Long winters can bring on cabin fever, but one of the great ways to while away the hours is spending time working jigsaw puzzles, which have become more than just flat pieces of cutup cardboard. These puzzles often are two activities in one, and many are available in exciting three-dimensional designs.
Here’s some examples:
– Adults and kids alike will be challenged by 3-D puzzles found at The Nature Company (Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg–847-619-7430; Town Square in Wheaton–630-668-8515). A spherical jigsaw puzzle from Buffalo Games Inc. becomes a full-size 3-D globe when it’s completed. It costs $25.
The Nature Company also makes a Paguzzle–a puzzle and a game all in one. A Paguzzle Solar System and Deep Sea Life, which both glow in the dark, are $12 each.
– Milton Bradley offers five 3-D Sculpture Puzzles. Each comes with a decorative base on which pieces are stacked; with each layer, the puzzle takes shape, creating a highly detailed work of art that resembles a clay sculpture. The puzzle selections include King Tut, The Eternal Woman, Star Wars Darth Vader, Comedy & Tragedy masks or Cherubs. They sell for $29.99 to $34.99 each at FAO Schwarz stores.
– At the WTTW Store of Knowledge shops, there are many Milton Bradley’s PUZZ-3D products, including replicas of two Star Wars’ ships, the Imperial Star Destroyer and The Millennium Falcon. Each sells for $42.95. PUZZ-3D also makes replicas of various architectural treasures around the world, including the London Tower Bridge ($36.95) and St. Basil’s Cathedral ($34.95). Smaller versions of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are $5.95 each.
For those who like working puzzles and playing detective at the same time, look for BePuzzled products, which feature a 1,000-word puzzle to build plus a mystery to solve when the puzzle is completed. Two examples are Grounds for Murder and Under Cover Cat ($19.95 each).
Still another option for those who like intrigue can be found with the Mindtrap Mystery Puzzle ($12.95). A pamphlet is provided that contains a mystery to read; then building the puzzle provides clues for solving the mystery.
– Rand McNally stores carry the F.X. Schmid, 1,000-piece Living Earth series of puzzles. One becomes a complete topographical satellite map of the world; another is a map of the world. They each sell for $14.95.
– The Imaginarium stores (at Woodfield, 847-619-1915, and at Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles, 630-377-2702) carry Ceaco’s David Anson Russo Go For It Mazemaster sports puzzles and mazes all-in-one. Featured sports: basketball, soccer and gymnastics. Cost is $7.99 each.
– Don’s Hobbies in the Heritage Plaza in Carol Stream (630-483-2915) carries Buffalo Games products, including 3D Mystery Jigsaw Puzzles featuring cops and robbers (Testimony Tower, Culprit Castle, Callacop Casualty Company and Hotel Whodunit). Build a 3-D puzzle and solve the crime mystery for $15.88 each.
– Gamers Paradise, which has 10 stores throughout the Chicago area, has Illuminations’ Glow in the Dark Puzzles, including Space Orbit, Coral Reef and Orcas for $7.99 each. The M.J. Moran Co. makes the Daring Puzzle Legends Series featuring three two-sided puzzles of Elvis for $15.99 each.
Gamers and Wal-Mart stores also carry Milton Bradley’s PUZZ-3D products.
