Sales of jigsaw puzzles for adults have skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic, and with lockdown still going in 2021 a jigsaw is the perfect way to keep the family entertained – and it's also a great way to practice mindfulness. Whether you're a first-time puzzler or a more seasoned pro, we've found the best jigsaw puzzles for adults from some of our favourite brands, so you can challenge yourself and keep busy.
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What is a good size puzzle for adults?
Well, that really depends on your skill, time available and patience level! For a minimal challenge, the best jigsaw puzzles for adults we've included in our edit all have at least 500 pieces, with the exception of 3D puzzles, which can be just as complex with fewer pieces!
We love a good 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, which may take an average of just a few hours to around 10-12 hours to complete. So, depending on how much time you can commit daily to piecing your puzzle together, you might finish in one day, or it might take you as long as... well, the sky's the limit!
Fun fact: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the jigsaw puzzle with the most pieces that has been completed consisted of a whopping 551,232 pieces! It was put together in a Vietnam stadium by 1,600 students from the University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City in 2011.
Impossible clear jigsaw puzzle, from £4.95, Always Personal
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If you think you've tackled all the best jigsaw puzzles for adults out there, and you want something harder, then hold on to your hats. This is honesty the hardest puzzle you will ever do – trust us, we’ve tried it and it’s maddingly brilliant. It comes in five different difficulty levels – from an easy nine-piece jigsaw to an insane 330 piece monster – and you can even get extra ‘dummy’ pieces added to just crank up the difficulty level further. This is also a great option if you're looking to buy a gift for a puzzle fan, you can get it engraved with a loving message will be readable once the jigsaw is assembled.
Queen Elizabeth II puzzle, £13.99, Amazon
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Are you a royal fan? Putting together this 1000-piece adult jigsaw puzzle depicting the Queen in one of her most iconic portraits will be a fab way to have a royally entertaining time.
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If you're really ready for a challenge, and a bit of colour in your life, this round gradient jigsaw puzzle is right up your street!
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We're all doing workouts at home AND also spending more time with our pets than ever before. Why not have the best of both worlds with your jigsaw? This hilarious depiction of yoga-loving dogs is both funny and challenging.
Gibsons London Landmarks Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Pieces, £15, John Lewis
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This quirky map jigsaw puzzle for adults by new artist, Maria Rabinsky, celebrates all that London has to offer. From the London Eye to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, take a walking tour of the city.
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While this puzzle only has 313 pieces, the unusual piece shape presents a fun new challenge. The fact that it is made of wood also makes it a great gift or keepsake for the astrology loving person in your life.
The World of Shakespeare jigsaw puzzle, , Amazon
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Meanwhile, literature fans will appreciate this 1000-piece puzzle depicting the London of Shakespeare's time.
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Harry Potter jigsaw puzzle, £11.99, Amazon
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Muggles and wizards alike will be able to master this Harry Potter puzzle, all the while bringing back memories of the Hogwarts days, because there's nothing like a bit of nostalgia to distract you from a pandemic.
Friends Jigsaw Puzzle, £21.99, Amazon
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Calling all Friends fans! We've found the perfect puzzle to keep you entertained during lockdown.
Mindfulness puzzle book, £6.35, Amazon
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Puzzles are known for their anxiety-relieving benefits, and this mindfulness puzzle book is specifically targeted at soothing your brain, before you reach the endorphin buzz of finishing a design.
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If you are looking to piece together a colourful artwork, look no further than this rendering of "The Frame", the famed self-portrait of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
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Take your puzzle-solving skills to another dimension with a 3D version of New York City's famed Empire State Building – it even lights up! One of the best jigsaw puzzles for adults we've seen!
The Beatles Abbey Road Jigsaw Puzzle, £15, Closs & Hamblin
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Recreate The Beatles' most iconic album cover, Abbey Road! This 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle is a must-have for any music fan.
Photo jigsaws, from £14.99, Photobox
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A personalised jigsaw is a good place to start if you’re feeling rusty - recognising your loved-ones’ features is a sure-fire way to get it right.
Van Gogh starry night jigsaw puzzle, £19.99, Amazon
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This Van Gogh painting is a classic, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to figure it out when it’s split into 1,000 pieces! Challenge yourself.
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