Piecework, a puzzle brand beloved by gen Z, is offering a 20% discount on its summer-themed jigsaw puzzles, just in time for the latest US heatwave. The sale includes popular designs such as Poolside Gossip, Tomato Tomahto, and That's Amore, with prices starting at $32 for 1,000-piece puzzles.
Gen Z Embraces 'Grandma Hobbies'
According to the brand's co-founder Rachel Hochhauser, puzzling has become a trendy activity among younger demographics. "We're all craving activities that, beyond being 'offline', are a bit wholesome," she said. "Puzzling is an alternative to endlessly scrolling that leaves you feeling more connected and fulfilled." This shift aligns with a broader gen Z trend of adopting hobbies traditionally associated with older generations, such as crocheting, book clubs, and birdwatching.
Eclectic Designs and Premium Aesthetic
Piecework's puzzles range from 100 to 1,000 pieces and feature maximalist food displays like Tomato Tomahto (tomato dishes) and That's Amore (Neapolitan pizzas), as well as retro scenes like Palm Beach Idyll and whimsical Bloom Bloom. Children's puzzles include Barnyard Boogie and Dino Discotheque. The brand's focus on design was intentional: Hochhauser and co-founder Jena Wolfe wanted puzzles that "looked like coffee-table books that you'd want to leave out on your coffee table." This approach has turned Piecework into a multimillion-dollar company with collaborations including Food & Wine, Mejuri, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
Origin Story and Expansion
The idea for Piecework was born during a weekend trip to Yosemite, where Hochhauser fell in love with a cabin's jigsaw puzzle stash. "It felt like the perfect activity because it was social and you could talk, but you could also just sit there and work on it first thing in the morning with your cup of coffee," she recalled. Launched in 2019, the brand has since expanded into home decor, selling cocktail napkins, matchsticks, and quirky candles. In July, Piecework acquired the home goods company Areaware, with plans to launch a new product line in August that "will take us off the coffee table and on to the couch," Hochhauser teased.
Personal Experience and Practical Tips
One gen Z reviewer shared their experience with the Happy Camper puzzle, noting it "transported us to a summer day and helped us forget about New York City's brutal, chilly weather." They recommended investing in a puzzle roll-up mat for storage, such as the CallKroon Puzzle Roll-Up Mat Set, priced from $12.99 on Amazon. For heatwave relief, the article also suggests misting fans and chilling towels.
Sale Details and Availability
The 20% off sale applies to selected puzzles at Piecework's website. Examples include Poolside Gossip (now $32, originally $40), Tomato Tomahto (from $32), and That's Amore ($32). The Puzzle of the Month Club is also discounted to $384 a year (originally $480). The author's next planned puzzle is the tennis-themed Court Classics, ready for a cabin getaway.
