We love shopping for puzzles online. With a few quick swipes you can be browsing thousands of different puzzles from every corner of the planet – all before you even bother to get out of bed.
But the truth is, nothing quite beats stepping into a real, carefully curated puzzle store — the kind where you can stumble across a new favorite puzzle, and get tips and advice from people who’ve actually tried a lot of different puzzle brands.
Here are 15 of our favourite independent stores to discover in the USA. Some specialize in puzzles, while others stock jigsaws alongside a bigger range of books and gifts. But if they’re in this list, they’re definitely worth a visit.
Jane Addams Book Shop
Champaign, Illinois
Located in downtown Champaign in Illinois, this three-story bookstore offers a variety of puzzles together with all sorts of books from art, to business, and even comics.
Capital Books Team
Sacramento, California
This big, independent bookstore offers a variety of books, games, and puzzles across three floors and 4000 square feet. Located in Sacramento, California, it’s a fun, welcoming space for puzzle lovers and bookworms alike.
Geared For Games
South Lake Tahoe, California
This unique specialty store is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. Their collection offers an extensive variety of puzzles, board games, and toys for all ages.
Huxley & Hiro Booksellers
Wilmington, Delaware
Huxley & Hiro Booksellers is one of Delaware’s top independent bookstores located in Downtown Wilmington. Awarded as Delaware’s Most Influential in 2024 by Delaware Online, their bookstore also carries a selection of carefully curated puzzles, games, and gifts.
National 5 & 10
Newark, Delaware
This store is a classic variety store in Newark, Delaware. National 5 & 10 features a selection of puzzles alongside its wide range of nostalgic and modern collectibles.
Dad Suggests Books
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Dad Suggests Books is a unique shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas dedicated to children’s books and puzzles, making it an excellent destination for families and young puzzle enthusiasts.
Pearl’s Books
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Located in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, this beloved independent bookstore offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Their shop offers individualized book and gift suggestions as well as a selection of beautiful puzzles and literary-inspired items.
San Gregorio General Store
San Gregorio, California
Just a mile away from the San Gregorio State Beach, this classic old west variety store features a selection of puzzles. This shop also has wide range of nostalgic collectibles, live music performances, and a classic a country bar.
Aesop’s Fable
Holliston, Massachusetts
Aesop’s Fable is an independent bookstore in Holliston, Massachusetts, offering a wide selection of books, puzzles, and games for everyone. They also host a unique variety of events such as a literary skills workshop and reading to a pup for kids.
3 Trolls Games & Puzzles
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
This is a dedicated puzzle and game store in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, featuring a vast array of puzzles in various difficulty levels. They also conduct in-store events like weekly game nights for the community.
Breakwater Books
Guilford, Connecticut
This thriving independent bookstore in Guilford Green, Connecticut, is a community-focused shop that stocks a curated selection of books, puzzles, games, and other exciting toys.
Books & Co.
North Haven, Connecticut
Located in North Haven, Connecticut, this independent bookstore sells puzzles, educational games, and locally-made crafts that is perfect for every occasion.
Kidding Around
New York City
Kidding Around is a unique toy store in New York City that carries a varied assortment of puzzles, games, and educational toys for both children and adults.
Petrie’s Family Games
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Petrie’s Family Games is a game store located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their shop specializes in all sorts of board games and puzzles, catering to hobbyists and families alike.
Meeples Family
Anaheim, California
Meeples Family is a growing game shop with over 2,000 games in their collection! Located in Anaheim, California, this place is perfect for all sorts of game enthusiasts, including avid jigsaw puzzle fans.
Which other stores should we add to this list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll check them out!