Completing The Puzzle is a puzzle rental subscription created by two puzzlers that wanted to give back. With thousands of puzzles stocked up in their inventory, Alania, Brian, and Astro, have created a revolving puzzle rental service that keeps puzzles coming your way, all while minimizing waste and creating more tech-free family time.
With the monthly membership fee starting at $44, you receive four puzzles in a zip-up mailer along with a return shipping label and extra puzzle swag. Once you finish your puzzles, you can send your mailer back, and within three days you will receive another set without another fee, as long as it is within the same month. Not only that, but a portion of each sale goes towards planting trees!
This is a review of the 4 Puzzle Unlimited Plan, which includes four puzzles at a time.
In this plan, customers can do at least 4 puzzles per month. Once customers solve their puzzle they send it back in the same mailer. When Completing the Puzzle receives their package back, they then ship the next set of puzzles. They recently added a 3 day guarantee so customers that are further away aren’t waiting a long time.
They also have a 1 and 2 Puzzle Unlimited Plan. With this plan, you get your next pack once the current one is scanned by USPS, no waiting for the puzzle pack to make it back to their warehouse.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 25% off your first box with coupon code MSA25!CODE: MSA25
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First Impressions
Our family enjoys puzzles as they bring our busy family together in a way that sets aside technology. To dip our toes into this subscription, we tried out the casual plan which sends one puzzle at a time, and loved everything about it - from the website to the puzzle itself. Dipping a bit further in, we tried out this 4 puzzle pack, which is meant for "pros" and sends four puzzles at one time. How did our family fare? Read below to find out!
Within three days of signing up, this sturdy padded box arrived on our doorstep. With a heavy duty zipper, all four puzzles arrived in mint condition, with extra swag added on top. Including printed instructions right on the shipping case, returning is a breeze, as is storage!
Welcome Note
The first item we checked out was the post card that was included with the shipment. This card welcomed us to the "Completing the Puzzle" family and included their support email. We also received information on how the subscription works.
Swag
I am all about extras, so I was really excited to see these four fun inclusions in our puzzle pack. We received two super high quality stickers and two cardboard coasters all debuting puzzle quotes. A fun little surprise, though small, it did really make me feel like I mattered and was actually being invited to the family.
Puzzle #1
Upon opening, I found a reusable zip-top bag containing the puzzle that was chosen for me based on my preferences, which are selected when creating an account. While you don't get to pick the puzzle you want each month, you can create a wishlist, which is where the puzzles are selected from first. With over 1,200 puzzles in inventory, from 40+ brands, you're sure to find something suited to your puzzling taste easily. With four puzzle options included, it was hard to decide which puzzle to start with. My youngest son, Charlie, chose the "Travel America" puzzle to start with. With 300 pieces, this was a great way to dip our toes into the box, and the fun shaped pieces and intriguing design was a winner. Also including a laminated puzzle picture with all of the puzzles information, this was a great help when putting the puzzle together!
As you can see, these puzzles truly are of the highest quality. Each piece snapped into place and there was literally no worry about ripping pieces because they are so thick. Featuring iconic landmarks, this also created a bit of a geography lesson for Charlie, and he has now added a few destinations to his wish list of places to visit! Yay!
Puzzle #2
The second puzzle came in the same zip-top style bag and included the laminated puzzle photo. This particular puzzle was titled "Go Bananas" and featured a beautiful turquoise and yellow scene. With 1,000 pieces I knew this was going to be on our dining room table for a while, but I was excited to see the finished result. Featuring a smooth velvet texture on each piece, this didn't reflect the light of our dining room lighting, which made puzzling easier in the after dark hours. Again, the pieces of this puzzle were extremely thick and clipped together with ease. Also to note - they sanitize every puzzle after they receive them back, so no need to worry about germs!
With 1,000 pieces, this puzzle took us quite some time to finish. I love, love, loved, the scene of this puzzle, but it wasn't Charlie's favorite, so he didn't help me as much as I was hoping. It took me more sessions than I'd like to admit to finish this beaut, but the end result was very satisfying. Evidence as to how sturdy these puzzle pieces are, you could literally lift this entire puzzle up without it falling apart, which we found pretty darn amazing.
Puzzle #3
The third puzzle we received was titled "Astrology" and featured a very bright pattern of 1,000 pieces. I'll be honest, our family typically alternates 1,000 piecers with a few smaller ones, so doing two in a row was pretty ambitious. Again, with high quality, these pieces went together really well, but featured a very glossy finish, which looked really pretty with the vivid print.
Helpful hint - when you create your account, go through the puzzle gallery and "heart" the puzzles you are interested in receiving. While you don't get to pick your exact puzzle, I did read that they go off of your wishlist first, so you should have picks that relate to what you have added to your list. I wanted to test my luck and see what I would end up with, and while my kids weren't familiar with astrology, they did like the bright colors and fun illustrations. A fun note here: my dad (who I don't think has ever worked on a puzzle in his life) came over and got a few pieces together! While not finished, it has created wonderful family bonding time and a relaxing activity before bedtime!
Puzzle #4
The last puzzle we received was another colorful one with 1,000 pieces. Featuring a pretty envelope photograph pattern, this looked like the hardest one of the four to my kids, so they decided to save it for last. Again, the pieces are created of utmost quality with a satin matte finish. What a beaut!
Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $44
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 25% off your first box with coupon code MSA25!CODE: MSA25
As this was my first time reviewing the Completing the Puzzle 4 pack subscription, I was a little worried about how ambitious this task might be. Because I didn't edit my preferences, I received three 1,000 piece puzzles and a 300 piece puzzle. Because summer is coming, I feel smaller puzzles would be more manageable (which can be selected in my profile), but did enjoy the challenge. Puzzles are extremely expensive, and if you are someone that completes more than one a month, this subscription is definitely for you. Between the high quality pieces, the family feel, and the easy process, I am already a big fan of this subscription! I can't wait to see what puzzles we receive next!
More You Should Know
This isn't a typical subscription where you pay for each shipment, but rather the month itself. Once you send back your package, Completing the Puzzle will ship you another set. Depending on how fast you can puzzle, this could be a huge money saver for you!!
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? The puzzle you receive will depend on the preferences you choose, as well as their inventory.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 25% off your first box with coupon code MSA25!CODE: MSA25
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