painless shopping

15 Actually Stylish Jigsaw Puzzles

Photo: Retailers

If you’re looking for a screen-free hobby (or just want to give your eyes a rest after an afternoon of Animal Crossing), a jigsaw puzzle would be an inexpensive option. Less messy than crafting, and less fiddly than knitting, puzzles have been something of a godsend for many of us during the last two years spent largely indoors. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite stylish jigsaw puzzles; while most of them are available on Amazon, we’ve found some options elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around.

Perfect for architecture buffs, this two-in-one puzzle features the exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house and, on the other side, the detailed blueprints of the house’s design.

For something a little less design-y, we like this cosy bookshop puzzle by Ravensburger — a German company known for their beautiful, high-quality designs.

This pure white option, by Japanese game designer Beverly, would be downright infuriating (but so satisfying to complete).

Illustrating Shakespeare-era London, this puzzle features characters from the bard’s most notable work (such as Richard III imprisoned at the Tower of London).

For a puzzle that’s altogether more weird, this one, by Belgian illustrator Brecht Vandenbroucke, features surrealist imagery from artists such as Salvador Dalí, Sigmund Freud, and René Magritte.

Looking for something grown-up? This 1,000-piece puzzle depicts J.M.W Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire.

£9

This A-to-Z of dogs covers a breed for every letter, from Airedale to Zuchon – and is illustrated by Toronto-based artist Carolyn Gavin. (Editor’s note: This item is incorrectly listed as a ‘novelty book’ – but it’s a puzzle.)

Photo: retailer

For someone who likes a challenge, consider this this gold-spectrum puzzle – the pieces are a mix of regular square and curved shapes.

This 1,000-piece educational puzzle features the states and landmarks from across the USA. It’s recommended for ages 10 and up, and also comes with a matching poster (no cheating).

Talking Tables also does a lovely “flowers of the world’ puzzle – which includes Scotch thistle, Chinese hibiscus, and heliconia. Like the USA one, it comes with a poster, too.

£11

This map of Japan is depicted in a pleasing cherry-blossom pink.

For an alternative to maps, this watercolour illustration by the artist Margaret Berg features gold-foil detailing on the pieces.

We love the vibrant colours in this bustling illustration of Park Avenue, by artist Michael Storrings.

But for something more Expressionist, we found this 500-piece puzzle of the poster for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.

And a Strategist-approved puzzle mat

£13

This puzzle mat is Strategist UK editor Ailbhe Malone’s preferred choice. You puzzle directly onto the felt, and when you need to clear it away, simply secure the pieces in place with Velcro and roll the whole thing up. “The felt is large enough to easily handle up to a 2,000-piece puzzle, and I’ve yet to lose a piece — the felt is surprisingly grippy,” wrote Malone. “And now that my kitchen table has the additional daily load of being my workspace, it feels more pleasing than ever to be able to spread out a Ravensburger 1K without worrying about how to eat my dinner around it.”

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

15 Actually Stylish Jigsaw Puzzles