1. The Clearly Impossible Puzzle
Not only is this puzzle made up of clear pieces to make it more difficult, but it also includes false edges and corner pieces to throw you off your game. The 100- and 200-piece sets are difficult on their own, but you can also opt for 500 or 1,000 pieces to really make this a fun, but complex, gift.
2. Impossibles Puzzle: Yes, Please...Donuts
One key strategy for puzzlers is to put together the edge and corner pieces first, then fill in the center of the puzzle. But that won’t work here; this puzzle has no edge pieces. To make things worse (...or better), there are also five extra pieces thrown in that don’t actually fit into the finished puzzle.
3. Around the World 42,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Educa
This puzzle is an investment, but it’ll provide hours upon hours of entertainment to even the biggest puzzle lover. With 42,000 pieces and an area spanning 294.8 inches by 61.8 inches, this is one of the largest puzzles on the market.
4. Time Warp Puzzle
For anyone who likes to reference the image on the box to solve the puzzle, this one will trick you: the image on the box is the scene at “daytime”, but the puzzle you put together shows the scene at “night.”
5. The Mystic Maze by The Magic Puzzle Company
First, there’s the puzzle, which is challenging as-is. You’ll find many uniquely shaped pieces as you put the puzzle together. And just when you think you’re finished: there’s a surprise, magical twist, made in collaboration with magicians. Plus, with over 50 “easter eggs” in each puzzle, this is the puzzle that keeps on giving.
6. Ecru Puzzles: Elisa Lara Campos Katagami Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
From the swirling array of colors repeated throughout to the spiral-shaped, laser-cut wood piece, this puzzle will really have you scratching your head in delighted confusion. Plus, with irregular edges, this 261-piece is deceptively challenging.