November 20-26

National Game & Puzzle Week

Get ready to sharpen your mind and have some fun during National Game & Puzzle Week - there's something for everyone, from classic board games to challenging puzzles!

Yearly Date
November 20
Type
Week
Category
Fun

Introduction

Get ready to exercise your brain and have some fun during National Game & Puzzle Week, starting on November 20! This week-long celebration has been around since the early 1980s and encourages people of all ages to take a break from their screens and engage in some good old-fashioned games and puzzles. From classic board games to challenging jigsaw puzzles, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, turn off your devices, and let the fun begin!

National Game & Puzzle Week Timeline

1760s
Birth of Modern Board Games
The first board games, resembling modern ones, started to emerge, inaugurating a new way of entertainment.
1800s
Invention of Jigsaw Puzzles
The jigsaw puzzle was invented by John Spilsbury, an English cartographer and engraver.
1935
Monopoly Game Released
One of the most famous board games, Monopoly, was first introduced by Parker Brothers.
1940s
Scrabble Enters the Market
Scrabble, one of the most popular word games today, was introduced to the public.
1980s
First National Game & Puzzle Week
The first National Game & Puzzle Week was celebrated in early 1980s, encouraging more people to engage in board games and puzzles.
2010s
Board Games & Puzzles Resurgence
In the 2010s, board games and puzzles saw a resurgence in popularity with the advent of gaming cafes and the trend of "unplugging" to enjoy offline entertainment.

How to Celebrate National Game & Puzzle Week

1

Host a game night

Invite friends and family over for a fun night of board games and puzzles. Have a variety of games and puzzles to choose from and enjoy some friendly competition.

2

Create your own puzzle

Get creative and make your own puzzle using a favorite photo or design. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, and the finished product can be a unique keepsake.

3

Attend a puzzle or game convention

Check online for local conventions or events centered around games and puzzles. This is a great way to meet other enthusiasts and discover new games and puzzles to try.

4

Challenge yourself with a difficult puzzle

Put your skills to the test and try a challenging puzzle, such as a 1000-piece jigsaw or a Rubik's cube. This is a great way to exercise your brain and have fun at the same time.

5

Donate puzzles to a local charity or nursing home

Spread the joy of puzzles by donating some to those who may not have access to them. Contact local charities or nursing homes to see if they are in need of puzzles and games.

Why We Love National Game & Puzzle Week

A

It brings people together

National Game & Puzzle Week is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some quality time together. Board games, card games, and puzzles provide a fun and entertaining way to bond and create lasting memories with loved ones.

B

It challenges our brains

Games and puzzles require critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategizing - making them great exercises for our brains. Taking part in National Game & Puzzle Week can help keep our minds sharp and improve cognitive skills as we age.

C

It provides a break from technology

In today's digital world, it's easy to get lost in screens and ignore the world around us. National Game & Puzzle Week encourages us to unplug and have some analog fun. It's a perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with others.

National Game & Puzzle Week Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Nov 19
Sunday
2024
Nov 19
Tuesday
2025
Nov 19
Wednesday
2026
Nov 19
Thursday
2027
Nov 19
Friday