History of wooden puzzles

Since their advent in the mid-18th century, jigsaw puzzles have enjoyed a great degree of popularity. John Spilsbury, an inventor, cartographer, and engraver, initially came up with these wooden puzzles to aid local school children in their geography lessons — but it wasn’t long before adults started playing with them, too.

In the centuries since jigsaw puzzles have continued to be a popular source of entertainment. This is no coincidence; wooden puzzles are fun and satisfying to complete, but their benefits are far greater than you may think. Benefits include cognitive development, stress relief, social connection, and more.

If you’re looking to experience these advantages for yourself, you’ve certainly come to the right place. We offer an impressive range of wooden puzzles for adults, including themes such as art, animals, and famous places, made to suit a range of different experience levels. And if you’re looking for a starter jigsaw for your little one, don’t worry; we have wooden puzzles for children, too.

Before you browse, though, read on to find a little more about these marvelous puzzles and get an idea of which one is right for you.

History and manufacturing process

The history of wooden puzzles is rich and fascinating. It’s heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution and the shifting attitudes of the Great Depression. Before we tell you about our extensive collection here at Woodmax, we’d like to provide you with a brief introduction to the wonderful world of jigsaws.

The history of puzzles

John Spilsbury, a London-based cartographer and engraver, is believed to have invented the humble wooden jigsaw puzzle sometime in the 1760s. At the time, they were not known as jigsaws but were instead called “dissected puzzles” — a little less catchy, perhaps, but a pretty apt description of what to expect! The first dissected puzzle created by Spilsbury took the form of a map mounted on a flat, rectangular piece of wood, with the countries carefully cut out. It was made with the aim of helping local children with their geography lessons at school, but it didn’t take long for this novel invention to attract the attention of a wider demographic.

Very soon, Spilsbury’s idea was copied by others, with these new wooden puzzles featuring a broader selection of themes and images. By the mid-1800s, what was once a children’s toy and educational aid had garnered attention from adults, too, with an ever-increasing number of designs clearly aimed at a mature audience.

19. The end of the 19th century saw wooden puzzles explode in popularity. This was largely down to three factors:

1. The advent of lithographic printing: a sophisticated printing technique allowing for brighter, higher quality images.
2. The creation of plywood: a more affordable alternative to other available materials that had the advantage of being easier to cut
3. The introduction of the treadle jigsaw: this invention was so instrumental to the creation of wooden puzzles that we borrowed the name — jigsaws.

By the early twentieth century, companies had started to use wooden jigsaw puzzles as promotional tools. This was an especially popular practice among cruise liners and railway companies — the Great Western Railway, for example, partnered with the British toy brand Chad Valley to produce a line of themed jigsaw puzzles between 1924 and 1939.

Wooden jigsaw puzzles continued to be popular throughout the Great Depression of the 1930s, a time when many people appreciated such affordable distractions from the difficulties they faced in day-to-day life. Towards the end of the decade, plywood shortages brought on by World War II meant that most manufacturers started making their puzzles using low-quality cardboard instead.

These days, many jigsaw puzzles are still made using cardboard, as cardboard puzzles are cheaper and easier to manufacture. Here at Woodmax, however, we appreciate the artisanal value of classic puzzles made from wood and wish to celebrate the efforts of the artists who still use these traditional methods.

The process of making wooden blocks

The creation of wooden jigsaw puzzles has changed quite a bit since the late 1800s. Rather than using jigsaws, wooden puzzle makers today use state-of-the-art laser technology to make their handcrafted designs.

Laser-cutting allows for greater accuracy and precision, which allows craftspeople a higher degree of customization: puzzles can be cut into a wide range of sizes and shapes, with however many pieces you choose. With these precision cutting techniques, artisans like Wentworth Puzzles can create complex, intricate jigsaw sets that provide players with a greater challenge than those made through traditional means.

Manufacturing techniques aren’t the only thing that’s changed to reflect the times — the materials used to make wooden puzzles have, too. With an ever-increasing focus placed on climate change, it’s becoming more and more important to consider sustainability. Keeping this in mind, responsible manufacturers like Unidragon, DaVici, and Wentworth make sure to use high-quality, durable wood sourced from sustainably managed ecosystems.

Unique characteristics of wooden puzzles

Wooden jigsaw puzzles have a number of unique features you won’t be able to enjoy with standard cardboard puzzles. This is why, despite cardboard puzzles being cheaper and easier to manufacture, wooden jigsaws have stood the test of time and are still popular today.

Durability

One of the most important features of wooden jigsaw puzzles compared to their cardboard alternative is the durability of the material. Wooden puzzles are designed to be investment pieces — something you can enjoy for years to come, followed by your children and grandchildren after you. Cardboard jigsaws may be cheaper to buy and more easily mass-produced, but they are also of a lower quality, meaning they will not last anywhere near as long. This also makes wooden jigsaw puzzles a sustainable choice in the long term.

Tactile satisfaction

When it comes to tactile satisfaction, cardboard puzzles just can’t compare with traditional ones made from wood. Handling the wooden pieces, slotting them together, and watching the resulting image slowly take form is a uniquely pleasurable experience that everyone deserves to enjoy. Even the smell of the wood is noteworthy, making puzzle-solving a pleasure for almost all of the senses.

Thematic shapes

By laser-cutting wooden puzzle pieces, artists can achieve a range of intricate designs, allowing for a greater degree of customization. Some puzzles include things called whimsy pieces, which are uniquely shaped puzzle pieces, usually reflecting a theme. For example, a jigsaw featuring an image of a seaside town might have whimsy pieces shaped like lighthouses, fish, or boats.

Types of wooden puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles allow for a great deal of customization, with a wide range of themes and designs available on the market. No matter whether you want jigsaw puzzles themed around geography, wildlife, or the arts, you’ll be able to find something that suits your particular interests.

Here at Woodmax, we offer jigsaws from three top manufacturers: Unidragon, Wentworth, and DaVici. All three place great emphasis on crafting high-quality, sustainable wooden puzzles featuring gorgeous designs and packaged using recyclable materials. The products also vary in difficulty, with some being easy and aimed at beginners while others are more complex.

Not only that, but they all have a great variety of themes to choose from. Read on to get some idea of our expansive collection.

Art

Wooden art-themed puzzles are always a popular choice because they are visually very striking. For this very reason, they make fantastic gifts – once finished, they can be displayed like real works of art. But maybe you’ll buy one for your living room – and who could blame you? Who wouldn’t want an artistic masterpiece in their home?

Both Wentworth and DaVici sell art-themed wooden jigsaw puzzles. The former stocks jigsaw puzzles featuring some of the world’s most beloved fine art, including paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and J. M. W. Turner. If you’re on the hunt for something surrealist, however, DaVici might just have what you’re looking for, as their designs tend to lean more in that direction.

For kids

Buying wooden jigsaws for children can sometimes be a bit tricky. You need to find something bright and appealing for them, something that captures their imagination but is also the right level of difficulty. Too easy and they’ll quickly get bored; too difficult and they’ll be sure to get frustrated and give up completely. Fortunately, Unidragon and DaVici are two of the best manufacturers of wooden puzzles for children.

Here at Woodmax, you can browse Unidragon’s adorable Bubblezz collection of children’s animal-themed designs, featuring a variety of shiny-eyed furry friends your little one will love. As you’d expect from DaVic’s wonderful direction, their children’s puzzles often depict charming brightly coloured fantastical images that are perfect for any little one with a vivid imagination.

Unimodel

But what if you’re looking for something other than a jigsaw puzzle? Something a little more unique! Well, don’t worry; Unidragon’s got you covered.

“Unimodel” is Unidragon’s unique collection of car-themed wooden jigsaws. Without the use of glue or screws, you can build a wooden car expertly crafted from only the finest materials. These wooden blocks come in a variety of colours and designs, each with working doors, luggage compartments and wheels, and pay real attention to detail. Car lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy assembling the models for display at home.

Overview of Manufacturers

Now that we’ve briefly introduced the three manufacturers we stock let’s discuss them in a little more detail. Read on to get acquainted with these marvelous brands.

Unidragon wooden puzzles

Unidragon offers a wide range of wooden jigsaws, focusing on mandalas and animal themed designs, although they also have a special selection of science fiction themed pieces. Their artwork is brightly coloured and appealing and created with a clear attention to detail, while the puzzles themselves are unique, intricately designed and engaging.

For example, consider these two best sellers listed on their website:

Unidragon’sGolden Bunnyjigsaw puzzle is aptly named – it features a brightly coloured rabbit with an enchanting design. The set also includes a range of nature-themed quirky pieces, including rabbits (of course!), birds, fish and more. Unidragon’s animal series puzzles are available in four sizes, with each puzzle challenge growing with size.

The mandala jigsaws sold by Unidragon are as intricate and captivating as their animal series. The “Living Tree Mandala” is a perfect example. “Featuring pieces shaped as stars, flowers, planets and animals, the Tree of Life Mandala captures the connections between all living things, bringing a slice of the cosmos to your coffee table. The jigsaw is available in three sizes, the largest of which offers the greatest challenge.

Wentworth wooden puzzles

Based in the English countryside, Wentworth Puzzles has been producing historical, cultural and educational puzzles since 1991, building a worldwide fan base in the process. Their puzzles are supplied by prestigious UK institutions such as The National Gallery and The National Trust. Wentworth produces puzzles to suit all ages and experience levels. Their collection includes collections of 25-1500 pieces that are puzzles for beginners and veterans alike.

Wentworth wooden puzzles are available in a wide range of themes, including fine arts, animals and nature, landmarks and places, and seasonal puzzles. Potterheads out there will be excited to learn they even offer some Harry Potter-themed sets! But to give you an idea of what to expect, here are a couple of their best sellers for you to consider:

With gorgeous autumnal colours and an intricate design that includes a number of specially carved quirky pieces, Wentworth’s ‘Cycling in Tuscany‘ is a welcome addition to any knitter’s collection. Available in just one size, this set proves to be an exciting challenge thanks to the repeating patterns and pieces.

This Garden Bunny puzzle is a delight for the senses, featuring bright bursts of color, satisfying wooden pieces, and an absolutely adorable bunny rabbit front and center! This puzzle is available in sets of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 pieces, making it a design equally well-suited to little ones and adults.

DaVici wooden puzzles

The company, which is mainly run by women, offers a wide range of puzzles for beginners and veterans alike, mostly with abstract or fanciful designs. DaVic’s sets are neatly packaged in attractive, compact boxes that make an instant impression even before you’ve taken the pieces out. But when you open them up, you’ll find that this company’s wooden jigsaws are enchanting, with themes such as art, winter landscapes, fantasy and more. Here are some examples:

One of DaVic’s most popular collections,Zodiacis the work of British fantasy artist Josephine Wall. These jigsaws combine Wall’s brightly coloured, mesmerising art with 100 charming and intricately carved jigsaws. The set is perfect for adults taking their first humble steps into the magical world of wooden jigsaws.

DaVici’s 1100-piece “Millennium Tree” design is perfect for puzzle fans looking for a challenging challenge. It has an intriguing, mystical design that is printed in high quality on a complex and intricate puzzle. This set also features some charmingly quirky pieces, including elephants and figures wielding bows and spears.

Benefits of Puzzles

The young and old alike can benefit greatly from the challenge of completing a jigsaw puzzle. They are fun to work on and gorgeous to look at when completed, but there are many reasons why you might do them that go beyond simple enjoyment. But there are more reasons to tackle them that go beyond simple entertainment. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the major advantages for your consideration.

Mental stimulation

Both children working on their first puzzles and adults enjoying a more advanced challenge can benefit from engaging their minds with a good jigsaw. Wooden puzzles can aid in cognitive development and allow you to grow your problem-solving skills. Studies have shown that jigsaws can even help prevent cognitive decline in the elderly.

In many ways, the brain can be thought of as a muscle: exercise it regularly, and you can strengthen it. Jigsaw puzzles began as an educational tool, and, to this day, they remain one of the best ways to keep your mind active.

Social connection

Wooden puzzles also provide a brilliant opportunity for social connection. In our increasingly digitized world, it isn’t always easy to come together with friends and family in person. So, why not find a good jigsaw puzzle and invite some people around to share the joy of puzzle-solving with them? Puzzle parties and events are a great way to spread this joy around.

Educational value

Jigsaw puzzles are already a great way to exercise the brain, but some designs have even more educational value. Jigsaw puzzles are already a great way to exercise the brain, but some designs have even more educational value. For example, a London-themed jigsaw might acquaint you with the city’s famous landmarks, while sets with nature themes can help you learn more about animals and their environments.

Conclusion

Wooden puzzles have been popular for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Fun, engaging, and a great way to learn more about the world around us, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to develop one’s cognitive abilities in a way that is entertaining.

No matter whether you’re looking for introductory sets or difficult puzzles, you’ll find the perfect jigsaw here on Woodmax. With offerings from three great brands, each renowned for its high-quality wooden puzzles and commitment to craft, you have lots of different options to choose from.

Whether you’re buying for yourself or looking to get a gift for someone, you can browse through our numerous collections to find a set that’s just right for you. Animal themes, art, fantasy, landmarks — at Woodmax, we have a little something for everyone; your perfect wooden jigsaw puzzle is just waiting for you to find it. The perfect wooden puzzle is already waiting for you. Your perfect wooden puzzle is waiting to be found.

FAQ

Are puzzles good for your brain?

Wooden puzzles are great for your brain, as they aid in cognitive development and problem-solving by keeping your mind engaged and active. Jigsaw puzzles also help with hand-eye coordination and visuospatial awareness, a benefit particularly helpful for babies and toddlers who are only just beginning to develop such abilities.

Additionally, themed jigsaws can also be used as educational tools. Wooden puzzles featuring geographical areas can help acquaint puzzlers with local landmarks; animal puzzles can help teach users about their environment; and jigsaw puzzles themed around letters and numbers can help children get a head start in preschool.

What is the best free puzzle site for adults?

If you feel like doing a puzzle but are out and about or just don’t have the time to complete one, there are websites where you can try out other classic puzzles for free. For example, you can play Sudoku on sudoku.com or try out a wide variety of crosswords on The Guardian and The Independent.

While wooden jigsaw puzzles have a certain charm that you just can’t find in a digital alternative, there are even places where you can play free jigsaw puzzles online. Jigsaw Explorer, JigZone, and Jigsaw Planet are three highly popular options we would recommend.

At what age should kids start puzzles?

Kids can start working on simple puzzles between around 13 and 15 months of age — however, there are a couple of important factors you should keep in mind when finding a suitable option.

You should make sure that whatever you choose for your little one is simple enough that they can complete it without getting frustrated. Additionally, pay attention to the materials used for the puzzle pieces; keep away from any companies that don’t specify the use of non-toxic woods and pigments in their puzzles. And finally, make sure to only buy puzzles that don’t constitute a choking hazard.

What puzzles should a 4-year-old be able to do?

A 4-year-old is more than old enough to begin playing with jigsaw puzzles, but you should be mindful of the difficulty level when picking one out. We would recommend a set with between 20-40 pieces, allowing your little one to get acquainted with the world of jigsaw puzzles without getting stressed or aggravated.