Gifts for Puzzle Lovers

Looking for gifts for puzzle lovers who appreciate a cheeky laugh? Choose a mixed puzzle-and-activity book that matches their favourite ways to play and their sense of humour. Ink & Attitude’s adult books offer screen-free entertainment for birthdays, Christmas, Secret Santa or a just-because surprise. Start with the person, not the most intimidating-looking puzzle on the shelf.

Choose for the solver you know

Some people love hunting for hidden words. Others prefer changing activities rather than tackling the same format from cover to cover. Before choosing a gift, think about what your recipient actually enjoys doing, then check each book’s listed contents and available previews.

• For someone who enjoys variety: I've Got Games combines puzzles, games, word-based challenges and quizzes for adults who like switching activities.
• For a word-search fan: browse our word search and word puzzle books for adults. These are mixed titles, so check how the listed activities fit their preferences.
• For a mate who loves friendship humour: We All Have That One Friend includes word searches, Sudoku, personality quizzes, roasts and light-hearted challenges. Choose it when the theme and adult humour feel like their kind of fun.
• For a combined book gift: the Friend From Hell Bundle contains That One Friend, I'm on Bail and the I Only Grow Where the Bullshit Doesn't prompt journal. That's two activity books plus a reflective journal, not three puzzle books. Choose it when writing appeals to the recipient too, and compare the current price with your budget.

Want to compare the individual activity titles? Read our three-book activity comparison for their listed activities and themes.

Match the humour as carefully as the puzzles

A puzzle lover does not automatically love swearing, sarcasm or a roast. This range is aimed at grown-ups who enjoy humour with attitude. Think about your relationship, the recipient’s tastes and who will be around when they open the present. A shared laugh is the goal, not an awkward explanation at Christmas lunch.

For a close friend, a familiar theme can make the choice feel personal. For a coworker or Secret Santa recipient, be more cautious about language and subject matter. If you are unsure, check the product description rather than relying on the cover joke.

Birthday, Christmas and Secret Santa gifts

For a birthday, choose around a favourite activity or an inside joke. For Christmas, a book can offer something offline to enjoy during downtime. For Secret Santa, compare the current price with your budget and allow for delivery costs. Check delivery information early if you need the present for a particular date.

A single thoughtfully chosen book is enough. Add a pen or pencil and a handwritten message if you want to make it more personal. Choose a bundle only when the included books appeal to the person, not simply because a bigger parcel looks impressive.

Buying for a beginner or a regular solver?

Adult themes and puzzle difficulty are different things. Do not assume that an adult book is advanced, or that a keen solver wants the hardest possible challenge. Look at the individual activities, instructions and previews. If they only enjoy one puzzle type, a mixed activity book may not be their preferred choice.

For a broader comparison, browse our adult puzzle books. Want entertainment beyond solving? Explore adult activity books. Shopping for someone whose interests extend beyond puzzles? Try funny gifts for adults or use our Gift Hub to choose by recipient and interests.

Try a paper activity before choosing

Not familiar with paper puzzles yourself? Explore our free printable puzzles for adults for a separate resource to try. It is not a preview of every book, so use the individual product descriptions to confirm what your gift includes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a thoughtful gift for a puzzle lover?

Choose around their preferred activities, humour and how they like to spend their downtime. A book that suits their tastes is a better choice than one selected purely for its page count or challenging-looking cover.

Are these word-search-only books?

No. The range includes mixed puzzle-and-activity titles. Check each product’s listed contents, especially when buying for someone who only enjoys a particular puzzle format.

Can I give one to a coworker?

Consider the language and themes first. Choose adult humour only when you know it suits the recipient and the setting where the gift will be opened.

Should I buy one book or a bundle?

Choose one book when it closely matches the recipient. Compare a bundle when its included titles also appeal to them and its current price fits your budget.

Find their kind of puzzle, match their kind of humour and give them something they will actually want to open again.