Whether you’re sending holiday cards, birthday cards, or an invitation to a party, mail is twice as fun when it’s also a brain-teaser. These DIY puzzle cards are fun and unexpected—and an easy project you can DIT (that’s Do It Together!). They can also be a fun activity to create or use at a party—make a scavenger hunt out of finding the pieces that can be put together to spell out a message.
Start by making copies of a photo or note. You might consider:
- Your family photo for a holiday card
- A boldly written phrase like Season’s Greetings, Congratulations! Happy Birthday!
- Pictures of the honoree for a birthday party
- A couple’s wedding photo for an anniversary party
- A graduation portrait or diploma for a graduation party
- A “clue” for a murder mystery dinner
- A landscape photo you’ve taken or painting you’ve made
Write a message or note on the back side of the paper. (If you’re sending these as holiday cards, write the note first, then make double-sided copies.) Next, cut the copies into puzzle pieces one by one. Each time you complete a “puzzle,” slip it in an envelope with the address on the back and a note that says “put me together” or “puzzle this out!” on the front flap.
When the recipient matches up the puzzle pieces, they’ll see the big picture come together! It’s a fun activity for you to make and them to receive.
For more fun card ideas, click here.
What You’ll Need:
- A photo, painting, or note
- Copy paper
- Scissors
- An envelope
Step 1 Choose an image (or write a note) to turn into a card, then print it out. If you’re making multiple cards that will all have the same text—such as an invitation or holiday card mailing—write a message on the back of the image first, then make doublesided copies. If you’re sending a single card, like a birthday card, just make one copy of the original, and write a note on the back.
Step 2 Cut the copy or copies into several puzzle pieces; make bigger, fewer pieces for easy puzzles, and many smaller for a more challenging one.
Step 3 Assemble the puzzle once to make sure you haven’t lost any of the pieces, drop all the pieces into an envelope, and write a note on the flap letting the recipient know what to expect. (It could say “piece this together!” or “puzzle inside!”) Pop it in the mail and let your friends puzzle this one out!
