Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by JigsawPuzzleGuru
If you’re a puzzle lover you have completed a jigsaw puzzle. Once that puzzle is worked it becomes a “used jigsaw.” With the recent spike in the popularity of puzzles, there is an abundance of used jigsaws out there. The question is: What do you do with your worked puzzles? Moreover, are other’s worked puzzles valuable to me? In this article, we will talk about what you can do with your used jigsaw puzzles and where you can find them for yourself.
Table of Contents
Uses
As long as a puzzle is in good condition and not missing any pieces, it still retains great value. Nothing prevents a used puzzle from being worked multiple times. However, the more times it is worked, the more likely there is to be a breakdown in the puzzle materials and images that makes it more difficult to complete. There are three things that you can do with your already-worked-puzzles that put them to good use.
- You can donate the puzzles to nursing homes and other elder care facilities. Working jigsaw puzzles is not only a favorite activity of that demographic, but it provides many health and cognitive benefits as well. In addition, other elder care organizations may enjoy them. Volunteer fire departments are another option.
- You can participate in a jigsaw puzzle exchange or swap. To read more about this visit our recent article about bartering for puzzles with puzzles. This is a very cost-effective way to recycle the use of a puzzle for many others. It can be either free or cheaper than buying new puzzles all the time. Be aware, there is an expected etiquette that goes along with this activity.
- You can buy used jigsaws at a cost-effective price in several different locations. Keep reading!
Where to find them?
Used jigsaws are one of the most commonly sold products at garage sales. You can also find them in thrift stores. In this section, we will go over some of the places where you can find used jigsaws.
Garage/Backyard Sales
Garage and Backyard sales are probably the best places to buy used jigsaws. In most cases, people who sell them have solved them and then put them on a shelf or stored them in a dark box in their garage. The price is usually very low and you can get pretty good deals from here. One thing to look out for is damaged or lost pieces. If you can, go ahead and ask the seller about the quality before you buy. However, there is no guarantee.
Thrift Stores
Another excellent place for buying used jigsaws is thrift stores. In thrift stores, the price is usually slightly higher than garage sales, but the probability of lost or bent pieces is also lower as the staff in the stores check the products when they receive them. You could get some great deals here as well.
Puzzle Swaps
The puzzle swap/exchange community is one of the puzzlers’ best-kept secrets. There is a vast network of people trading puzzles all the time. This approach is better if you’re looking for a particular used jigsaw. Keep in mind that you can’t buy these puzzles. You need to trade them for one of equal value. If you want to learn more about puzzle swapping, check out our article about it HERE. Puzzle swaps/exchanges are the most reliable place to get complete, good-quality puzzles.
Ebay
If you are looking for a very particular puzzle, Ebay may be a great option for you. This popular website has a generous list of “pre-owned” puzzles available. In addition, you can seek out some lesser-known vintage jigsaw puzzles. Unfortunately, many of the prices including shipping may be prohibitive for many people. Regardless, it is an option and utilized by many die-hard puzzle fans.
The Downside
Just like buying any other used product, used jigsaws also have some things to look out for when you’re making a purchase or trading. If you ever happen to buy a used jigsaw puzzle, you have to keep in mind that you’re acquiring a used product at the end of the day. As with all used products, used jigsaws sometimes can be damaged when you buy them. The pieces can be broken, bent, or discolored. Your job as a puzzler is to try to buy or exchange a puzzle in good condition.
The greatest downside to acquiring used jigsaw puzzles is the fabled missing piece/pieces. Nothing will irritate puzzlers more than diligently working on a beautiful puzzle for hours only for there to be one or more blank spaces on the image. There is never any guarantee that it won’t happen…even with brand new puzzles. Surprisingly this downside doesn’t seem to be deterring many puzzle lovers.
Benefits
Used jigsaw puzzles offer many benefits. The first, of course, is the discounted price. Many of these puzzles can generally be bought for 50 cents to 5 dollars. If you work on several puzzles each year, this could be a significant cost saving to you. Second, it is eco-friendly. Instead of tossing a worked puzzle in the trash, you can sell, trade, or donate it. This reduces waste and helps the planet. Finally, it gives you access to more puzzles! Likewise, it might put some unique and vintage puzzles before you. This simply makes puzzling more fun.
Conclusion
Because the price of used jigsaws is free or significantly reduced, there is very little risk to getting one and working it. We encourage you to get out there, find some treasures, and work them to your heart’s content. Don’t forget! When you are finished with your puzzles, utilize them to find even more puzzles and bring joy to others.
Keep puzzling!