How to Pick the Perfect Puzzle Gift!

It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday gifting — especially in the puzzle world! (I know, I know — Christmas feels far away, but as a retailer, we’re already in holiday mode.) Whether you’re shopping for a dedicated puzzler or just looking for a unique gift idea, puzzles and puzzle-inspired items can make thoughtful, memorable presents. The trick is knowing how to choose the right one.

Here are some tips and ideas to guide you:

To get it right, I’ve learned to pay attention to what puzzlers share on their social media. Personally, I’ve been gifted many puzzles over the years—some that I absolutely loved, and others that honestly felt like a bit of a chore to finish. Just because an image is gorgeous doesn’t always mean it makes for a fun puzzle, at least not for me. Every puzzler has different tastes and comfort zones, so what feels like a “dream puzzle” to one person can be the exact opposite for someone else. Checking out their posts, favorites, or even wishlists online can give you great clues about what they’ll truly enjoy, making your gift feel much more thoughtful.

Do they go for bright, colorful collages, serene landscapes, tricky patterns, or nostalgic artwork? Below I've shared a few posts from my own social media. From this, you can see I like brands like Niche puzzle brands such as Magnolia, Nathan, and Pomegranate. I also like brightly colored illustrations. If they don't share their puzzles online, its also okay to ask to what type they like or if there are brands they are interested in trying. 

Check out our Trending on Socials page for popular puzzles from our ambassadors!

Notice piece counts — some puzzlers love 300–500 pieces for quick builds, while others prefer 1,000+ for a longer challenge.

Use our Themes page — with over 11,000 puzzles, narrowing by category (nature, travel, food, etc.) makes finding the right fit a lot easier.

When it comes to gifting puzzles, you can never go wrong with a high-quality brand. These are the puzzles that seasoned puzzlers return to again and again because they’ve been tested, loved, and proven to deliver a satisfying experience. They often feature precision-cut pieces, sturdy materials, and artwork that feels special from the moment you open the box. Many of these brands are considered “wishlist” items—sometimes outside of everyday budgets—which makes receiving one as a gift feel extra meaningful. There’s something wonderful about knowing the puzzle you’ve unwrapped will not only look beautiful but also perform flawlessly, turning the entire puzzling session into a joyful and memorable experience.

Need some suggestions? Ravensburger, White Mountain, and Cobble Hill are long-time favorites that most puzzlers love. For something fresh, try newer niche brands like Magnolia, Happily, or Holiyay. (Fun tip: Happily’s “Decades” puzzles are a hit across all skill levels and make fantastic nostalgic gifts.) Also if they like puzzles that have beautiful licensed artwork, GoodWay, Pomegranate, & 

Puzzle Accessories: If choosing the perfect image feels overwhelming, try thinking outside the box and focus on what really delights puzzlers. One of the most surprising results from a poll I did around Christmas was that the top-requested gifts weren’t puzzles at all—they were puzzle accessories! Sorting trays, puzzle boards, and even box-top holders topped the list. These tools make puzzling smoother and more enjoyable, and they’re often things puzzlers might not splurge on for themselves. 

The Gift of Time: Instead of gifting an item, consider giving the gift of shared time: bring over a puzzle you already love, add cozy snacks and drinks, and make the experience itself the present. Sometimes the best puzzle gift isn’t another box for the shelf, but the joy of puzzling together.

Subscriptions: Our Puzzle of the Month Club is a gift that keeps on giving — two puzzles every other month, with swap options if the style isn’t quite right. This is a great option if you want to gift them something, but don't know what style to get! 

Chosen by our staff, we work hard to find a puzzle for each month of the year that is new, exciting and challenging. Based on the difficulty level you prefer: 300, 500 or 1000 pieces.

Sometimes the most memorable gifts are a little outside the box:

• Wooden puzzles: These luxe, beautifully cut puzzles feel completely different — a special treat many puzzlers haven’t tried yet. Wooden puzzles have unique pieces and the experience is different than cardboard. A great option would be a Puzzle tins from Victory. These little gifts are around $20 and are a fun, petite gift option that still packs in an incredible puzzling experience. Below is Micro Dramas which had whimsie pieces in the shape of butterflies!

• 3D puzzles: From castles and houses to cars and shoes, these builds double as display pieces once finished. They’re fun for puzzlers and non-puzzlers alike! I did the VW Bus puzzle from Ravensburger and it's still a hit on my puzzle shelves. I liked this one cause it had traditional piece shapes and it is such a conversation starter when people see it on display.

Final Thought
Whether you’re gifting to a seasoned puzzler, a new hobbyist, or just someone who loves a thoughtful challenge, puzzles and puzzle-inspired gifts are a surefire way to bring joy. With so many options, you can make your present feel as personal and unique. What is something that is on your puzzle wishlist?