An Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzle combines the excitement of a traditional advent calendar with the fun of assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Each day in December, you open a numbered box to find a new section of the puzzle to piece together. Unlike candy or toys, these calendars offer a unique and engaging way to count down the days until Christmas.
Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles make the perfect gift for puzzle enthusiasts and can be a fun way for the whole family to celebrate the holiday season. You can even use puzzle glue to turn your completed puzzle into a decoration for next year. This new holiday tradition brings hours of entertainment and adds a special touch to your festive adventures.
These puzzles are precisely what we’re diving into today. Welcome to the enchanting world of Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles!
Key Takeaways:
What is an Advent jigsaw puzzle? An advent jigsaw puzzle is a special type of jigsaw puzzle that is used to count down the days until Christmas.
Here are some key features of advent jigsaw puzzles:
- They contain 24-25 different boxes containing puzzle piecess, one box for each day leading up to Christmas. The puzzles are numbered 1 through 24/25.
- Each puzzle has a Christmas-themed image and comes in its own box or bag. Popular themes include Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, etc.
- The completed puzzles vary in difficulty and piece count but usually contain between 100-1000 pieces.
- They are meant to be done one per day, starting on December 1st and ending on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Doing one puzzle box per day is a fun way to anticipate and countdown to the holiday.
- The puzzles can be done individually or as a family activity.
- Advent jigsaw puzzles are a popular Christmas tradition in many households. They provide a festive way to get into the holiday spirit in the days leading up to Christmas.
The Basics of Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles
What Are Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles?
Imagine a traditional Advent calendar, but instead of finding a small piece of chocolate or a tiny toy behind each door, each day you open a box containing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to put together. By the end of the countdown of 24 days, you will have a completed puzzle. There are many different types of advent calendar jigsaw puzzles available, ranging from 24-piece puzzles to 1000-piece puzzles.
Origins of Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles
The advent calendar jigsaw puzzle is a relatively new holiday tradition, but it has some interesting origins:
- Traditional advent calendars originated in the 19th century in Germany as a way for families to count down the days until Christmas. Early versions used small pieces of candy attached to cardboard.
- The first printed advent calendar was made in 1902 in Germany featuring Bible verses. By the 1920s and 30s, many featured small doors that opened to reveal pictures or chocolates.
- Jigsaw puzzles became popular in the 1800s and mass production began in the early 1900s. Many featured holiday themes to celebrate Christmas.
- The combination of an advent calendar with jigsaw puzzles didn’t emerge until the late 1900s. Companies like SunsOut and White Mountain Puzzles helped popularize the advent calendar jigsaw concept.
- One of the first advent calendar jigsaw puzzles was the “Christmas Memories Advent Calendar” released by SunsOut in the early 2000s. It featured 24 interchangeable holiday puzzles.
- White Mountain Puzzles released their first advent calendar jigsaw in 2009. Titled “Santa’s March Toward Christmas,” it included 25 mini puzzles.
- Advent calendar jigsaws grew in popularity through the 2010s with more companies producing elaborately themed sets each year. Popular themes featured nostalgic Christmas imagery.
- Today, advent calendar jigsaw puzzles are manufactured by dozens of brands and range from 24 to over 100 puzzle counts. They are now a mainstream Christmas tradition for puzzle enthusiasts.
The Joy of Solving and Celebrating
How They Work – Daily Countdown
Each advent calendar jigsaw puzzle consists of puzzle pieces placed in numbered boxes. Starting on December 1st, you open the first box and piece together the first section of the puzzle. Each day, you continue assembling pieces from the respective boxes until the big day—Christmas Eve.
The daily routine of opening a new box and adding puzzle pieces adds a touch of excitement to your day. It’s a fantastic way to build anticipation for the holiday.
Considerations When Choosing
Choosing the right advent calendar jigsaw puzzle is important to ensure a great holiday experience. Factors like age, skill level, and themes make a difference. The best quality products provide hours of entertainment.
Age and Skill Level
First, think about the age and skill level of the person who will use the advent calendar jigsaw puzzle. Younger children might need larger pieces and simpler designs to keep the experience fun. Look for easy-grip pieces or puzzles with 50 pieces for younger kids.
Older kids, teens, and adults might enjoy more challenging puzzles. A 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle or a mystery puzzle can be a fun way to count down the days of Christmas. Different shapes and vibrant colors make the holidays exciting. Remember to choose puzzles that match their skill level to keep them engaged.
Theme and Design
Themes make your advent calendar jigsaw puzzle special. During the holiday season, themes like gingerbread houses, magical scenes, and religious Christmas puzzles can bring the holiday spirit alive. Consider what the recipient enjoys. Themes that connect with one’s interests enhance the festive adventures.
Quality and Brand
Quality and brand matter in advent calendar jigsaw puzzles. Name brand companies offer premium quality board and striking boxes. They have a history of creating stunning designs and use high-quality materials.
Look for sturdy pieces that fit well together. Check for cardboard boxes that can last throughout the holiday season. Some puzzles have gold foiling or are made from biodegradable alternatives, ensuring they last longer and look great.
The Puzzle Pieces
The quality of the puzzle pieces is crucial. They’re typically made of durable cardboard, ensuring they stand the test of time. You want pieces that fit snugly and won’t easily fray at the edges.
Where to Find Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles
Local Stores
If you want to see the puzzle in person before purchasing, check local retailers, especially during the holiday season. Many department stores and specialty shops may carry them.
Online Retailers
For a broader selection and convenience, online retailers are a fantastic option. You can browse through various designs, read reviews, and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Customization and Personalization
Personalizing an advent calendar jigsaw puzzle allows you to add a personal touch, making it a unique gift for loved ones. You can also find various exclusive and limited editions that add a special feel to the holiday season.
Creating Personalized Puzzles
You can create personalized advent calendar jigsaw puzzles to fit your holiday spirit. Imagine a puzzle featuring your own Christmas decorations or family photos! Sites like Etsy offer custom options where you choose the puzzle design, piece count, and holiday themes.
Exclusive and Limited Editions
Some companies offer exclusive and limited-edition puzzle calendars. These come in striking boxes with unique designs, special themes, and even gold foiling.
Tips for Maintaining Your Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzle
- Keep the puzzles in their numbered bags or boxes. Don’t dump them all out at once. This keeps them organized and prevents pieces from getting mixed up before their “day.”
- Store the puzzles in a flat surface, not stacked or piled when not in use. Piling them can warp or bend the pieces.
- Consider using puzzle boards or trays to assemble each daily puzzle. This keeps them intact after assembling instead of taking them apart each time.
- Be gentle when breaking apart and reassembling so pieces don’t get bent or damaged. Avoid forcing pieces together that don’t fit.
- Keep puzzles away from places with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight as these can damage or warp the pieces.
- Use puzzle mats or soft tablecloths as a cushioned surface to prevent scratching finished puzzles when they are moved.
- Handle puzzles carefully by the edges or use puzzle tweezers to avoid leaving fingerprints and smudges on the pieces.
- To keep assembled puzzles clean, avoid eating or drinking over them and gently dust with a soft brush if needed.
- Check pieces for damage after each use and replace any pieces that become lost, bent, or worn.
- Consider framing or gluing favorite puzzles after the season is over to preserve and display them.
Following these basic care tips will keep the advent puzzle pieces in great shape and able to be enjoyed year after year!
Benefits of Advent Calendar Jigsaw Puzzles
Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles offer a unique and fun way to enhance the holiday spirit, providing educational value for all ages and creating lasting Christmas memories. These puzzles combine the excitement of daily surprises with the joy of completing a jigsaw puzzle.
Enhancing the Countdown Experience
Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles turn the countdown to Christmas into an exciting adventure. Each day, you open a new compartment to reveal a section of the puzzle. This adds to the holiday spirit by giving you something to look forward to each day.
Educational Value for All Ages
Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles are not only fun but also educational. These puzzles improve problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Larger pieces are perfect for younger children, while more intricate designs challenge adults.
These puzzles also encourage you to think critically and pay attention to detail, making them an excellent educational tool.
Tradition and Memories
Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles help create lasting Christmas memories. The act of opening each box, finding puzzle pieces, and assembling them with family or friends can become a cherished holiday tradition.
Community and Engagement
Joining a puzzle community can enhance the enjoyment of an advent calendar jigsaw puzzle. Online platforms offer spaces to share experiences and tips with fellow enthusiasts.
Puzzle Enthusiast Communities
As a puzzle fan, you can join various communities focused on advent calendar jigsaw puzzles. These communities gather people who share a passion for piece count, puzzle glue, and unique jigsaw puzzle advent calendars.
Forums and social media often feature discussions about mystery puzzles, traditional advent calendars, and new puzzles from last year. You’ll find reviews of miniature jigsaw puzzles and 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, which can help you decide what to add to your wish list.
Meeting other puzzle enthusiasts not only enhances your experience but also offers you insights into creating your own Christmas decorations using puzzle pieces. You can discuss fun ways to start new traditions and even explore biodegradable alternatives for puzzle packaging.
Sharing Experiences Online
One of the best parts of a jigsaw advent calendar is sharing the holiday spirit and festive adventures online. You can upload pictures of your completed puzzle designs, whether they feature vibrant colors, magical scenes, or gingerbread houses.
Social media platforms often have groups where you can post daily progress of your mystery puzzle. Share tips about easy-grip pieces and joining sections of the puzzle from their respective boxes. Others might comment on their journey with their 50-piece puzzle or bigger ones, adding fun and creativity to the days of Christmas.
Engagement in these online communities also introduces you to different shapes and larger pieces suitable for the whole family. Whether it’s about the latest religious Christmas puzzle or the perfect advent calendar for this time of year, your posts can become a source of inspiration. Thus, using the “create account button” on these platforms can transform a solitary activity into a shared holiday season adventure.
FAQs
How do I start an Advent calendar jigsaw puzzle?
Getting started with an Advent calendar jigsaw puzzle is a breeze. Begin by finding the number-one puzzle box. The boxes are usually numbered making them easy to identify. Once you’ve found it, begin assembly like a regular type jigsaw puzzle.
The goal is to each day finish putting the pieces in the corresponding date together and building on the previous days. Remember to savor the anticipation as you reveal a new piece each day.
Are Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles suitable for children?
Yes, Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles are fantastic for kids. Many designs are specifically created with children in mind, featuring colorful and engaging images.
However, make sure to select a puzzle with an appropriate piece count and complexity level for the child’s age and skill. It’s an excellent way to introduce them to the world of puzzles while adding a touch of magic to the holiday season.
Can I reuse an Advent calendar jigsaw puzzle for next year?
Absolutely! Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles are designed for reuse. After the holidays, carefully disassemble the puzzle and sort the pieces according to the number on the back. You can use resealable bags or puzzle mats to store the pieces but usually, you will have the individual boxes to store the pieces in.
When the next holiday season comes around, reassemble the puzzle, and you can enjoy the magic of revealing surprises once again.
Conclusion
Incorporating the delightful Advent calendar jigsaw puzzle into your holiday traditions adds a unique twist to the season’s festivities. It’s an opportunity to challenge your puzzle-solving skills while savoring the anticipation of the holidays. So, go ahead and dive into this magical combination of puzzles and Advent calendars – it’s a tradition worth embracing.
If you’re looking for recommendations on the best Advent calendar jigsaw puzzles, be sure to visit our Best Advent Calendar Puzzles post. Happy puzzling and happy holidays!
