Jigsaw Puzzle

The jigsaw puzzle was invented in the 1760s by John Spilsbury, a London-based engraver and cartographer. He mounted a European map on wood and cut along the borders of the countries to create an educational tool for teaching geography to children.

Modern cardboard puzzles are cut using highly precise steel cutting dies that press down onto the printed cardboard to punch out the pieces. Premium puzzle makers like Ravensburger use hand-crafted wire dies to ensure every single piece is completely unique in shape.

In 2018, Kodak released a 51,300-piece puzzle titled "27 Wonders of the World," which holds the record for one of the largest commercially available puzzles. Completing puzzles of this massive scale requires careful sorting and a massive dedicated table space.

Working on jigsaw puzzles exercises both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving short-term memory and cognitive function. The process of finding matching colors and shapes also acts as a form of meditation that can lower stress levels and heart rate.