Garfield Jigsaw 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.  

Garfield puzzle Amazon link

Garfield Jigsaw Puzzle Aquarius Random Cut 500 pieces Finished Dimensions: 19” X 14”

Garfield Jigsaw Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Garfield Jigsaw Puzzle Aquarius Random Cut 500 pieces Finished Dimensions: 19” X 14”

Garfield Jigsaw Puzzle

Aquarius
Random Cut
500 pieces
Finished Dimensions: 19” X 14”

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: Medium

This puzzle was so much fun to put together and look at finished. That’s Garfield in all his egocentric glory, a fat cat who loves lasagna — difficult not to at least grin looking at him! From Wikipedia: “Garfield is an American comic strip created by Jim Davis.

Originally published locally as Jon in 1976, then in nationwide syndication from 1978 as Garfield, it chronicles the life of the title character Garfield the cat, his human owner Jon Arbuckle, and Odie the dog. As of 2013, it was syndicated in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals and held the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip.”

In 2018 it celebrated 40 years and is still going strong. I suggest Googling Garfield to read all his accomplishments. BTW — Garfield’s balloons are thoughts, not speech. Is he understood? Maybe, maybe not.

Quality: Totally excellent! The sturdy box is small, the full illustration is on the top and bottom. Inside is a sealed bag of pieces. There is no poster but the box illustrations are a perfect color match to the pieces. There was no puzzle dust. There were no false fits. There was a bit of sheen. The solid, randomly shaped pieces, put together, became 'pick up off the table' perfect! [I realize the photo does not reflect that - trust me, the reason is too long to explain. :-) ]

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Not much sorting here. I sorted the Garfield pieces, the comic strip pieces, and the frame pieces. Then I started the build . . .

Construction: I built the frame first and built the comics in from there. That was time consuming and a bit of a really fun challenge - hence the medium difficulty rating. Piecing Garfield was just plain fun. And there he was, surrounded by what made him world famous.

Final thoughts: This was my first Aquarius brand puzzle, and it was perfect in every way. I have read mixed reviews about the brand, so it is difficult for me to be a judge. But clearly, I loved this puzzle!!

My Grades: Quality A+. Fun Factor A++

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About Jigsaw Puzzles: Unveiling the Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

A Therapeutic Journey

Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated individuals of all ages, offering not only a fun pastime but also a myriad of benefits for mental well-being. From enhancing cognitive skills to promoting relaxation, the act of piecing together puzzles goes beyond entertainment. In this article, we explore the remarkable benefits of engaging in jigsaw puzzles, shedding light on the positive effects they have on our minds and bodies.

  1. Cognitive Stimulation: Jigsaw puzzles serve as a workout for the brain, stimulating cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. As we examine puzzle pieces, analyze patterns, and make connections, our brains become engaged in a captivating mental exercise.
  2. Improved Memory: Engaging in jigsaw puzzles helps enhance short-term memory and reinforce long-term memory. Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns, and recalling their positions throughout the puzzle aids in memory retention and retrieval.
  3. Focus and Concentration: Solving jigsaw puzzles requires sustained focus and concentration. By immersing ourselves in the task at hand, we train our minds to block out distractions, strengthen our attention span, and improve our ability to stay focused on a specific goal.
  4. Stress Relief: Puzzling acts as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life. As we immerse ourselves in the puzzle-solving process, our minds become engrossed, creating a sense of mindfulness and providing a temporary respite from worries and anxieties.
  5. Boost in Dopamine Levels: Completing a puzzle triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine creates a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, reinforcing the positive feelings associated with puzzle solving.
  6. Enhanced Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces and fitting them together requires precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Regularly engaging in puzzles can help improve dexterity, agility, and the coordination between our hands and eyes.
  7. Social Interaction: Puzzling can be a social activity that fosters connection and collaboration. Solving puzzles with family or friends encourages communication, teamwork, and shared accomplishment, enhancing social bonds and creating lasting memories.
  8. Patience and Perseverance: Completing a complex puzzle requires patience and perseverance. As we encounter challenges and setbacks, we learn to persist, develop problem-solving strategies, and build resilience—a valuable skillset that extends beyond puzzle-solving.
  9. Mental Relaxation and Mindfulness: The meditative nature of jigsaw puzzles can induce a state of relaxation, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress levels. The repetitive and calming motions of sorting and connecting pieces can have a soothing effect on the mind, allowing for a tranquil escape from daily pressures.
  10. Sense of Achievement: The satisfaction of placing that final puzzle piece and witnessing the complete image provides a profound sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem, instills a sense of pride, and fosters a positive mindset.

By embracing the benefits of jigsaw puzzles, we unlock not only an enjoyable hobby but also a path to mental well-being. Whether you're seeking cognitive stimulation, stress relief, or a moment of mindfulness, engaging in puzzles can enrich your life and provide a therapeutic journey that transcends the puzzle board. So gather your puzzles, sharpen your focus, and embark on this fulfilling adventure of piecing together fragments to create something beautiful and whole.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)