What to Do with a Jigsaw Puzzle When Finished?

10 Creative and Practical Ideas For New Users

Finishing a jigsaw puzzle gives a satisfying sentiment of success. After playing sometimes for days, fitting fixed together hundreds or even thousands of small pieces, you finally see the finished picture in all its glory. But when you finish the picture, then the question arises: What do you do with a jigsaw puzzle once it’s completed?

Do you dismantle it and box it away? Display it like a trophy? Give it to others to enjoy? Fortunately, lot of ways to extend the life of your puzzle, whether you're looking for decorative, practical, or philanthropic solutions. Whether you can ask this question by yourself, what to do with completed jigsaw puzzles, or wondering what to do with a puzzle after completed, this guide provides smart and fun options. We’ll explore 10 creative and practical ideas for what to do with your jigsaw puzzle after you've finished it.

1. Frame It as Wall Art (What to Do with a Finished Puzzle)

One of the most popular options is turning your completed puzzle into a piece of wall art in your home. If you've finished a puzzle with lovely imagery, why not showcase it in your home?

How to Frame a Puzzle:

• Use puzzle glue to attach the puzzle pieces (spread evenly and let them dry thoroughly).
• Once dry, attach your favorite puzzle to a sturdy backing such as foam board.
• Frame your favorite puzzle in a standard or custom-sized frame.
• Hang it in your living room, game room, or any favorite place that could use some color and personality.

Pro Tip: Solved puzzle pictures are available online in a different of sizes, or you can have one custom-made at a framing shop.

This is the best choice for you if you're unsure what to do with a puzzle that is finished but looks too good to take apart. It's one of the top answers for what to do with jigsaw puzzles when finished.

2. Gift It to a Friend or Family Member

If you enjoyed playing the puzzle, chances are someone you know will too. Gifting a puzzle is a thoughtful and the best way to share an activity that gives you relaxation and entertainment.

• Give the finished puzzle picture that interacts with you as a gift to your friend.
• Re-open it with all the pieces for them to complete on their own.
• Write a little note about your experience with the puzzle for a personal touch.

Bonus Tip: This is a great way to promote mental wellness and mindful activities among loved ones. If you’re wondering what to do with puzzles once done, giving them as a gift creates lasting value.

3. Donate It to Charity or Local Institutions

Donating puzzles is a fantastic way to reduce clutter while doing good. Many organizations gladly accept used puzzles, including:

• Local libraries
• Senior centers
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Thrift stores
• Shelters

If you want to donate your completed puzzle, make sure the puzzle is complete and in good condition. Pack in the real box and ensure all pieces are accounted for. If you're thinking about what to do with completed puzzles that are gently used and complete, donating them helps others love to enjoy the same fun while promoting reuse.

4. Make a Puzzle Swap or Join a Puzzle Exchange

Why not trade your completed puzzle for a new challenge? Puzzle swaps are becoming gradually popular in local communities and online groups. If you're not sure what to do with puzzles once you've completed them? Puzzle swaps offer an eco-friendly answer.

How to Get Involved in Puzzle Exchange:

• Look for puzzle exchange groups on a social media platform.
• Organize a swap night with friends.
• Join clubs that host puzzle rotation programs.

In this way, you can enjoy endless new puzzles without spending more money and time

5. Use the Puzzle for Arts and Crafts

If you're into DIY or crafting, puzzle pieces can be changed into beautiful, creative designs. Some ideas include:

• Jewelry (puzzle-piece necklaces)
• Greeting cards
• Picture frames
• Ornaments
• Mosaic-style wall art

Use paints, glitter, and glue to customize the pieces. This is a fantastic option for crafters or for fun family projects with kids who are asking what to do with finished puzzles they no longer want to box away.

6. Make Puzzle Coasters

Change sections of your favorite puzzle that you complete into coasters. Once your puzzle is glued and sealed with a defensive coat of resin, puzzle pieces become long-lasting and water-resistant.

Steps:

• Cut the glued puzzle into equal parts.
• Mount them on cork or felt backing.
• Apply a sealant to make them spill-resistant.

It’s a unique way to repurpose your hard work into something functional and attractive. If you're ever wondering what to do with finished jigsaw puzzles in a creative way, this is a great option.

7. Store It for a Rainy Day

If you can't bear to part with a puzzle but also don't want to display it, store it for a future re-do. You might enjoy the challenge again after some time.

Best Storage Tips:

• Use zip-lock bags or mesh pouches to keep pieces together.
• Label boxes with difficulty level and piece count.
• Save your completed puzzles in a dry or cool location to prevent warping.

This strategy works in an efficient way if you’re uncertain about what to do with a puzzle that is completed but might want to revisit someday.

8. Sell It Online

If your favorite puzzle is still in good condition, then you can choose the option to sell it. There’s an increasing market for second-hand puzzles, particularly high-quality or limited-edition ones.

Platforms to sell on:

• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Puzzle-specific forums

Make sure to:

• Check for missing pieces.
• Clean and organize the box.
• Take clear pictures and write an honest description.

Not only is this a great way to fund your next purchase, but if you're searching for what to do with a puzzle when done, selling it can be profitable, too.

9. Change It into a Puzzle Tabletop

Having a bit more ambition? If you’ve completed a puzzle with an eye-catching image that attracts every new user, it can be changed into a tabletop surface for a coffee table, or even a serving tray.

How-To Guide:

• Glue the completed puzzle securely.
• Mount it on a wood or acrylic base.
• Cover your favorite puzzle with glass or clear epoxy resin to protect the surface.

This option is ideal when you're considering what to do with your puzzle that gives emotion too unique to box away.

10. Start a Puzzle Journal or Scrapbook

Document your puzzle journey by making a puzzle journal. Each time you complete a puzzle, include:

• A photo of the finished puzzle
• Date of completion
• Time taken
• Piece count
• Notes about your experience

This is especially satisfying for avid puzzlers and can become a keepsake to look back on. Perfect for those constantly asking themselves what to do with finished jigsaw puzzles to preserve the memory.

Pair this with a digital version if you prefer to organize your puzzle history online or share it on social media.

Final Thoughts: What to Do with Your Puzzles — What’s Right for You?

If you can't find an answer or no answer fits your puzzle for what to do with finished puzzles. Whether you’re searching for what to do with a puzzle when done, what to do with completed jigsaw puzzles, or simply discovering new ideas, there’s a perfect fit for every new puzzle that you complete. From gifting to gluing, storing to selling—let your completed puzzle be the step of something new.

By choosing one of these ideas, you're not only searching for a meaningful way to honor your effort but also promoting sustainability by giving puzzles a second life.

Reader Review

“This guide gave me so many ideas for what to do with finished jigsaw puzzles. I used to toss them back in the box, but now I’ve framed one and donated two more. Super useful!”

About the Author

Muhammad Salman is a lifelong enthusiast of online jigsaw puzzles and a content creator. With over 2 years of experience reviewing digital puzzles, creating custom design puzzles, and writing educational puzzle guides, Salman shares unique thoughts to help fellow puzzlers get the most out of every finished puzzle.

If you’re looking for more puzzle-related inspiration, organization hacks, or creative DIY guides, stay tuned to our blog! Happy puzzling!