Hobbies And Interests
Stores for New Puzzles
Most toy stores and book stores carry some puzzles. If you are looking for a specific puzzle image or configuration, large online stores such as Amazon (www.amazon.com) or specialty puzzle sites are your best options. Specialty retailer, the "Puzzle House" (www.puzzlehouse.com), offers puzzles featuring images of famous paintings or historical scenes and others that are 3D or even glow-in-the-dark.
Online Puzzles
If you are doing puzzles on your own, you might want to consider some of the many online puzzle sites and apps for mobile devices. For instance, the JigZone (www.jigzone.com) offers dozens of puzzles featuring photographs of everything from adorable puppies to dramatic mountainous scenes. Once you have chosen your puzzle, you can select a level of difficulty that might range from a simple six-piece version to a mind-bending 247-piece version made up of tiny triangles. Apps like the free "Jigsaw Jumble" offer stop and start play that is perfect for users on the run. Websites and apps often allow you to track your completion time and compare it to others, which adds a competitive edge to puzzle completion.
Create Your Own Puzzle
If you cannot find the right puzzle you are looking for, there are lots of options for creating your own. Websites such as Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) allow you to upload your own photograph and turn it into a 252-piece puzzle. If an online version of your own puzzle is all you need, JigZone allows members to upload their own photos and configure them into online puzzles to be shared with friends or posted on your website.
Buy Used
Vintage puzzles can make wonderful gifts, but be aware that a great deal on a puzzle from a yard sale is not such a good deal if you discover it's missing a piece. For vintage and used puzzles, consider eBay (www.ebay.com). Because sellers are rated and usually rely on repeat business, they have a vested interest in providing exactly what they describe in their postings---whether it is an early Disney puzzle or a puzzle of a memorable Life magazine cover.
Puzzle Exchange
What do thrifty people do when they see their piles of puzzles growing? They start a puzzle exchange. For example, a group in Portland noticed the same people listing used puzzles on Craigslist and contacted them to coordinate a monthly puzzle exchange. Look for an exchange in your area or start your own.