What is the CJPA’s Advent Puzzle Exchange Event
The CJPA's Advent Puzzle Exchange Event is a swap of homemade ‘advent-style’ puzzles. Puzzlers will create an advent style calendar for someone else using a regular 1000 piece puzzle and gift it to another puzzler.  They will also receive an advent calendar.   This event takes place in January 2026!  The prep work for the exchange will take place in November/December.  

By signing up to take part in the advent puzzle exchange event, you are agreeing to:

• select a 1000 piece puzzle from your shelf, new or gently used ($20-35 retail value)

• complete the puzzle and package into 31 small sections (numbered 1 - 31)

• wrap the puzzle box lid to conceal the image (for a bonus surprise)

• ship the advent puzzle gift to your assigned exchange partner, who will also be sending you an advent puzzle.  This may cost up to $25.  We will make efforts to partner you up to someone local, but this is subject to availability.

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Note: this is a non-denominational event.  Please do not select holiday themed puzzles.

Shipping Costs:
To ship in Canada, the shipping cost may be up to $25. If shipping, you may want to consider the puzzle that you choose based on the box size to help alleviate the cost. Canada post does have flat rate shipping boxes that may be worth exploring. 
Should you experience a significantly higher cost, please reach out to the CJPA at canadianjpa@gmail.com if you require support.
 

Important Guidelines:

We want to be mindful that this is intended to be a gift for the recipient and not a discarded puzzle that you’re having trouble swapping. The puzzle doesn’t have to be brand new but it should be in like-new condition, complete, without damaged pieces and a box in good condition.  The puzzle should have a retail value of a minimum of $20 - $35.
 

Participating in this event assumes that you are committed to following through and shipping an advent puzzle to the name you receive and following all of these guidelines.  Should things change and you are no longer able to participate, please contact us at canadianjpa@gmail.com as soo as possible so we can work to match your puzzle partner up with someone else.

 

1. To Sign-Up:
You must be a member of the Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Community Hub Facebook Group* to sign up.  If you’d like to join the exchange, please complete the form in the featured section of the Facebook Group by November 15, 2025.

 

2. Swap Assignment:

On November 23th, you will receive an email message with the name of your swap partner. Reach out to your swap partner by November 29th and discuss any preferences you may have about puzzle brands/themes.

If you have not received a response from your swap partner after reaching out, please email canadianjpa@gmail.com so that we can help you resolve the issue and/or connect you with a new partner.
 

3. Select Your Countdown Puzzle:
Select a 1000 piece puzzle that you’d like to gift to your swap partner. You can purchase one brand new, or pick one from your collection that is in very good condition.  Please to not select a holiday themed puzzle as this is a non-denominational event.
 

4. Create Your Countdown Puzzle Kit: 

• Build your 1000 piece puzzle. Make sure that the puzzle is in good condition and has all of its pieces. 

• Divide the puzzle up into 31 sections (for the 31 days in January) and put them into individual packets numbered 1 - 31 to be completed in sequence (see the pictures in this post for inspiration).   The is a sample of how you may break it down below.

• Wrap the box lid with paper to conceal the image to add an extra layer of surprise.

 

 

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5. Exchange Puzzle Kits:
For shipping: Puzzles must be mailed with tracking by December 6th.  Once mailed, complete the tracking form.  For local meetup: Meet up with your swap partner before the end of December to exchange puzzle kits.
 

6. Enjoy Your Puzzle Countdown: Starting January 1st, enjoy the puzzle countdown that your swap partner created for you! Work on one puzzle packet everyday or do a bunch at a time On January 31st, we will post a thread in the Facebook Group and everyone who participated can share their completed puzzles and/or attend the virtual puzzle social. 

 

Timeline Summary:

November 15- Deadline for expression of interest

November 23 - Swap Partner Assignment

November 29 - Deadline to make contact with your swap partner

December 6 - Deadline to have dropped off the advent calendar to be shipped with tracking and complete the tracking form or end of December for arranging an in person swap.
December 20 - Any participants who have not received their shipment should contact the CJPA at canadianjpa@gmail.com and we will follow up.

January 1 - First day of puzzling our advent calendars
January 31 - Virtual Puzzle Social 

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Questions:
All questions can be sent to canadianjpa@gmail.com