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Listed below are some NBC Select staff-favorites alongside expert-recommended picks and top-rated bestsellers.
This brand comes recommended by NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown for its stunning imagery. Each Piecework puzzle features original artwork representing a different theme and has random, ribbon-cut pieces for an added challenge, according to the brand. With this double-sided puzzle, you get two different candy-centric designs in one box, with one glossy and one matte so you can easily tell them apart. Many options also come with corresponding playlists to help you create the perfect mood and atmosphere while puzzling.
This option from Jane Mount’s Bibliophile series perfectly blends my love of books with my love of puzzles. It features colorful artwork of over 65 banned books, along with a reading checklist and information on libraries and literary bans. I love that this puzzle reminded me of older reads from school, like To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies, while also introducing me to a whole slew of new, potential reads.
Schneider loves gifting these miniature puzzles — they’re perfect for short breaks or beginner puzzlers, as they can be finished in 20 minutes or less, according to the brand. Each puzzle is also designed to resemble a different food, with options including a cupcake, french fries, a New York slice and more.
Brown recommends this puzzle set from Galison as a great option for those with limited space who may not be able to keep a bigger puzzle out to work on over time. It includes seven 70-piece puzzles, each of which has a design featuring colorful artwork by artist Jessica Poundstone. “You can finish one in a day and the colors are so pretty/calming,” says Brown. The pieces are thick and sturdy, and come in a singular storage box that fits all seven puzzles.
NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson recommends these gorgeous puzzles. She loves the artwork and has been tempted to frame a few of them. Apostrophe Puzzles is woman-owned and made with eco-friendly materials.
Jiggy’s puzzles feature beautiful artwork uniquely designed by a woman artist who receives a portion of every sale, according to the brand. Each puzzle also comes with a reusable glass jar, glue and a straight-edge tool included to help with preservation, something that NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin especially loves. “It’s so rewarding to be able to do the puzzle and then save it forever,” she says.
Another of Schneider’s favorite puzzle brands, Le Puzz specializes in random-cut puzzle pieces, meaning that each piece has a unique shape, according to Le Puzz. The pieces are also extra-thick to help prevent the puzzle from coming apart (every puzzler’s worst nightmare). Each puzzle also comes with a reusable, resealable bag for storing the pieces and a bonus, double-sided poster of the puzzle’s image.
Williams loves the imaginative cutting designs and figure pieces of wooden puzzles. Brown recommends this 3D puzzle, which doubles as a mechanical wall clock — “I spotted this in my sister’s apartment a few years ago and immediately thought, ‘I need!’” she says. “It requires focus and dedication to complete, but the finished product is worth the work. Plus, you’ll never lose track of time.”
I received this round puzzle as a gift about three years ago, and to this day, it’s still one of the most difficult I’ve ever tried. It’s a portrait image with a ton of similarly-colored pieces for added difficulty, but the result is well worth it. Even in the box, it’s an eye-catching decor piece that I’m constantly fielding questions and compliments about from guests. It also makes for a pleasantly challenging game night with friends.
All puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company feature intricate original artwork and come with a fun, rewarding twist — upon completion, each puzzle does a visual illusion magic trick, according to the brand. Each design is also packed with over 50 hidden easter eggs (along with a list in the box to help you keep track of them), and comes with two art posters, making it easier for groups to solve together. I love the storylines behind each puzzle and how the surprise trick weaves into the plot — it makes building the puzzle feel like you’re solving a mystery.
Gradient-style puzzles are a fun and engaging way to unwind, and this one from Areaware makes a great holiday gift. The design is meant to inspire meditation on color, and the chipboard is extra-thick to prevent damage from repeated use. It’s also available in a teal, blue, and purple color combo and 500- and 100-piece versions.
NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez is a big Studio Ghibli fan, so she loves these puzzles featuring characters from her favorite Ghibli films. Ensky specializes in Japanese animation puzzles, according to the brand, and in addition to Kiki’s Delivery Service, it also offers puzzles from other Studio Ghibli movies, such as My Neighbor Totoro, and popular Japanese franchises like Pokemon and Demon Slayer.
This beautifully illustrated puzzle by Galison features a warm, cozy fall theme that lets you enjoy the chilly weather without ever having to step outside. It has thick-cut cardboard pieces to prevent damage in the long-run, and is also made from recycled paper, according to the brand. Each puzzle comes with an insert of the full image for reference, and Galison offers year-round seasonal designs, including puzzles themed for winter, spring and summer.
Shopping is probably the easiest part of the process when it comes to puzzles. However, if you’re as indecisive as me, the huge assortment of styles and designs available can be a bit overwhelming. To help you narrow your search, we got some expert tips on finding the best puzzle for you.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently.
I am an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select who regularly covers skin care, body care, wellness, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a puzzle historian for guidance on what to look for when shopping for adult puzzles, and consulted NBC Select staffers for their shopping recommendations.
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