Aladdin Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  

Aladdin Puzzle Amazon link

Aladdin Puzzle Ceaco Ribbon Cut 300 Oversized Pieces Finished Dimensions: 18” x 24”

Aladdin Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Aladdin Puzzle Ceaco Ribbon Cut 300 Oversized Pieces Finished Dimensions: 18” x 24”

Aladdin Puzzle

Ceaco
Ribbon Cut
300 Oversized Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 18” x 24”

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Pleasingly Easy

This is the first Ceaco puzzle I’ve done. The box proudly states “Made in the USA.” I’ve heard them described as very affordable but of lesser quality. Hmmm . . .

Quality: Yes, the price was a definite bargain. There was only one issue, one I have encountered with much more expensive brands, loose piece fit. In the case of this 300 piece puzzle, building large sections was really not necessary, so that was no bother. The small sturdy box was sealed with clear stickers, not shrink wrapped. A full illustration was on the top. Actually, that picture was larger than the puzzle, but there was a full size poster included that matched the puzzle pic 100%. Color match to the pieces was excellent. There was no puzzle dust. The oversized, low gloss pieces were in a sealed plastic bag. Perhaps they were just a tad thinner than other brands, but they were perfectly solid. None were damaged in any way or together uncut, and none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. My fast and lazy sort included the genie, the other areas in the window frame opening, the carpet and railing, the characters and objects on the left, the table and other objects on the right.

Construction: The frame provided a lot of color information and the puzzle went together quite quickly. Because the pieces were oversized, the finished puzzle was as large as a normal 1000 piece one, and made a striking, vibrantly colorful presentation.

Final thoughts: I found little reason not to recommend this brand. (Loose piece fit is almost common nowadays!) If you are a Disney puzzle fan, there is a large selection of those, but there are other themes as well. They offer the usual range of piece counts, even ones over 1000. It was fun to have a quick and simple puzzle moment, and particularly when it followed a more challenging puzzle that took many hours over several days to complete. Sure, taking on a challenge is rewarding, it is part of the jigsaw puzzle experience. But to me, not all of it. Because, the process is always the same, and there is a lot to be said for the pure joy of the mind clearing, peaceful, calming time spent, however long that might be. Like the genie in the lamp, it’s magical!

My grades, Quality A-, Fun Factor A+

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Ceaco: A Leading Force in the American Jigsaw Puzzle Industry

Introduction: Jigsaw puzzles have long been a beloved pastime, offering hours of entertainment, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation. Among the prominent companies shaping the American jigsaw puzzle industry, Ceaco stands out as a key player. Founded in 1987, Ceaco has emerged as a leading brand, known for its diverse range of puzzles that captivate puzzle enthusiasts across the nation.

Early Beginnings and Founding: Ceaco was established by Carol Glazer, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for puzzles. With a goal to create high-quality puzzles that would cater to puzzle enthusiasts of all ages, Glazer embarked on a journey to bring her vision to life. The company's name, Ceaco, is derived from a combination of Carol's first and last name.

Innovative Approaches and Growth: Ceaco quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to puzzle manufacturing. They employed advanced printing techniques and utilized high-quality materials, ensuring that their puzzles not only showcased captivating artwork but also provided a satisfying puzzling experience. Their commitment to quality and innovation helped Ceaco gain a strong foothold in the market, leading to rapid growth and expansion.

Licensing Agreements and Artistic Collaborations: To enhance the appeal of their puzzles, Ceaco sought licensing agreements with notable brands and renowned artists. By partnering with esteemed organizations like Disney, Thomas Kinkade Studios, and Jane Wooster Scott, Ceaco was able to feature popular themes and iconic artwork in their puzzles. These collaborations elevated Ceaco's puzzle offerings, attracting a broader audience and expanding their product range.

Variety and Accessibility: Ceaco is known for its diverse puzzle catalog, catering to the interests and skill levels of puzzle enthusiasts. They offer a wide array of puzzle sizes, ranging from small, beginner-friendly puzzles to larger and more challenging ones. Additionally, Ceaco introduced specialty puzzles such as glow-in-the-dark puzzles, 3D puzzles, and family-friendly puzzles, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Environmental Consciousness: Ceaco recognizes the importance of sustainable practices and actively incorporates eco-friendly initiatives into their manufacturing processes. They utilize recycled materials for their puzzle boards and packaging whenever possible. Additionally, Ceaco's puzzles are printed using vegetable-based inks, reducing their environmental footprint and promoting sustainability.

Community Engagement and Support: Ceaco values the puzzle community and actively engages with puzzle enthusiasts. They regularly participate in industry events, puzzle conventions, and trade shows, providing a platform for puzzle enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and discover new puzzle experiences. Moreover, Ceaco actively supports charitable organizations through puzzle donations, emphasizing their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the puzzle world.

Continued Success and Future Prospects: Over the years, Ceaco has solidified its position as a leading force in the American jigsaw puzzle industry. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community engagement, the company continues to introduce new puzzle designs, collaborate with renowned artists, and delight puzzle enthusiasts across the country. As technology advances, Ceaco embraces digital platforms to reach a wider audience while remaining true to their commitment of delivering engaging and high-quality puzzles.

Conclusion: Ceaco's journey in the American jigsaw puzzle industry is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and community engagement. From their humble beginnings, the company has grown into a respected brand, offering a diverse range of puzzles that cater to puzzle enthusiasts of all ages and preferences. With their commitment to quality and a finger on the pulse of the puzzle community, Ceaco is poised to continue shaping the landscape of jigsaw puzzles in the United States for years to come.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)