Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by JigsawPuzzleGuru
In this article, we’re looking at the top 10 premium puzzle companies around the world.
The puzzle industry is enormous, and in 2019 it was valued on ktvn.com at $689.2 million. Today, it is expected to keep growing to reach $765.8 million by the end of 2026, growing at an annual rate of about 1.5 percent. That’s better than the growth of some nations’ GDP. So who are the most prominent players in this marketplace? Is it a monopoly controlled chiefly by one ruthless band of high-IQ tricksters? Or are there many competing interests?
Table of Contents
1. Buffalo Games
- Claim the #1 spot in jigsaw puzzle manufacturing in North America
- Features signature Perfect Snap ™ technology
- Buffalo Games manufactures its puzzles in the USA, specifically in Buffalo, New York.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, as the name suggests, Buffalo Games is based in Buffalo, New York. Their puzzle selection ranges from 100 to 2000 pieces and is therefore suitable for all ages. Besides puzzles, they also produce board games, card games, family games, and even games of skill and dexterity.
Their business model is also interesting because besides selling jigsaws under their brand, they also run a subscription service so serial puzzlers can receive a new delivery every month of the most popular puzzles entering their selection. Subscriptions are based on puzzle pieces, so advanced puzzlers can apply for a 2,000-piece puzzle every month, but there are also 6-month subscriptions for 300- or 500-piece puzzles for youngsters to try. Prices range from $117 per month to $198 per month.
2. Springbok
- Springbok puzzles are manufactured exclusively in the U.S.A
- Uses above average thickness for the puzzle board
- Known for high quality since 1963
Springbok was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. It began as a family business by Robert and Katie Lewin, who were inspired by some circular puzzles made by Waddington that they’d brought back for their children from a trip to London. From the unique, handcrafted puzzles of the Lewin’s home to one of the largest jigsaw concerns in the United States, Springbok continues to delight.
They offer up to 2,000-piece puzzles, but you can explore their vast selection by theme or by category. Perhaps the most interesting is the Alzheimer’s puzzle category, a percentage of the profits from which go to finding cures and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The puzzles are also uniquely designed to benefit those who have Alzheimer’s, a therapeutic escape cognitive exercise that many believe helps slow the progress of the disease.
3. New York Puzzle Company
- Report their puzzles are printed, cut, and boxed in the United States
- Uses recyclable and biodegradable materials for their puzzles and packaging
- Offer custom puzzles for any store or institution
The New York Puzzle Company creates puzzles and gifts inspired by the hometown of the company, the Big Apple of New York City, and other themed puzzles that reflect a more international and intellectual vibe. For example, you can get pictures inspired by covers of The New Yorker, the sights and sounds of New York City, or a cover of National Geographic, and many more categories. They offer puzzles from 20 pieces for children up to 2,000 pieces.
4. MasterPieces
- In business for over 25 years
- Offer Large EZGrip puzzles in 300-1000 pieces
- Has helped donate toys to millions of kids worldwide
MasterPieces is a one-stop online shop for all things related to puzzles. They offer puzzles, games, DIY crafts, and more. They also quite generously provide free shipping on all orders over $50 and offer 20% off your first order when you sign up with your email.
Notable puzzles in their selection include the kid-friendly “Town & Country” series of 300-piece puzzles. The 1000-piece “Inspirational” range is designed to inspire faith and hope as you form some of the most moving art you’ll ever see in jigsaw puzzles.
5. Cobble Hill
- Puzzles are manufactured internationally, including in the USA and European countries.
- Established in 2005
- Offers an “Easy Handling” line of 275-piece puzzles for seniors and children
Cobble Hill ships to both the US and Canada but is based in British Columbia, Canada. Among their best sellers are the 2000-piece Rainbow puzzle and the 1000-piece Lakeside Cabin featuring a family of golden retrievers enjoying a fireside together. These are but two of hundreds of puzzles the company has in stock. They have puzzles that can appeal more to the old-world charm of yesteryear but also some great modern and contemporary pieces to brighten up your puzzle space.
6. Eurographics
- Eurographics puzzles are manufactured in Europe, primarily in Germany
- Has partnered up with One Tree Planted to help the environment by planting trees
- Offers a new line of puzzles in collectible tins
Another Canadian outfit, founded in 1987, Eurographics, has a highly eclectic and colorful selection in its range. Those with a sweet tooth might enjoy completing 1000-piece puzzles: Donut Party, Cupcake Party, Popsicle Rainbow, Cookie Party, and many more.
Other categories include world cities, vintage tea sets, yoga dogs and cats, panoramic puzzles, and many more. They even have the rather fetching VW tins with puzzles category that features a fun puzzle of 550 pieces you can complete, frame, and mount, and then keep the tin as a unique household storage item.
Eurographics has also become known for its attention to eco-friendliness, using only recyclable raw materials and sustainable practices. They’re also big supporters of the Canadian charity One Tree Planted.
7. Gibsons
- Launched first jigsaw puzzles in 1986
- Gibsons puzzles are manufactured in the UK
- Certified B Corporation in November 2023
Gibsons Games is a UK-based company headquartered in the picturesque southern county of Surrey, just southwest of London. They create jigsaw puzzles, games, and playing cards aimed at individuals and families who love nothing more than staying at home and finishing puzzles. They make their puzzles in the UK from recycled puzzle boards for added eco-friendliness. Though they’re based in the UK, they also offer worldwide shipping.
Many of their bigger puzzles are 1,000 pieces, but they also have some unique categories, such as their extra-large piece jigsaw puzzles for adults. These feature intricate scenes in 500 pieces, but the pieces are larger than usual. Fans of the brand know they have to order quickly because stocks are limited, and many puzzles sell out fast.
8. Ravensburger
- Ravensburger puzzles are manufactured in Germany, although they also have production facilities in other countries, including the USA.
- Offer the world’s-largest 40,320 piece puzzle
- Claim making puzzles since 1891 in Ravensburg, Germany
At Ravensburger, you’ll find puzzles ranging from simple 100-piece items all the way up to 9000-piece monsters and beyond! Try your hand at the Bombardment of Algiers (9000) or Underwater Paradise (9000) for a big challenge. If those aren’t enough, how about doubling it and doing Paradise Sunset or Castle Through the Seasons, both of which number 18,000 pieces.
The website allows you to search through by format, piece numbers, age suitability, and more, and they also produce 3D puzzles, games, and science kits. In addition, their own-brand GraviTrax track systems provide kids (and big-kid adults) with great model construction projects that are designed to teach about the effects of gravity.
9. Heye
- Heye puzzles are manufactured in Germany
- Founded in 1962 by Friedrich Wilhelm Heye
- Specializing in modern and artistic puzzles
Heye is a German puzzle maker specializing in modern, unique, and artistic jigsaw puzzles. They often use fine art as the inspiration and offer puzzles up to 6000 words in total. Fans of fantasy and animation will adore the categories covering those with dream-like images that spark the imagination and inspire the soul.
10. White Mountain Puzzles
- White Mountain Puzzles are manufactured in the USA
- Founded in 1978
- Manufacture the largest 1000-piece puzzles measuring 24″ x 30″
White Mountain is another American outfit known for its mashup jigsaw puzzles, which feature many symbolic, colorful, and meaningful images that help depict specific periods or other themes. It could be “I Love Music” or “Back in the Day,” for example, and each is a collage or mashup of that theme, lovingly and precisely put together to create an inspirational montage to put together yourself or with friends and family. It’s a great way to get nostalgic with your fellow peers!
Conclusion
There are many other companies that produce premium puzzles. We encourage you to try them all until you find your favorite. Hopefully, this helps you in your quest!
