Puzzle mat roll up
This practical mat allows puzzle enthusiasts to save their work in progress and store it compactly until the next session.
Games & Puzzles
Puzzle mats & boards
5 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Most people who get these gifts already do jigsaws and have run out of table space. Picture the grandparent with a half-finished puzzle on the dining table that has to be cleared every time dinner goes on. A good mat or board solves one real problem: it lets them put the puzzle away without taking it apart. Before you shop, find out where they puzzle and how big their usual puzzles are. A felt puzzle mat that rolls up suits a small apartment. A jigsaw puzzle table with drawers suits someone who puzzles most days and has a spot to keep it.
Kind 1 of 5
Roll-up mats for putting puzzles away
A roll-up mat is a flat work surface. When it's time to stop, you roll the unfinished puzzle around a tube and put it away, and the pieces stay where they were. It suits someone who works on the kitchen or dining table and needs the table back at mealtimes. Before buying, check that the mat fits the piece counts they usually do, since many sets top out around 1,500 pieces. Look for a closing strap or bag, and a tube that doesn't crush when rolled tight.
Kind 2 of 5
Felt mats that grip the pieces
Felt gives pieces a little grip, so they don't slide around while someone works on a section. Felt is also what lets a roll-up mat hold a puzzle in place when it's rolled. An oversized felt mat suits people who spread out their sorted piles next to the puzzle itself. Check that the backing won't slip on a smooth table, and that the felt is thick enough not to bunch up. A light colour also helps, because dark puzzle pieces are easier to see against it.
Oversized non-slip felt puzzle mat
A simple yet effective solution for spreading out large puzzles, providing a soft, non-slip surface that keeps pieces from sliding.
Kind 3 of 5
A puzzle table with room to sort
A dedicated puzzle table is for the serious puzzler: someone who always has one on the go and has a corner to leave it in. Built-in drawers or trays keep edge pieces and colour groups sorted, and some tables tilt or turn so no one has to lean across. A turntable is a smaller option that still lets them reach every side. Measure the space first, and check the table height against the chair they'll use. Make sure the work surface fits their largest puzzles.
Freestanding dedicated puzzle table
An ultimate gift for avid puzzlers, providing a permanent, ergonomic setup with ample space for large projects and accessories.
Rotating jigsaw puzzle turntable
This innovative board allows puzzlers to easily spin their work for comfortable access to all sides, reducing strain and improving visibility.
Kind 4 of 5
Portable boards that slide under a couch
A portable board with drawers sits between a mat and a full table. It's a rigid wooden surface with pull-out trays for sorting, and it can go on a lap, a table or the bed, then slide under the couch when the day is done. Boards with covers and carrying cases let someone take a puzzle to the cottage or a friend's place. Check the weight, since a big wooden board gets heavy with a puzzle on it. Also check that the cover closes flat without shifting the pieces.
Wooden puzzle board with drawers
An ideal gift for organized puzzlers, this board provides a stable work surface and integrated compartments for sorting pieces.
Solid wooden puzzle board with cover
Offers a sturdy, elegant workspace for serious puzzlers, complete with a protective cover to keep projects safe from dust and pets.
Secure portable puzzle carrier case
Perfect for puzzlers who like to take their projects on the go or need to move them between rooms without losing pieces.
Kind 5 of 5
Puzzle rolls for tight spaces
A puzzle roll is the most compact way to store a puzzle in progress. Some come with an inflatable tube that packs down small when it's not in use. Rolls suit people who puzzle now and then, live somewhere small, or bring a puzzle along when they travel. They work best for puzzles of 1,000 pieces or fewer. Check how the ends of the roll are secured, and whether the set includes a storage bag. Loose ends are where pieces tend to fall out.
Inflatable jigsaw puzzle storage mat
A clever space-saving solution for puzzlers who need to pack away their projects quickly and compactly without disassembling them.
How to choose puzzle mats & boards as a gift
- Find out the usual piece count first; a mat or board that's too small for their puzzles won't get used.
- Think about where they puzzle: dining table, lap, card table or a spare room all point to different gifts.
- For people with limited space, rolls and slim boards that slide under furniture beat a freestanding table every time.
- Drawers and sorting trays matter most for people who do big puzzles with lots of similar colours.
- Pair a mat or board with a puzzle they'd enjoy so the gift is ready to use on Christmas morning.
Usually safe to skip
- Skip thin, slick mats with no grip; pieces slide off when the mat is moved or rolled.
- Skip a large freestanding table for someone in a small apartment; it usually ends up in a closet.
- Skip boards sized for 500 pieces if they mostly do 1,000 pieces or more; they'll outgrow it right away.
Questions people ask about puzzle mats & boards
- Do roll-up puzzle mats actually keep the pieces in place?
- They work best with felt mats and puzzles of 1,000 pieces or fewer. Roll slowly and snugly, and close the ends. A few pieces may shift at the edges, but most of the finished sections stay together.
- What size puzzle board should I buy?
- Match it to the largest puzzle they usually do, and leave room around it for sorting. Check the finished puzzle dimensions on a box they own, then pick a board or mat a bit larger.
- Is a puzzle table with drawers worth it over a mat?
- It's worth it for someone who puzzles most days and has a place to leave it set up. For occasional puzzlers or small homes, a felt mat or a portable board with trays usually gets more use.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All puzzle mats & boards picks
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