A few winter wonders worth noting: the light changing dramatically as the days shorten, innocent doodles made on frosted car windows, and, perhaps most exciting, the promise of snow. Coupling nature’s gifts with the magic of the holidays, we can’t help but celebrate this (often misunderstood) season.
Despite the frigid temperatures, winter’s calming pace is the perfect time to nurture ordinary habits—or cultivate new ones for the year ahead. In that spirit, we’re thrilled to share this winter (habit) guide featuring our 2024 holiday gift picks and seasonal recommendations from a few of our artist partners.
FOR THE ONE WITH (EXTRA) HOLIDAY CHEER
December days are transformed during the most wonderful time of the year. “My favorite winter memory is around the holidays,” says Ilenia Zito. “I loved decorating the Christmas tree with my mom, and I can't wait to continue this tradition with my daughter.” These days, Zito recommends “decorating the house by choosing two basic colors. I like to use red combined with softer tones like beige and cream.”
When in doubt, our design-forward puzzles are a good place to start.
The Colors of Christmas by Ilenia Zito
From delicious family dinners to the first snow, Christmastime activates our senses in various ways. With sight specifically, there’s nothing like the quintessential holiday palette. Enter The Colors of Christmas. This nostalgic puzzle will inspire your giftee to honor the holidays, both past and present.
Christmas in the City by Lida Ziruffo
It’s hard to top Christmas in the city—just look at our namesake puzzle! With stunning artwork by Lida Ziruffo, this 1,000-piece puzzle is perfect for city dwellers looking for something cozy to do on a night in with friends or roommates.
Christmas Pink House by Maja Tomljanovic
No shopping list is complete without Christmas Pink House. When assembled, this 100-piece puzzle is a festive vignette reminiscent of our favorite rom-coms (The Holiday, anyone?). Consider this the perfect stocking stuffer for the giftee who loves romanticizing their life, especially during Christmas.
FOR THE HOLIDAY PARTYGOER
Need something to look forward to on these shorter, colder days? Consider the magic of a winter evening: cozy dinners at your favorite cafe, getting dressed up for holiday parties. Lucila Perini understands this firsthand—her winter birthday always marks a time of celebration. “Definitely gather some simple and comforting recipes to fill your space with the scent of home—and keep you warm,” she recommends. “Try soaking in the bath to warm up and relax if you have to be outside. And finally, prepare your favorite hot drink to spend a few winter hours putting together my latest puzzle for ordinary habits, of course!”
With that in mind, check out these handpicked puzzles for the partygoer (or planner!) in your life.
Let’s Get Together by Ilenia Zito
There’s no place like home—especially in the company of loved ones. Let the good times roll and gift this 500-piece puzzle whose artwork is a beautiful reminder of what the holidays truly mean: connecting with the ones who matter to us.
Posh Puppy Room Service by Christina Gliha
Sometimes the best part of the party is the preparation! Stylishly rendered, Posh Puppy Room Service stirs the aesthete in all of us. It’s a chic companion for the partygoer looking to pamper—and puzzle—before happy hour.
Christmas Carol by Mihaela Karadjova
For those who like to gather on the go, prepare to be inspired by Christmas Carol. There is a cinematic quality to this 1,000-piece puzzle that almost makes us hear a spirited rendition of “Joy to the World” playing in the distance. Assemble it before a night of caroling—or if you prefer to stay closer to home, put it together piece by piece as you sing along to your favorite festive tunes (read: Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”).
FOR THE ONE WHO WANTS A WINTER WONDERLAND
For some people, waking up in a winter wonderland is the ideal gift… If you ask us, wintry puzzles are a great backup! Envision colorful puzzle pieces waiting to be assembled, the wafting scent of hot chocolate, and a faint trace of holiday jazz playing in the next room. According to Rachel Victoria Hillis, there’s one detail that every at-home winter setup needs: “Lots of fairy lights and candles! The soft, warm lighting makes the atmosphere feel like a hug.”
Warm your giftee’s heart with these delightful puzzles.
Ice Skating on the Canal by Rachel Victoria Hillis
Glide through your gift list with Ice Skating on the Canal. This transportive puzzle encourages an appreciation of seasonal details: twinkling lights, scarves trailing in the wind, boughs of holly or showstopping wreaths… Talk about festive!
Tis the season for Frosty Fun. This vibrant, 100-piece puzzle puts the wonder in winter wonderland and is perfect for the giftee who enjoys the communal spirit of the season—from strolling arm-in-arm along snow-dusted sidewalks to holiday shopping trips with (and for) loved ones.
The Wolf and I Puzzle by Angela Mckay
Give the gift of fantasy with The Wolf and I. This small, storybook-like puzzle will be appreciated by those with a literary sensibility. When the holidays have long passed, assemble it on a late winter night, with snowfall and a flickering candle or fireplace in view for a reminder of the magic that comes—and stays—with the season.
FOR THE SLOW LIVING ENTHUSIAST
For Lida Ziruffo, home is truly where the heart is—especially during winter. The artist loves drinking tea and taking leisurely walks to witness festive displays. But for Ziruffo, a truly idyllic winter “is a bit like the imagination that we see in the world of Jill Barklem in Brambly Hedge—a cottage inside a tree with a stove on, lots of fruit put to preserve, and some mice that prepare delicious cakes! Decorating and living in the house are reassuring and pleasant gestures during the winter.”
Take a page from Ziruffo’s book and give the gift intention with these thoughtful tools.
As Ziruffo also mentioned: “The season’s colors speak to me. Many people think winter is a bare and poor season. In reality, the shades nature gives us are infinite; the tones of the earth and winter skies inspire me.” Slow down and take note of all the sensorial gifts winter has to offer with our beloved guided journal. For Now comes in three calming colorways and is filled with prompts that encourage artful attention—no matter the season.
Feline Friends Matching Cards by Holly Jolley
There’s nothing like a family-friendly game that checks the boxes in learning and leisure. With hand-painted illustrations by Holly Jolley, this portable 54-card deck promotes quality time over screen time. Rooted in memory and memory-making, Feline Friends ensures a jolly good time for all.
Rise and Shine! From Christmas morning to New Year’s Day, Good Morning pays homage to the first blinks, big stretches, fresh coffee, and wondrous possibilities that lie ahead. Place this 100-piece puzzle under the tree, and it’ll surely delight your giftee for the next 365 days.