Jigsaw puzzles are some of the most under-rated gifts that actually have added benefits

Jigsaw puzzles are some of the most under-rated gifts that actually have added benefits

We all know that deciding what to cook for dinner or what to get as a gift is one of the most difficult things to decide on. We always tend to run out of ideas especially when we want to try something new. Whether its for the family or friends, deciding on a gift is always something that eludes the best of minds. It’s very easy to run out of ideas or think of the same things again and again, especially when we’ve been buying gifts for years for our loved ones. This can becoming frustrating trying to get something they won’t have or they could possibly need. Let’s face it, we have been there as well and now we have what we believe is simple yet one of the most creative gift ideas.

We have all played with puzzles growing up or playing with our kids, during holidays or family trips. Something so simple yet highly under-rated as far as we can think of. Something considered as a toy for kids, research actually negates this notion. It is said that jigsaw puzzles are elementary in keeping our brains alive and active. Whether it is kids or adults, we need to nourish our brain with daily activities other than our work. Jigsaw puzzles are considered to be the oil that lubricate this complicated engine. Jigsaw puzzles can help keep our minds sharp and activate activities in our bodies that keep us active and in cases, happy with the release of Dopamine and Endorphins which help with stress relief and feel good. Even the moments of frustration trying to put the puzzle together help elevate our problem solving part of the brain. So not only are jigsaw puzzles good for releasing the happy hormones and keeping us busy hours on end, they open other parts of our brains we rarely use giving a great number of benefits to kids and adults alike.

Jigsaw puzzles, by simple design help support improving our short term memory. The key lies in our brains of putting words and images together so when you are trying to fit in a piece of the puzzle on where it goes, your brain is comparing it with words and images it already knows of creating patterns from memory for you to decide. These comparisons of images in front of you eventually trigger your mental ability to put together the entire picture as well as sections you’ve already completed while trying to determine if the piece in hand matches any of the previous pieces you have put on the puzzle board.

Another advantage of the puzzles is the ability to develop our ingenuity. When we talk puzzles, we mostly think of starting at the corners and working our way inwards. However, each puzzle can be different requiring a different approach. Trying to come up with a strategy to complete the puzzles in the shortest time possible, elevates our brains ability to decipher and put the whole thing together. While we may think of one solution, our brain is capable of coming up with multiple ways of approaching the same problem. This activity of identifying, decoding and deciding is a great activity for our brains and as such for our own well being. Therefore, Identifying specific objects to complete, that will assist in completing the overall puzzle, helps develop that.

Kids have the ability to zone out and concentrate on one thing which we tend to lose as we grow up. This is mostly because of the stresses of adulthood. Jigsaws are one of the best ways to help us relax, put our mind in that meditative state where we forget our daily routine and the issues that come with it. It helps us zone out again as we used to when we were kids and focus just on the puzzle helping us relieve our stress and fulfil our body with joy. Something adults must do very often for a healthier and a happy life. It helps us alleviate the pressures of our busy daily lives and creates an opportunity to forget, focusing entirely on the moment of this one thing.

Based on what we shared above and whilst talking of puzzles in relation to the title of gifts, jigsaw puzzles make great gifts for people of all ages. From the serene beauty of a sunset over the ocean to memorable images of your trips to Paris or even the theme park, puzzles trigger moments of happiness for everyone. Whether it is a gift to someone special or for fun family time together, puzzles fit into every scenario easily. One can always go and buy one from the local store but why not create your own special moments. Instead of buying a picture of some random place, think about going beyond the norm and create your own personalized jigsaw puzzles that are uniquely just for you or your friends and family. Thinking of proposing to your fiancé in a unique way, create a puzzle that pops the question once the whole puzzle is put together. Planning on spending time with your family on the long weekend, create a puzzle that has your own favorite photo on it. A picture says a thousand words as they say, you can use your own image on puzzles to express what you would like to say.

These days you can have your own puzzles made with any design you choose. Most popular are photos of family, whether it be portraits or pictures from a special event, and it is a fantastic way to capture a moment forever. There are some great options for design as well, including things like timber Aztec puzzles that are crafted in timber with a matching box or tray, photo prints on craft wood or timber in a range of sizes up to 10inches, or you could go for a shape – such as a circle or a love heart. Want something simple? Get someone’s name cut in; or consider a memory stimulation puzzle for someone who is suffering from stroke or dementia (use an image of when the receiver was younger and it may help to trigger their memory as they piece together the puzzle).
The biggest benefit is that this is the gift that keeps on giving. They can be enjoyed by everyone. They show the person receiving them that a bit of thought and effort went into the gift, and jigsaw puzzles can even be framed and hung on the wall, no longer relegated to temporary life on the kitchen table. We’re not saying a custom jigsaw puzzle is the perfect gift, but we are saying you’re going to battle to find a better one.