Cool 3D Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are traditionally flat.  Ever since John Spilsbury, a cartographer from Europe created the first “dissected maps”, the precursor to jigsaw puzzles, in 1760, when people think of a jigsaw puzzle they think of a flat object.  Prior to the 20^th century, puzzles were expensive and hand cut – to make a three dimensional puzzle by hand for sale to the general public would take too much time and be too expensive.  Although some three dimensional puzzle type objects may have been custom made for the rich, the general public had to make do with the standard flat two dimensional puzzles.

Today however, with improved technology and production 3D jigsaw puzzles are readily available, if not as common as standard 2D maps.  Many companies sell a variety of 3D puzzles at very reasonable prices.  Some of these are simple puzzles of only a few pieces that are designed for the casual jigsaw puzzle fan, while others are complex works of art that are for the advanced puzzle builder.

A wide range of 3D jigsaw puzzles are available, from dinosaurs to skyscrapers – if you’re looking for a jigsaw puzzle with a different twist, a 3D puzzle might be just the thing.  Below are some of the most interesting 3D jigsaw puzzles available:

This is probably one of the coolest 3D jigsaw puzzles. It featurres 540 perfectly crafted curved puzzle pieces that can be assembled to form a smooth globe. No glue or anything else is needed! It can be a tricky puzzle, especially when putting the oceans together, so if you need a little help, each piece is numbered on the underside (although true puzzle masters would never think of peeking!). Once the globe is complete it can be displayed on the included metal V-Shaped stand. If you’re looking for something a bit easier for the kids, Ravensburger also makes a 96 piece children’s globe (they also make a very cute kitty and fishbowl puzzle with a design similar to the globe).

This pyramid puzzle is another unique jigsaw puzzle design. The 365 pieces are made from real high quality cork for stability and a tighter fit. Build the base first to read how to build the rest of the pyramid – the base also contains a selection of pyramid facts, history and mysteries! As the pyramid is built, the secret hieroglyphic messages can be decoded (don’t worry – the hieroglyphic key is included in the puzzle box!). Be aware though, this can be a bit trickier than your average flat puzzle!

This three dimensional jigsaw puzzle with the somewhat elaborate name is just what it says, a 3D puzzle of the Las Vegas skyline (the fourth “D” is time).  The 1000 piece puzzle recreates Las Vegas with not only current buildings, but landmarks that represent the city’s history  going back to the 1800s and forward to (the presumed) future buildings of the city.  For added fun, the streets glow in the dark to give the completed puzzle the famous all night city glow.  In addition to the puzzle a Time Poster with Las Vega’s history is included as well as a link to a site with over 2000 facts.  If you like this style of puzzle, but aren’t that keen on Las Vegas – don’t worry!  The company sells models of many other major cities!

This one’s a bit different than the previous puzzles.   It is a set of interlocking plastic parts that can be assembled to make a cute pink plastic teddy bear (there is also a yellow teddy bear model available).  Although not made of the traditional wood or cardboard, using interlocking pieces to create the final form is close enough to a three dimensional jigsaw puzzle to be included!  Once the 41 pieces of the puzzle are put together, you have the option of keeping the teddy bear on a shelf or table as a cute decoration, or disassembling it to put it together again later.  If you like this style of puzzle, the company makes quite a few different models including a rose, a pyramid, an apple, a heart, and many more (most come in different color variations too!).

This 51 piece three dimensional jigsaw puzzle is made from high quality 3mm wood and when put together stands a bit over 21 inches tall!  The puzzle consists of die cut wood pieces that are easily detached from the sheets – sandpaper is included to smooth out any rough edges that may appear.  Once the puzzle is done, it can be colored with paint or left in its natural wood tones to be displayed.  If the Eiffel Tower isn’t your thing, the company also makes a wide range of wooden puzzles / models including other famous landmarks, boats, dinosaurs, farms, jets and even household furniture.