What is a Jigsaw Puzzle?
A jigsaw puzzle is an entertaining board game where an image is split into small interlocking pieces. The pieces are all separated in the beginning and the objective is to connect all the pieces together to form the whole picture.
It’s a game loved by all ages as it offers a blend of creativity, fun, and mental exercise.
But you might be asking where this game originated from?
Well today, we’re going to explore the history of jigsaw puzzles, their rise to game and look at some of the most iconic puzzles.
The Birth of Jigsaw Puzzles
The story of the jigsaw puzzle begins in the 1760s with John Spilsbury, a London cartographer and engraver.
Spilsbury created the first jigsaw puzzle as an educational tool to teach geography. He pasted a map onto a wooden board and carefully cut out each country using a saw. The students were then instructed to piece them back together.
These "dissected maps," as they were called, became an instant hit among children and educators.
Now the first ever prototypes, where made on wooden boards, something that might not be as convenient and easy to use as cardboard ones today.
It wasn’t until around 1880s when cardboard puzzles started coming about, but even then it was slow to replace their wooden counter parts as cardboard puzzles at the time were perceived as lower quality and low profit margin.
It was also around this time that different cutting tools where used such as the fretsaw and jigsaw which enable tight turns in cutting. Eventually the name jigsaw puzzle stuck and this can be dated as far back as 1906.
Jigsaw Puzzles Gain Popularity
While jigsaw puzzles were appreciated in the 19th century, their rise to fame came much later, during the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Due to the widespread economic hardship at the time, a jigsaw puzzle offered a alternative form of home entertainment.
Spending hours on a single game and being able to play as family, it provided joy and a sense of accomplishment during a difficult time.
Just to put into perspective how popular it became then, here are some statistics.
During this time:
- 10 million puzzles were being sold per week in the United States.
- Libraries and drugstores began renting puzzles for just a few cents per night.
- Companies even started offering advertising puzzles, turning branded imagery into engaging challenges for potential customers.
In comparison, during covid, major jigsaw puzzle brands like Ravensburger, sold around 20 million puzzles worldwide alone in 2020.
This golden age marked the transition of puzzles from a niche luxury to a beloved pastime for the masses.
Iconic and Popular Jigsaw Puzzles
Across generations, certain puzzles have stood out as iconic or revolutionary. Here are a few that have made history and captured global attention:
- Ravensburger – Memorable Disney Moments
Ravensburger is a legendary name in the puzzle world, known for its high-quality pieces. Their 40,320-piece puzzle "Memorable Disney Moments" is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest jigsaw puzzle in the world, both in size and piece count. - Kodak – World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle
Kodak introduced a 51,300-piece puzzle, creating an enormous 28.5 x 6.25-feet artwork when completed. This puzzle features stunning imagery tied to the world’s most famous landmarks. - Par Puzzles – The Rolls Royce of Puzzles
Created during the Great Depression, Par Puzzles were deliberately challenging and customized for affluent clientele, including movie stars and royalty. They boasted irregular edges and hidden pieces with playful, misleading titles that remain legendary. - Stave Puzzles – Luxury Hand-Cut Craftsmanship
Stave Puzzles have carried the torch for premium wooden puzzles, blending old-world craftsmanship with innovative designs. Known for their trick puzzles that fit together in multiple incorrect ways, Stave offers a uniquely challenging experience for enthusiasts.
Different Types of Jigsaw Puzzles
While you might think that there is not more improvement or innovation left for this timeless great game, you will be surprised to see how its evolved today. Lets take a look at 3 distinct types of jigsaw puzzle.
- 3D Jigsaw puzzles
Turning the 2D game into 3D adds a whole new dimension challenging players spatial reasoning and puzzle solving skills.
Often these puzzles are famous landmarks, fictional objects such as the Eiffel Tower or Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle.
- Digital Jigsaw Puzzles
With technology becoming an integral part of entertainment, jigsaw puzzles have found a new home in the digital realm.
Platforms and apps like “Jigsaw Explorer” or puzzle games available on tablets and smartphones allow players to enjoy puzzling without the physical mess or space requirements.
Without the physical limitations, players can configure a puzzles pieces number, difficulty and image before every game.
- Custom Jigsaw puzzles
Although there is no new dynamic to the game for custom jigsaw puzzle but being able to upload a touching and personal photos can offer a deep connection.
Many manufacturers and online stores offer a service for people to upload a family or pet portrait even their own artwork.
These cater to a different audience as the puzzle cater perfectly to special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries, making the process of completing the puzzle even more engaging and memorable.
Tips for Beginners
If you're new to jigsaw puzzles, don’t worry! Here are some simple tips to get started:
- Start Small: Choose a puzzle with fewer pieces to build confidence.
- Sort and Organize: Separate edge pieces first and group others by color or pattern.
- Work in Sections: Focus on one area at a time to make the process more manageable.
- Stay Patient: Puzzles are meant to be a fun challenge, so don’t rush. Enjoy the process!
Interesting Facts About Jigsaw Puzzles
- The world’s largest jigsaw puzzle, as of today, holds over 500,000 pieces!
- During lockdowns, puzzles became so popular that manufacturers reported stock shortages.
- Puzzles have cultural significance, appearing in art galleries and films as metaphors for life’s complexities.
Want more trivia? Many puzzle companies and fan communities share fun facts and records online.
Where to Buy or Customize Jigsaw Puzzles
When it comes to buying or customizing jigsaw puzzles, QPMN is an excellent choice. Take a look at this jigsaw puzzle page to explore a wide range of sizes for you to personalize. Whether you're a casual puzzler or planning a large-scale project, QPMN offers flexibility and value.
One of our standout features is the adaptive bulk order discount. This innovative feature allows customers to consolidate unlimited orders from multiple locations and different times, as long as the specifications remain the same.
By grouping these orders together, you can achieve a much higher volume bulk discount, reducing overall costs significantly.
This is especially beneficial for businesses, organizations, or puzzle enthusiasts looking to create custom designs to sell. Whether you're ordering personalized puzzles for corporate giveaways, retail products, or special events, QPMN’s bulk order discount simplifies the process and maximizes your savings.
Choosing QPMN not only means access to quality puzzles but also better value for money when you plan ahead and make the most of their adaptive discount system.
Final Thoughts
Jigsaw puzzles are much more than a leisure activity; they are tools of education, artistry, and mental escape that have evolved with our times.
From their humble beginnings as geography lessons to the massive, intricate puzzles of today, they offer lasting appeal and timeless fun.
Whether you’re a casual puzzler or a seasoned enthusiast, the world of jigsaw puzzles holds something for everyone. Why not start your next puzzle adventure today?