6 Fun Things You Can Do with a Finished Puzzle Besides Just Box It Up

Assembling jigsaw puzzles is the perfect relaxing indoor activity to keep you occupied during cozy season. This mindful hobby offers a satisfying way to unwind as the days grow cooler, giving your hands something to do while your mind takes a break. But once that final piece clicks into place, it can feel a little disappointing to simply take your hard work apart—but leaving it out on the kitchen or coffee table forever isn’t really an option. If you’re hoping to give your finished puzzle a second life, you’re not alone. According to Chris Danner, owner of Elm’s Puzzles, finding creative ways to repurpose puzzles is becoming increasingly popular as puzzles themselves are enjoying a renewed boost in popularity.

“Now, more than ever, doing a jigsaw puzzle feels refreshing. You’re not looking at your phone. Your mind quiets down and you easily float from moments of relaxing concentration to exhilarating flow. There’s not many activities like it in today’s world so I think it’s natural to ask yourself, ‘How can I do that again?’” he tells Better Homes & Gardens.

If you want to do something more inspired with your finished puzzle than just pack it back in the box, we’ve got you covered. Here are six creative ways to repurpose your puzzle once it’s complete.

Frame It

A classic option that never goes out of style, framing a completed puzzle is a great way to preserve your puzzle and admire it for years to come. Danner notes that this is a popular option among Elm’s Puzzles customers, especially due to the artistic nature of the pieces and the company’s ability to create custom puzzles. 

“One of our longtime customers is a bestselling author and ordered custom puzzles of each of her book covers and proudly displays all of them in her home,” he says. 

Depending on your preference, puzzles can be framed with or without glue. If you hope to redo the puzzle one day, opting for the glue-less option is best. Alternatively, if you’re happy to permanently transform the puzzle into a piece of hanging artwork, glue is a great way to ensure the puzzle is preserved. To frame a puzzle without glue, securing it between a backing board and a piece of clear plastic or glass will be necessary prior to framing. As for glue, you can find specialty puzzle glue or adhesive sheets to secure your puzzle in place. 

Create a Puzzle Placemat

If you’re looking to take a more practical approach to repurposing your completed puzzle, DIY puzzle placemats may be for you. This option should be reserved for puzzles that you’re sure you don’t want to redo at any point, as gluing and sealing is involved. There are various ways to transform a puzzle into a placemat, but the simplest option is to glue the pieces together, add a backing for support, and seal the finished placemat with a food-safe sealant.

Craft Puzzle Coasters

Similarly, puzzle coasters are a great option for smaller puzzles or puzzles you want to break into smaller pieces. The great thing about coasters is that they don’t necessarily need to be food safe either, giving you a wider range of options when it comes to which materials you’d like to use. Resin is a popular option for sealing, but you can also use polyurethane or Modge Podge.

Host a Puzzle Swap

You’ve heard of clothing swaps and decor swaps, but what about puzzle swaps? If you have some other puzzle lovers in your life, hosting a puzzle swap party can be a great way to share and receive puzzles from your closest friends and family.

The key to hosting a successful puzzle swap event is to define the rules early. These include:

• The number of puzzles each guest should bring. 
• The condition of the puzzles people can bring (no missing pieces!).
• How the swap will take place (i.e., round robin, random draw, or shopping style).
• The time limit for the swap.

Also, ensure you provide food and drinks, plenty of seating, background music, and a few related activities to help keep people entertained before and after the actual puzzle swap. If hosting isn’t your thing, check to see if anyone in your area is hosting a puzzle swap that you can attend. Who knows, you might just meet a whole new community of puzzle lovers just like you!

Gift It to Another Puzzle Lover

On that note, pre-loved puzzles in excellent condition make great gifts. If you have another puzzle lover in your life, consider regifting your previously completed puzzles to them. As a lifelong puzzle lover himself, this is Danner’s top recommendation for repurposing the puzzles you’re done with.

“Share the experience with someone else. It’s a nice gift and a sweet gesture to say, ‘Hey, I lost track of time for hours and it was amazing. I hope it does the same for you,’” he says.  “We have a customer who rents puzzles and then sends it on to his daughter who lives a few states away. It’s a way for them to have the same experience and stay connected despite the physical distance between them. What’s better than that?”

Donate It to Your Local Library or Senior Center

If you don’t have another puzzle lover in your circle but like the idea of passing your puzzles on to someone else to enjoy, don’t fret. Your local library or senior centers are great spots to consider donating your pre-loved puzzles, as long as they are still in good condition. Many of these community spaces rely on donations to keep their activity shelves stocked, and a gently used puzzle can offer hours of enjoyment for someone else. It’s an easy way to share a favorite pastime while giving your completed puzzle a meaningful second life.