Move Over, Coloring Books — Jigsaw Puzzles Are the Next Self-Care Trend
From diving into beautifully intricate coloring books to playing with slime, we love turning back to entertainment from our youth to help relieve stress and anxiety in adulthood. Engaging with something tactile is a hands-on way to unwind and relax. It's wellness at its finest — and most creative. And with an even bigger focus on all things wellness right now, we've rediscovered an appreciation for another self-care activity this year: solving a jigsaw puzzle.
There's just something about fitting together puzzle pieces that feels both wonderfully productive and meditative at the same time. It's challenging but calming and can be enjoyed in solitude or together with your partner, roommates, or family. The best part is that there are plenty of adult-friendly options available for all sorts of interests and aesthetics. If you're ready to hop on the next wellness trend, keep reading for our favorite puzzle picks.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Women's March Puzzle
This Women's March Puzzle ($20) will take you a bit of time, but the results will be so worth it.
Gift Boutique Areaware Cupcake Little Puzzle Thing
How cute is this Gift Boutique Areaware Cupcake Little Puzzle Thing ($15)?
Printworks Dawn Puzzle
This Printworks Dawn Puzzle ($28) is both engaging and gorgeous.
Gray Malin Double-Sided Beach Puzzle
We're very into this Gray Malin Double-Sided Beach Puzzle ($25) because it's like two puzzles in one!
Gift Boutique Areaware Large Gradient Puzzle
This Gift Boutique Areaware Large Gradient Puzzle ($35) is kind of awesome.
Gift Boutique Magda Archer Happy Everything Jigsaw Puzzle
This Gift Boutique Magda Archer Happy Everything Jigsaw Puzzle ($9, originally $30) is positively adorable.
Printworks Night Sky Puzzle
We've never seen a puzzle quite like this Printworks Night Sky Puzzle ($28).
Galison Succulent Garden 1000Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
You don't need a green thumb to enjoy this thriving succulent garden! This Galison Succulent Garden 1000Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($16) is double-sided, with both sides featuring beautiful plant photography of different scales.
Cat Lovers 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Whether you're already a cat connoisseur or a just a casual enthusiast, this Cat Lovers 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($19) is fun and educational, showcasing illustrations of 54 different cat breeds and their characteristics.
Hokusai Great Wave Puzzle
Hokusai's The Great Wave is one of the most iconic prints in Japanese art, and now you can re-create it at home with the Hokusai Great Wave Puzzle ($20) version.
Geode Puzzle
If you really want a challenge, try this highly reviewed Geode Puzzle ($65), which aligns using intricate laser-cut wooden pieces rather than the traditional cardboard jigsaw kind. How's that for cutting edge?
1000 Colors Puzzle
Intended to be "therapeutic," one artist created this popular 1000 Colors Puzzle ($48), in which every single jigsaw piece represents a different hue. Therapeutic or not, this will definitely put your chromatic abilities to the test.
Jim Golden Barrettes - 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
You've never seen an accessories collection like this before! This Jim Golden Barrettes - 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($22) features an impressive slew of hair barrettes arranged in an eye-catching rainbow gradient that makes for quite the challenging puzzle.
Piecework Champagne Problems 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Have your bubbly, and solve it too with this Piecework Champagne Problems 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle ($26). With a rainbow of champagne and maze of flutes, one thing's for sure: this puzzle's got class.