My First DIY Advent Puzzle Exchange

[@deborahkristensen9344]

What a nice idea! I've been making one for my grandson for a few years now, and one year he packed i up for me, too! Which was great fun!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

That is very sweet of your grandson to do that for you. Happy Holidays.

[@joeyotten2091]

What a fun experience! You took such care I’m sure the person who got your puzzle appreciated the work you put into making it special for them. I hope you have a great holiday season! Thank you for sharing your puzzle journey with us!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

You're welcome and Happy Holidays to you.

[@pamelafranzen2771]

I made two advent calendars for my young grands. I used the same process you did, but it was revealed in order. I also wrote the number on the back to help out parents in re-packing. They plan to trade with cousins next season. Because they are 4/5 years, I chose a 300 count, but they were random cut. I hope to organize a bigger adult exchange next year and will forward your video as an intro to the project. Thank you for a lovely video!! I hope you are recovering ❤️‍🩹 from your injury!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Doing this advent puzzle also inspired me to do one for my kids. Wasn't sure if they'd enjoy it because they are not puzzlers but they actually like it. I am feeling much better now but I continue to strengthen my arm so I don't run into the same problem again. Happy Holidays.

[@DuncanFoster-o3t]

I'm so glad you are enjoying the puzzle! The puzzle exchange has been so much fun!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thanks so much Duncan. I'm really enjoying it.

[@danish_puzzler]

This is my 2nd year doing an Advent puzzle exchange. I love the personalized aspect. Both of yours are so pretty. Go Duncan!! 🎄

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thank you. The personalized aspect does makes it extra special. Happy Holidays.

[@DuncanFoster-o3t]

This has been so much fun! I'm so happy to participate!

[@kathylynn1375]

Brilliant idea.... I have never been interested in the little advent calendars..... but this idea is GREAT!! not only fun as you do it but you end up with an actual puzzle, Think I would of used a ribbon cut puzzle, just easier to separate This idea is just another reason to love this puzzling community..... Merry Christmas to you and your family.....

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thank you. I agree the ribbon cuts do appear to be easier to divide. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

[@Marlene7388]

Your DIY project is gorgeous! Very creative! This looks like so much fun! Thank you for sharing Sandra and Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@lavernehodge3320]

What a fun experience! You were very thoughtful in the way you prepared the puzzle. Both of the images are lovely. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too.

[@randee719]

Your Clementoni puzzle is beautiful-I love it!!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thanks

[@suebrown3194]

This sounds like so much fun! How fortunate you were able to work around the strike. I just put together a 1000 piece Christmas theme puzzle that I'm thinking I will divide up to do advent-style next year. Thank you for sharing your experience with this puzzle swap with us. And Merry Christmas!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

You're welcome. And Merry Christmas to you.

[@aliciaz]

what a great idea. I never did an advent puzzle before, but I did put one on my wish list. Too bad I don't have any puzzler friends - I would do this in a heartbeat :)

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Hopefully you'll get the opportunity to try it out next year. Sometimes puzzling Facebook groups do puzzle exchanges.

[@cielvt]

Lol the kooky mostly AI Springbok mishmash puzzle!!! My friend and i literally fought over buying this. It's so maximalist insane whatever sticks to the wall type of image - PLUS from a distance it looks like Santa has demon eyes 😂 yes, i know rose coloured glasses etc etc, not nearly as interesting though! It's so good!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

I agree it had alot of fun elements. Now I'll need to go back to my photos and take closer look at the Santa eyes.

[@d3k2p0]

We have a new store here that is basically a rummage sale. The store is full of bins of random assorted goodies that are all Amazon returns or discontinued products from Amazon. They have a starting price and each day the price goes a little lower until most of the merchandise is sold, then they close for a couple of days to restock and start all over again. I thrift (mostly for scrapbooking supplies and puzzles) on Mondays as my Savers does half off those days and lucky me, that's the 2nd lowest price day for that return store ($1) and it's on my route for thrifting in a part of town I'm not otherwise in. I went on Friday (new stock day) where they were still stocking during open hours and a bunch of advent puzzles (same designs, all sealed, so probably discontinued) came out of one of the boxes. I did not buy it as the retail price was only $5 and the first day of stock is $7, but I kept it in the back of my mind for when I'd be back on Monday. I didn't find that exact puzzle on Monday, but I did find a handful of other, also new and sealed, advent puzzles this past Monday for $1 ea. I brought home 3 and started one of them the next day when there would be 8 days left to go for advent season...I planned to do 3 per day of that calendar but found that 2 of my 3 kids wanted to join in, so they've been helping me along...I do one box and they each do one box after school. I put the other 2 away for next year. I honestly didn't see any that called to me for prices I was willing to pay (since I thrift most of my puzzles, I'm quite frugal and only splurge on puzzles I know I will love) before December but for $1, you bet I grabbed a few. My local puzzle group had our annual holiday party the day before, on Sunday, and one of the hostesses brought an advent calendar and had us each complete a box from it. It was actually really fun and while the advent now is preventing me from doing a ton of puzzling outside of the advent, it's a nice few minutes I get to spend in peace during this busy season, so I'm glad I have more to do next holiday season.

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Looks like you get some great deals on puzzles and I'm glad you're enjoying this year's advent puzzle. Happy Holidays.

[@Laura_Stanford]

I would love to try this idea next year. The level of commitment on all parts involved is my only concern. It would be sad if a person can’t finish the puzzle and break it up and put it inside the baggies. That would be the only part of this project that would stress me out a little bit. This would be great to do with a small and close group of friends. I say 4 friends.

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Starting off with a small group is a great idea. I believe we had about ten puzzlers in our group. Also starting in October was a great idea because it gave everyone plenty of time to finish it.

[@PalettePC]

This is my 2nd year doing advent puzzles. Sadly my first one was missing pieces. This year I am doing the Dr. Seuss Grinch advent puzzle. I am really enjoying it.

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

That missing piece is unforntunate but hopefully this year all will go well.

[@emilyboivinoneal46]

I'm doing 3 prepackaged calenders. So much fun.

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

I find each year there seems to be more companies selling advent puzzles and sometimes it's hard to pick just one. Glad you're enjoying all three.

[@puzzlesbypam2442]

Super fun idea! I am working on a pre bought advent puzzle from Wasgij. Love advent puzzles!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

I didn't realize Wasgij had advent puzzles. Thanks for sharing the piece of information.

[@sandyspuzzlepieces]

Merry Christmas, Sandra! 🎄🎁🥰

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

Thank you! And Merry Christmas to you too!

[@randee719]

Can you tell us the name of your Clemontoni? I like it so much I want to buy a copy ~ thanks!!

[@thepuzzlingcanadian]

It's called Classic Christmas - Christmas Stroll