The puzzling thing about puzzles is that they aren't puzzling at all!

Okay, that was a little lame, I'll admit it but its true! Puzzles are quite possibly my favorite form of play. From the large block puzzles with little handles that help you learn colors, the alphabet, and animal shapes to 5000 piece one color ones meant to drive you crazy, puzzles are amazing. 

For one, they're a really great gift idea. Just the other day, I discovered how to create a personalized Jigsaw with an image from my own photo gallery. (I'm sure this feature has been around for a while, but I had no idea how simple it would be. Just upload and go!) Imagine all the different scenarios you could create a personalized puzzle for. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baby announcements, graduations–just to name a few. 

Another thing about puzzles is that they're great for all ages. They help develop focus as well as color and pattern recognition. Both of these things are important skills for kids to develop. On the flipside, I can also say that as a young adult, returning to those basic skills can provide a much needed mental break. I love being able to sit down and focus on something as simple as "gather all the blue pieces together," "look for only edge pieces," or "this piece continues the line on that piece." 

Which leads straight into the next big plus to puzzles: they can be incredibly therapeutic. I like to use them to take a break from my busy schedule or when I need to think through something. The simple repetitive motion of picking out a piece and putting it where it goes is calming. Also, you get a little serotonin boost every time a piece fits, you find the last piece to complete a section or the one you've been looking for, and when the puzzles finally complete. That sense of accomplishment can be a really nice energy booster when things feel far from completion elsewhere. 

Finally, puzzles are a way to bring people together. One of my most fond spring break memories is working on the tour puzzle (a puzzle relating to whatever location my dance group decided to spend the break) with all of my friends during our free time. We could spend hours at a time looking at the tiny pieces and trying to put it all together before the week ended. You can do a puzzle with friends, familiy, coworkers, anyone.

So if you're looking for a relaxing way to pass some time, try picking out a puzzle!