I am a member of The Hoefnagel Wooden Puzzle Club. For anyone interested in exploring the world of wooden jigsaw puzzles, I highly recommend joining. For a reasonable membership fee and mailing costs, you can try a huge variety of makers. It has been so helpful to me in finding out what I like and what just doesn’t work.
The latest shipment I received is a good example: Most shipments from the club include 2 puzzles. The one I just received included a teaser puzzle from Stave, considered the “Rolls Royce” of hand cut puzzles; and Whimsey, a relatively inexpensive laser cut maker. The Stave was called “Give Me a Buzz” and was made in 1994. I’ve seen ads for used ones costing about $400. The Whimsey “Singing Fish” is current and is about $50 new.
I hated the Stave and loved the Whimsey.
Let me explain: There is no doubt about the Stave quality. These puzzles are gorgeously made and the cuts are superb. They are heirloom pieces that stand the test of time. The Whimsey is already showing wear, with the image coming off in spots. But what good is a wonderfully made puzzle if you can’t put it together and it is just frustrating and makes you feel stupid? The Stave is perfect for people who like serious challenges. My aging brain can not handle that level of trickery.
The Whimsey has mostly large pieces and was enough of a challenge without becoming too difficult. It was the perfect “sweet spot” for me at my current level of decline. It was a blast!
Cognitive: to medium loss
Vision: to advanced
Mobility: to advanced