Why Not a Jigsaw Puzzle

When was the last time you did a jigsaw puzzle? I bet it was years ago!

Jigsaw puzzles are big business, and not just in the children’s market. They are popular with older people as well, as they can be very relaxing and challenging at the same time. But, they do have an image of being a child’s toy – nothing could be further from the truth. If you’re fed up with nothing on TV, too cold or raining outside and you want an evening in by the fire – pull up a small table, get a jigsaw and while away the evening.

I have to admit, I am a jigsaw fan. The pub has its place in my life (quite a big place in fact), as does books, films, computers and everything else. But there are those evenings, when nothing else will quite hit the spot. Then, a big jigsaw is just the thing, it won’t be too brain intensive, but its not mindless either.

Like most people, I had jigsaw-a-plenty when I was small. I would get then for birthdays and Christmas, and much to my parent’s delight, they would keep me quiet for hours. What’s more, they were not a do-once-and-cast-a-side toy, like so many children’s puzzles seemed to be. No, jigsaws could be taken apart, and played again, over and over. But, like everyone else, there came a time when jigsaws just didn’t seem to be fun anymore. Other things were far more interesting, bikes, aeroplane models and these blasted computers. Jigsaws were put aside, and then given away to a local charity shop.

That would have been that, except for one Christmas a few years ago. My girlfriend at the time bought me one as a joke present. I can’t remember quite what the joke was, but it was funny at the time. On that cold Christmas evening, we both sat down and started it, quickly becoming entranced with finding the corners and edges and working our way in. Piece by piece, the picture of a snow covered country cottage came together before us. We spent several evenings on that puzzle – amongst other things.

Well, we still do them, and are always on the lookout for more. Frustrated by how hard it can be to find the right sort, I've started my own site 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle to help people find the puzzle they are looking for.

By the way, did you know you can put a jigsaw into a picture frame and hang on the wall? You don't have to just throw them out, or have them stacked in the loft.

Jigsaws can be great fun, why not rediscover them for yourself.