Puzzles in our range are mostly jigsaws for children and adults, with some 3D puzzles, model kits and puzzle-style games alongside them. Brands include Ravensburger, Jumbo, Schmidt Spiele and Revell. Choose by piece count, subject and the space you have for the finished picture.
How to choose a puzzle
Piece count. The number of pieces sets the difficulty and the time needed. Children's puzzles start at a few dozen large pieces, 500 pieces suits an evening or two for most adults, and 1000 pieces is the usual step up for regular puzzlers. Beginners tend to enjoy a puzzle more if they start lower than they think they need to.
Age and piece size. Check the recommended age on the box. Younger children need thicker, larger pieces they can pick up easily, while small pieces are not suitable for toddlers. Adults with limited eyesight or dexterity may also prefer larger pieces.
Image and difficulty. The picture matters as much as the piece count. Photographs with distinct objects and varied colour are easier to sort, while large areas of sky, sea or a single colour slow you down. Experienced puzzlers often choose these on purpose for a challenge.
Type of puzzle. A flat jigsaw is the standard choice. 3D puzzles and model kits, such as those from Revell, build a standing object and take more patience and sometimes glue or paint. Some items in this category are puzzle-style games or craft sets, so read the product title and description to see what is in the box.
Finished size and storage. A 1000-piece jigsaw usually needs a table surface of around 70 by 50 cm, and larger counts need more. Plan where it will sit while you work, and whether you want to keep it afterwards, for example by framing it or storing it in its box.
Puzzle brands we carry
- Ravensburger: German maker of jigsaw puzzles, known for its wide choice of themes and for puzzles in many piece counts, from children's sets to very large ones.
- Jumbo: Dutch-founded maker of jigsaw puzzles and family board games, with puzzles for both children and adults.
- Schmidt Spiele: German publisher of jigsaws and board games with a long history in the toy and game trade.
- Revell: German brand best known for plastic scale model kits, which suit people who like building and painting.
- Kosmos: German publisher known for experiment kits and the Exit escape room games, which are solved with puzzles rather than assembled.
- Thumbsup: UK gift and gadget brand, a source of novelty puzzles and gift ideas.
- Kylskapspoesi: Swedish maker of magnetic word sets for the fridge, used for building poems and messages.
Also in our range: Puls Entertainment, Marabu, Frech Verlag and RAM Mounts.
Puzzles FAQ
How many pieces should a beginner start with?
Most adult beginners do well with 300 to 500 pieces. That is large enough to build confidence without taking over the table for days. Once you finish a few comfortably, 1000 pieces is the natural next step.
How long does a 1000-piece puzzle take?
A 1000-piece jigsaw typically takes several hours spread over a few sessions, though the time varies a lot. Busy images with varied colours go faster, while images with large uniform areas can take noticeably longer. Sorting edge pieces first helps most people.
What is the difference between a jigsaw and a 3D puzzle?
A jigsaw is a flat picture made from interlocking pieces, while a 3D puzzle builds a standing object such as a building or vehicle. 3D puzzles take up more space once finished and may need glue or careful handling. Jigsaws are easier to pack away and rebuild.
How do I choose a puzzle as a gift?
Choose a subject the recipient enjoys, such as animals, travel or art, and match the piece count to their experience. For a child, go by the age on the box. For an adult who already puzzles, a 1000-piece picture of a favourite theme is a safe starting point.
