As summertime draws to a close, I’m reminded of all the fun times I’ve had these past few months. Naturally, none of these memories involve spending time outdoors because I hate going outside. I mean, if I don’t get out of this house soon, people might start thinking I’m agoraphobic. Seriously though, while enjoying everything nature has to offer isn’t really my thing, I like to think I have a good time just the same. Not spending a zillion hours outdoors really frees up my time to work on my various creative projects (also no sunburn, so that’s a plus). You’re gonna think I’m pretty lame (even more so than you already do), but I like to put together puzzles. That’s right, puzzles.
The problem with puzzles today is that even if the puzzle itself is challenging, the pictures are so lame. I mean, how many times can I put together a picture of snow covered trees or a cat hanging on a branch? Zip Code Puzzles (Firebox, $34.95) are a completely different story. Instead of regurgitating the same old photo options, these puzzles are made to order according to your personal choice of geographic location. Using an extract from the U.S. Geological Survey, a 400 piece puzzle is produced according to the zip code you provide. In the center of the puzzle is a house-shaped piece that represents the address location and the puzzle itself spans six miles east/west and four miles north/south of the center point. The map displays buildings, main roads, water features, and even some local establishments so that each puzzle is unique.
I don’t know who wouldn’t want to put together this puzzle. I would totally commit to putting every last piece of this puzzle together, glue it in place, and then frame it for display. That’s not weird, right?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12.25″ x 18.5″ (assembled)
-400 piece jigsaw puzzle
-Features an extract from the U.S. Geological Survey
-Map covers 6 miles East/West and 4 miles North/South
-Center piece is shaped like a house
-Puzzle box includes personal message area
-Each puzzle made to order
-Non returnable except due to faulty manufacturing
