Jigsaw puzzles cultivate patience and willpower and can provide a hit of dopamine when you finally find that one piece that fits. Experts have a few hot tips to help you solve your next jigsaw.

They recommend sorting the pieces before you begin. Set aside the edge pieces and start by separating colors into distinct piles. Also, reserve a container for “whimsy” pieces, which are standout sections of the image, such as words or images.

1. The Tower of Hanoi

A mathematical puzzle that involves pegs and different-sized disks, the Tower of Hanoi is a classic test of logical thinking. It’s also a great way to demonstrate recursion, a programming concept that breaks down larger problems into smaller ones that can be solved iteratively. The Tower of Hanoi was invented by French mathematician Edouard Lucas in 1883. It may have even been inspired by a legend that tells of an Indian temple room with three old posts and 64 golden disks, moved by Brahmin priests to fulfill an ancient prophecy.

To solve this puzzle, you must move the disks one at a time from their starting positions to their destination piles while adhering to the rules that only one disk can be moved at a time and that a larger disk cannot be placed on top of a smaller one. Then repeat the process to your desired solution.

2. The Mathematical Mystery

The mystery of why seemingly unrelated mathematical truths are connected by simple and beautiful equations continues to jigsaw puzzle mathematicians today. This recreational math book presents the problem as a mystery for readers to solve, and includes easy-to-read text, an answer key, and additional fun math activities.

This interactive oversized adventure features games, riddles, dramatic historical information, crosswords, and additional math thought activities that can be downloaded into the game. It encourages learning through a connected adventure and is ideal for early finishers, enrichment, homework, or the sub-tub!

The physics legend Eugene Wigner said that “mathematics shows us the world as it is, and is therefore a true science.” This NOVA documentary explores ten trials, spanning two centuries and several countries, in which mathematical evidence was used or misused.

3. The Pyramid Power

The Pyramids are mysterious and a puzzle to many. How were they built and why? Scientists are still trying to solve this mystery. Pyramids are believed to have a supernatural power to affect everything that falls inside their energized walls. This includes people. Some people claim that Pyramids have the ability to preserve foods, sharpen razor blades, improve health, function as a thought-form incubator and even trigger sexual urges. This belief is known as Pyramidology.

Those who sleep, work or meditate inside a pyramid framework often feel positive, immediate reactions, although sometimes experience energy nausea. This is caused by a buildup of electromagnetic frequencies that are not natural to the human body. However, this heightened energy can be useful to people with a goal-oriented mindset.

4. The Toppling Tower

A giant version of one of America’s favorite party games, this nerve-wracking tower challenges players to pull out blocks and replace them on top without the tower toppling over. Made of pine wood with smooth sanded edges, this set features numbers printed on the bottoms of some of the pieces for custom rules that add to the fun. This set comes ready to play and ships in a convenient soft-sided carry case.

Stack these 45 colorful wooden blocks into a tall tower and try to remove them without knocking it over. This is the perfect game to bring to a family gathering, work party or other event where you need to entertain a group of people. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your company logo or other message.

5. The Pencil Trick

Some magic tricks depend on a little sleight-of-hand. But this cool parlor stunt works because of the natural forces created when two pencils are pressed together for a significant amount of time. Teach your students this simple trick, and watch as they improve their coordination and fine motor skills at the same time! (You may want to use shorter pencils, as it’s easier for younger kids to hold.)

To perform this pencil trick, simply have your student hold the pencil between their index finger and thumb in a tripod grasp. Then, using their middle finger, push downward on the pencil. As the pencil is pushed, the heavy end of it should start to twirl around the thumb. This is when it’s ready to be pulled away from the index finger and into the palm.