago. It was kinda pricey but tooooooo cute!

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

BornToShop — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:54:24 GMT

@qualitygal I've been doing jigsaw puzzles for the past 2 years. There is nothing better than something that doesn't require electricity, batteries and are relatively inexpensive. How to choose is a personal choice. For me, I do not like the shaped puzzles. I need edges which is where I start sorting first. I only do 1000 piece puzzles depicting animals, florals, food and I stay away from the monochromatic ones. I need a lot of contrast colors to speed up the sorting process. I also do not care for the puzzles you can do on your computer. I can honestly say puzzles keep your mind sharp, deter you from the TV and are great for passing time. I average a puzzle about every 7 days with some days to take a break and admire my accomplishment! Good luck in your puzzle quest!

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

tiny 2 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:02:18 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
There's more animals in what I've looked at, birds, horses, Tiger's face (cool), so early Americana type of ones. There's just so many choices. Or, prices, ratings? I even saw some rounds one, chose one of those as a possibility. I just don't know. Changed from 1000 to 500 pieces.

I may get one of those boards, that has extentions which would help a lot in doing this.

Anyway, how do you choose?

@qualitygal Where would you find this? I need to be able to pack it up in some way and open when I'm working on it.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

qualitygal — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:14:45 GMT

Ordered it from Amazon, look at Bits and pieces -- original standard wooden jigsaw puzzle plateau. It's just what I need. Before, I had to use the pans I use in the oven to separate like-pieces, (color you could say). @tiny 2

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

Sooner — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:14:53 GMT

Can any of you suggest good brands?

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

tiny 2 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:16:24 GMT

@qualitygal, Thank You!!!

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

On It — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:19:21 GMT

@Sooner My friend used to buy Springbok puzzles. She did a lot of puzzles over the years.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

kug — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:23:44 GMT

Whatever size or design you choose, after you have put it together and are done admiring it, consider giving it to an Assisted Living Home as they love to put puzzles together. In my area, the puzzles that are assembled are glued together, framed and sold as a fundraiser for the home.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

ScrapHappy — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:27:11 GMT

My husband likes puzzles. He's into Disney, Star Wars, Marvel and Harry Potter so I usually look for those. Probably 500 on low end and 1000 or so pieces on high end. Hobby Lobby had some nice ones, especially Christmas ones and they are 40% off. If you're looking for out of the ordinary ones, Disney sells 3D ones.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

HB glamma — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:27:46 GMT

Small woman owned company called “eeboo “ makes beautiful puzzles in 500 pc & 1000 pc. We got started with them during Covid. Can get on Amazon but we buy most from small businesses.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

nana59 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:29:01 GMT

@kug wrote:
Whatever size or design you choose, after you have put it together and are done admiring it, consider giving it to an Assisted Living Home as they love to put puzzles together. In my area, the puzzles that are assembled are glued together, framed and sold as a fundraiser for the home.

my husband loves puzzles....he donates them to the local library...

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

qualitygal — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:34:24 GMT

Names: Springbok's are where I got a few from. There's 3-4 main brand names, if you look on Amazon and you'll see them repeated with a lot of choices. @Sooner.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

Meowingkitty — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:38:43 GMT

I usually get puzzles with cat themes. I get them from Puzzle Warehouse, Serious Puzzles, Bits and Pieces and Amazon. Barnes and Noble has lots at this time of the year. I like 500 piece puzzles because they can be done in a reasonable timeframe.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

Caaareful Shopper — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:41:27 GMT

I love puzzles.

Some of my favorite brands lately are Springbok, White Mountain, and Ravensburger.

I prefer the 1,000-pc puzzles. When looking for a new one, I start with the finished picture. That makes a huge difference for me.

I recently finished a White Mountain "Love Stamp" puzzle, which was officially licensed by the USPS. It was about 30 completely different Love stamps. It was gorgeous.

I like the finished photo to be colorfully stimulating. I don't like, for example, a photo of a large lion's head. One thousand orange, tan and white pieces would bore me to tears, no matter how beautiful the lion looks.

Re: How do I decide on which jigsaw puzzles to get?

nana59 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:51:32 GMT

@SXMGirl wrote:
@qualitygal I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and ordered a 500 piece last year. It also had glitter. The picture was beautiful, but I wish that I had gone with the 300 piece version and no glitter. I always thought that I was good at putting the puzzles together, but I found that the 500 piece was just too much for me. Also, definitely no glitter! Enjoy whatever puzzle that you select.

oh no....glitter!! my husband would have had to put that puzzle together outside on the deck!! lol...