Image: The Halloween puzzle that I built this year.

I think that building things is a lot of fun! You could build model vehicles or robots, realistic or cute dioramas, or LEGO models, but one of the easiest ways to get into building things is with puzzles! 

Puzzles are nice because there are so many different designs, and you can choose designs that really appeal to you. Personally, I like seasonal puzzles, like Halloween and Christmas puzzles. You can also choose a difficulty level that’s appropriate for you. If you’re just a beginner or you don’t want to struggle too much, you can get a 500-piece puzzle. I usually get 1000-piece puzzles because they’re a good balance of challenge and fun. And if you get really good at building puzzles, you can even try a 2000-piece puzzle or a 3D puzzle! 

Puzzles take patience, so some people find them boring, but building a puzzle can be a great way to slow down and relax. I like to build them little by little over several days (or even weeks), taking my time to work on them a little bit each day with a cup of tea or coffee. 

Puzzles are also more fun when you do them with someone else. One of my family’s traditions is to build a big puzzle together during Christmas. Sometimes we have friends over and they help with the puzzle, so it’s a team effort, and we try to take a picture of the puzzle team each year as a Christmas memory. 

Puzzles are getting a bit expensive now (a nice one will cost at least $20 these days), but you can actually get many hours of enjoyment from a puzzle, even if you only build it once. After building a puzzle, you can keep it to build again in the future if you really like it, you can give it to someone else who might enjoy it, or you can trade or sell it and buy a new one! 

When the weather gets cold outside, how about sitting down with a hot drink and a fun puzzle this year? 

Tip: If you’re a beginner, try to find a puzzle that has very distinct designs and colours that will be easier to identify. Avoid repetitive shapes and colours, such as grass, leaves, water, and sky as these can be very challenging!