We are always looking for ways to recycle and upcycle, especially during the month of April. One of the easiest things you can do as a family is exchange "stuff" with at least one other family. Each family gets to pick out new to them items without spending a dime, while getting rid of things they no longer use. I'd call that a WIN-WIN.
Check out our EASY how-to for hosting a Puzzle Exchange, just in time for Earth Day.
Step 1 - Set a time and place
Invite other families to join the fun, and give them plenty of time to prepare their puzzles.
All you really need is a place to set out the puzzles to be exchanged. This could be a table, couch, counter, or even the floor.
PRO TIP: Combine your Puzzle Exchange with a popsicle party, backyard BBQ, or a day at the park. The park will likely have picnic tables to display the puzzles.
Step 2 - Check for missing pieces
The most tedious of all the steps, but a necessary evil to ensure that your puzzles are complete.
Count all of the pieces for each adult puzzle, and/or have your kids assemble the kids' puzzles to see if all of the pieces are accounted for. It will take some time but the family who ends up with each of those puzzles will thank you. There's nothing worse than a missing piece when you get to the end of a puzzle.
PRO TIP: Clearly mark each puzzle "Complete" or "Missing ___ pieces" and set the incomplete puzzles in a separate free for all pile. There may be a family who wants your incomplete puzzles! Perhaps they are not offended by a missing piece (who ARE you?), or maybe they have a craft in mind.
Step 3 - Pick your new puzzles
Place all of the intact puzzles on display for all the families to pick from.
Take turns choosing new puzzles from the exchange stash. The rule of thumb is that you get to pick as many as you contributed. For example, if your family contributes two intact puzzles to the exchange, they get to choose two new to them puzzles from the exchange.
PRO TIP: Gather the intact puzzles that weren't chosen and donate them to a local shelter, library, day program, or nursing home.
Have some fun, do some puzzle shopping, and save the Earth in the process. What could be better?
