The Dark Side Of Puzzle Addiction: A Surprising Haul

[@niak361]

Thanks for taking me shopping today. I'm homebound and I love it when you shop. Puzzles of Color and Africans Expressions are very nice quality puzzles. I love them and they would increase the diverity of your collections. Love your channel.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Happy to bring you along with me on my shopping adventures again! 😊I definitely want to pick up Puzzles of Color and African Expressions next time, and it would be a great way to change things up in my collection.

[@marglarsen7101]

I have put myself on a puzzle fast for a month. Lasts until the second week in June - if I make it.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Oh boy...let me know if you make it till then! I'm most likely gonna have to do the same , but I love making these shop with me videos 🤣 I can't help but sit and watch my footage when I'm editing, instead of actually editing, as if I'm a viewer myself . Then I'm like "omg, she's still buying more puzzles!"🤣🤣

[@LadyKitsunetsuki]

I love your shopping videos. There are no good puzzle selection stores near me. The last puzzles that I bought I bought from Godwill. They were so cheap and I do not mind if they have all the pieces or not. I just started this puzzle challenge for myself. If I spend ten hours working on puzzles then I can buy a new puzzle. With Godwill being as cheap as they were I might just spend another twenty dollars on puzzles there. I think the last time I went I bought five for under twenty. I think most of my other puzzles are from either Target or Amazon. I was wondering what starting a discord is like. It would be cool if there was a puzzling discord where everyone can chat and show pictures of their puzzles.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I do love making shopping videos. They are fun to edit too LOL. Everyone raves about buying puzzles from Goodwill, and I seriously need to make a trip out to my closest location. That's a really good challenge that you've made for yourself. I'm sure it keeps you from buying puzzles too often. It's funny that you mention Discord. I used to have one (different topic) in the past, and recently I was thinking about starting one for puzzles for everyone here. Might be next on my "to do" list!

[@rebekahnerad4900]

I have that first night and day one you showed. I enjoyed putting it together very much.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

It's such a pretty set. I really do love the Night&Day images. Gonna have to pick one up at some point!

[@hmhodge2020]

I did the Galison. It was quick and fun! You will enjoy it 😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you for letting me know, I'm glad to hear that 😁 Hoping I can find more of them the next time I head to Target.

[@KaylaStanfield96]

I have that Rapunzel Ceaco you showed! Got it from Amazon, they have a lot and for cheaper than your Michael’s. You’re making me want to go puzzle shopping in person lol. I was so excited when I saw you uploaded 😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

That Rapunzel set was really pretty! Will probably end up in my collection one day even though Ceaco is not great. Puzzle shopping is too much fun, but I think I'm gonna need to be put on a leash soon 🤣 Happy to hear you get excited when I post , it means a lot!😊

[@dayanagonzalez2306]

I always obsessed with Thomas Kinkade puzzles but I like with Disney Princess Puzzle

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thomas Kincaid is my absolute favorite! I kinda wish I still picked one of those up.

[@kathylynn1375]

as always good seeing you again.... always love your stories..... I live out in the country and don't get to Michaels or Hobby Lobby often... Order most of mine on line or the Thrift store, I did go to the "city" over the weekend and went to a puzzle store and spent $80.00 bucks... for only 3 puzzles... EGADS!! but I got a collectors addition Ravensburger so its all good...

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Hello again 😁 I'm in a rural area as well, so it's about a 50 minute drive to my Hobby Lobby. Michaels is closer, but I won't be heading there again, not for puzzles at least. Woah, $80 for three puzzles!! But the price makes sense with a collectors Ravensburger set. A regular sets is already about $25. Which sets did you pick up?

[@kathylynn1375]

@@thepuzzledmandy I picked up Ravensburger 1000 Alice in wonderland... Cobble Hill Frog business 1000 Ravensburger The music room which has cats in it lol lol we had gone to Illinois to see my daughter, but check out Puzzle Plus in Beavercreek Ohio...which is maybe hour and a half for me.... I want to go there soon ,, after I replenish my puzzle budget lol lol enjoy your day.....

[@Laura_Stanford]

I have bought Ravensburger puzzles at Target. Nice Snow White puzzle.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

The only Ravensburgers I have found at my Targets so far are the Disney Villainous sets. I've grabbed 3 of them so far, but its been awhile since they've stocked any new ones. I'm looking forward to starting the Snow White puzzle soon, but I keep thinking about all the other Disney Thomas Kincaid sets I spotted on those shelves. If I had the money, I would've grabbed all of them 😂

[@speterson6292]

I have a large Michael’s near by, unfortunately very poor puzzle selection🙁 However, big thanks to you when in an earlier video you alerted us to 40% off at Hobby Lobby. I bought two White Mountain puzzles that had been on my wish list. Serious savings 40% off plus no shipping charge!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I guess Michaels is just not the go to place for puzzles. But thankfully we have Hobby Lobby! I'm happy you took advantage of the 40% off sale, it's the best. I almost think they run that sale during the first week or so of every month, as that's when I always see it. And to have free shipping too, my head would explode from the excitement of saving money any way I can 🤯

[@ceemar2621]

Galison is my favorite brand 🤍 None of my local stores have much of any puzzles to choose from, so I get most of mine from Amazon.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Amazon does tend to have a pretty good selection of puzzles, and it's especially great to shop from when they're having their big sales.

[@rickvaiBBB]

I thoroughly enjoy your "critique" of the various puzzle brands whether pro or con lol. We have similar tastes in the type of pictures although I am a newbie and I agree with you 100% about not being that into animals puzzles even though I am a big outdoorsman. I was given one of a black bear and had to give up on it because every piece looked the same.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Happy that you enjoy my "critiques", or sometimes I like to call them my ramblings when I'm editing 🤣 I'm no expert on puzzles or anything, but I do my best to give my most "real" answers, whilst hoping they make sense. I could imagine a black bear image being very difficult, especially if you have no motivation to finish it, or any big interest in the overall image. I always gravitate to very scenic images, or basically images where I can see myself "in" them. I need to connect to the image, which definitely motivates me to finish it.

[@michellenewsome3913]

My Michaels and Target has an even smaller selection than yours! I have done one Galison called "Avian Friends." I loved it! The quality was good, but the pieces don't lock together. It was actually my first 1000 piece puzzle!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Michaels and Target need to get it together! There's no reason to have a poor selection when there are so many great puzzles in the world 🤩 I just looked up your puzzle, it's very pretty! Did it take you long to complete? I can imagine the birds not taking too long to piece together, but the background colors look quite similar to me. I've been hearing quite a bit of mixed reviews with Galison, so I'm interested to see how my experience turns out.

[@pannalover326]

I'm a total animal lover and have been stuck in an animal groove since I started puzzling again. Especially cats. I'm the crazy cat lady at the end of the street. LOL I've done a couple of those Selfies puzzles you showed. Your videos have inspired me to get out of the cat box, so to speak, lol. I just got a 1000 piecer that is a collage of Stephen King book covers. But it seems to be ingrained in my brain. I got a Wysocki that is a palm reader/fortune teller scene. Once I got it and was looking closer at the image, there, where you might not notice right away, is a cat in the lap of the fortune teller. LOL Now I'm looking for non cat puzzles that have a little cat somewhere in the background. I can't seem to get away from them. Thanks for inspiring me to "try" to get out of my animal rut, lol.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Nothing wrong with being the crazy cat lady🤣. I'm happy to hear that I've inspired you to try new things! It's funny, but I always seem to spot a random cat in many sets that I come across, even if they don't really have that much to do with the overall image LOL, so I'm not surprised the cat just happened to be in your set. Sneaky kitties all the time! That Stephen King set does sounds awesome, I love his books. What brand is it from? I've also been trying to pick up things I wouldn't usually do. It's difficult to steer away from the norm, but its always good get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

[@pannalover326]

@@thepuzzledmandy ugh, my reply disappeared again, lol. KZbin is deleting my replies for some reason. Maybe it's the name of the puzzle, hmmm. Okay, third time's a charm, maybe...... It's by a company called Toynk. The title is King of H0**ors. Maybe it doesn't like that scary word. Or is Toynk derogatory for something? LOL

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@pannalover326 Third time was a charm 😄KZbin is silly sometimes. I just looked up the puzzle, and its way better than I imagined with all the original book covers! I can't tell if it'll be easy or a bit challenging. You'll have to let me know!

[@pannalover326]

@@thepuzzledmandy Was just perusing the pieces. Usual shapes, nothing crazy. Decent size. A little thinner than the Ravensburger but sturdy. Don't know about the "snap" yet or how it will hold together. Challenge will be which "Stephen King" goes with which cover. LOL

[@puzzlesbypam2442]

My Michael’s has a lame selection as well. I’m afraid to go to Target or Walmart 😂. I don’t know if you have them there but another craft store we have in California is Joanns and they have a lot! I actually got giddy this morning when I read a goodwill is opening in my neighborhood-thrifted puzzles yay! I have done a couple Galison puzzles, they are not the highest quality but I like them and they have amazing images!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

My Michaels is not alone then🤣 And I'm with you with being afraid to go to a Walmart or Target, they are my weakness since the prices are good. We do have Joanns here, and I'm hoping to head out there soon. It's about a 50 minute drive so we'll see when. I still need to check out the Goodwill! I think I have two not too far from me but I haven't ventured out there yet. Interesting to hear that Galison seems to have quite a bit of mixed reviews.

[@kimO.7439]

Sorry to hear that galison are not good quality. I love their images also. I don't like CEACO because their quality is really bad in my opinion.

[@ericfajardo9787]

The Targets near me have the same puzzle sets that you have. I think that overall Target is shrinking I just did Summer Amusement Park a few weeks ago. It was quick to do and didn't have false fits. While I like the images of the Thomas Kinkaid puzzles, I feel that the quality just isn't there and they are too shiny.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I'm glad to hear that the set didn't take you very long, now I really can't wait to complete it. Definitely true with the Thomas Kincaid/Ceaco sets. The quality really does suck compared to so many other brands. I really just buy them for the Disney images.

[@becky5440]

I live in a larger city with several Michael's and Target stores. None of them have a good selection of puzzles snd they stay picked over. Wonder if the Michael's coupon you can download on their website works on puzzles to bring the price down? I've seen it range from 20% to 40% off a regular priced item. And some Michael's stores will honor competitor coupons from stores like JoAnn.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

That’s a good point. I didn’t think about the Micheals coupons. I’m pretty sure they would work on anything, it would be worth a try.

[@rebekahnerad4900]

That Amy Stewart Beach vacation one is buffalo games current weekly $4.95 deal!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

$4.95 is an amazing deal, especially for a new set! But I do my best to not view the brand sites too much, as I know I won't be able to resist the temptation!🤣🤣

[@Shawna_psychRN]

Bought my first house which has room for a kitchen table so I have been buying puzzles to finally be able to do them!!! (Finally at 40!) I’m on a budget too haha

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Congratulations on your first house 🎉🎉🎉! Now with owning a home, you will have to be on a super strict budget 🤣 Hope you can fit a pretty big table so you don't have to worry too much about image size 😂.

[@stacyssassystyles]

I like picking up diff brands too- I hope to find say a top 10 fav brands and stick to them!!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Even though I haven't done a Disney puzzle in awhile (which was my norm), I'm really having a blast trying out all the different brands and types of puzzles. I have a few different types of 3D puzzles that I'm going to try out soon, and even though I'm super nervous about them, I can't wait to see what they're like.

[@patriciajaynebavas7118]

I love Galison puzzles and have two with images by Michael Storring. My sets just say Galison not any other trademark.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Interesting. I'm guessing Good Puzzle Co is just one of Galison's series/collections. I really do love Storrings artwork so far, and probably going to look into other images/sets if I really like this one.

[@DianePohl]

Have you gone to joann's fabric store and tj maxx to see the puzzles?

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I have not actually. I actually don't think I have a Joanns or a TJ Maxx near me though. I'd have to look up my closest location.

[@DianePohl]

Oh. Well tj maxx only has puzzles for holidays, like halloween and Xmas . But joann's has them all the time. By the way everytime I go to the store I head straight to the puzzles. I know I shouldn't. But I just got into the habit. I already have 24 or 25 puzzles that I haven't done. Right now I'm doing a Christmas one.

[@Sarahr98998]

Surprised that she thinks $20 is too much for a 2000 piece puzzle? And $12.99 is too much for 1000 piece? That sounds incredibly cheap compared to the prices I usually see (and pay) lol

[@thepuzzledmandy]

🤣It sure is too much when I know I can get the same thing somewhere else for less $$ (around $5 cheaper most times). Prices can greatly vary depending on where you live. But if I know going to a different store will save me a few bucks, then I'm going to save a few bucks! 🤑

[@rosa733]

The quality of her sets is way worse than the ones you pay up to $25.00canadian. But over that you are paying for scarcity.

[@angiepaulson6591]

Michael's seems to ride high in general with their full prices - they're anticipating most people will be shopping with their email coupons, flyers, etc. Like shopping at Kohls without your Kohls cash, you shouldn't pay full price!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I agree. And the selection wasn’t even much. I might try to find another location at some point.

[@kathylynn1375]

I just re watched this video and I cannot believe I missed you showing a puzzle of a Scrabble board.... I have re wound and paused and got what info I could .. You must of found a puzzle no longer made.. along with puzzling I have played scrabble every single day for years on line with friends... I have searched the internet and cannot find that puzzle not on Amazon, Ebay, spin masters site...Targets site.. no luck........... .. so sad you are not a scrabble fan and would of snatched it up.....................what state are you in.... maybe I will drive there lol lol

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Oh man, that's crazy! Now I wish I was into Scrabble and knew how hard it was to find. I feel so bad 😂 Did I just miss out on a gem?? Don't know how long your drive will be but I'm in Pennsylvania🤣 The next time I head to that Target, I'll try to see if I spot it again lol. I think there were about 2 of them.

[@kathylynn1375]

@@thepuzzledmandy Im in south west Ohio... I had wondered where you were when you mentioned bears.. OH MY !!!

[@kathylynn1375]

not to keep harping on this , but the more I cant find it the more Im looking... I find Monopoly, Clue & Battleship all say rare and subject to copywrite..... wonder if they lost the rights to produce the scrabble jigsaw puzzle and you just happen to come across old stock???? its all about puzzles so I feel it is still relevant to your channel...

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@kathylynn1375 🤣Bears are no joke out here, especially the night before the trucks come to pick up the garbage.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@kathylynn1375 It's crazy that its the only one you just can't find anywhere. I will make it a point to look for it the next time I head to that Target location. If I see it, I'll definitely pick it up and can send it to you if you'd like!

[@marbrn]

The Michaels here in Spring Hill fl is not good.. I’ve never found anything worth buying there. Walmart and Target here have a good selection, but my favorite is Hobby Lobby. I live here in Florida and have no desire for Disney Park. Funny but I’m like you I do not like animal puzzles…I’ve done about 3+animal puzzles in my life time. I like your choice on that Snow White puzzle I think I’m going to check that one out.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Yea, I don't plan to go to Michaels again. My Hobby Lobby also has a very good selection, and when they have those 40% off puzzles sales, it's certainly a must to shop at! My Walmarts here have a much bigger selection than my Targets. If I lived in Florida, I would certainly want to be in Disney every week. But I'm sure my finances would never allow even one visit a month 🤣 I'm looking forward to the Snow White puzzle, even though I'm not expecting major differences compared to the typical Ceaco puzzles. But then again, it's a Disney puzzle so I'll be happy anyways lol.

[@MathIsMagical]

I don’t like Galison but I do like good puzzle co by galison. The quality is just better. Which don’t make any sense. The Galisons I have bought (like 3 plus) have all had damaged pieces and or blurry images. The one good puzzle co by galison I have I LOVE. great image and pieces.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Interesting you say Good Puzzle Co is better quality. Really doesn't make sense considering its the same brand really. I'll be curious to try out a regular Galison and compare the two. Which is the image/set you have that you love?

[@danish_puzzler]

Me smashing the like when you said "if you are trying NOT to buy puzzles" 😂 I enjoy Galison, try to avoid Ceaco. I did a Michael Storrings panorama one recently titled "Cityscape " - loved it!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

🤣The pain is real...its hurts to walk away from a set you really want! It even hurts to purposefully avoid looking at the puzzle aisle when you're at a store. I'm trying though 😭 I'm looking forward to trying my first Galison. I have a good number of Ceaco puzzles in my collection, even though I know they can be pretty terrible. I really just buy them for the Disney images. I just looked up your "Cityscape" puzzle and I'm in love with it! Made me nostalgic about my hometown, and the artwork makes my city look so cute...and clean😂

[@sandrafawcett1648]

Puzzles

[@thepuzzledmandy]

🧩🧩🧩😁