Rainbow Umbrellas 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.  Amazon Link

Rainbow Umbrellas Puzzle Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 300 Large Pieces Finished Dimension: 18” Square

Rainbow Umbrellas Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Rainbow Umbrellas Puzzle Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 300 Large Pieces Finished Dimension: 18” Square

Rainbow Umbrellas Puzzle

Buffalo Games
Ribbon Cut
300 Large Pieces
Finished Dimension: 18” Square

My Confident Newbie Difficulty rating: Easy

Life’s a beach . . . until it rains. Such a fun, relaxing little puzzle, unfortunately this copy had a missing piece. Stuff happens, so let me tell you about this puzzle . . .

Quality: Well, beside the missing piece, this was really perfect. There is one thing with all Buffalo games. In their effort to be environmentally friendly there is no shrink wrap or plastic bag to hold the pieces. They are loose in the small, sturdy box. I gather that is why the sides of the box are glued shut. No matter how carefully they are split open there is some damage to the cardboard. The damage does not show when the box is closed. But if pristine is required, that’s is a negative. Otherwise there is a full illustration on the box top and a good size poster is included. Both are good color match to the pieces. There was no puzzle dust. The solid pieces have some gloss. None were damaged or together uncut. Piece fit was pick up off the table tight.

Getting Started: Find edge pieces and sort by color. Sorting by color was the way to go with this one. I only did a little sub sorting — the items in the ocean, the corner plants, the light and dark sand.

Construction. I built the frame first. Obviously it offered quite a bit of color information. I started filling in from the bottom. So the rain came early. I looked through all the sorts for that ocean piece. It certainly seemed to be missing, but you never know, so I kept going, my enthusiasm was dampened, the fun was limited. I did the umbrellas in order starting with the purple, and most of the piecing fell into place in short order. There were moments of searching the pieces for a beach towel or a seagull’s wing tip, but nothing was arduous in the least. It was done but not complete. Darn!

Final thoughts: In general, 300 piece puzzles are a quick puzzling fix that allows some time to clear your mind and have some calm. And 300 doesn’t always mean easy either! I’ve done several of these low piece count Buffalo puzzles, the positive qualities I listed are consistent. They have tons of choices in a variety of styles, and are competitively priced. One thing to be aware of if you ever have a missing piece. They do not replace your problem puzzle. Rather, they give you a choice of selected Buffalo puzzles. No matter the piece size of your puzzle, the replacement list includes 300, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 piece puzzles, and any one of them can be your choice. Despite the missing piece, I would recommend the brand.

Final grades overall: 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)