Like most jigsaw puzzle manufacturers, Gibsons use an image that has been printed onto a piece of standard european greenboard which is a high density carboard. The puzzle is cut when a steel die is placed over the image and then up to 500 tons of pressure is applied to ensure a clean sharp cut with no material loss. This process combined with the high density board ensures a minimum of curvature on the puzzle piece where the blade actually comes into contact. Puzzle pieces tend to be small and uniform and it takes a keen eye to see the often subtle differences especially where there are large pieces of the puzzle with the same color such as an area of blue sky. When correctly assembled, fully interlocking puzzles are a very tight fit and the puzzle can be lifted vertically by its corners without the jigsaw puzzle falling apart. The typical puzzle piece is a foursided shape with knobs and indentations. There are many permutations possible such as three knobs and one indentation or two of each, etc. Sometimes by turning the puzzle over it is easier to assemble large areas of a single color as the various puzzle piece shapes tend to stand out.

Gibsons puzzles from England have been slowly but surely expanding their range of extra large piece jigsaw puzzles. The puzzles have 500 extra large pieces and, once assembled, have the same dimensions as a regular 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Not only are the pieces larger they tend to be of a more unique shape rather than the usual knob and hole variety of puzzle piece found in standard puzzles. This feature obviously allows for more easy identification for a puzzler whose eyesight may be less than perfect and whose hands may be less steady. The extra large piece puzzles also tend to have brightly colored, well defined areas without too many puzzle pieces of the same color as one might find in the sky section of a more challenging design. The extra large puzzle is also a perfect vehicle for young children and older adults to spend time together enjoying each other’s company in a pleasant family activity.

Gibsons puzzles are developing an ever expanding range of Christmas puzzles in their catalogue. The themes are of the old fashioned variety sometimes dating back to the Victorian era. The winter season with all its activities such as skating and snowman building as well as Christmas shopping are all included. Gibsons have also been increasing their selection of extra large jigsaw puzzles with the primarily English Christmas season as the main theme. This will allow both grandparents and grand children together to assemble the brightly colored and easily identifiable puzzle pieces on the kichen table over the winter holiday period.