Christmas is coming! The shorter days are here, decorations finding their way out of boxes and perhaps you're starting to think about what gifts you might get loved ones.
We might be biased but in our opinion puzzles make excellent presents. With nearly 1,000 puzzles to choose from we know it can be difficult to choose so we've put together this quick guide to give you some inspiration and make picking puzzles a bit easier. Whether you're looking for a Christmas jigsaw or a devious puzzle box then we have some suggestions.
CHRISTMAS JIGSAWS
Our jigsaw puzzle range has been expanding quite rapidly this year and we stock some of the UK's top brands. We've added more jigsaw designs than ever this year and a couple of our favourites are:
Wentworth Nativity Collectible Set - 4 x 80 Pieces
It is the time of year when wooden jigsaw maker Wentworth release their limited edition collectible sets. We love the colour palette and design of the four in the Nativity set. Very pleasing to put together and combined they make an excellent option.
Find the Nativity Collectible Set here.
Gibsons Holiday Hustle
We struggle to remember the last white christmas we had but it doesn't dampen our enthusiasm for snowy scene jigsaws. Holiday Hustle from Gibsons is a lovely 1,000 piece jigsaw perfect for the slow holiday days.
Find Holiday Hustle here.
We've got plenty more though and you can view the whole range of Christmas jigsaws here.
EASY PUZZLES
We know not everyone likes seriously difficult puzzles. Sometimes it's better to go for something that is challenging but achievable so you can get the reward. Often the better option for younger puzzlers. We've got a category dedicated to beginner puzzles and some of our top picks would be;
Hanayama Cast Horse
This is a real classic. The horseshoe puzzle has been around for a long time and still proves popular for a reason. At first it looks impossible and the solution, once seen, is fairly straightforward but it can actually take quite a while to find it. Find the Cast Horse here.
Mayan Puzzle Box
The Mayan puzzle box is a really attractive looking puzzle box. The solution is not too hard to find but with two storage spaces there is a couple of steps to explore. Plus it is a nice one for storing small valuables in. Find the Mayan puzzle box here.
OUR HARDEST PUZZLES
While easier puzzles might suit some, we know a lot of you want to find an impossible puzzle to keep the recipient busy for a while. Don't worry we have just the thing. If it's hard puzzles you are after we have a great selection to stump your loved one. Find our hardest puzzles here. If you'd prefer a recommendation or two then check out the options below.
Hanayama Cast Hourglass
This has to be a contender for the hardest in the Hanayama line up. A serious challenge we're fairly sure the 'never solved' rate on these is pretty high. There's only four pieces but it's just incredibly difficult to work out how to actually separate them. At only £13.95 this one won't break the bank either. Find the Cast Hourglass here.
Titan Puzzle
'What is the hardest puzzle you have?' That is a question we get asked fairly often and the answer is usually this one, the Titan puzzle by Felix Ure. A satisfyingly heavy sphere of brass the refuses to open. With little to work with on the outside you need to come up with and test some different ideas to open it. Find the impossible Titan puzzle here.
PUZZLE BOXES
Puzzle Boxes are one of our favourite style of puzzle. With all sorts of designs within the category you can find something to suit all puzzling abilities. They have the advantage of a storage space inside once you have finally worked out how to open it! For our full range of puzzle boxes take a look here. For our top recommendations read on.
Tesla Puzzle Box
The genre of 'escape room style puzzle box' has exploded in popularity in recent years. Generally you'll find puzzles to solve on each face on the box, finally leading you to the space inside. The Tesla Box is one of our favourites from the last year. It incorporates a dynamo and light up elements which really add to the experience. Rated as an 8 out of 10 it is a solid challenge too! Find the Tesla puzzle box here.
Celtic Puzzle Box
Being a Scottish based puzzle company when developing our own beginner friendly puzzle box we had to go with the Celtic theme. This attractive puzzle box has two hidden compartments to discover. It shouldn't prove too much of a challenge but might prove a little trickier for new puzzlers. Find the Celtic Puzzle Box here.
Cassiopeia Puzzle Box
Some of the most highly sought after puzzle boxes come from the Karakuri Creation Group of Japan. The Cassiopeia puzzle box comes from them and is perfect if you are looking for something a bit special. The craftsmanship is astounding and while the solution might not be too difficult it is just so pleasing and fun! Find the Cassiopeia puzzle box here.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this little guide has given you some ideas and possibly made choosing a puzzle a bit easier. Of course if you would like further advice we're always ready to help, just drop as an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Merry Christmas to All!
