Why Jigsaw Puzzles Are the Ultimate Screen-Free Family Bonding Activity
A Blog by Justin Carlo Ponti
Today, it's easy to feel more connected to screens than the people sitting beside us. Finding meaningful family time can be a challenge with phones, tablets, and TVs competing for our attention. But what if the answer to reconnecting as a family was as simple as a puzzle?
Jigsaw puzzles offer more than just a relaxing pastime. They're an opportunity to slow down, work together, and have real conversations. Here's why families across Australia are turning to puzzles to bring everyone back to the table.
The Problem with Too Much Screen Time
Let’s face it, screens are everywhere. From early morning cartoons to late-night TikTok scrolling, many families are spending more time looking at devices than talking to each other. According to recent studies, the average child spends over four hours a day on screens, while parents are often juggling work emails or catching up on social media.
The result? Everyone might be in the same room, but true connection gets lost. That’s where puzzles come in. They create a shared focus, spark natural conversation, and help the whole family engage with each other without distractions.
The Benefits of Doing Puzzles Together
It Builds Teamwork and Communication
Solving a puzzle is rarely a solo effort when it’s done as a family. Everyone has their role, someone searches for corners, someone else sorts colours, and someone is always hunting for "that one piece." Along the way, you're talking, sharing strategies, and even laughing when someone tries to force the wrong piece in.
It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about collaboration, patience, and problem-solving, all while spending quality time together.
It Brings All Ages Together
Puzzles are one of the few activities that kids, teens, parents, and grandparents can all enjoy at the same time. You don’t need special skills or experience. The littlest ones can help sort pieces or find matching colours, while older family members tackle the more complex sections. It's a rare and refreshing experience where everyone can contribute.
Puzzles are one of the few activities that kids, teens, parents, and grandparents can all enjoy at the same time. You don’t need special skills or experience. The littlest ones can help sort pieces or find matching colours, while older family members tackle the more complex sections. It's a rare and refreshing experience where everyone can contribute.
It Encourages Mindfulness and Relaxation
There’s something incredibly calming about working on a puzzle. The focus required helps everyone stay present in the moment. It's a perfect way to wind down after a busy day or week, and it creates a peaceful rhythm that brings the family closer without the need for small talk or structure.
Puzzles also offer a mental break from overstimulation. Instead of jumping from one notification to the next, you're working together toward a single goal, one piece at a time.
It Teaches Valuable Skills to Kids
Kids pick up more than just puzzle-solving skills during family puzzle time. They learn patience, spatial awareness, resilience, and attention to detail. More importantly, they see their parents and siblings working through challenges calmly and collaboratively, a lesson that sticks longer than anything they’ll see on a screen.
How to Choose the Right Puzzle for Your Family
If you're just starting out, don't worry, there's a puzzle out there for everyone.
Start by choosing the right piece count. A 300 to 500-piece puzzle is great for younger families or those new to the hobby. For families with teens or puzzle lovers, a 1000-piece challenge is just right.
The image matters too. Think about what themes your family enjoys. Do you love animals, travel scenes, fantasy art, or pop culture references? At Hobbyco, we stock a wide range of puzzles from brands like Ravensburger, Educa, and Anatolian, all with themes and styles to suit different age groups and interests.
You might even want to try a 3d puzzle for something a little different. These can be great for older kids or those looking for a bit more of a challenge.
How to Choose the Right Puzzle for Your Family
Set a Regular Puzzle Night
One of the easiest ways to build the puzzle habit is to turn it into a weekly event. Pick one night a week, maybe Friday after dinner, and set aside some time to puzzle together. It gives everyone something to look forward to and helps build a fun, low-pressure tradition.
Create a Puzzle-Friendly Space
Having a dedicated space for your puzzle makes it easier to keep coming back to it. Whether it’s a side table in the lounge or a foldaway puzzle board, keep it somewhere with good lighting and easy access.
You can also use trays or small boxes to help sort colours and pieces. It adds a bit of structure and makes the whole process smoother for kids and adults alike.
Celebrate Your Puzzle Wins
Finishing a puzzle feels great, so make a moment out of it. Take a photo, frame the final product, or write down the date in a family puzzle journal. These little rituals help build positive memories and encourage everyone to keep coming back for more.
Start Your Puzzle Hobby with Hobbyco Today
Jigsaw puzzles offer a rare chance to reconnect. They’re affordable, relaxing, and surprisingly effective at bringing people together. So next time you're thinking about how to spend your weekend, skip the screen time and grab a puzzle instead. Pop into Hobbyco, online or in-store, and find the perfect puzzle to kickstart your family's new favourite tradition.
With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of puzzles, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.
