National Puzzle Day (January 29)
Check out the weird holiday National Puzzle Day on January 29. Learn the history of National Puzzle Day, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 29 is National Puzzle Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Puzzle Day
This weird holiday is for all types of puzzles, like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and more! This can also include riddles, mechanical puzzles, and even the Rubik’s cube!
National Puzzle Day was created in 2002 by a woman named Jodi Jill. She was a syndicated newspaper puzzle maker and professional quiz maker, and she wanted to share her enjoyment of puzzles with everyone. She also developed classroom lesson plans specifically for this weird holiday.
Each type of puzzle has a different purpose that requires different skills to solve. Some will challenge your vocabulary (like word searches or crosswords), while others will test your ability to think logically. Picture puzzles and jigsaw puzzles can help you with patience and spatial reasoning.
We often associate puzzles with something old people do to keep busing in ursing homes, but they actually have benefits for all ages. Children learn patience, motor skills, and how to work together. Adults receive an increase in concentration, memory, and brain activity.
Before modern puzzles existed, there were labyrinth drawing puzzles around 2300 BC in Ancience Egypt that were quite popular.
In 1767, the first jigsaw puzzle was developed by the mapmaker John Spilsbury. Spilsbury – a cartographer and engraver – put some wood on a map of Europe and then cut out each country in order to teach children about geography.
On December 21, 1913, the world’s first crossword puzzles was in the Sunday paper New York World. It was created by the journalist Arthur Wayne.
During the Great Depression, and especially in 1933, puzzle sales soard above 10 million per week.
In 1979, Sudoku was introduced to the United States after being printed in a word games magazine in Indiana under the name “Number Place”. The name Sudoku is Japanese, but it actually came from Switzerland where it was called “Latin Squares.” It didn’t become Sudoku until 1984 when it became popular in Japan.
Puzzles are a great way to relieve stress and to exercise your brain.
Ideas for National Puzzle Day
To celebrate this weird holiday, you should go out and buy a puzzle to put together! Or use one of the ideas below.
Jigsaw Puzzles: More Than Just a Fun Activity for Kids
Jigsaw puzzles are a great activity for kids and adults, offering several benefits beyond just having fun. In this post, you'll read about some of the benefits of jigsaw puzzles and why they are a great way to spend time with your family! It's a great post to read on National Puzzle Day.
Ladybug Puzzle Craft - Reuse Grow Enjoy
Do your kids love to put together puzzles? But maybe not so great at keeping all the pieces together? No need to toss a puzzle out on National Puzzle Day just because it is missing a few pieces - instead, make this adorable Ladybug Puzzle Craft!
How to Glue a Puzzle - Jigsaw for Framing, Wall Hanging or Storage
How to Glue a Puzzle: A tutorial for National Puzzle Day on how to safely glue and secure a jigsaw puzzle together! Frame it, hang it on the wall, or simply store it easily!
How To Make A Jigsaw Puzzle Gift
Have you ever wanted to turn a photograph or a piece of art into a homemade jigsaw puzzle? Now you can on National Puzzle Day! These simple and fun steps will teach you everything you need to know to create an amazing and personal gift to give to a loved one.
15 Sewing Puzzles to Put Together
Enjoy your down time on National Puzzle Day by putting together one of these beautiful sewing puzzles. These would make a great gift for anyone that loves to sew.
How To Preserve A Puzzle
This tutorial on how to preserve a puzzles uses a simple glue-type formula (Mod Podge) to stick the puzzle pieces together permanently. Great to use for hanging/framing a puzzle that you put together on National Puzzle Day!
Reuse Puzzle Pieces To Make A Cute Fall Craft
There is nothing worse than spending hours putting together a puzzle on National Puzzle Day just to find out you have puzzle pieces missing. But what do you do with that puzzle now that is no longer good for putting it together? Make a cute craft for you can use in the fall to decorate!
The Best NYC Jigsaw Puzzles for Fans of the Big Apple
Love New York City? Then for National Puzzle Day, put together some of these great NYC jigsaw puzzles!
Coloring Puzzles (Free Printable Puzzle Coloring Pages)
These are printable puzzle coloring pages that you color and then cut out the pieces. It's a fun coloring activity for National Puzzle Day that also stimulates the brain.
The 12 Best Montessori Puzzles for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Piecing together puzzles has some great benefits for the very young through the very old. Puzzles are wonderfully Montessori-aligned, as well. Get some ideas for your kids on National Puzzle Day!
Glitter Upcycled Puzzle Piece Earrings
Have you ever had a puzzle that ends up missing a bunch of pieces? Well, even when that happens, there is no need to toss it into the trash. There are lots of different ways you can reuse puzzle pieces on National Puzzle Day - like making these cute earrings!
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