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Jigsaw puzzling is a popular and rewarding hobby with a rich history and a thriving community. If you're looking for information, here's a breakdown of excellent sources:

History and Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles

Academic and Historical Resources

• • Wikipedia ("Jigsaw Puzzle"): Offers a comprehensive overview of the history of jigsaw puzzles, from their origins as "dissected maps" in the 18th century to their evolution into a popular pastime. It also explores their research on cognitive abilities.

  • Museums and Archives: Some museums (especially those focusing on historical toys or games) may have exhibits or online resources about jigsaw puzzle history. You might need to search specific museum websites.

Puzzle Company Blogs and Articles

Many puzzle manufacturers (like Galison, Wentworth Puzzles, and Puzzles Unlimited) have articles on their websites detailing the history and cultural significance of jigsaw puzzles. These often provide interesting anecdotes and insights.

• • Galison: "A Short History of Jigsaw Puzzles"

  • Wentworth Puzzles: "The History of Jigsaw Puzzles"

  • Puzzles Unlimited: "The History of Jigsaw Puzzles"

Health and Wellness Websites

Numerous articles discuss the cognitive and therapeutic benefits of jigsaw puzzles, including stress reduction, improved memory, concentration, and fine motor skills.

• • Medium (by Bennett Olivia): "Exploring the Origins and Cultural Significance of Jigsaw Puzzles"

  • Rest In Pieces: "The Many Health Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults"

Where to Buy Jigsaw Puzzles

Dedicated Online Puzzle Retailers

These sites offer a massive selection from various brands, often with filters for piece count, theme, artist, and difficulty. They often have sales and loyalty programs.

• • PuzzleWarehouse.com: Claims the "World's Largest Selection of Jigsaw Puzzles."

  • Bits and Pieces: Offers a wide range, including an "outlet" section for discounted puzzles.

Major Puzzle Brands (Directly)

If you have a favorite brand, purchasing directly from their website can provide you access to their full catalog, new releases, and sometimes exclusive offers.

• • White Mountain Puzzles: Known for their classic American scenes and collage puzzles, made in the USA.

  • Ravensburger: A well-known German brand, highly regarded for its quality and wide variety of images.

Local Toy & Game Stores

Many independent toy and game stores carry a selection of jigsaw puzzles and can offer personalized recommendations.

• • Bookstores: Large bookstores often have a section dedicated to puzzles.

  • Big Box Retailers: Stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon also carry a wide variety of puzzles, often at competitive prices.

Jigsaw Puzzle Enthusiast Communities

Online Forums and Social Media Groups

These are excellent places to connect with other puzzlers, share your completed puzzles, get recommendations, and ask questions.

• • Reddit: Subreddits like r/jigsawpuzzles are very active.

  • Facebook Groups: Search for "jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts" or similar terms to find active groups.

  • Puzzle Company Community Pages: Some puzzle retailers or brands host their own community sections or blogs.

    • PuzzleWarehouse.com ("A Community for Jigsaw Puzzle Lovers"): Features artist interviews, how-to guides, and event recaps like "Puzzle Palooza."

    • Cross & Glory: Their blog discusses the community aspect of puzzling.

Online Multiplayer Puzzle Platforms

For a more interactive experience, these platforms allow you to solve puzzles with others in real-time.

• • Tanggle.io: Offers multiplayer puzzles, a vast gallery, and custom uploads.

  • JigsawPuzzles.io: Another platform for free online multiplayer jigsaw puzzles.

Jigsaw Puzzle Blogs and Websites

Blogs from Puzzle Retailers/Brands: These often feature reviews, new product announcements, tips, and interviews.

• • Cloudberries Puzzle Blog: Offers articles on shipping, independent puzzle stores, puzzle goals, and different types of puzzles.

  • The Puzzle Nerds (Blog): Provides updates and articles related to puzzles.

  • Jigsaw Jungle (Blogs): Covers various topics related to jigsaw puzzles.

  • Rest In Pieces ("The Puzzling Times"): Features news, reviews, and articles on framing puzzles, health benefits, and celebrity puzzlers.

Independent Puzzle Blogs

Many passionate puzzlers maintain their own blogs where they share their experiences, reviews, and tips.

• • My Jigsaw Journal: A blog by a "proud puzzle geek" with reviews and progress updates.

Final Thoughts

By exploring these diverse sources, you can find a wealth of information on all aspects of jigsaw puzzling, from its origins to current trends and community engagement.