Gifting a Puzzle This Holiday Season? Don't Make These Mistakes

Research shows that puzzles activate our brains while relaxing us psychologically, putting our brains into a meditative state. That's why puzzles make such great gift for any time of year, and with the holiday season right around the corner, it's a better time than ever to pick out a new puzzle for the lover of brain teasers in your life. That being said, it's important to select the puzzle carefully when gifting one to a friend or family member. Here are just a few mistakes to avoid when giving away a puzzle as a gift this holiday season.

Giving Away a Used Puzzle

Giving away a used puzzle is usually a no-go. Unless the puzzle is some type of antique or has certain sentimental value, it's much better to invest in a new puzzle for your friend or family member to unbox and put together with pride. An old puzzle could have missing pieces or other imperfections that hinder the puzzle-piecing process. It's best to buy a new puzzle whenever possible.

Giving a Puzzle With the Wrong Difficulty Level

Easy puzzles, moderately difficult puzzles, and hard puzzles all make great gifts, depending on the skill level of the recipient. You certainly don't want to give a puzzle that's much too easy to someone with the skill level to piece together one that's twice as difficult. That being said, it's better to give away a puzzle like a big jigsaw puzzle that may be slightly above the recipient's skill level so that they have the chance to work up to it as they develop their skills. If the puzzle is just too easy, they may skip it altogether or grow bored very quickly.

Not Considering a Custom Image Puzzle

Finally, be aware that custom image puzzles make a great personalized gift for a friend or family member. It helps to associate the gift with a special memory, and it also provides a better opportunity to frame the completed puzzle as a permanent keepsake and art piece.

The neurotransmitter, dopamine, is produced when doing puzzles, making them a perfect hobby for a rainy day -- or any type of day, for that matter. Be sure to avoid these mistakes to make sure you give the best puzzle possible this season. For more information about big jigsaw puzzles and other tough puzzles, contact Masterpieces.