Puzzles are making a comeback and are the perfect gift for holiday bonding
Modern jigsaw puzzles don’t have to conform to traditional scenes like birds and flowers. From Disney to Pixar themes, there’s a puzzle for everyone. Classic puzzles are still enjoyable, but the world of puzzles has expanded to include themes that cater to all kinds of interests, including those aligned with TechCrunch.
Jigsaw puzzles provide a screen-free break and appeal to individuals who spend hours in front of a screen. This makes them a great gift idea. Understandably, the piece count of a puzzle determines its difficulty level, with smaller pieces suitable for beginners or a quick activity, while puzzles with 1,000 pieces or more require more time and space to complete.
It’s important to note that puzzle lovers have specific tastes, making it challenging to select the perfect puzzle for someone else. If unsure about their preferences, consider a gift card from a reputable game store or brand, or a puzzle accessory like the puzzle scoop or a puzzle box stand. However, if you’re up for the challenge, here are a few suggestions to help find the ideal gift for your favorite puzzle enthusiast and TechCrunch reader.
The Best Retro Puzzles for Nostalgic Enthusiasts
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A sense of nostalgia influences puzzle sales. Contemporary themes include items like floppy disks and VHS tapes, offering a new perspective on the nostalgic experience. Some options within this category are:
- Floppy Disk Frenzy, a 500-piece puzzle by Imagination Puzzles
- Computer Talk, a 500-piece vintage Springbok puzzle that is a rare find
- Tetris, a 750-piece puzzle by Ceaco
- Classic Cameras, a 550-piece puzzle by Eurographics that comes in a camera-shaped tin can
- E.T., a 500-piece puzzle by Spin Master sold in a Blockbuster-branded VHS case
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Independent Creators
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While established brands have been producing puzzles for decades, there’s a special appreciation for emerging brands and innovation. Here are some picks from young businesses deserving of a boost:
- The Busy Bistro, a 1,000-piece mystery puzzle by the Magic Puzzle Company, with original art by Oscar Sun
- The Astronaut, an 800-piece puzzle by Emma Repp for Jiggy Puzzles, a company featured on Shark Tank
- Techno Dystopia, a 1,000-piece mystery puzzle by Evermade with a hidden message
- San Francisco, a 150-piece mini-puzzle by Micropuzzles, a small business created in 2018, offering a subscription box
- A Tinkle in Time, a 1,000-piece puzzle by Exploding Kittens featuring a cat in a TARDIS-like litter box
- A limited-release metal puzzle from Lazels
The Best Robot-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles
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The unique and sometimes daunting world of robots has inspired exceptional puzzle artwork:
The Best Space-Themed Puzzles
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Space-themed puzzles create captivating gift ideas:
The Best Geeky Puzzles
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Geek culture, from tech to sci-fi, has a strong appeal for many. With themes like Star Trek and cat lovers, there’s something for everyone:
The Best Science Puzzles
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Science-themed puzzles make for excellent gifts and can be enjoyably completed with children:
Happy gifting and happy puzzling!
Check out some of our other 2023 gift guides:
