A jigsaw puzzle is one of the few gifts that gives back hours, not minutes. Most presents are opened, admired and shelved. A puzzle sits on the dining table through the summer holidays, and everyone who walks past places a piece or two.

That's what makes them such a reliable Christmas gift. They work for the teenager who claims to want nothing, the grandparent who has everything, and the household that needs something to do together between Christmas lunch and New Year that isn't screens.

Our jigsaw puzzle collection covers a range of piece counts and artwork styles. A rough guide if you're gifting:

• 500 pieces — a weekend project, good for casual puzzlers
• 1000 pieces — the classic, satisfying without taking over the table for a month
• Choose artwork the recipient would hang on a wall. If they'd like the picture, they'll like the puzzle.

Puzzles also travel well as gifts. The box is sturdy, the shape is easy to wrap (pair one with our wrapping paper books and you're done), and posting one interstate is straightforward.

Order early and you'll have the pick of the artwork rather than what's left in December.