23 Best Puzzles for Adults 2022 - Challenging Jigsaw Puzzles

2022-06-18 18:08:38 By : Mr. Kevin Yang

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

They’re pretty to look at, and an even better distraction from your screen.

When the pandemic first began, everyone and their mother became obsessed with doing jigsaw puzzles. That was before Wordle, baking sourdough, and virtual get-togethers filled our days. But now, people have realized that puzzles aren't just something great to do while you're stuck inside—they're actually a fantastic hobby, whether you're using them as a boredom buster, a way to distract from the outside world, or just a fun pastime.

Turns out, puzzles aren't just enjoyable—they actually improve your brain. Studies have shown that crosswords puzzles and sudokus can lead to better focus and memory. Jigsaws may not be quite as enriching, but they're still an amazing activity to do when you need a break from your screen. And the best part about jigsaw puzzles? There's one for everyone. We've rounded up a selection that'll please all interests and skill levels, from Disney fans and plant parents, to beginners and seasoned puzzle pros.

Whatever you prefer—500-piece, 1,000-piece, or even 24,000-piece (seriously!)—these challenging brain teasers are the perfect activity to keep both kids and adults occupied for hours. Then, once you've made something beautiful, you can take the puzzle apart and put it together again. Or you can glue it together and hang it up to admire. Below, we've selected some of our favorite puzzles for adults that the whole family can enjoy. The only other things you need are ambition—and floor space.

This puzzle, depicting Cinque Terre, a coastal region of Italy, is one of the bestselling puzzles on Amazon. Find out what all the fuss is about—and dream of stunning Italian sunsets.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 26.75" x 19.75"

All of Four Point Puzzles's offerings are stylish, but the recent collaboration with Swedish artist Sara Andreasson is particularly so. Featuring one of Andreasson's illustrations from 2014, "Fade" plays with color, shape, and gradient. The company also collaborated with artist Micah Lexier on another clever puzzle featuring found objects.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 25" x 25"

For another dose of wanderlust, try this puzzle that features whimsical city map illustrations from New York to Tokyo. This one also makes a great gift because of its gold-embossed box.

Stare at this puzzle with the hopes of being magically transported into Jane Wooster Scott's idyllic depiction of a farm. There's more Americana where that came from. Ceaco, the manufacturer, has an entire collection of puzzles inspired by Scott's artwork.

Number of Pieces: 550 Dimensions: 24" x 18"

Whether you're a devoted plant mom or can't seem to keep a cactus alive, one thing's for sure: The succulents featured in this puzzle are sure to thrive—once you put them together, that is. This puzzle's larger pieces make it ideal for adults who struggle with eyesight.

Number of Pieces: 300 Dimensions: 18" x 18"

This sturdy jigsaw puzzle is made with uniquely shaped wooden pieces. Once it's completed, it looks more like a work of art than a puzzle.

Number of Pieces: 253 Dimension: 11.4" x 11.4"

Inner Piece's puzzles come with reusable pouches, and each is printed on recycled paper. Plus, who could resist this adorable scene?

Number of Pieces: 500 Dimensions: 18" x 16"

Head to the Museum of Modern Art in New York to see Frank Stella's 1970 geometric painting, Firuzabad, in person—or just re-create it in puzzle form at your home.

Number of Pieces: 750 Dimension: 28.3” x 21”

Each of Jiggy's artist-designed puzzles come with a reusable glass tube and a bottle of glue so you can hang them up after you're finished.

Number of Pieces: 800 Dimensions: 18" x 24"

No, this puzzle isn't related to Facebook or the Metaverse—it's simply a puzzle depicting someone putting together a puzzle. If that's too trippy for you, Piecework has a great selection of food, drink, and object flat-lays, all printed on recycled paper.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 19.25" x 26.6"

Make this warm and inviting shop come to life, piece by piece. If the puzzle is your style, check out artist Victoria Ball's other pieces for your home's walls.

Number of Pieces: 500 Dimensions: 20" x 20"

Hieronymus Bosch's most famous triptych, painted between 1490 and 1510, makes for a heck of a jigsaw puzzle. The fun lies in appreciating Bosch's level of detail more closely than you could among the crowds of Madrid's Prado museum.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimension: 19.25" x 26.5"

Assemble, legion of book lovers! Our noses are buried in novels, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Complete this fun puzzle, and be among your people.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 20” x 27''

Since its first issue in 1925, The New Yorker has amassed an impressive backlog of illustrated covers. Unsurprisingly, those memorable covers make for spectacular puzzles. There's one for every sense of style, but we love this pensive cat. Check out the entire collection here.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 19.25'' x 26.625''

Bring your happy place to life with this puzzle of an idyllic bookshop. Couldn't you imagine wandering through the door and getting lost among the aisles for hours?

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 14.75" x 10.75"

For all the architecture fans out there, this puzzle features an image of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim museum on one side. On the back, the puzzle has an image of the building's blueprints.

Number of Pieces: 500 Dimensions: 24” x 18”

Looking for a puzzle to complete with friends? This is your best bet. Though it's 1,000 pieces, Gardener's Palette is refreshingly simple due to its color gradient. Everyone can tackle a different color block.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 27" x 20"

Can you spot your star sign in this puzzle? Whether you've got your sun, moon, and rising signs down or just love the swirling galaxy image, this puzzle is sure to be a boredom buster.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 20" x 27"

This puzzle design by Jonathan Adler looks like an optical illusion, or melting popsicles, or a vertical rainbow. It's abstract art—it can look like whatever you want it to.

Number of Pieces: 1,000 Dimensions: 27" x 20"

They may be devious, but Disney villains have style. Their natural panache comes through in this stained-glass-themed puzzle. That said, if you're not on Team Villain, check out the version featuring princesses instead.

Number of Pieces: 1,500 Dimensions: 32'' x 24''

For a spin on the traditional ocean scene, the artist behind this puzzle imagined a world where fish can fly using balloons and steer boats.

Number of Pieces: 2,000 Dimension: 39" x 30"

For the ultimate challenge, this puzzle has 24,000 pieces. If you happen to have a lot of spare time, ambition, floor space, then give this epic puzzle a whirl.

Number of Pieces: 24,000 Dimension: 14' x 5'

Make your own puzzle using Shutterfly's service. This is a great gift for families—kids will love fitting together a picture they're in.

Number of Pieces: 60, 252, 520, or 1,014 Dimensions: 60-piece and 252-piece: 10" x 14"; 520-piece: 16" x 20"; 1014-piece: 20" x 30"