A jigsaw puzzle gives someone an activity to enjoy after the wrapping paper has been cleared away. Choosing a good one is less about finding the biggest box and more about knowing what they’ll enjoy spending time with.
Before buying, think about three things: the artwork they like, the kind of challenge they want and where they’ll work on it.
Start with the person’s interests
Think about the subjects they already enjoy. Someone who loves gardening may appreciate botanical illustration, while an animal lover might prefer a design filled with wildlife. A keen traveller may enjoy a scene that brings back memories of a favourite place.
Our gift bundles collection brings selected products together in sets, but a familiar interest is often the most useful starting point. You don’t need to guess which design is fashionable if you know what makes them smile.
Choose a piece count that suits their routine
A smaller puzzle can make sense for someone who likes completing a project before beginning another. A larger one may suit a regular puzzler who enjoys returning to the same design over several sessions.
Avoid assuming that more pieces make a more generous gift. A 2000-piece puzzle needs a suitable surface and somewhere to keep it between sessions. If the recipient has limited space, a smaller format may be the more thoughtful choice.
If you’re comparing sizes, our guide to 500, 1000 and 2000 pieces explains what to consider beyond the number on the box.
Festive artwork or a year-round favourite?
A design from our Christmas puzzle collection can become part of the holiday itself, ready to open when people gather around the table.
A year-round subject works just as well as a Christmas present. The gift doesn’t need to include snow or decorations to feel considered. Choose the artwork the recipient would enjoy in January as much as December.
Look at the design as well as the size
Clear changes in colour and separate illustrated sections can offer useful starting points. Repeating patterns and broad areas of similar shades may make a puzzle more demanding.
If you’re buying for someone new to puzzles, choose an image with details they can recognise and use to build smaller sections. For an experienced puzzler, the pleasure may be in working through a more subtle design.
Make a shared gift easy to enjoy
If the puzzle is for a household, check whether there is a place to leave it out. Several people can work on different sections, so artwork with distinct areas can help everyone find somewhere to begin.
You could give it with a handwritten note suggesting a quiet afternoon together. The personal part of the gift comes from the thought behind it, rather than adding lots of extras.
Leave practical decisions until you have the facts
Check availability for the recipient’s country and the delivery information before ordering, especially close to Christmas. Avoid relying on an old delivery estimate or assuming a design will remain in stock.
If you’re uncertain about the artwork or piece count they would choose, an Elena Essex eGift card lets them decide.
The best puzzle gift is one the recipient will want to open and work on. Their interests, time and space are a better guide than choosing the largest puzzle available.
