Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by JigsawPuzzleGuru
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Top Stores and Online Options for Puzzle Enthusiasts
Jigsaw puzzles are a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages for their ability to combine leisure with mental stimulation. Whether it’s a 1000-piece masterpiece of a sprawling landscape or a 100-piece depiction of a favorite cartoon character, jigsaws offer a satisfying challenge that culminates in a beautiful image. For enthusiasts looking to purchase new puzzles, there are numerous options available where to buy jigsaws. Both online and brick-and-mortar stores offer a wide range of jigsaws that cater to different skill levels and preferences.
Retailers
Retailers such as big box shops, specialty toy stores, and hobby outlets often have a selection of jigsaw puzzles. In addition, local bookstores also carry a limited supply of higher-quality jigsaw puzzles. These stores typically provide a variety of choices for different age groups and tastes. If you want a certain availability of puzzles, the box stores are your best option. If you are looking for more high-end puzzles, toy stores and hobby outlets are probably better choices.
Online
For a more extensive selection, online marketplaces and dedicated puzzle websites are ideal places to find an expansive array of jigsaw puzzles. Here, one can compare prices, designs, and difficulty levels with ease, making the shopping experience more convenient and tailored to individual needs.
Manufacturers
Apart from general retailers, some puzzle fans might prefer purchasing directly from their favorite jigsaw puzzle manufacturer. These manufacturers often have exclusive designs and may offer customizable options where shoppers can turn personal photos into custom jigsaw puzzles. With these avenues in mind, individuals have abundant choices when it comes to finding the perfect jigsaw puzzle to add to their collection.
Buffalo Games
Link – Buffalo Games Online Store
Known for a wide range of puzzle themes and piece counts, including puzzles for all ages and skill levels.
Springbok
Link – Springbok Online Store
Renowned for their high-quality, uniquely shaped pieces and vibrant artwork, offering puzzles for adults and children.
MasterPieces
Link – MasterPieces Online Store
Specializing in puzzles with licensed artwork and themes, including brands like MLB, NFL, Hershey’s, and more.
White Mountain Puzzles
Link – White Mountain Puzzles Online Store
Offers a diverse range of puzzles featuring nostalgic and Americana themes, including collages and mashup designs.
Cobble Hill
Link – Cobble Hill Online Store
Known for their high-quality puzzles with whimsical and family-friendly artwork, offering puzzles for all ages.
Bits and Pieces
Link – Bits and Pieces Online Store
Offers a wide selection of puzzles, including jigsaws, brain teasers, and 3D puzzles, with various themes and difficulty levels.
Galison/Mudpuppy
Link – Galison Online Store / Mudpuppy Online Store
Known for their stylish and contemporary puzzle designs, including collaborations with artists and illustrators.
Ceaco
Link – Ceaco Online Store
Offers a wide variety of puzzles, including licensed artwork, fantasy themes, and glow-in-the-dark puzzles.
SunsOut
Link – SunsOut Online Store
Specializes in puzzles with eco-friendly materials and irregular puzzle piece shapes, offering a unique puzzling experience.
Dowdle Folk Art
Link – Dowdle Folk Art Online Store
Features puzzles with folk art-inspired designs depicting cities, landmarks, and cultural scenes from around the world.
Ravensburger
Link – Ravensburger Online Store
Renowned for their wide range of puzzle sizes and themes, Ravensburger offers puzzles ranging from simple 100-piece puzzles to intricate 9000-piece challenges, featuring historical landmarks, whimsical illustrations, and more.
Where to Purchase Jigsaw Puzzles
Purchasing jigsaw puzzles has never been easier, with a variety of options ranging from online specialists to local stores.
Online Puzzle Specialists
They offer a broad selection of jigsaws, including brands like Ravensburger, SunsOut, and Cobble Hill. Puzzle Warehouse, for example, is a well-known distributor with an extensive catalog. They provide efficient delivery and attentive customer service and often feature sponsored puzzles. Customers can find puzzles for adults with varying degrees of difficulty, such as 500 pieces or complex Wasgij puzzles.
- Puzzle Warehouse: A power player in the puzzle industry (We have a bit of experience with them and hold them in high regard). They ship fast, are very reliable, and offer high-quality puzzles from brands you recognize to puzzles you can’t find on the shelves locally.
- Jigsaw Puzzles Direct: A notable UK store with a commitment to fast shipping and guaranteed good service within the UK. Customers in the US will have to pay expensive international shipping fees.
Local Toy and Hobby Stores
Small, local shops typically have a curated supply of jigsaw puzzles. They offer the chance for buyers to see the puzzles in person and often provide personalized customer service. Toys and hobby-related puzzles can easily be found here.
- Michaels – Offer MasterPieces, SunsOut, Eurographics, Cobble Hill, and a few others.
- Hobby Lobby – You can find Springbok, Aquarius, MasterPieces, and Eurographics, in addition to several others.
Bookstores
Larger bookstores, and sometimes local bookstores, often stock puzzles to cater to puzzle enthusiasts. These puzzles can range from traditional jigsaw puzzles to specialty puzzles featuring intricate designs and challenging themes. The price may be higher than some other retailers, the selection of quality puzzles may be higher too. Here are some national bookstore chains and the puzzle brands they typically offer:
- Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble offers a variety of puzzle brands, including Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, Springbok, MasterPieces, Cobble Hill, and Eurographics, among others.
- Books-A-Million: Books-A-Million carries a selection of puzzle brands such as Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, Cobble Hill, Eurographics, and White Mountain Puzzles, among others.
- Half Price Books: Half Price Books may offer puzzles from a range of brands, including Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, White Mountain Puzzles, and MasterPieces, among others.
- Hudson Booksellers: Hudson Booksellers may carry a selection of puzzles from brands such as Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, and Eurographics, among others.
- BAM! Books, Toys & More: This chain often stocks puzzles from brands like Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, Eurographics, Cobble Hill, and MasterPieces, among others.
These bookstore chains recognize the growing popularity of puzzles and aim to provide a growing selection to meet the demands of puzzle enthusiasts. Whether looking for classic jigsaw puzzles or unique specialty puzzles, you can often find various options at these stores. Don’t forget to search your local bookstores for unique puzzle finds.
Big-Box Retailers and Department Stores
Major retailers tend to have a wide range of jigsaw puzzles suitable for all ages. They usually guarantee availability of popular puzzles and often have deals on shipping for their customers.
- Local Stores: Walmart, Target, etc.
- Inventory Scope: Look for Ceaco, Buffalo Games, Cra-Z-Art, and MasterPieces among their extensive selections.
Second-Hand and Vintage Puzzles
For those seeking unique or discontinued puzzles, second-hand shops and antique stores might have what they are looking for. These stores provide the opportunity to discover rare puzzles that are no longer in production.
- Vintage Finds: Search for classic Ravensburger puzzles or hunt for an elusive Wasgij design.
Conclusion
Purchasing jigsaws is a straightforward process accessible through various channels. Customers have the option to choose from:
- Local Retail Stores: They often provide a chance to view the puzzle quality in person.
- Specialty Shops: These establishments cater to enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection and expert advice.
- Bookstores: Usually offer limited selections of higher-quality puzzles.
- Online Marketplaces:
- Amazon – Abundant availability and quick shipping of all sizes and levels
- Puzzle Warehouse – High quality and availability
- eBay – Used and vintage puzzles
- Walmart.com – Value-priced mid-level puzzles readily available
- Target.com – Mid-level jigsaws with a higher emphasis on quality brands over price
Each venue has its pros and cons, such as the convenience of online shopping versus the immediate stock visibility in physical stores.
For those prioritizing variety and convenience, online shopping is recommended. It grants access to a vast inventory from sellers worldwide and often includes customer reviews to aid in decision-making.
Conversely, for consumers valuing tactile experience before purchase, brick-and-mortar retailers may be the preferred option. They also offer the advantage of no waiting time for shipping.
When seeking more unique or intricate designs, specialty shops should not be overlooked. Their knowledgeable staff and specialized selections cater to discerning puzzle aficionados.
Safety in transactions is paramount. Reputable sources with clear return policies and customer support should always be prioritized to ensure a satisfactory purchasing experience!
Please consider each of these things as you prepare to buy your next puzzle.
Happy Puzzling!
