Jigsaw puzzles have been a popular pastime for generations, providing hours of entertainment and challenging the mind. With so many brands available in the market, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this guide, we will explore the top brands of jigsaw puzzles, considering factors such as quality, variety, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or a newcomer to the world of jigsaws, this guide will help you find the perfect brand to suit your needs. So, let’s dive in and discover the ultimate guide to finding the best brand of jigsaw puzzles.
What to Consider When Choosing a Jigsaw Puzzle Brand
Quality of the Puzzle Pieces
When selecting a jigsaw puzzle brand, the quality of the puzzle pieces is a crucial factor to consider. This is because the durability, fit and finish, variety of shapes and sizes, and special features of the puzzle pieces will significantly impact the overall experience of completing the puzzle. Here are some key aspects to evaluate when assessing the quality of the puzzle pieces:
Durability
The durability of the puzzle pieces is a critical factor to consider. Puzzle pieces that are made from high-quality materials will withstand wear and tear, and they will not break easily. Some brands use thicker, sturdier materials for their puzzle pieces, while others may use thinner or flimsier materials. Look for brands that use thick, durable materials that can withstand repeated use and handling.
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish of the puzzle pieces are also essential factors to consider. The puzzle pieces should fit together seamlessly without any gaps or spaces. Brands that use high-quality materials and pay attention to the fit and finish of their puzzle pieces will provide a more enjoyable puzzling experience. Look for brands that have a reputation for producing puzzles with tight-fitting pieces that are easy to assemble.
Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Another aspect to consider when evaluating the quality of the puzzle pieces is the variety of shapes and sizes. Some brands offer puzzles with a wide range of shapes and sizes, while others may offer more limited options. The variety of shapes and sizes can impact the difficulty level of the puzzle and the overall enjoyment of the experience. Consider choosing a brand that offers a diverse range of shapes and sizes to keep the puzzling experience interesting and challenging.
Special Features
Finally, some brands offer special features that can enhance the puzzling experience. For example, some brands offer puzzles with specialized shapes or themes, such as 3D puzzles or puzzles featuring famous landmarks. Other brands may offer puzzles with unique packaging or special packaging options, such as puzzles that come in a box with a lid that can be used as a tray to store the puzzle pieces. Consider choosing a brand that offers special features that align with your interests and preferences.
Difficulty Level
Ease of Assembly
When choosing a jigsaw puzzle brand, one of the primary factors to consider is the ease of assembly. The level of difficulty in assembling the puzzle can greatly impact the overall experience. Brands that offer puzzles with clearly-fitted pieces and well-defined edges tend to be more enjoyable for those new to puzzling or those with limited dexterity. Additionally, some brands provide special tools or accessories to aid in the assembly process, such as a puzzle mat or a knife for cutting the pieces apart.
Complexity of the Image
Another aspect to consider when selecting a jigsaw puzzle brand is the complexity of the image. Some brands offer puzzles with intricate designs and multiple layers, which can add an extra level of challenge. Others may focus on simpler, more traditional images that are suitable for all ages. Depending on your personal preferences and skill level, you may prefer a brand that offers a wide range of complexity levels or one that specializes in a specific type of image.
Theme and Subject Matter
When selecting a jigsaw puzzle brand, it is essential to consider the theme and subject matter of the puzzles. These aspects play a crucial role in determining the level of enjoyment and engagement you will experience while completing the puzzle.
Personal Interests
Your personal interests should be a significant factor in choosing a jigsaw puzzle brand. If you are an art enthusiast, you may prefer puzzles featuring famous artworks or landscapes. Nature lovers may enjoy puzzles with pictures of animals, plants, or natural landscapes. If you are a history buff, you may be interested in puzzles featuring historical events or figures.
Consider what type of themes and subjects you enjoy the most and choose a brand that specializes in those areas. This will ensure that you have a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience while completing the puzzle.
Educational Value
In addition to personal interests, it is also important to consider the educational value of the puzzles you choose. Jigsaw puzzles can be an excellent tool for learning, as they help develop problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities.
When selecting a jigsaw puzzle brand, consider the level of difficulty and the subject matter of the puzzles. For example, if you are looking to improve your geography skills, you may want to choose a puzzle featuring a map or a world landmark. If you are interested in science, you may prefer puzzles featuring images of plants, animals, or celestial bodies.
Overall, it is essential to choose a jigsaw puzzle brand that offers a variety of themes and subjects that align with your personal interests and educational goals. This will ensure that you have a fun and educational experience while completing the puzzle.
Brand Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
When it comes to choosing the best brand of jigsaw puzzles, it’s important to consider the reputation of the brand and the level of customer satisfaction it has received. This is because a reputable brand with a history of customer satisfaction is more likely to produce high-quality jigsaw puzzles that will meet your needs and expectations. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction:
Customer Reviews and Ratings
One of the best ways to gauge a brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction is by reading customer reviews and ratings. Look for reviews from a variety of sources, including the brand’s website, online marketplaces, and review websites. Pay attention to the overall rating as well as specific comments about the quality of the puzzles, the level of difficulty, and any issues with the puzzle pieces or assembly.
Customer Support and Service
Another important factor to consider is the level of customer support and service provided by the brand. Look for brands that offer prompt and helpful responses to customer inquiries, as well as a clear and concise return policy in case you are not satisfied with your purchase. A brand that values its customers and stands behind its products is more likely to provide a positive customer experience.
It’s also worth considering the brand’s reputation in the broader community. Brands that are well-known and respected in the puzzle industry are more likely to produce high-quality puzzles that meet the needs of puzzle enthusiasts. Look for brands that have won awards or have been recognized for their excellence in the industry.
In conclusion, when choosing a brand of jigsaw puzzles, it’s important to consider the brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction. Look for brands with positive customer reviews and ratings, prompt and helpful customer support, and a history of producing high-quality puzzles. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best brand of jigsaw puzzles to meet your needs and enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of completing a puzzle.
Price and Value
Cost per Piece
When it comes to finding the best brand of jigsaw puzzles, the cost per piece is an important factor to consider. Some brands may charge more per piece, but the quality of the puzzle may be worth the extra cost. However, other brands may offer a better value for the price. It’s important to compare prices and consider the quality of the puzzle before making a purchase.
Discounts and Sales
Another thing to consider when choosing a jigsaw puzzle brand is the availability of discounts and sales. Some brands offer regular sales or discounts on their puzzles, which can help you save money on your purchase. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these deals and to compare prices at different retailers to find the best value.
Long-Term Value
In addition to the cost per piece and availability of discounts and sales, it’s also important to consider the long-term value of the puzzle. Some puzzles may be more durable and long-lasting than others, which can make them a better value in the long run. It’s important to consider the quality of the puzzle and how long it will last before making a purchase.
Popular Jigsaw Puzzle Brands
Ravensburger
Ravensburger is a well-known brand in the jigsaw puzzle industry, known for producing high-quality puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable to complete. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating Ravensburger puzzles:
Quality of the Puzzle Pieces
One of the most important aspects of a jigsaw puzzle is the quality of the pieces. Ravensburger puzzles are made with thick, sturdy pieces that fit together smoothly and easily. The pieces are also designed to be interlocking, which means that they can only fit together in one way, making it easier to complete the puzzle without frustration.
Difficulty Level
Ravensburger puzzles come in a range of difficulty levels, from easy 20-piece puzzles for young children to complex 1000-piece puzzles for adults. The difficulty level depends on the number of pieces, the size of the puzzle, and the level of detail in the image.
Theme and Subject Matter
Ravensburger puzzles come in a wide variety of themes and subject matter, including landscapes, animals, buildings, and more. The images are often printed in high-quality, vibrant colors that make the puzzle more enjoyable to complete.
Brand Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
Ravensburger has a strong reputation in the jigsaw puzzle industry, known for producing high-quality puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable to complete. The brand has a loyal customer base, with many customers praising the brand for its attention to detail and high-quality puzzles.
Price and Value
Ravensburger puzzles are generally priced higher than some other brands, but the quality of the pieces and the level of detail in the images make them worth the investment. The puzzles are designed to last, and many customers find that they enjoy completing the puzzle over and over again.
Overall, Ravensburger is a trusted brand in the jigsaw puzzle industry, known for producing high-quality puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable to complete. Whether you’re looking for a simple 20-piece puzzle for a child or a complex 1000-piece puzzle for an adult, Ravensburger has a puzzle to suit your needs.
Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill is renowned for producing high-quality jigsaw puzzles that are crafted with precision and attention to detail. The puzzle pieces are made from thick, sturdy cardboard that is designed to withstand the test of time and multiple puzzle assemblies. The pieces are also made to fit together seamlessly, with no gaps or looseness, ensuring a smooth and satisfying puzzle-solving experience.
Cobble Hill offers a range of puzzles that cater to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Their puzzles range in complexity, with some featuring simple and straightforward designs, while others are more intricate and challenging. This variety allows puzzle enthusiasts to choose the level of difficulty that best suits their preferences and skill set.
Cobble Hill’s puzzles boast a diverse range of themes and subject matter, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From scenic landscapes and vibrant cityscapes to intricate patterns and artistic designs, Cobble Hill offers a wide selection of puzzles that are both visually appealing and intellectually stimulating. The company also collaborates with various artists and photographers to create unique and exclusive puzzle designs, adding to the brand’s appeal.
Cobble Hill has built a strong reputation within the jigsaw puzzle community for producing high-quality, engaging puzzles that are loved by puzzle enthusiasts of all ages. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, with many customers praising the brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. Cobble Hill actively engages with its customers through social media and other channels, responding to feedback and incorporating suggestions to continually improve their products.
Cobble Hill’s puzzles are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. The brand’s focus on quality ensures that the puzzles are durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for puzzle enthusiasts. Additionally, Cobble Hill frequently offers promotions and discounts, making their puzzles even more accessible to a wider audience. Overall, Cobble Hill is a trusted and respected brand in the jigsaw puzzle market, offering a wide range of high-quality puzzles that are both enjoyable and satisfying to assemble.
Buffalo Games
Buffalo Games is renowned for producing high-quality jigsaw puzzles that feature pieces made from sturdy cardboard. The thickness of the pieces ensures that they are durable and can withstand repeated use without becoming brittle or breaking easily. Additionally, the puzzle pieces fit together snugly, making it easier to assemble the puzzle without any loose pieces.
Buffalo Games offers a wide range of puzzles with varying levels of difficulty. Their puzzles range from easy 100-piece puzzles to challenging 1000-piece puzzles, making them suitable for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. The difficulty level is indicated on the packaging, allowing customers to choose a puzzle that is appropriate for their skill level.
Buffalo Games offers a diverse range of puzzles that cater to different interests and tastes. Their puzzles feature a variety of themes, including landscapes, animals, flowers, and abstract designs. They also offer puzzles that feature artwork from famous artists, making them a great option for art lovers.
Buffalo Games has built a strong reputation in the jigsaw puzzle industry for producing high-quality puzzles that are enjoyed by customers of all ages. They have a large customer base and consistently receive positive reviews from satisfied customers who appreciate the quality and variety of their puzzles.
Buffalo Games offers a wide range of puzzles at affordable prices, making them an excellent value for money. Their puzzles are priced competitively, and customers can find puzzles to suit their budget, whether they are looking for a simple 100-piece puzzle or a more complex 1000-piece puzzle. Additionally, the sturdy construction of their puzzles ensures that they provide good value for money, as they can be used multiple times without deteriorating in quality.
New York Puzzle Company
The New York Puzzle Company is renowned for producing high-quality puzzle pieces that are thick and sturdy, making them easy to handle and less likely to break during assembly. The pieces are also made from eco-friendly materials, ensuring that they are safe for the environment.
The New York Puzzle Company offers puzzles of varying difficulty levels, ranging from beginner to expert. Their puzzles are designed to challenge puzzlers of all ages and skill levels, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced puzzlers.
The New York Puzzle Company offers a wide range of puzzles with different themes and subject matter, including landscapes, cityscapes, animals, and more. Their puzzles are designed to appeal to a broad range of interests, making them an excellent choice for puzzlers with diverse interests.
The New York Puzzle Company has a strong reputation for producing high-quality puzzles that are designed to meet the needs of puzzlers of all ages and skill levels. They have a loyal customer base and receive consistently positive reviews from customers who appreciate the quality and variety of their puzzles.
The New York Puzzle Company offers puzzles at a range of price points, making them an affordable option for puzzlers on a budget. Despite their affordable prices, their puzzles are designed to provide a high level of quality and value, ensuring that puzzlers get the most out of their purchase.
Puzzle Warehouse
Puzzle Warehouse is known for its high-quality puzzle pieces that are made from durable materials, ensuring that they withstand wear and tear, and can be used multiple times. The pieces are also designed to fit together perfectly, which makes the puzzle-building experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
Puzzle Warehouse offers puzzles of varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. From easy puzzles that are perfect for beginners to challenging puzzles that require patience and focus, Puzzle Warehouse has something for everyone.
Puzzle Warehouse offers a wide range of puzzles with different themes and subject matter. Whether you are interested in art, nature, animals, or history, Puzzle Warehouse has a puzzle that will capture your interest.
Puzzle Warehouse has a reputation for producing high-quality puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable to assemble. The brand is highly regarded by customers, who appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of the puzzle pieces.
Puzzle Warehouse offers puzzles at a reasonable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. The brand is committed to providing value for money, and the quality of the puzzles is not compromised by the affordable pricing.
FAQs
1. What makes a good brand of jigsaw puzzles?
A good brand of jigsaw puzzles should have high-quality pieces that fit together smoothly, a variety of challenging and enjoyable puzzles to choose from, and sturdy packaging to protect the puzzle during storage and transport. Additionally, a good brand should offer excellent customer service and a satisfaction guarantee.
2. Which brand is the most popular among puzzle enthusiasts?
There are several popular brands of jigsaw puzzles among puzzle enthusiasts, including Ravensburger, Cobble Hill, and White Mountain. These brands are known for their high-quality pieces, challenging and enjoyable puzzles, and sturdy packaging. They also have a strong reputation for customer service and satisfaction guarantees.
3. What types of jigsaw puzzles does the brand offer?
Most brands of jigsaw puzzles offer a variety of puzzles to choose from, including landscape, animal, nature, and art-themed puzzles. Some brands also offer specialty puzzles, such as 3D puzzles or puzzles with unique piece shapes. It’s important to choose a brand that offers a variety of puzzles that match your interests and skill level.
4. How long does it take to complete a jigsaw puzzle?
The time it takes to complete a jigsaw puzzle can vary depending on the number of pieces and the difficulty of the puzzle. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete a puzzle. Some brands offer puzzles with a higher piece count, which can take longer to complete, while others offer more difficult puzzles with unique piece shapes or images that require more time and effort to assemble.
5. What is the best way to store a completed jigsaw puzzle?
To ensure that a completed jigsaw puzzle stays in good condition, it’s important to store it in a dry, dust-free place with minimal exposure to sunlight. The best way to store a completed puzzle is in its original box, with the lid securely closed and the pieces stored inside. If the original box is not available, you can use a plastic container or a sturdy cardboard box with a lid.