Which types of puzzles are the best for mental health?

The good news is that it doesn’t really matter, so whether Sudoku is your thing or you’re a crossword enthusiast, just keep doing it. Shaheen Lakhan , MD, PhD, FAAN, physician-scientist, clinical development specialist, and Verywell Mind review board member, says the best puzzles for brain training are those with shapes, colors, words, sounds, calculations, and judgment that elicit emotion, dig deep into our memory banks, and solve problems. "There are more benefits if there is a social aspect to the task at the end, and it's even better if there are rewards," Dr. Lakhan adds.

Is it better to play puzzles alone or with someone else?

Adding a social element only enhances the ability of the brain circuits to grow stronger and more resistant to aging, says Dr. Lakhan. Another bonus is that for many people, playing puzzles with someone else makes the activity more enjoyable in general. "Adding incentives, whether monetary or simply bragging rights, activates the brain reward circuits and uses the very machinery that gets hijacked by drug addiction—but, this time for good," Dr. Lakhan adds.

The 10 Best Puzzles of 2022

Puzzles are a fantastic way to spend the day, especially when you find yourself spending more time inside than normal. They’re fun, screen-free, and they can slowly work to strengthen your mind—depending on the difficulty of the puzzle, you may not even notice how hard your brain is working!

Studies have shown that regularly doing puzzles can improve an individual’s memory, as well as overall cognitive health in adults. Children can also benefit from including puzzles in their playtime, through improved spatial transformation skills. With a variety of difficulty levels and styles to choose from, there’s a puzzle out there for everyone.

Here are the best puzzles on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Adults:

Galison The Beach Two-Sided Puzzle at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Buffalo Games Yard Sale Jigsaw Puzzle at Amazon

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Best Intermediate:

Toynk Starry Sky Jigsaw Puzzle at Walmart

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Best Advanced:

Bgraamiens Blooming Color Puzzle at Amazon

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Best 3D:

CubicFun 3D Neuschwanstein Castle Puzzle at Amazon

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Best Extra-Large:

Relish Burano Island Puzzle at Amazon

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Best for the Whole Family:

New York Puzzle Company New Yorker Cat Walk Puzzle at Amazon

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Best Series:

New York Puzzle Company Harry Potter Puzzle at Amazon

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Best Portable:

CM Originals The Clearly Impossible Puzzle at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

Mudpuppy Map of the USA Puzzle at Mudpuppy.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Mind

Courtesy of Walmart

Gray Malin is known for his beautiful aerial photography, but you don’t have to purchase a print to feature it in your home! This 500-piece, double-sided jigsaw puzzle includes Malin’s picture of snorkelers exploring an ocean reef on one side and sunbathers enjoying a sandy beach on the other. The pieces are crafted with a matte finish on one side and a glossy finish on the other, ensuring a stunning image no matter which side you choose to showcase.

When you choose this puzzle, you’re getting an intermediate-challenge, as well as a piece of art for your home.

Price at time of publication: $16

Amazon

Puzzles don’t have to be a financial investment. Especially when you’re new to the hobby, you can opt for cheaper puzzles that still challenge your mind and give you the practice you need, no matter what level you’re at.

This yard sale puzzle from Buffalo Games is 1,000 pieces and made from premium quality materials, including 100% recycled paperboard. Its colorful image provides a challenge, giving you the opportunity to show off your skills as you match pieces to create a variety of yard sale knickknacks.

Price at time of publication: $15

Craft Van Gogh’s famous masterpiece in your own home with this 1,000-piece puzzle. Made from high-quality, recycled cardboard, this puzzle is bend-resistant and ready to be conquered, whether it takes you one session or a few.

Full of blues, browns, and yellows, it may take some patience to navigate each aspect of “Starry Night,” but accomplishing this puzzle will give you the confidence you need to tackle even harder projects!

Price at time of publication: $14

Amazon

If you’re ready to show off your puzzle skills with an advanced challenge, the Blooming Color puzzle from Bgraamiens is a perfect choice. The 1,000 puzzle pieces create a colorful, intricate wheel, with petals containing at least two different colors. The color combination in each petal is different from the others, making every piece a challenge.

Made from sturdy chipboard and recycled paper, this puzzle isn’t a flimsy, one-time challenge. You can take this out for anything, from family fun nights to cozy afternoons by yourself. It’s a beautiful, timeless project.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

Spice up your puzzle cabinet with this 3D Neuschwanstein Castle puzzle. This realistic depiction of one of Germany’s most treasured landmarks can come together in about four hours. With foldable pieces that require precision and patience as you carefully cut them out, this puzzle is perfect for those who need a change from the classic jigsaw design.

When you’re finished, you’ll have a stunning replica to display in your home, or to take apart so you can put it back together again!

Price at time of publication: $20

Amazon

Everyone in your life benefits from puzzle practice, including older loved ones who may have trouble with their memory. This puzzle of Burano Island was designed specifically as an option for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, providing 63 large pieces that are easier to grasp and remember with repeated use.

The pieces are crafted from high-quality cardboard, making them easy to clean and use over and over again. With the right balance of challenge and engagement, this puzzle makes a fantastic gift for your older loved ones, whether you’re there to complete it with them or you’re sending it from afar.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

The New York Puzzle Company has a variety of fun puzzles, with their New Yorker artwork being one of the more popular options. This 500-piece “New Yorker Cat Walk” puzzle is recommended for ages 8 and up, with sturdy, made-in-the-USA pieces that will last you through many family game nights.

The colorful New Yorker cover is a fun and engaging image that your entire family will love, with plenty of other New Yorker options that could easily become a family collectible.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

If you’re looking for a puzzle series to complete, whether just for yourself or for a group of family and friends, the “Harry Potter” puzzle series from The New York Puzzle Company is a fantastic choice. Each puzzle is 1,000 pieces and depicts a popular image from JK Rowling’s famous novels.

Recommended for ages 7 and up, this is a fun series to complete as a family, collecting new puzzles all as you complete each scene.

Price at time of publication: $24

Amazon

Puzzles aren’t just for living rooms! The Clearly Impossible Puzzle is the perfect addition to any on-the-go day of fun. Whether you’re taking a camping trip or just looking for a puzzle that you can toss in a backpack, this waterproof, 500-piece puzzle is tightly sealed in a bag that won’t spill and lose pieces like boxes may.

It’s a challenge, with clear pieces that make it hard to distinguish the front from the back—it may drive you crazy, but that’s part of the fun.

Price at time of publication: $50

Adding puzzles into your child’s playtime is not only fun, but it assists in their brain’s development. This map of the United States puzzle from Mudpuppy is ideal for kids ages 5 and up, giving them the ability to practice their puzzle skills while also learning the 50 states at the same time. Colorful artwork makes this 70-piece puzzle a great screen-free playtime option—it actually won an Oppenheim Gold Best Toy Award.

The sturdy storage box ensures that your family can use the puzzle for years to come.

Price at time of publication: $10

Final Verdict

The best puzzle for you largely depends on your skillset and how long you want to spend working on a puzzle. But no matter where you fall on this spectrum, the double-sided Gray Malin Puzzle gives everyone a fun, engaging project to work on, with two images in one piece! It’s a great choice for groups or individuals, with stunning artwork that you’ll never grow tired of completing. As Gray Malin prints continue to fill homes, this puzzle is sure to be an excellent conversation starter as well! The New York Puzzle Company’s “New Yorker” cover puzzle is also a fantastic option, especially for individuals who make puzzles a family activity. It’s challenging, yet possible, for both adults and children.

What to Look for in a Puzzle

Piece Count

One of the main things you’ll need to know about the puzzle of your choice is how many pieces it has. While this does not necessarily impact the difficulty of the puzzle—a 500-piece puzzle could be far more difficult than a 1,000-piece puzzle depending on the picture—it’s crucial to understand what you’re signing up for.

Degree of Difficulty

When you go to buy a puzzle, the box should indicate how difficult it is to finish. This is often determined by the colors shown in the picture—if you have an image of the ocean with all blues and greens, it may be harder to complete than an image with more color diversity.

Durability

You want to purchase puzzles that will stand the test of time. Choosing a puzzle with durable pieces ensures that you can keep it for years without pieces breaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of puzzles are the best for mental health?

The good news is that it doesn’t really matter, so whether Sudoku is your thing or you’re a crossword enthusiast, just keep doing it.
Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN, physician-scientist, clinical development specialist, and Verywell Mind review board member, says the best puzzles for brain training are those with shapes, colors, words, sounds, calculations, and judgment that elicit emotion, dig deep into our memory banks, and solve problems.
"There are more benefits if there is a social aspect to the task at the end, and it's even better if there are rewards," Dr. Lakhan adds.
Is it better to play puzzles alone or with someone else?

Adding a social element only enhances the ability of the brain circuits to grow stronger and more resistant to aging, says Dr. Lakhan. Another bonus is that for many people, playing puzzles with someone else makes the activity more enjoyable in general.
"Adding incentives, whether monetary or simply bragging rights, activates the brain reward circuits and uses the very machinery that gets hijacked by drug addiction—but, this time for good," Dr. Lakhan adds.

Why Trust Verywell Mind

As a previous fitness coach, long-time wellness enthusiast, and current health editor, Lily Moe understands the importance of taking time for your mental health, through activities like meditation, puzzles, and long walks in the fresh air. She’s also relied heavily on The New York Puzzle Company for Christmas gifts every year! Most importantly, Lily always looks for research and first-hand reviews when it comes to deciding on a product.

Best Overall for Adults

Galison Gray Malin The Beach Two-Sided Puzzle

Best Budget

Buffalo Games Yard Sale Jigsaw Puzzle

Best Intermediate

Toynk Starry Sky 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Best Advanced

Bgraamiens Blooming Color Puzzle

Best 3D

CubicFun 3D Neuschwanstein Castle Puzzle

Best Extra-Large

Relish Burano Island Puzzle

Best for the Whole Family

New York Puzzle Company New Yorker Cat Walk Puzzle

Best Series

New York Puzzle Company Harry Potter Sirius Takes Flight Puzzle

Best Portable

CM Originals The Clearly Impossible Puzzle

Best for Kids

Mudpuppy Map of the United States of America Puzzle