You’ve spent hours—maybe even days or weeks—piecing together your latest jigsaw puzzle. That satisfying click of the last piece is pure magic. You sit back, run your hands over the top of the puzzle. and admire the finished image… but now what? Do you break it apart and stash it away, or is there something more creative you can do?
At The Puzzle Center, we love this question because it celebrates the entire puzzle experience—from opening the box to deciding what happens next. Here are some fun and creative ways to keep enjoying your jigsaw puzzle long after the last piece is placed.
Preserve It Forever: Glue & Frame Your Puzzle
If your finished jigsaw puzzle makes your heart sing, why not turn it into permanent art? You can hang it on the wall, or, we've even seen people who put them on their ceiling. Gluing and framing is one of the most popular ways to display a favorite jigsaw puzzle.
How to Glue Your Jigsaw Puzzle:
- Carefully slide wax paper or parchment under your puzzle to protect the surface below.
- Use puzzle glue or Mod Podge, applying it with a brush or sponge. Make sure to work glue into every gap between pieces for a strong bond.
- Let it dry completely—this may take several hours or overnight.
- Apply a second coat if needed for extra durability.
Tip: Some people use peel-and-stick glue sheets for a less messy option!
Frame It:
You can buy frames made specifically for jigsaw puzzles, or head to a local framing shop to get it custom-framed. Many puzzlers love floating frames that let the edges of the puzzle shine.
Be sure to check out this article from Level Frames on how to frame a puzzle. As a leading online framing service, they provide lots of expertise and a complete guide to custom framing and preserving your puzzle.
Framed puzzles make fantastic home décor, and they’re also great conversation starters!
Here are a few other frames we've found to be high quality and loved by puzzlers:
MCS Frame for Puzzles - Various Sizes and various colors - These are puzzle save frames designed to preserve and display finished puzzles.
ArtToFrames - MDF Puzzle Frame Plackage - This comes in 10 colors with a variety of sizes. You are sure to find the Size you need. Made in the USA.
Create a Puzzle Album
Don't have the wall space to hang your puzzles but still want to keep a record of your completed masterpieces? Try a jigsaw puzzle album! These special albums allow you to gently slide completed puzzles into clear sleeves. These albums are typically for smaller puzzles, like 500 piece puzzles or 300 piece jigsaw puzzles and some albums will hold up to 1000 piece puzzles. Always check the dimensions of your puzzle and compare to the album you want to use. Once your puzzles are in the clear sleeve, you can flip through them anytime you like, just like a photo book.
It’s a fun way to track your progress and enjoy your puzzling journey.
Here are a few Jigsaw Puzzle Albums we found are a great quality!
All4Jig Extra Large Puzzle Storage Folder Keeper - Efficient Organization & Space conservation - Portapuzzle-style storage folder is the ultimate solution for jigsaw enthusiasts. Capable of securing up to 20 puzzles, it features a high-definition film overlay that enhances visibility and protects against dust. More than just a storage box, it's a comprehensive care system for your collection. Its size exceeds other 1000pc puzzle clips, making it suitable for almost all brands, ensuring safe transport and meticulous preservation.
ALL4JIG Puzzle Storage Folder Keeper - Features 20 crystal-clear, high-definition pockets, each tailor-made to preserve puzzles ranging from 500 to 1000 pieces, accommodating sizes up to 27 by 20 inches.
Go Digital: Use a Puzzle Tracking App
For tech-savvy puzzlers, a puzzle keeper app is a handy way to log your puzzles. Simply snap a photo of your finished jigsaw puzzle and add notes such as:
- Brand (Cobble Hill, Springbok, eeBoo, etc.)
- Number of pieces (1000 piece puzzles, 500 piece jigsaw puzzles, etc.)
- Difficulty level
- Personal thoughts about the image or puzzle quality
Some puzzlers even use social media groups on Facebook or Pinterest to track their finished puzzles publicly and swap tips with others.
Share the Puzzle Love: Trade or Gift It
Finished with a puzzle but don’t want to keep it? Spread the joy! Here are a few ideas:
Puzzle Swaps:
Swap completed puzzles with fellow fans. You can trade with neighbors, friends, or through online groups. Popular swap spots include Reddit puzzle forums, Facebook puzzle exchange groups, or local meetups.
Tip: Always make sure the puzzle is complete—missing pieces can dampen the fun!
Sell It:
If your puzzle is in good condition, you can resell it on platforms like:
- eBay
- Poshmark
- Facebook Marketplace
This is a great option for unique puzzles, cool puzzles for adults, or harder-to-find brands.
Donate for a Good Cause
One of the kindest things you can do is donate your finished puzzles. Many organizations appreciate them, including:
- Thrift shops
- Libraries
- Senior centers
- Hospitals - especially cancer units, or long stay units - Kids puzzles make great donations to children's hospitals
- Schools
Jigsaw puzzles for seniors and community centers are especially appreciated—they offer cognitive benefits and social connection for older adults.
If your puzzle is missing a piece or two, clearly note it on the box. Many people don’t mind a slightly imperfect puzzle, especially if they’re on a budget or just want a challenge!
You could also start a puzzle library at your local library or community center—encouraging puzzle sharing in your neighborhood.
Bonus Ideas: Think Outside the Box
Here are a few more creative ways to repurpose or enjoy completed puzzles:
- Puzzle Coasters or Placemats: Seal sections of your puzzle and cut them into smaller rectangles to use as unique tableware.
- Puzzle Art Projects: Use puzzle pieces for DIY projects like mosaic art, ornaments, greeting cards or jewelry pieces.
- Host a Puzzle Party: Invite friends over, share puzzles you've already finished, and swap for new ones.
Final Thoughts
Every puzzle has its own story. Whether you decide to frame it, swap it, donate it, or simply log it digitally, there’s no wrong answer. The beauty of jigsaw puzzles isn’t just in solving them—it’s also in how you choose to celebrate the finished work.
At The Puzzle Center, we believe puzzles are more than just entertainment. They’re art, self-care, connection, and memories—all rolled into one.
When you’re ready for your next puzzle challenge, visit us at www.thepuzzlecenter.com to explore cool puzzles for adults in1000 piece jigsaw puzzles or your favorite size puzzle, Christmas puzzles, and more.
Remember our motto: Challenge your mind, relax your soul.