What Tools and Accessories Will Actually Help?

One of the questions I get asked a lot is: do I really need all those puzzle accessories? And the answer is no — you don’t need them all — but some tools can definitely make puzzling more enjoyable, especially if you're doing bigger puzzles or have limited space. You can shop all of our puzzle accessories on this page.

Sorting Trays

Sorting trays might be my most-used puzzle accessory — and honestly, my top recommendation if you're only going to get one thing. They were also the most requested puzzle gift idea in a survey I did! You can use them to sort edge pieces, group by color or shape, or just store loose pieces while you work. If you're puzzling on a shared table or need to protect pieces from kids or pets, these trays are super easy to pick up and tuck out of the way when you're not using them.

Puzzle Mats & Roll-Ups

If you’ve ever had to clear off a puzzle mid-progress to make room for dinner (or a curious pet), a roll-up puzzle mat is a game changer. You just roll the felt mat around a cylinder and store your puzzle safely until you're ready to come back. Just make sure it’s rolled tight enough that pieces don’t shift around.

Puzzle Boards & Tabletop Setups

If you don’t have a dedicated puzzle table, a puzzle board can save your back and your puzzle. These sturdy, portable surfaces can be moved from room to room, and some even come with built-in drawers for sorting. A few brands even make ones that tilt for better ergonomics.

Box Stand

If you've ever knocked your box top off the table mid-puzzle, (Or in my case always forgetting where I've placed it) you know how useful a box stand can be. These simple stands hold your puzzle image upright and steady, so you're not constantly craning your neck or shifting it around. They’re especially helpful during speed puzzling — you always know exactly where the image is, and it stays in place, out of the way, and easy to glance at while you work.

Lighting Matters

Okay, this one isn’t technically a puzzle “tool,” but good lighting makes a huge difference. Natural light is best, but if you puzzle at night like I do, consider a bright desk lamp or one with magnification for smaller details. Bonus points if it reduces glare!

DIY Setups Work Too

When I first got into puzzling, all I had was a kitchen table, the puzzle box, and something to prop the box top up. That was it. And honestly, it worked just fine. Over time — especially with running my channel — I’ve picked up different accessories that make puzzling easier and more efficient, but none of them are required. Don’t let lack of gear stop you — use what you’ve got and grow your setup when you’re ready.

Do You Need All of This?

Definitely not. I always tell new puzzlers to start simple. A table and some good lighting go a long way. If you puzzle often or love working on bigger pieces, adding a few tools over time can really help. But at the end of the day, all you really need is the puzzle and a little space to get started.

Have a favorite puzzle accessory you swear by — or a creative DIY hack? I’d love to hear about it!