Jigsaw puzzles are back in fashion

Forget Snapchat and Instagram — millennials are ditching technology for more old-school forms of entertainment.

Jigsaw puzzles are the latest tactile pastime to make a comeback among adults, next to colouring-in books and board games.

Secret Harbour’s Bek Martinez reinvigorated her love of jigsaws when she switched off her TV.

“I have been into puzzles since I was a kid, and being a school teacher I need something to switch off,” she said.

“When I tried to not watch too much TV I thought I needed something else to occupy my brain, so I did a puzzle.”

Three years on and the 30-year-old primary school teacher has a room in her house dedicated to puzzles.

“It is kind of like meditating or being mindful, because all you need to focus on is what you’re doing and not be worried about making dinner or other things,” she said.

She said the rise of 3-D puzzles added to the experience and an increased demand for adult puzzles meant there were more options now than a few years ago.

“There’s a lot more variety now — it’s not just a kitten with some flowers or horses in a paddock anymore,” she said.

“I’ve got friends who come over, we will have glass of wine and do a puzzle.”

Scott Jones, of Mt Hawthorn’s Diabolik Books & Records, said sales of adult puzzles had picked up in recent years.

“They have become more popular lately and there has definitely been a trend towards more low-tech activities,” he said.

“It seems to be coming from the younger generation, who are pushing back against mobile phones.”