Welcome to Puzzles at Coolshop
Puzzles are making a comeback
The first puzzle was invented in 1767 by John Spilsbury. Unlike today, where puzzles are just a pastime for the most, back then they were used with the purpose of teaching. John’s first puzzle was made by laying a world map over a piece of wood and cutting out the countries. These puzzles were sold to schools, where they were used to teach geography. Children could learn where the countries were, while they played.
Puzzles are unfortunately no longer on the schools’ curriculum, and at home they are being overtaken by a lot of new toys. This, however, does not mean that puzzles are an ancient activity – quite the opposite. In the same way as board games made a huge comeback in the last couple of years, the puzzles followed. The classic feeling of family fun from a time where iPads and phones were not such a big part of the everyday life, is coming back, and we love it.
Puzzles are brain exercise
Puzzles are more than just a relaxing pastime. There are many advantages of lying down a puzzle regularly, and it is proven scientifically. With children and patients in rehabilitation especially they are used to improve eye-hand coordination and cognitive development. By constantly activating and challenging the brain, puzzles train you to be more patient, and improve memory.
As weird as it sounds, puzzles can even improve your driving skills. It does not mean though that you will become an elite driver after making one puzzle. It means that by making puzzles regularly, your skills of seeing the “big picture” will be improved significantly. This makes it easier for you to visualize what is happening around you – also in traffic. Most importantly, puzzles activate the brain constantly, and diminish the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is a cheap, timeless and healthy pastime. Put the kids’ iPads away and find a candy bowl – let’s do some puzzles!
3D puzzles are getting more and more popular
3D puzzles usually consist of fewer pieces than the classic, flat puzzle. However, it does not mean that they are easier – quite the opposite! The extra dimension definitely gives extra challenges. The pieces are no longer just flat and square but are suddenly in all possible weird shapes, the right place for which you can not immediately see. You will want to pull your hair out but keep going! When you have finished a 3D puzzle, it is all worth it. It is more than just an object – it is a figure, art maybe. Get nostalgic with a VW bus, take a vacation to London or Paris or travel to a galaxy far, far away with Yoda.
