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- February 2022
Jigsaw Puzzles are not just a fad
Jan 11, 2021
Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles! Everyone is talking jigsaw puzzles!
It seems that before 2020 when the global pandemic struck, many people were occasional puzzlers who might pull out a jigsaw puzzle around the holidays or on a rainy day at the cottage for something to do to pass the time. With the pace of normal daily life, you might not have realized that some of your neighbours, friends or family members had a small stash of puzzles accumulated and tucked away in a cupboard somewhere.
With people staying at home a lot more than usual these days, they've gone into those cupboards and have turned again to this favourite, old pastime. It may seem like the jigsaw puzzle is the new 'in' thing these days, however, it's never really gone away. Jigsaw puzzles have been around since the 18th century and became especially popular during World War II. They've been a mainstay in homes around the world since that time.
There have always been those die-hard puzzlers who work their way through the 2000-3000 piece landscape or masterpiece, and now we've seen a resurgence of puzzling in young and old with odd shaped or double-sided puzzles, whimsical pieces and bold new designs. The puzzle universe is abuzz with enthusiasm!
Puzzling has gotten a fresh new feel over the past several years. There are a number of puzzle companies bringing creativity, diversity, political and social topics to the design and imagery in the puzzles they are producing. Young start-ups are giving us a fresh new look at puzzling through social media platforms and creating engagement around the process of assembling a puzzle.
It's 2021 and puzzle manufacturers are coming off a record-breaking year and finding it a challenge to keep up with the demand. The original wooden jigsaw puzzle is back at the forefront. Craftsmen, both local and around the world, are creating some beautiful wooden puzzles that make for a great family heirloom or keepsake.
Some of the best puzzles create a sense of nostalgia for a different era or appeal to a personal interest or hobby. Some are bold and colourful photo images or paintings and some are majestic landscapes or intricate fantasy worlds. No matter the preference, they all deliver the same benefits.
Puzzling keeps the mind active and engaged and it helps improve and maintain short-term memory. It is both a calming and relaxing pastime that lowers stress and mimics a somewhat meditative state. Improved concentration brought about by puzzling can enhance your problem-solving abilities and increase your productivity, not to mention it can improve your patience.
Somewhat like yoga, the Zen-like practice of puzzling provides huge benefits and is a pleasurable way to pass the time.
Just ask Queen Elizabeth II or Bill Gates, or maybe the commander of the USS Enterprise, Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), or Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones even....all prominent puzzle lovers!
Have a look at our Jigsaw Puzzles!
1 comment
Tracey H / Feb 17, 2021 at 12:39
Love the puzzles I got. Great website. It’s always the small pieces that make the big picture.