15 cool and unique puzzles to pass the time and challenge your brain

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15 cool and unique puzzles to pass the time and challenge your brain

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Have a few hours to kill? Of the many activities you can do to fill the time, doing a jigsaw puzzle is one of the more nostalgic and analog pastimes.

Not only are they stimulating, but puzzles, particularly those thousand-piece beasts, can be quite challenging or plain frustrating at times. Bill Gates is known to enjoy quality time with a perplexing puzzle. And many studies point to the benefits of puzzle-solving, including better spatial skills, memory retention, and cooperation with others.

So even if your main line of thought is "I'm bored and want to make something that looks nice," know that completing a puzzle is also productive for your brain.

Here are 15 cool and interesting puzzles to complete by yourself or with a partner.Read the original article on Business Insider
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A puzzle of your best friends

A puzzle of your best friends
Urban Outfitters
Golden Girls 1000 Piece Puzzle, available at Urban Outfitters, $22

Number of pieces: 1,000

Your favorite show in puzzle form

Your favorite show in puzzle form
Urban Outfitters
Bob's Burgers 1000 Piece Puzzle, available at Urban Outfitters, $22

Number of pieces: 1,000

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A dreamy look at the California coast and one of its most famous bridges

A dreamy look at the California coast and one of its most famous bridges
Etsy
California Coast Bixby Bridge Puzzle, available at Amazon, $49.99

Number of pieces: 1,000

A puzzle that comes in an attractive box and glue so you can display your final work

A puzzle that comes in an attractive box and glue so you can display your final work
Jiggy
Bathing With Flowers Puzzle, available at Jiggy Puzzles, $48

Number of pieces: 800

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A challenging puzzle for basketball fans

A challenging puzzle for basketball fans
Amazon
BasisWood Basketball Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles, available at Amazon, $52

Number of pieces: 188

A puzzle you can customize with your own photos

A puzzle you can customize with your own photos
Shutterfly
Shutterfly Gallery Monogram Puzzle, available at Shutterfly, $39.98

Number of pieces: 520

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Headache-inducing puzzles with a spectrum of colors and patterns

Headache-inducing puzzles with a spectrum of colors and patterns
Food52
Dusen Dusen & Gradient Puzzle Set, available at Food52, $40-45

Number of pieces: 100-500

A colorful puzzle bursting with flora and fauna

A colorful puzzle bursting with flora and fauna
Etsy
WanderPuzzleCo Just Chillin Puzzle, available at Etsy, $27.95

Number of pieces: 500

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The front page of The New York Times — you choose the date and year

The front page of The New York Times — you choose the date and year
Neiman Marcus
NYT Front Page Puzzle, available at The New York Times Store, $50

Number of pieces: 50

A bright and sunny scene at the local farmer's market

A bright and sunny scene at the local farmer's market
Walmart
MasterPieces Farmer's Market, available at Walmart, $24.99

Number of pieces: 750

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A delicious collection of fancy foods

A delicious collection of fancy foods
Food52
Areaware Hors D'oeuvres Puzzles (3-count), available at Food52, $45

Number of pieces: About 70 per puzzle

A 3D puzzle modeled after a famous Hogwarts tower

A 3D puzzle modeled after a famous Hogwarts tower
Target
Wrebbit Harry Potter Hogwarts Astronomy Tower 3D Puzzle, available at Amazon, $49.93

Number of pieces: 875

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A puzzle featuring Mexican artist Frida Kahlo

A puzzle featuring Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
Uncommon Goods
The World of Frida Kahlo Puzzle, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

Number of pieces: 1,000

A puzzle with plenty of book lovers to keep track of

A puzzle with plenty of book lovers to keep track of
Barnes & Noble
Book Club 1000 Piece Puzzle, available at Barnes & Noble, $16.99

Number of pieces: 1,000

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A beautiful crystalline puzzle with non-traditional piece shapes

A beautiful crystalline puzzle with non-traditional piece shapes
Uncommon Goods
Geode Puzzle, available at Uncommon Goods, $65

Number of pieces: 160 to 180 depending on the style