Introducing puzzles into your lifestyle provides a great way to engage the human brain. A good challenge forces you to think outside of the box, creating new neurological pathways in the brain. But completing puzzles has also been showing to increase dopamine levels, giving the puzzle finisher a boost of happiness. Positive effects like increased concentration and memory are also often side effects of completing puzzles regularly. In fact, puzzles can even ease stress levels and boost creativity.

The best puzzles engage, inspire, and challenge those who are brave enough to attempt them. We compiled a list of some of our favorite products based on how much fun and challenging they are. The following guide provides plenty of ideas for both conventional puzzles and new-age puzzles. Whether you’re an adult who is looking for a new hobby or you’re trying to challenge the kids, investing in a quality puzzle will help you to reach those goals. So, browse our list of puzzles and see which suits your preference the best. Once you're done with this guide, you can find the best puzzle for you!

Any jigsaw puzzle lover will be quick to fall in love with Ingooood’s Rainy Night Walk Jigsaw Puzzle. This 1000 piece puzzle offers a terrific challenge for those who are up for it! Though it’s not a puzzle for the faint of heart, the reward is worth it. The resulting image was designed by Leonid Afremov. The color, depth, and scenery are visually appealing. And the printed details on this product are just as good. With a vivid and balanced image, you’ll be quick to preserve this puzzle.

The Ingooood Rainy Night Walk Jigsaw Puzzle is 11.81 inches by 7.87 inches by 1.97 inches in size. The nature-themed image paints a picture of a wet, Fall environment. This puzzle comes in a mesh sack, making it easy to keep track of all of the pieces. The puzzle quality is terrific, and the pieces are sturdy. Unfortunately, the wood-to-picture bond is fragile. So, it’s important to exercise care while handling these pieces. But Ingooood offers a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy.

If you find yourself feeling stumped while putting this puzzle together, there’s a hint incorporated into the pieces. On the back of the puzzle pieces, you’ll find a letter inscribed in order to tell you to which region of the puzzle they belong. It won’t help you solve the puzzle, but it will give you a better idea about where everything belongs. This challenging jigsaw puzzle offers plenty of rewards along the way for those who love to problem solve.

Key Features
  • 11.81 x 7.87 x 1.97 inches
  • Nature themed
  • By artist Leonid Afremov
  • Manufactured in China
Pros
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Comes in a mesh sack
  • Sturdy
  • Good puzzle quality
Cons
  • Wood to picture bond is fragile
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Ingooood Rainy Night Jigsaw Puzzle

If you’re looking for a quality brain teaser for adults, we have just the product for you. The BSIRI 3D Wooden Puzzle Brain Teasers offer a challenging way to engage yourself for hours. Available in a set of 4, 9, or 12 puzzles, you can choose how invested you’d like to get into this brain teaser. The nine puzzle set comes in a 7.36-inch by 7.36-inch by 2.95-inch box. And it’s extremely aesthetically pleasing, making a great addition to any coffee table.

The quality wooden construction of the BSIRI 3D Wooden Puzzle Brain Teasers makes them soft to the touch. They’re built with 100% natural wood instead of plastic. Plus, they’re built specifically for adults. While children might find these puzzles to be entertaining, they’re rather challenging, which can cause a loss of interest. This product does, however, come with a solution paper in case you get stumped.

The dividers that come inside of the box are loose to the touch. And we’d like to see a more sturdy construction. But the puzzle itself is fun, entertaining, and guaranteed to inspire creativity. Additionally, the different shapes and sizes of the included puzzles force you to problem solve in new ways each time you pick up a puzzle. Some puzzles have round pieces, while others are made out of rectangular blocks. Most adults will solve one puzzle in a day or two, making this kit engaging for a few weeks at a time. This is a great kit for the Winter months when the pace of life is a little slower.

Key Features
  • Available in a set of 4, 9 or 12 puzzles
  • 7.36 x 7.36 x 2.95 inches
  • Quality wooden construction
  • Built for adults
Pros
  • 100% natural wood
  • Challenging
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Fun
Cons
  • Dividers in the box are loose
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BSIRI 3D Wooden Puzzle Brain Teasers

One of the most difficult puzzles on the market is the Hanayama Hourglass Cast Metal Brain Teaser. While some puzzles that are rated “difficult” might take a few tries to solve, this puzzle is extremely difficult. As a level 6 puzzle, this is Hanayama’s toughest puzzle. And part of what makes it so hard is that the pieces have to be solved in the right order. If you go for the wrong one, you won’t make any progress at all.

Because of the difficulty of this product, it’s rated for ages 12 and up. However, we would add that this is not a good product for beginners or for anyone who becomes frazzled easily. Other products might take a few hours to solve, but you should expect this puzzle to take a few days. And be careful not to force the pieces in any particular direction, or it’s prone to breaking. But because of the difficulty of this puzzle, the reward seems even greater. When you finally solve it, the accomplishment will feel earned.

The Hanayama Hourglass Cast Metal Brain Teaser is 1.75 by 3 by 4.75 inches in size. It’s extremely compact and is about the length of an index finger. As a 3.87 ounce product, it’s also lightweight. This puzzle is designed for experts. And the craftsmanship plus the durability will keep users entertained for eons. Our main drawback is that the pieces become jammed frequently. It won’t take long for you to want to force them into place, but don’t do it! With enough patience and dedication, you MIGHT solve this mighty little puzzle.

Key Features
  • Highest difficulty level for this brand
  • 1.75 x 3 x 4.75 inches
  • For ages 12+
  • 3.87 ounces
Pros
  • Small and compact
  • Designed for experts
  • Craftmanship
  • Durable
Cons
  • Frequently becomes jammed
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Hourglass Hanayama Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle

The Twiddlers Mini Cube Puzzle Box Set comes with a surprising number of puzzles. Inside you’ll find 28 small puzzles. As you rock and roll each puzzle, the aim is to move the ball through the holes. Once you reach the hole, you can flip your puzzle over to try the other side. So, while there are 28 puzzles, you have plenty more challenges than that.

Each puzzle is made out of plastic. The set includes assorted colors and styles in order to captivate users’ attention. And the puzzles are about 1.5 inches in size, which is rather small. However small they are, these puzzles provide entertainment and a good challenge for anyone who attempts to play. They’re rated at an easy level, allowing even youngsters to use them. And the Twiddlers have a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy, allowing you to make a risk-free purchase.

Mini Cube users will quickly find themselves focusing on balance, concentration, memory, and patience. The more you play, the more you’ll develop these skills. Plus, each puzzle is extremely addictive. You can not help but want to play until you master each puzzle. These products make great party favors. They’re the perfect gift for anyone who likes to stay busy with their hands. And tiny children have even been known to use them as rattles. Overall, this kit provides great value because of the number of puzzles that are included. IF you’re hoping to find a way to entertain the whole room, this product will help.

Key Features
  • Includes 28 puzzles
  • They come in assorted colors
  • 1.5 inch puzzles
  • Ages 3+
Pros
  • They make great party favors
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
  • Good for most ages
  • Giftable
Cons
  • They're extremely small
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The Twiddlers Mini Cube Puzzle Box Set

Brain teasing puzzles offer a fun way to boost your creativity. The SZFY Brain Teaser Puzzle, for example, gives users a unique way to engage their senses. In this puzzle kit, you’ll find 16 different metal puzzles and four wooden puzzles. Each requires a different strategy to solve. While it’s relatively easy to disassemble these puzzles, it’s difficult to put them back together. The difficulty level is about a medium. But the instruction manual gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to solve each one.

The SZFY Brain Teaser Puzzle kit comes with pieces that are made out of wood and metal. The water-based paint is safe. And the puzzles are made with non-toxic materials in order to make them kid-friendly. As puzzles that are designed to test logic, you can expect plenty of mental engagement from this kit. By the end of each puzzle, you’ll find a boost in your problem-solving skills, mental endurance, and creativity.

SZFY also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy in order to support customers who purchase their products. But due to the smooth puzzle pieces and the value that this kit provides, you probably won’t need to engage with the customer service department. This set is giftable, fun, and unique. After months of use, you and your kids will remain engaged with these puzzles due to their complexity. This product is consistent with the picture, fun, and unique. Anyone who values education and development will see the value in a puzzle kit like this one.

Key Features
  • Made of wood and metal
  • Comes with an instruction manual
  • Designed to test logic
  • Water-based paint
Pros
  • Non-toxic, Anti-corrosion
  • Stimulates creativity
  • Giftable
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
  • Wooden pieces aren't finished
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SZFY Brain Teaser Puzzle

Hanayama is known for making puzzles that are made out of extremely high-quality materials. But they're also tough to solve and rate in a unique way. The BePuzzled Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle is no exception to this rule. As a level 4 puzzle, you can expect adults of most kinds to struggle for a while with this puzzle. In fact, it's rated for ages 12 and up due to its tricky design. But part of what we love about this puzzle is that it's tricky to put it back together too.

As a 3 by 4.5 by 1.75-inch product, this little puzzle can fit in the palm of your hand. It's a great addition to a work desk, a coffee table, or your puzzle cabinet. Hanayama puzzles were designed by Vesa Timonen who is known for being a clever creator. This truth is evident in Timonen's products. But Hanayama also provides quality manufacturing and innovative designs.

The BePuzzled Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle is challenging yet durable. It doesn't come with any clues, which can be a positive or negative quality, depending on your perspective. But it does require patience to solve this puzzle. This product is good for adult puzzlers who would consider themselves novices. Solving the puzzle might take about 30 minutes of attention. And putting it back together might take about 20 minutes. A puzzle like this one would make a terrific stocking stuffer or knick-knack for anyone who has restless hands.

Key Features
  • 3 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches
  • Putting it together is as hard as taking it apart
  • Designed by Vesa Timonen
  • Level four out of 6 in difficulty
Pros
  • Quality manufacturing
  • Innovative design
  • Challenging
  • Durable
Cons
  • Doesn't come with any clues
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BePuzzled Cast Metal Brain Teaser Puzzle

The Sharp Brain Zone Wooden Brain Teaser is a 3D jigsaw puzzle that’s about the size of a Rubix Cube. The entire product measures 3.11 by 3.11 by 2.99 inches. And the 54 pieces that are included are made of high-quality wood. Just Start by placing the pieces in the wooden mold and it won’t be long before you are working away your stress. As a product that is designed for children of the ages of six and up, little people and older people will both experience great fun with this product. In fact, it is designed to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The solution to the Sharp Brain Zone Wooden Brain Teaser is included in the packaging in case you become frustrated with this puzzle. But it provides plenty of attention-grabbing action for those who like a challenge. Additionally, the pieces are made out of sturdy material. And while they are smaller than expected, they provide all of the benefits of a larger puzzle. Plus, they can easily be tucked away while not in use.

This puzzle is great for anyone who likes the idea of exploring tactile and spatially oriented skills. The brain-teasing properties allow you to stay inquisitive throughout the challenge. It does, however, only have one solution. This could become frustrating for those with short attention spans. But if you are willing to work your way through an extensive problem, this puzzle might be the right one for you.

Key Features
  • 3.11 x 3.11 x 2.99 inches
  • Ages 6+
  • Designed to develop creativity and problem solving skills
  • Solution included in the packaging
Pros
  • Made with high-quality wood
  • Kid-friendly
  • Sturdy
  • Giftable
Cons
  • Smaller than expected
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Sharp Brain Zone Wooden Brain Teaser

Another terrific puzzle kit is Long Fa’s Brain Teaser Puzzle. This little package comes with 16 metal puzzles and four wooden puzzles. The whole box is 10.25 by 5.1 by 1.3 inches in size. And it gives users the perfect way to test logic and creativity. While this product is designed for adults, children around the age of 12 and up might find these puzzles to be fun. The metal coils don’t have any sharp edges, making them safe to use. But what we really love about this puzzle set is that it’s impossible to cheat. The only way to solve these puzzles is the natural way!

Additionally, the metal puzzles that come in this kit are easier to solve than the wooden puzzles. This is great for anyone who wants the ability to grow their understanding of puzzle-solving. No clear instructions come with this product, but this can be an added challenge in a positive way. Long Fa guarantees a risk-free purchase, so if you have any doubts or hesitations, get in contact with the customer service department.

Due to the number of puzzles that are in this kit, it’s ideal for large settings like parties or celebrations. These puzzles are just as tough to put together as they are to take apart. With a quality construction, you should expect them to last for an entire lifetime. The Long Fa Brain Teaser Puzzles provide great value because they’re small, compact, and fun to use. Whether you’re looking for a way to kill some time or you need a new hobby, these puzzles will help.

Key Features
  • Metal coils do not have sharp edges
  • Designed for adults
  • No chance to cheat
  • Whole package is 10.25 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
Pros
  • Tests logic and creativity
  • Risk-free
  • Includes 16 metal puzzles and 4 wooden puzzles
  • Great for parties
Cons
  • No clear instructions
Buy This Product
Long Fa Brain Teaser Puzzle

If you’re someone who loves nostalgic designs, you should take a look at MasterPieces’ Flashbacks Linen Jigsaw Puzzle. The Mom’s Pantry option features old junk food like planters nuts, Koolaid, spam, and cracker jacks. The collage is fun, lighthearted, and unique in style. But if you’d prefer an alternative image, you can also find old breakfast foods, a diner option, and more. This is the perfect puzzle to add to an old soda shop or a retro-looking basement. But the puzzle process is fun, too!

The complete Flashback Linen Jigsaw Puzzle measures 19.25 inches by 26.75 inches in size. Puzzle pieces measure somewhere between 1 and 1.5 inches in size, making them relatively easy to handle. Yet the random cut style gives you a challenge, creating disarray among the image’s pieces. Jigsaw puzzles offer a great way to challenge your tactile problem-solving skills, and a product like this one will help with this process.

Unfortunately, the pieces don’t click together in the satisfying way that you might expect. Possibly due to the material type, they’re less concrete in size. However, this puzzle still offers great value due to its unique style and fun look. The puzzle pieces are thick. And the problem-solving process is fun for anyone who’s up for the challenge. If you’re a jigsaw puzzle fanatic, you should take a second look at this product because there aren’t many products like this one on the market. This 1,000 piece puzzle is guaranteed to entertain and inspire expert puzzlers for hours.

Key Features
  • Nostalgic design
  • The complete puzzle measures 19.25” x 26.75”
  • Puzzle pieces measure about 1-1.5 inches in size
  • Available in a number of different styles
Pros
  • Good value
  • Thickness
  • Retro style
  • Fun
Cons
  • Pieces don't fit together as well as we'd like
Buy This Product
MasterPieces Flashbacks Linen Jigsaw Puzzle

While many puzzle lovers tend to gravitate towards tactile options, it can be just as rewarding to find puzzle books to complete on your own. One puzzle book that does a terrific job of challenging the mind is the Funster 100+ Large Print Easy Crossword Puzzles. This puzzle book comes with loads of challenges right at your fingertips. And when you’ve completed everything in your book, you can also access downloadable content to continue the challenge. In fact, this book comes with free sudokus and access to additional puzzles with the help of technology.

The Funster 100+ Large Print Easy Crossword Puzzles are challenging but not impossible. The large print makes this an ideal option for those who wear glasses or who prefer large letters while they work. It’s also easy to appreciate this puzzle book because these puzzles have never been published, so you won’t have to worry about repeating a puzzle that you’ve already completed.

It is important to note that many of the answers in this crossword book relate to current affairs. This can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on whether or not you follow the media. If you’re constantly reading about the latest musicians, entertainers, and politicians, this may be the perfect puzzle book for you. If you seldom watch the news and you don’t care about popular culture, you may be best suited to seek another crossword puzzle book. Overall, this is a great puzzle book option for those who love words.

Key Features
  • 100+ puzzles
  • Large print
  • Never before published puzzles
Pros
  • Challenging
  • Giant print
  • Includes downloadable content
Cons
  • Requires some knowledge of current affairs
Buy This Product
Crossword Puzzle Book

Spending a lot of time-solving puzzles has been shown to increase your ability to recall information, to stay focused, and even boosts your creative flow. The regular puzzle doer will see their productivity levels increase. And puzzles can even boost your IQ. But while you’re searching for the best puzzles, it’s important to consider a few key factors. For instance, are you shopping for yourself or for somebody else? Do you tend to gravitate towards specific types of challenges? Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Or would you prefer a different type of puzzle? Whatever the case may be, thinking about the following factors will help you to find the perfect puzzle to fit your needs.

Puzzle Type And Target Age

Not all puzzles challenge the same part of the brain. Some puzzles force you to investigate spatial awareness. Others could involve numbers. The type of puzzle you choose will determine the difficulty level of a puzzle. For instance, a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle will be a little bit more difficult than a ten-piece jigsaw puzzle. Before you land on your final selection, consider how difficult you’d like your puzzle to be. Are you looking for an extreme challenge? If so, what is the puzzle type that’s likely to give you the greatest obstacles?

Youngsters are quick to become disinterested in puzzles if they’re too complicated. Most puzzles come with an age rating in order to help you to determine if it offers an appropriate level of difficulty. Are you shopping for yourself? Or are you hoping to entertain the kids for a while? Whatever the case may be, it’s important to factor age into the puzzle you’re looking for. Doing so will help you to find a product that’s best suited for you.

Puzzle Piece Count

Taking a second look at the puzzle piece count can help you land on the perfect puzzle. For jigsaw puzzles, the more pieces the more difficult the challenge. For other types of puzzles, more pieces generally increase the level of difficulty as well. If you’re up for the challenge, you might want to consider a puzzle with a large number of pieces. Otherwise, look for small to medium numbers.

Puzzles are fun, challenging, and educational. Finding the perfect product to build confidence while also challenging the puzzle doer can provide plenty of benefits. Whether you’re looking for a bit of entertainment or a way to sharpen your faculties, a good puzzle will help. Now that you've finished this guide, you can revisit our list and choose which of the best puzzles is perfect for you!

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to complete a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle?

A 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle isn’t intended for the faint of heart. This puzzle type is one of the most challenging and difficult puzzles to complete. Because of this, you should expect it to take anywhere between 10 and 30 hours to complete. This is one reason why many people prefer to solve puzzles as a group—this strategy allows you to substantially cut down on the amount of time it takes to complete a puzzle without muzzling the difficulty of the puzzle. If you’re looking for a less time consuming challenge, most 500-piece jigsaw puzzles will take somewhere between 2 and 6 hours to complete.

Q: What types of puzzles are there?

There are dozens of different types of puzzles that are available to consumers today. Among the most popular puzzles, you may find options like crossword puzzles, numbered puzzles like Sudokus, logic-driven puzzles and more. If you’re hoping to challenge a particular part of the brain, there’s probably a puzzle that will help you to do so.  If you’re someone who does well with tactile and visual puzzles, for example, you might benefit from beginning a collection of jigsaw puzzles. And each puzzle type will be rated by difficulty. You can generally even determine which puzzles are best equipped to entertain certain age groups.

Q: Are puzzles good for you?

Puzzle enthusiasts know that there’s always a new way to challenge the brain. In fact, a number of studies have shown that consistent puzzle use can help you to boost cognition and problem-solving skills. Puzzles have been known to exercise the brain in a number of different ways. Some puzzle types will help you to improve attention and focus. Others may help you to increase your IQ, boost productivity, and more! Overall, consistent puzzle completion is a great way to help to boost brain functions. Those who are hoping to prevent mental decline or to tackle tasks with more precision may see improvement after completing puzzles regularly.

Q: Can puzzles help with anxiety?

Activities like puzzles, drawing, and coloring are believed to soothe anxiety. It’s possible that the mindfulness that’s required to complete these tasks contribute to smaller amounts of anxiety among those who complete these tasks regularly. In fact, some scientists are finding that activities like puzzles help to reduce the fight or flight response, which can be good for those who suffer from panic disorders. Completing jigsaw puzzles in particular is commonly seen as a meditative practice that allows you to tune out the external noise while you focus on the image and task at hand. But this should not be taken as medical advice.

Q: Is there a term for jigsaw specialists?

Jigsaw specialists are also commonly known as dissectologists, which means that they enjoy the act of putting the pieces together. It’s possible that dissectologists are drawn to puzzle completions because the act allows us to create order from perceived chaos. In fact, there are parallels between puzzle enthusiasts and improved mental health. By dedicating yourself to the completion of puzzles, it may be possible to experience less stress and anxiety.

Q: Which Myers Briggs personalities love puzzles?

While people of varying personality types are certain to enjoy puzzles, it’s possible that some personality types love them more than others. In fact, ENFP personality types tend to be particularly drawn to puzzles. But they also tend to be particularly good at them, which may help to increase their dedication to them. Those who are drawn to puzzles tend to thrive under a challenge. They also may be particularly adept at reasoning and problem solving, which makes them great candidates for puzzle completions. Some research suggests that personality types approach puzzle solving in different ways, which may contribute to overall success and enjoyment. And ENFP personality types consistently seem to find enjoyment in the puzzle solving process.