How to Host a Puzzle Swap: Easy Tips for a Fun Event
If your puzzle collection is getting out of hand, or you're just ready for a new challenge, hosting a puzzle swap is a great way to refresh your puzzle collection, connect with other puzzlers, and give gently used puzzles a second life. Puzzle swaps also double as a sustainable alternative to discarding old jigsaw puzzles or continually purchasing new ones. Here's how to plan and host your puzzle swap, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a community-wide event.
What's a Puzzle Swap?
A puzzle swap is exactly what it sounds like: you bring puzzles you've already completed and trade them for ones that are new to you. Puzzles swaps offer an easy, budget-friendly option to enjoy fresh jigsaw puzzles without spending additional money, and can keep puzzles out of landfills. Whether you puzzle by yourself or part of a larger puzzling community, puzzle swaps are a fun excuse to gather, chat, and share your love of jigsaw puzzles.
Tips for Hosting a Puzzle Swap
Pick the Right Venue
Your home works great for a small puzzle swap or if you’re hosting a puzzle night, but if you're planning something bigger, look into free community spaces like libraries, coffee shops, or recreation centers. Make sure the venue is booked in advance if necessary. Whatever venue you book, there needs to be enough table space to display all the puzzles.
Set Some Rules
To keep things moving, establish some ground rules to ensure fairness. Here are some rules for your puzzle swap you can use:
- Don't allow puzzles with missing pieces.
- Bring the puzzle in its original box. If that's not an option, label the puzzle size and piece count in a bag.
- Implement a "bring one, take one" policy.
Consider printing a few signs to remind guests of the guidelines as they browse through the puzzles.
Share the Details
A group message might be all you need if it's a puzzle swap at your home. For larger events, we recommend marketing the event to attract a diverse crowd. You can share your event in local Facebook groups, on neighborhood boards, or post the event on community calendars. Mention that it's free, eco-friendly, and perfect for puzzle fans of all ages to attract a diverse crowd.
Make It a Social Event
A puzzle swap doesn't have to only be about swapping jigsaw puzzles. Make it a social event to provide guests with a reason to mingle before/after swapping puzzles. You can set up a snack table, host at a venue that offers drinks for purchase, or even start a puzzle for people to work on together during the event. Consider having a donation section for any unclaimed puzzles to donate to a local organization at the end of the night, giving them a second chance.
Puzzle Swaps = Good Vibes and Less Waste
Hosting a puzzle swap is a low-stress, high-reward way to connect with other puzzle lovers and keep your hobby more sustainable. It's fun, it's free, and it helps build community, one puzzle piece at a time. Need new puzzles before your next swap? Check out Bits and Pieces for 500-piece and 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles made from 100% recycled cardboard.
