How to Pick the Right Puzzle for You

There are so many amazing puzzles out there that it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start — especially if you’re new to the hobby or looking for a gift. But don’t worry! Picking the right puzzle really comes down to a few simple things: your mood, your time, and what kind of image makes you happy.

Start With the Image

This might sound obvious, but I always say go with an image you love. You’re going to be staring at it for hours — make sure it’s something you want to look at! Whether that’s a cozy cottage, a chaotic bookshelf, a pile of puppies, or a bold abstract pattern, there’s no wrong answer here. Some folks love landscapes, others want super detailed collage-style puzzles. Your vibe = your puzzle.

Feeling overwhelmed by options?

You’re not alone! Puzzle Warehouse has over 10,000 different images — that’s a lot to scroll through. Trust me, they’ve tried just about every strategy to make it easier to search and filter, but when you’re trying to serve every kind of puzzler, it’s tough to make one perfect system. If you’re not sure where to begin, try browsing by theme. The theme page is a visual way for you to see different styles of images and narrow down your choices. 

Think About Piece Count

If you're new to puzzling or just want something relaxing, I recommend starting with something smaller — maybe a 300-piece or 500-piece puzzle. If you're ready for more of a challenge, go for 1000 pieces or more. Personally, I think 750-piece puzzles are underrated — they hit that sweet spot between satisfying and not too time-consuming.

Consider Your Time and Space

If you only have a small workspace or limited time, a giant 2000-piece puzzle might not be your best bet right now. Always check the finished size on the box or product page — that can help you avoid surprises when your puzzle turns out to be way too big for your table (we’ve all been there).

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

Sometimes the “right” puzzle is the one that surprises you. Maybe you normally do landscapes, but that vibrant modern art image really catches your eye. Or you’ve only done ribbon-cut pieces and want to try a random cut for something different. Give yourself permission to experiment! That’s how I found some of my all-time favorites.

Bonus: Mood Matters

This might sound a little cheesy, but the “right” puzzle for you today might be totally different from what felt right last week. If I’m sipping coffee on a slow weekend morning, I might reach for a cozy 500-piece cat puzzle. If I’ve got competitive energy, I’m going to grab something fast and high-contrast and try to beat my personal best. Let your puzzle match your moment.

In the end, the best puzzle for you is the one that makes you want to sit down and get started. If it brings you joy, you nailed it.

Have a favorite image style or piece count? Let me know over on social — I love hearing what everyone’s into!