What is the best way to put a puzzle together?

Jigsaw puzzles can be put together any way you like! Choose a well-lit, flat surface to begin putting your puzzle together. Open the box, and sort through the pieces, flipping each one face up. Divide the pieces between edge and center pieces, setting aside the corner pieces as you find them. Begin with the edge of the puzzle, carefully fitting each piece together and incorporating the corner pieces. After you're finished with the edge, you're ready to tackle the center. Start with the clearest part of the design, and then work from there. Before you know it, you'll have a puzzle all put together.

Do you need a puzzle table to do puzzles?

No. You just need a flat surface that has room for sorting the puzzle pieces and assembling them. If you can't leave a puzzle out, consider getting a puzzle mat, which will allow you to move a puzzle without disturbing the pieces.

How do you preserve a puzzle?

The best way to preserve a puzzle is to glue it together with craft glue or using another puzzle-setting method that's on the market. Gluing and framing your puzzle will keep it looking great for years.

How do you glue a puzzle?

You can glue a puzzle to keep all the pieces together and display it in a frame. Cut a piece of parchment paper a bit larger than your finished puzzle, and lay it down on a flat surface. Place your puzzle on the parchment paper, colorful side up. Press each of the pieces firmly down. You can use a rolling pin to get them really pressed down. Use a craft glue like Mod Podge to glue the puzzle together. Following the manufacturer's instructions, spread a thin layer of glue over the surface. Let the surface dry completely before flipping the puzzle over and repeating the process on the backside. Let all the glue dry overnight before handling the puzzle.

How do you frame a puzzle?

Once it's glued, you can frame your masterpiece. When looking at frames, you'll want to get one that has a 1/4- to 1/2-inch clearance on all sides. If you're going to use a standard-sized frame to show off your puzzle, simply pop off the back of the frame, and place the puzzle carefully inside. If you're cutting your own backing for a custom frame job, simply cut it the same size as your puzzle.

The 21 Best Jigsaw Puzzles of 2023

If you’re looking for something to do on the weekend or post-work to switch up your typical Netflix binge, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep you occupied for hours. A good puzzle will not only keep you occupied with its design but also with its level of difficulty.

We researched the best high-quality jigsaw puzzles for every age and difficulty level.

Here are the best puzzles on the market.

Our Top Picks

Mudpuppy Hot Dogs A-Z Jigsaw Puzzle at Amazon

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New York Puzzle Company The New Yorker Jigsaw Puzzle at Newyorkpuzzlecompany.com

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Princeton Architectural Press "In the Bookstore" at Barnesandnoble.com

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Charley Harper Tree of Life 500-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle at Charleyharper.com

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Liberty Puzzles Summer Geraniums 470-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle at Libertypuzzles.com

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Cavallini & Co. National Parks 1000 Piece Puzzle at Stocklistgoods.com

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Ravensburger Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Puzzle at Amazon

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eeBoo Votes For Women Puzzle at Amazon

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Uncommon Goods Geode Puzzle at Uncommon Goods

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L.L. Bean My Hometown Map Puzzle at L.L.Bean

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.2

Mudpuppy

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Pet lovers will swoon over this dog-themed jigsaw puzzle from Mudpuppy. All 1,000 pieces come together to display 26 dog breeds from Airedale to Zuchon with matching adorable illustrations.

Learn more about different breeds while assembling the furry friends illustrated by artist Carolyn Gavin. The classic 1,000-piece size makes this pick accessible to various ages, whether as a simple warm-up puzzle or a week-long challenge for beginners.

Price at time of publish: $15

New Yorker Cover puzzle day at the zoo design

New York Puzzle Company

View On Newyorkpuzzlecompany.com

This puzzle design is ideal for anyone who is obsessed with New York city or The New Yorker. While this cover art is titled "Day at the Zoo" and was originally published on July 29th, 1944, there are several cover designs to choose from that will delight any puzzle participant. The bright colors and detailed artwork make for a beautiful finish and challenging piece work.

Price at time of publish: $22

Barnes & Noble

View On Barnesandnoble.com

This "In the Bookstore" puzzle design by Princeton Architectural Press is the perfect gift for bookworms, writers, poets, or anyone who loves aimlessly browsing the shelves of a local bookshop. This print has tons of hidden literary references hidden among the depicted shelves, so while you're busy piecing it together, you can also enjoy finding characters and references to literary classics.

Price at time of publish: $17

Charley Harper

View On Charleyharper.com

Charley Harper, a modernist wildlife artist, was known for his geometric depictions of the animal kingdom. His work is now available in a variety of toy and game formats, including puzzles, and they all capture the vibrancy and unique perspective of his original serigraphs. This 500-piece "Tree of Life" jigsaw puzzle is filled with creatures from the ocean, sky, and land, and it is well constructed, so young minds can delight in this design just as much as veteran puzzle workers.

Price at time of publish: $19

Liberty Puzzles

View On Libertypuzzles.com

Liberty Puzzles aim to bring back the craftsmanship and intricacy of wooden puzzles for younger generations to enjoy. Each puzzle is crafted with unique puzzle piece shapes and bright colors. You can choose from several design collections, including the four seasons. This "Summer Geraniums" print captures the delicate detail of one of summer's most treasured blooms.

Price at time of publish: $115

Cavallini & Co

View On Stocklistgoods.com

Each Cavallini and Co. jigsaw puzzle comes in a 10-inch tube and has a muslin bag to keep all of your pieces together. These vintage-inspired prints include everything from books to bird species and sewing machines. We particularly love this National Parks design, which features vintage postcard designs from a variety of parks like Everglades National Park and Crater Lake.

Price at time of publish: $24

Harry Pottery Ravensburger 1000 piece puzzle

Amazon

View On Amazon

It can be difficult to find a puzzle that's oriented toward a child's unique interests. We love Ravensburger puzzles because they feature designs for both younger and older child audiences. Choose from unicorn and dinosaur designs or from Harry Potter, Scooby Doo, and other adolescent-focused themes. This high-quality puzzle is best for ages 14 and up, but younger minds could certainly join on the fun with adult supervision.

Price at time of publish: $30

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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Celebrate the women who fought for their right to vote, including Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Inez Milholland Boissevain, and more with this informational and inspirational 500-piece puzzle. Give it to any girl in your life regardless of age for a fun way to learn about the Nineteenth Amendment and all of the women who made it possible.

Price at time of publish: $20

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Uniquely shaped pieces made from birch plywood come together to make a beautiful geode. Choose from three colors for a slightly different puzzle ranging from 160 to 180 pieces, depending on the style. A computer-guided laser cutter shapes the puzzle pieces, so they are randomized and unique to their puzzle.

Price at time of publish: $65

L.L. Bean

View On L.L.Bean

Take pride in your hometown with this custom map puzzle from L.L. Bean. This map uses topographical data to display the terrain 7.5 miles east to west and 5 miles north to south of any address in the U.S. with your home represented by a special house-shaped piece.

Price at time of publish: $55

Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

View On Riflepaperco.com

This beautiful new 500-piece puzzle features one of Rifle Paper Co.’s signature floral prints. Once you’re done assembling the puzzle, you’re going to want to glue and frame it, adding a fresh and whimsical new piece of art to your gallery wall. You can also opt for another one of the five dreamy puzzles in this collection.

Price at time of publish: $34

Courtesy of Amazon

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If your Italian vacation was postponed, you can still take in the breathtaking sights of Positano, just from the comfort of your living room. Pour yourself a glass of Italian wine, make a fresh bowl of pasta, and transport yourself with these beautiful views of the coast. This 1,000-piece option is sure to pose a challenge, especially when trying to fit together each blue piece to complete the ocean.

Price at time of publish: $16

The 14 Best Board Games for Your Next Game Night

Courtesy of Food52

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This challenging puzzle has a lot of white space for a good challenge, and it features champagne glasses and shadows that create a beautiful scene. Pop open a bottle of champagne, make yourself a bowl of popcorn, and get ready to spend hours on this glamorous puzzle that shares its name with the equally glamorous Taylor Swift song.

Price at time of publish: $20

Courtesy of MoMA

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Switch up your puzzle game with this unique rounded design. With similar hues throughout the two circles, you’ll be left with hours of challenging fun trying to assemble the pieces. The image comes from the geometric painting Firuzabad by Frank Stella, which is featured in the Museum of Modern Art.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best Family Board Games of 2023 For All Ages

View On Areaware.com View On Comingsoonnewyork.com

These might be the coolest little puzzles ever. You can create a 70-something-piece cheese puff or maybe try piecing together a hot dog. You can buy each food separately or opt for bundles that feature different food groups with about six puzzles, making a perfect gift for foodies and puzzle lovers alike.

Price at time of publish: $15

Courtesy of Galison

View On Amazon View On Galison.com View On Jonathanadler.com

This jigsaw puzzle is the perfect housewarming or hostess present, but we won't judge if you decide to gift it to yourself. This bold puzzle features gold foil pressed puzzle pieces and is most definitely not your traditional puzzle. Not only is it luxe, but it's also shaped around the curves of the lips and smokestacks, making it even more fun and unique to assemble than a regular rectangular puzzle.

Price at time of publish: $26

The 26 Best Housewarming Gifts for New Spaces

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Sit back, take a deep breath, and get ready to tackle this challenging puzzle. Featuring 70 clear puzzle pieces, you’ll have to think spatially to figure out how each piece fits perfectly together based on its shape. If you get stuck, this puzzle comes with cheat sheets that offer increasing levels of assistance.

Price at time of publish: $19

Courtesy of Food52

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Warning: This jigsaw puzzle requires a lot of patience and strategy. The challenging puzzle features colors that blend into one another, leaving you with hours of fun assembling the pink- and yellow-toned puzzle pieces. The brand also sells other ombre hues, if you're looking for a cooler-toned challenge. Once completed, these puzzles make great modern decor pieces.

Price at time of publish: $25

Courtesy of Galison

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The intricate designs in this stunning jigsaw puzzle feature gold foil embellishments inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright that create a funky and modern design. The foil added to the famous image will help guide you as you work your way through the 1,054-piece puzzle, which will double as a hangable piece of art once completed.

Price at time of publish: $20

Courtesy of Made Jackson Hole

View On Madejacksonhole.com

Illustrated by Vienna-based artist Ana Popescu, this 282-piece puzzle features pretty pastel colors and groovy scenes of cars driving through an old-school neighborhood. The town was inspired by the architecture of Tim Burton’s 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, but the soothing colors, design, and low piece count make this a perfect choice for kids and adults alike.

Price at time of publish: $35

The 8 Best Canvas Prints for Wall Art That Stands Out

Courtesy of Gray Malin

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Gray Malin’s aerial photography is shot from a doorless helicopter, which creates stunning visual celebrations of life in repetition. This double-sided 500-piece puzzle features a wintery forest scene on one side and a bird's eye view of skiers gearing up to take off on the other for a two-in-one gift, perfect for a hostess or holiday gift.

Price at time of publish: $21

Number of Pieces

The number of pieces a puzzle has generally indicates how difficult it will be. For the most part, the fewer the pieces, the easier the puzzle is meant to be. Puzzles come in all different sizes, with the most common being 500- and 1,000-piece puzzles. There are puzzles with fewer pieces, and then there are some really tough ones with way more than 1,000 pieces. If you are new to puzzles, try one with fewer pieces before you jump into a giant one.

Difficulty

Although the number of pieces is a good indication of the difficulty of the puzzle, you also need to consider the design and how difficult it will be to put together. Some puzzles have really intricate designs with many pieces that look the same—these will prove to be the most tricky! Referring to age recommendations can be helpful when buying puzzles for kids.

Quality

Jigsaw puzzles are usually made from paperboard. Low-quality puzzles will be very thin and almost bendable, while higher quality puzzles are thicker, and the pieces will be easier to fit into each other. Wooden puzzles last longer, but they usually cost more.

FAQ

What is the best way to put a puzzle together?

Jigsaw puzzles can be put together any way you like! Choose a well-lit, flat surface to begin putting your puzzle together. Open the box, and sort through the pieces, flipping each one face up. Divide the pieces between edge and center pieces, setting aside the corner pieces as you find them. Begin with the edge of the puzzle, carefully fitting each piece together and incorporating the corner pieces. After you're finished with the edge, you're ready to tackle the center. Start with the clearest part of the design, and then work from there. Before you know it, you'll have a puzzle all put together.
Do you need a puzzle table to do puzzles?

No. You just need a flat surface that has room for sorting the puzzle pieces and assembling them. If you can't leave a puzzle out, consider getting a puzzle mat, which will allow you to move a puzzle without disturbing the pieces.
How do you preserve a puzzle?

The best way to preserve a puzzle is to glue it together with craft glue or using another puzzle-setting method that's on the market. Gluing and framing your puzzle will keep it looking great for years.
How do you glue a puzzle?

You can glue a puzzle to keep all the pieces together and display it in a frame. Cut a piece of parchment paper a bit larger than your finished puzzle, and lay it down on a flat surface. Place your puzzle on the parchment paper, colorful side up. Press each of the pieces firmly down. You can use a rolling pin to get them really pressed down. Use a craft glue like Mod Podge to glue the puzzle together. Following the manufacturer's instructions, spread a thin layer of glue over the surface. Let the surface dry completely before flipping the puzzle over and repeating the process on the backside. Let all the glue dry overnight before handling the puzzle.
How do you frame a puzzle?

Once it's glued, you can frame your masterpiece. When looking at frames, you'll want to get one that has a 1/4- to 1/2-inch clearance on all sides. If you're going to use a standard-sized frame to show off your puzzle, simply pop off the back of the frame, and place the puzzle carefully inside. If you're cutting your own backing for a custom frame job, simply cut it the same size as your puzzle.

Zoë Roscoe is a lifestyle writer who enjoys covering everything from home decor to top travel destinations. She covers home news for The Spruce and has also been published by Apartment Therapy, Lonny, and Parade. Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer and assistant editor at The Spruce, provided additional research for this article. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, refreshed this roundup with new puzzle designs and product selections.