Your Guide to Puzzles in Virginia
Virginia Stores by City
Washington DC Area
Puzzle Palooza Etc
Puzzle Palooza Etc. is a brick‑and‑mortar specialty puzzle and game store in Occoquan, VA with a massive puzzle selection, thousands of puzzles from many brands and piece‑counts ranging from just a few pieces to tens of thousands. Their children’s section is well‑stocked, offering wooden puzzles, large‑piece sets, and familiar names like Ravensburger and Melissa & Doug. They also carry games, brain teasers, puzzle craft kits, storage accessories, and puzzle glue. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, especially when choosing puzzles by difficulty or interest.
Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/puzzlepaloozaetcinc/
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles in Capitol Hill is a DC institution for people who love puzzles, board games, and screen‑free fun. Their inventory includes jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, mazes, and themed sets alongside thousands of games. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, often recommending puzzle difficulty, themes, or sets based on interest. The store also frequently hosts game & puzzle‑related events, giving customers a chance to try things out in person.
Photo Source: https://labyrinth-games-puzzles.wheree.com/
Tugooh Toys
Tugooh Toys (Georgetown, DC) is a toy & gift boutique that offers educational, eco‑friendly toys, books, games and intriguingly, puzzles among its curated set of items. Their inventory includes items like Pokémon packs, Legos, designer playthings, and likely puzzle sets that match the quality and uniqueness of their toy lines. The staff are attentive and offer personalized / concierge shopping services, which helps when choosing gifts or puzzles for a given age or theme. If you prefer puzzles that are design‑forward or educational, rather than standard mass‑market ones, Tugooh is a strong in‑person option.
Photo Source: https://tugoohtoy.com/
Child’s Play Toys & Books
Child’s Play Toys & Books is a long‑standing toy & book store in DC (Chevy Chase / Northwest) that carries quality puzzles among its wide selection of games, books, arts & crafts, and gift items. The store features well‑known puzzle brands like Ravensburger, plus staff willing to help you pick puzzles that match age, interest, or challenge. With warm service, gift wrap, and community‑oriented offerings (like “game night”), it’s more than just a store, it’s a place where shoppers go to find meaningful, play‑forward gifts. If you want puzzles that are well curated rather than mass‑market only, this is a great DC option.
Photo Source: https://www.popville.com/2022/10/childs-play-toy-store-chevy-chase/
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Store
The NMNH Store offers a variety of educational, nature‑and‑science themed toys, books, mementos, and gifts and among these are likely puzzles tied to exhibits or natural themes. The Family Store, Gallery Store, Dinos and More, and other sub‑shops inside the museum offer “educational toys” and science kits, which often overlap with puzzle‑style items. The store has friendly staff and presents museum‑related items in attractive displays, so puzzle lovers might find themed or novelty puzzles here. It’s a good stop if you're visiting the museum and want to pick up a science‑oriented or giftable puzzle.
Photo Source: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/dining-shopping
Lost City Books
Lost City Books is more than just a bookstore, it’s a hub for curious minds and creative gifts, including a growing selection of artful and literary-themed puzzles. Whether you're into vintage-inspired designs or challenging jigsaws that echo the shop’s eclectic vibe, you'll likely find puzzles that match your style. The store’s inventory is curated with care, blending books, cards, and puzzle options that appeal to both casual browsers and gift seekers. It’s a solid stop for anyone looking to pair a good read with a clever, visually striking puzzle.
Photo Source: https://lostcitybookstore.com/