National Puzzle Day is an American observance that occurs January 29 every year.[1][2][3][4]

National Puzzle Day
Observed byUnited States
TypeUnofficial
SignificanceCelebrates the playing puzzles
DateJanuary 29
FrequencyAnnual

Background

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Jodi Jill, a puzzle enthusiast started giving away free her Brain Baffler puzzle in the magazine Official Freebies for Teachers.[5] Before long, there were people asking for free puzzles year around. So she decided to only send out free puzzles one day a year, on her birthday, January 29. By 1994 this was observed as National Puzzle Day.[6] Beginning in 2002 this holiday became widely known. [7][8]

Recognition

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One year, 2016, the Michigan Historical Center used puzzles and National Puzzle Day to create awareness of Michigan history. Placing historic images like old maps, photos, and other items from the state archives on jigsaw puzzles to educate.[9]

To celebrate every year, the student union at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley puts on a contest for National Puzzle Day. The contest entries are a completed puzzle and posting it on the student union's social media by noon on Puzzle Day.[10]

In 2023, White Castle released a limited edition 285-piece jigsaw puzzle on National Puzzle Day. The proceeds of puzzle sales went to White Castle's Team Member Relief Fund to help team members facing unexpected hardships.[11]

Some people observe National Puzzle Day by playing various types of puzzles, or going to various puzzle events.[12] During the month of January, some puzzles are given away to educators or offered at reduced price promotions.[13] Some libraries run puzzle swaps as an event on this day and sell puzzles with the donating proceeds of puzzle sales to benefit various organizations or charities.

References

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  1. ^ "Puzzle-lovers unite: Jan. 29 is National Puzzle Day". WTOP News. 29 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Puzzle popularity during COVID-19 quarantine benefiting local businesses". wcnc.com. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  3. ^ Navarro, Linda (23 January 2021). "Pikes Pick: Enjoy National Puzzle Day on Jan. 29". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  4. ^ Idaho National Laboratory (29 January 2021). "National Puzzle Day". U.S. Department of Energy. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  5. ^ Freebies Magazine (1993). Official Freebies for Teachers. Lowell House. p. 10. ISBN 9781565650602. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  6. ^ Democrat and Chronicle (23 Jan 1994). "Inside Outrageous". Gannett. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  7. ^ National Puzzle Day Official Website. "About National Puzzle Day". www.puzzledayfun.com. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Today Is: National Puzzle Day". South Florida Reporter. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  9. ^ "It's National Puzzle Day! Celebrate With Unique Jigsaw Puzzles From Michigan Historical Center - CBS Detroit". www.cbsnews.com. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  10. ^ Staff (January 25, 2021). "ON CAMPUS". Vol. 6, no. 17. The Rider. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  11. ^ Washington, Elizabeth (29 January 2023). "New York artist brings classic art, fast food together with limited edition White Castle puzzle". WDIV.
  12. ^ "On National Puzzle Day, here are 12 places to purchase a puzzle in Southern California". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. 22 January 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  13. ^ "January 29th is National Puzzle Day". WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.