Puzzles for Sale Online

Shop our range of puzzles for sale at MHC World. Buy online and receive free delivery over R3500 & within a 30km radius from our store.

Apart from our puzzles for sale, we also offer board games, dolls and toy cars.

Puzzles have long been a source of entertainment, challenge, and education for people of all ages. They offer a blend of cognitive and emotional engagement, providing hours of fun while helping to sharpen the mind.

Puzzles come in various forms, from jigsaw puzzles to logic puzzles and crosswords, each with unique features and benefits. For anyone looking to buy a puzzle, the range of options is extensive, from affordable beginner puzzles to complex, high-end versions designed for dedicated enthusiasts.

What Is a Puzzle?

A puzzle is a game or problem that tests a person’s ingenuity, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. It generally involves piecing together or rearranging parts, solving clues, or recognising patterns to achieve a solution.

Puzzles offer a satisfying challenge and a sense of accomplishment, making them suitable for solo play or group enjoyment. Their engaging nature has cemented their popularity as a pastime that spans generations.

The Development of Puzzles Through the Years

Puzzles have a rich history that dates back centuries. The earliest known puzzles were created as educational tools, dating back to ancient civilisations that used them to teach mathematical and logical concepts.

In the 18th century, jigsaw puzzles were invented in England by John Spilsbury, who mounted maps on wood and cut them into pieces to help children learn geography. These early jigsaws were popular among the upper class as an educational toy, and their popularity spread rapidly.

Crosswords were first introduced in the early 20th century, quickly becoming a staple in newspapers around the world. Arthur Wynne, a British journalist, is credited with creating the first modern crossword in 1913. Meanwhile, logic puzzles such as Sudoku emerged from mathematical problems and gained popularity, especially in Japan and the Western world, during the latter half of the 20th century.

With the advent of technology, puzzles have evolved to include digital formats that can be played on phones, tablets, and computers. This modern convenience has introduced puzzles to a new audience and enabled people to enjoy different types of puzzles anytime, anywhere.

Benefits Building Puzzles

Puzzles stimulate the brain, improving memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness. Completing a puzzle often requires patience and focus, fostering qualities that can benefit individuals in other areas of life. Engaging in puzzles provides a calming, meditative experience that can reduce stress and anxiety, especially after a busy day.

Working on puzzles as a group can be a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together, creating memories and developing teamwork skills.

The Role of Building Puzzles in the Lives of Adults and Children

Building puzzles play a significant role in both child development and adult mental wellness. For children, puzzles are an effective educational tool that helps develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and concentration. They encourage hand-eye coordination, shape recognition, and cognitive skills critical in early learning stages.

For adults, puzzles are a source of mental stimulation that can aid in maintaining brain health. Studies suggest that regular engagement in puzzles can help slow cognitive decline, making them particularly beneficial for older adults. Additionally, puzzles provide adults with an opportunity to take a break from daily stressors, engage in mindfulness, and enhance mental agility.

Whether for learning, relaxation, or mental fitness, puzzles offer numerous benefits for adults and children alike, making them a versatile and valuable activity for every age group.

Different Types of Puzzles

·         Jigsaw Puzzles: These classic puzzles vary in size, piece count, and complexity. Jigsaws featuring scenic landscapes or famous artwork are popular, offering a rewarding experience for those who enjoy completing visual challenges.

·         Crossword Puzzles: Crosswords come in varying difficulty levels and are commonly found in newspapers and puzzle books. They’re ideal for vocabulary building and general knowledge enhancement, making them a favourite among word enthusiasts.

·         Sudoku and Logic Puzzles: Sudoku and similar logic puzzles are great for developing critical thinking skills. By working through these number-based challenges, players improve their logical reasoning and concentration.

·         3D Puzzles: These involve building structures or objects in three dimensions, like replicas of famous landmarks. They require spatial reasoning and patience and are popular among those who enjoy hands-on, visually stimulating challenges.

·         Escape Room Puzzles: Inspired by real-life escape rooms, these puzzles come in kits or online versions and involve solving clues to “escape” a virtual or physical room. They’re perfect for team-building and social gatherings.

Each type of puzzle offers unique benefits, from cognitive enhancement to improved spatial skills, making them an engaging and beneficial activity for all ages and interests.

How to Care for and Store Your Puzzles

Taking good care of your puzzles ensures they remain in excellent condition for future enjoyment. Here are some basic tips for storing and maintaining puzzles:

Always store puzzle pieces in a sealed bag or box to prevent loss. For jigsaw puzzles, keep the original box as it usually features the completed image as a guide. Store puzzles in a dry, cool place to prevent warping or mould. Cardboard puzzles, in particular, can be easily damaged by moisture.

Puzzle mats allow you to roll up and store an incomplete puzzle, saving space and making it easier to resume at a later time. For those who want to display completed jigsaw puzzles, consider laminating them. This protects the pieces from wear and allows you to frame and hang your completed work as art.

How to Choose Puzzles

Selecting the best puzzle involves considering several factors, such as difficulty level, age suitability, and budget. Here are some tips on how to choose puzzles wisely:

Decide whether you’re looking for relaxation, a mental challenge, or family fun. For example, jigsaw puzzles are excellent for quiet solo activities, while escape room puzzles are ideal for groups.

Choose a difficulty level that matches your experience. Beginners might prefer puzzles with fewer pieces, while advanced puzzlers may enjoy the challenge of more complex designs.

Look for age recommendations on the puzzle packaging. Children’s puzzles are usually simpler, with larger pieces for easy handling, while adult puzzles can be intricate and require more focus.

Puzzles vary in price, with affordable options available for beginners and more elaborate, premium puzzles for dedicated enthusiasts. There are also seasonal discounts where you can purchase puzzles at a lower price.

Select themes that appeal to your interests, whether landscapes, famous paintings, or abstract designs, to enhance your enjoyment.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to find the perfect puzzle that matches your skill level, interests, and budget.

Best Brands of Puzzles For Sale At MHC World

At MHC World we offer all reputable brands of puzzles for sale at a reasonable price.