"Why do you make so many 100-piece puzzles? They are too easy."

It is a great question. Many people look at the 100-piece jigsaw puzzles as “baby” puzzles. Yes, these are an excellent diversion for young children. However, these are the perfect size to do with my grandchildren, who are 4 – 8 years old. Building a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle with a child teaches them patience, logic, self-worth, and gives them a sense of accomplishment, so important at that stage of life. It builds fond memories and bonds as the challenge is faced together. While they do serve a younger audience well, here are some other fun ideas.

Party Jigsaw Puzzles: 100-piece jigsaw puzzles are great at parties. Use one as an icebreaker/conversation starter. Put a jigsaw puzzle on a table and put most of the border together. You will be surprised how they will attract people to congregate and begin conversing as they put the jigsaw puzzle together (you may have to disassemble it from time to time.) 100-piece jigsaw puzzles have the perfect “do-ability” factor in attracting everyone at your holiday party.

Team Builder and Contest: Get 2 or 3 on the same jigsaw puzzle. Divide into teams, giving one puzzle to each team. Set the rules you want beforehand; we usually say that the puzzle must stay in the plastic bag until the “Go.” The teams race to complete their puzzle the quickest. Afterward, you can discuss what they felt worked well as teams and could have improved the process or award a prize to the fastest.

Couples time: If you enjoy the stress relief and conversation-starting nature of jigsaw puzzles but don’t have a space to leave a larger puzzle up for a while, 100-piece jigsaw puzzles are the best. You and your significant other can gather around a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle and, within a short time, complete it together and have a meaningful conversation at the same time. Jigsaw puzzles open up communication.

Challenge yourself: Use a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle to challenge your mental agility. Time yourself and see if you can beat your personal best.

These are a few suggestions on how 100-piece jigsaw puzzles can be used. We would like to hear some of your ideas, thoughts, and stories about 100-piece jigsaw puzzles. Experiment with different jigsaw puzzle sizes and let us know how you use them; they do inspire creativity. We look forward to hearing from you!