12 Cool Puzzle Advent Calendars That’ll Keep ‘Em Busy Until Christmas

With just 12 puzzles containing 80 pieces each, this short-and-sweet Advent calendar is still challenging without being totally overwhelming. It’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving, too: The illustration of a cozy winter village is so charming, you can frame the finished product and use it as a Christmas decoration for years to come.

Turn a beloved family photo into a puzzle and 24-day Advent calendar for a unique and sentimental gift idea that’s perfect for a grandparent, new parent, and other loved ones. It’s a great bonding activity for the family to do together over the holiday season, whether you get it in 500 or 1,000 pieces.

Why get one big puzzle when you can have 24? Inside each countdown in this kid-friendly Advent calendar is a cheerful scene—and if the little ones find it too challenging, each piece is numbered on the back to help find the correct position.

Baby, it’s cold outside. But inside it’s nice and cozy—that is, as long as you have a countdown to Christmas puzzle to keep you entertained. We particularly love the beautiful illustrations of this festive brainteaser. Each day comes with a new mini puzzle that looks inside a different apartment window in a charming city building.

“I gifted this to my parents this holiday season, and they had the best time working on it,” one Etsy customer wrote in their review of this 1,000 jigsaw puzzle. It comes with 24 boxes and includes a poster to help guide assembly. “They told me on multiple occasions how much joy it brought them! And they sent me pictures of their process as they worked through it.”

You’ll want to keep some candy canes or Christmas cookies nearby as you work on this 1,200-piece project. Each of the 24 individual puzzles features a different holiday donut that looks so delicious, you won’t be able to resist another sweet treat!

For a little holiday magic that all ages can enjoy, try this 1,000-piece puzzle Advent calendar. It features 24 different mini puzzles of merry Disney artwork from Thomas Kinkade. There’s even an adhesive puzzle saver included so you can preserve your work when it’s done.

We recommend this jigsaw Advent calendar for a puzzle expert who really wants to test their skills. “It’s a really good puzzle,” writes one Amazon customer in their review. “Pieces were constructed well. Some sections were easy (10 minutes) and some were really hard (first ‘day’ took me almost 40 minutes). I looked forward to every day doing a section. As someone who could do puzzles for hours at a time, this kept me in check!”

Here’s a sweet gift idea: Buy this jigsaw puzzle Advent calendar for yourself and for a loved one who lives far away. Then, share your progress with each other. It’ll be a way for you to bond together even though you’re apart for the holidays. We like this set for such a plan because it comes with just 12 different 80-piece puzzles, making it a little manageable for different ages and skill levels.

Ready to take the family board game night up a notch? Put the jigsaws aside and try a totally different kind of puzzle with this fun and immersive whodunnit. Whether you turn the holiday party into a murder mystery challenge or want to solve crimes on your own, this Advent calendar is filled with twists and turns that make this the most exciting Christmas gift yet.

Mystery games and jigsaw puzzles aren’t the only brainteasers that’ll keep you entertained. This Advent calendar comes with 24 different challenges, from 3D wooden puzzles to fidget toys, that are meant to test your logic, creativity, and patience. “I think it’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys puzzles or wants to make the days leading up to Christmas a bit more fun and thoughtful,” says one happy Amazon customer.