In The 90's

Brand: Happily

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 48.5cm

Product Code: -

I'm a big fan of collage puzzles, or puzzles that feature items grouped in a particular way. 

Holly Maguire's illustrated puzzle design above is no exception. I consider myself a 90's kid, even though I was born in the late 80's. I figure that since I was actually a kid during the 90's, the above puzzle is more relevant to me. I recognise and had some involvement with nearly everything in the above design- the nostalgia levels skyrocketed as soon as I laid eyes on it!

I love representations like these that are relatable and bring back fond memories. Its even better when the illustrations are impressively drawn and well laid out. The one problem I had with this puzzle was the texture of the pieces - they felt kind of 'rubbery' (for want of a better word) on top of each piece, and as a result, any puzzle dust would stick to the piece and not come off easily. Besides that small fact, the above puzzle was a pleasure to do, and I hope to tackle more in the future. 

90's Icons

Brand: Smith Street Gift

Pieces: 500
Size: 45.8cm x 61cm

Product Code: -

This is one I've been holding onto for a while, but I've decided to finally put it up- simply because it's been in my photos folder for long enough and it was time to take it out! 

However, there's nothing particularly special about it - except for the little nostalgia hit it gave when I completed it. The pieces were of an OK quality, and it has a very cut-and-paste design, as you can see. It was fun to recognise different aspects of the 90's within the pictures though- I'm pretty sure I got all of them!

Do you enjoy doing this style of puzzle? Collage? Nostalgia? 

Retro Vibes

Brand: Gibsons

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68cm x 49cm

Product Code: G6609

Today I'm all about the Retro Vibes! I was really in need of a hit of nostalgia so I unearthed this puzzle that I completed a little while back, featuring my 90's childhood. 

This puzzle includes so much that I used to have in my life when I was younger, and when I first saw it, knew I had to have it in my collection. I also love the colour palette and style of the illustration. The pieces fit together well, and had an almost velvet feel to them. 

This puzzle brought back so many fond memories of toys, bands, fashion and ideals, and I'm so glad someone else had the same idea and was able to bring it to life through their artwork- and that Gibsons were kind enough to commission it and print it as a puzzle! 

Are there any puzzles you have bought/completed simply for the nostalgia hit it brought?

Nickelodeon Cast

 

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 1000
Size: 51cm x 71cm
Product Code:  65-317

During the week, I started a new job as a warehouse packer for an awesome store. 

They ship thousands of items a day to people all over the world, and specialise in anything to do with popculture. One of the things I packed yesterday was a cool-as Loungefly backpack that featured all the great 90's cartoons of Nickelodeon, and so I was inspired to put up this puzzle today because of it. 

I did this puzzle a little while ago, and I love that I can name a majority of the characters. I used to love some of these shows when I was a kid, especially Rugrats, Aah! Real Monsters, Catdog, Rocko's Modern Life and Hey Arnold (but especially Rugrats!)

This puzzle was a great nostalgia hit! 

Rugrats

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 500
Size: 35cm x 48cm
Product Code: 62-129

A lot of my friends have been giving birth over the last few weeks, and there are still more babies on the way! 

So I thought it would be quite fitting to put up a puzzle of one of my favourite childhood television shows (and one that is quite relevant)- Rugrats! 

I really enjoyed this Nickelodeon show, and the adventures that Tommy Pickles and his friends got up to- everything is different from the perspective of babies and toddlers! 

The quality of this puzzle was outstanding- the colours and design were bright and reminiscent of the show- and I thoroughly enjoyed putting the pieces together. I wish it was as easy to get other 'adult' puzzles of nostalgic shows and movies.

Goosebumps Classic Book Covers

Brand: Outset Media Corp. 
Pieces: 275
Size: 61cm x 46cm
Product Code: PRC-300923-052015

Hands up if you used to read the children's book series Goosebumps when you were a kid?

Insanely popular in the 1990s, R.L. Stine's novels were the thing to read, and even spawned their own television series. The books, while not particularly scary, were the catalyst to get many kids reading- including those who never showed much of an interest in books beforehand! 

I, being an avid reader anyway, absolutely devoured these books, and had quite a collection of them (as did one of my brothers). When I saw this puzzle, I knew I had to do it for nostalgic reasons, even though the piece count is quite small compared to my usual standard. The puzzle was quick, fun and easy, with a variety of different shaped large pieces. The cardboard was thick and the design brightly printed. 

Although it only covers a selection of the book covers, it was still a treat to do, and provided a lovely walk down memory lane...