With winter break creeping up on us, parents are getting a bit worried. After all, there are only so many things you and your kids can do together, inside, in the dark cold quarantine winter of 2021, before you start to drive each other up a wall…perhaps literally. You certainly don’t want everyone to be stuck on their gadgets and phones daily since we need all the human interaction we can get. It’s the perfect opportunity to really go back to the simple things to keep us busy, so it’s time to dust off those old board games, that recipe box, and that yoga mat.
One item that you’ve probably not touched in awhile are some family-friendly jigsaw puzzles, and if you haven’t dug them out, what’s holding you back? The beauty of jigsaw puzzles is that you can keep every age in your household engaged and entertained for hours once they get hooked on a challenging puzzle. Plus, what’s better than some much-needed family bonding? From your preschooler to adults in the house, you can find a jigsaw puzzle to get those gears turning instead of, well, turning into mush. And for adults, jigsaw puzzles aren’t just something you’ll put together and forget about. Many come in art-worthy designs that you can hang up on your walls, so you get to enlist your interior design skills at the same time. Below, we’ve scoped out the best jigsaw puzzles for all ages and interests in your family, so you can all live happily together and connect while taking a much-needed break from technology.
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A version of this story was originally published in March 2020.
World Explorer Map
We may not be able to jet-set around the world with our kids these days, but we can still bring the whole globe into our own homes, thanks to these gorgeous world explorer maps featuring different continents. Bigger kids will have fun finding and fitting the pieces together; even the littlest will love watching the colorful picture come together and learning about other cultures.
Flowers Around the Country
And speaking of maps, this unique U.S.-shaped puzzle features gorgeous florals and lets your whole family piece together the United States, state flower by state flower. Which is your favorite? We’re leaning towards Mountain Laurels in Connecticut, honestly.
Jiggy Puzzles Flamingo Playground
If escaping to a tropical destination isn’t in the cards, you can get close with this whimsical jigsaw puzzle that’s changing the adult puzzle game (literally). Created by Australian artist Karen Lynch, this dreamy puzzle will let you drift off to that getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
‘The Eve’ Festive Setup Puzzle
Or take your Jiggy in another direction and embrace the cold — with this cute, cozy, and oh-so-festive Christmas Eve image jigsaw. The goodies! The gifts! The sweet pup! This puzzle will have you singing fa-la-la ’til January.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Latches Game
While it’s not quite a jigsaw, it’s certainly a puzzle — one that little kids can lock in themselves while the rest of you work on something more complicated. Up your child’s motor skills with this activity play board that allows them to build dexterity as they snap, latch, hook, and slide doors. Each door reveals a special surprise that will keep them going back for more fun.
Ravensburger Floor Jigsaw Puzzle
Little car fanatics will get a kick out of this friendly auto-themed floor jigsaw puzzle. Made with pieces fit to precision, this puzzle won’t frustrate your child. Plus, they’ll have fun learning valuable developmental skills while letting you have some free time.
Melissa & Doug Farm Jigsaw Puzzle
This engaging jigsaw puzzle is perfect for preschoolers. Through four 12-piece wooden puzzles, they’ll enjoy learning about all the friendly animals on the farm while sparking their imagination.
Areaware Cereal Puzzle
At first glance, you’re probably thinking, “Why is there a bowl of Fruit Loops on my screen?” To your eye’s disbelief, this is actually a quirky puzzle that definitely looks good enough to eat! Mix things up and challenge your entire family with this smile-inducing jigsaw puzzle.
The Learning Journey Double Puzzles
Take your kid’s jigsaw puzzle activities to the next level with this two-in-one STEM option that is both a jigsaw puzzle and an interactive game. Once you assemble the puzzle, it serves as the board for the interactive game that will help them learn their numbers and words. Double the games means double the time they’re engaged, so you can have some time to yourself.
Melissa & Doug Farm Sound Puzzle
Engage more than one of your little one’s senses with this interactive farm sound puzzle, which plays the animal’s noise when the puzzle piece is placed in the correct spot on the board.
Disney Frozen 2 Foam Puzzle
If you’re looking for a soft puzzle to prevent any unwanted accidents, this magical Disney’s Frozen 2 foam puzzle will put you at ease. This 25-piece puzzle forms into a scene straight from the movie and features your child’s favorite characters including Elsa and Anna.
thredUP Great Puzzle Pop-Up
If you’ve already run through your puzzle stash, you can trade in your used puzzles through thredUP’s new puzzle program, which supports Feeding America. Send in as many puzzles as you’d like (they’ll provide a free shipping label), and you’ll get $5 in thredUP credit for each puzzle. Then, you can restock your collection with gently loved puzzles for just $5, and $1 will go directly to Feeding America.
Areaware Gradient Puzzle
Consider this jigsaw puzzle a piece of art once you’ve figured it out. This playful puzzle includes 500 pieces that will be sure to challenge you, while serving as a soothing meditation activity. Once you’ve finished this chic puzzle, hang it up on a wall to show it off (and pretend you’re in a museum)!
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