What to Do with a Completed Puzzle? 5 Creative Ideas
There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes from placing the final piece of a challenging jigsaw puzzle. But once your completed jigsaw puzzle is finished, the question arises: what to do with a completed puzzle? Whether you’re a dedicated puzzle enthusiast or just completed your first fanciful jigsaw puzzle, you might be looking for creative ideas beyond simply taking it apart. With Nautilus Puzzles’ whimsical, laser-cut wooden puzzles, designed as heirloom-quality treasures, your finished work deserves thoughtful consideration.
Who Loves Completed Puzzles? Puzzle Enthusiasts & Collectors
If you’re wondering what to do with completed puzzles, the answer often depends on who you are. For adult puzzle enthusiasts, a completed jigsaw puzzle offers a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to display artistic designs. If you are a collector, you may prefer to store your completed puzzles in archival-quality folders. At the same time, art and history lovers might appreciate creative things to do with a finished puzzle, such as turning it into DIY home decor. Gift buyers can present a beautifully finished puzzle as a thoughtful, handcrafted keepsake.
How to Share & Repurpose Your Finished Jigsaw Puzzles
If you’re looking for what to do with a completed puzzle once finished, sharing it with others can be a great option. Hosting a puzzle swap allows you to exchange completed puzzles with fellow enthusiasts, giving each puzzle new life. Donating finished jigsaw puzzles to senior centers, libraries, or community groups is another meaningful way to share the joy of puzzling. Repurpose a finished puzzle into coasters, ornaments, or wall art for a more creative approach. If you prefer to revisit puzzles later, puzzle storage mats and book-style folders offer compact, organized solutions.

5 Creative Ideas for Finished Jigsaw Puzzles
1. Frame and Display Your Puzzle with Pride
Framing your finished jigsaw puzzle can transform it into a captivating conversation piece. A framed puzzle can also serve as stunning wall art that showcases the intricate designs and vibrant colors of your Nautilus Puzzle. Opt for a custom framing solution or explore ready-made jigsaw puzzle frames that accommodate various distinctive shapes and sizes.
Consider placing your framed puzzle on a display coffee table or in a family get-together room. This DIY-friendly display option adds a personalized touch to your home decor while celebrating your favorite pastime.
2. Rotate Your Collection with a Puzzle Display Easel
For puzzle collectors, rotating completed works on a display easel is a dynamic display option that keeps their decor fresh. Easels are especially ideal for Nautilus Puzzles’ beautiful jigsaw puzzles with intricate laser-cut details and distinctive designs. Switch between your three to four completed puzzles depending on the season, theme, or mood, creating an evolving art showcase.
This method not only preserves the delicate puzzle pieces, but it also offers a casual display solution that makes it easy to share your favorite designs with fellow puzzle enthusiasts during family holidays or game nights.
3. Create Functional Art: Puzzle Piece Coasters
Looking for creative ways to use a finished puzzle that serves a practical purpose? Turn your completed puzzle into puzzle piece coasters! Carefully separate the puzzle into sections and place them on a foam core board to provide a sturdy base. This fun craft project transforms your completed work into unique, eco-friendly everyday items.
These coasters make perfect conversation starters at family get-togethers and double as thoughtful handmade gifts for fellow puzzle enthusiasts. The intricate patterns of Nautilus Puzzles add a delightful artistic flair to any table setting. However, please note that you will not be able to reuse or rework your puzzle once this is done.
4. Donate to Puzzle Clubs or Local Community Centres
Wondering what to do with a completed puzzle but short on storage? Share the joy by donating your completed puzzles to puzzle clubs, libraries, or community centers. This extends the puzzle’s life and brings enjoyment to new puzzlers. Nautilus Puzzles’ high-quality wooden pieces are designed to withstand multiple uses, making them ideal for donation.
5. Host a Puzzle Party or Swap with Fellow Enthusiasts
Why not gather your fellow puzzle enthusiasts and host a fun puzzle party? Bring your finished puzzles to swap with friends or introduce fun puzzle party games where completed puzzles become part of the decor or activities. You can even set up a display of your favorite puzzles for guests to admire.
Swapping completed puzzles is a creative twist that encourages recycling and lets you experience new designs without purchasing additional puzzles. If you want a new puzzle after you donate or swap your completed puzzle, check out our latest arrivals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Fix a Missing Puzzle Piece?
If you’ve lost a puzzle piece, check under furniture, inside the puzzle box flaps, or nearby areas where it may have fallen. If you still can't find it, Nautilus Puzzles offers a replacement service for puzzles still in production. Simply email help@nautiluspuzzles.com with your puzzle name, SKU number, order ID, and a clear photo of the completed puzzle showing the missing piece. Alternatively, you can text this information to 1.800.674.3025. For more information, visit Nautilus Puzzles' Missing Pieces/Broken Pieces page.
What are Some Fun Ways to Incorporate Puzzles into a Party?
You can create a puzzle-solving race, a mystery puzzle challenge, or use completed puzzles as table centerpieces. Hosting a puzzle swap is also a great way to keep guests entertained. With chilly weather still hanging on, it’s a perfect time to enjoy the benefits of solving puzzles during winter!
What is the Best Way to Transport a Completed Puzzle Without Damaging it?
Using a puzzle preserver mat, large cardboard sheets, or sliding the puzzle onto a sturdy foam board can help transport it safely. Wrapping it in plastic wrap or using puzzle storage cases also prevents shifting.
Where Can I Donate My Completed Puzzles?
Community centers, senior homes, libraries, and puzzle clubs accept gently used puzzles. Donating your completed puzzles gives others the joy of solving them while reducing waste.