In the Manger Puzzle Review: A Family Christmas Tradition?
A nativity jigsaw by Ruanne Manning, cut by an American puzzle maker that promises no false fits. The kind of puzzle that comes out every December and gets finished on the dining table.
Yes, for families who like a puzzle on the table over the holidays. It is a Christmas scene that suits every age at the table and finishes in a few evenings [1]. Skip it if nobody in the house enjoys jigsaws; a game will get more use.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Pieces | 500 [1] |
| Finished size | 18 x 24 inches [1] |
| Piece size | About 1.1 inch [1] |
| Artist | Ruanne Manning [1] |
| Cut | Random die, no false fits [1] |
| Material | Recycled cardboard, thick chipboard backing [1] |
| Theme | Nativity scene [1] |
Pros and cons
- Too easy for serious puzzlers
- Religious theme will not suit every household
- Needs a table that can stay covered for days
The table that pulls everyone in
The days between Christmas and New Year scatter a family across screens. A puzzle left out on the dining table does the opposite: people stop for five minutes and stay for an hour.
This one shows Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men and angels around the manger, painted by Ruanne Manning [1]. It is a scene grandparents and kids both know, which makes it easy to talk over.
Five hundred pieces, no false fits
It is a 500 piece puzzle that finishes at 18 by 24 inches, with pieces about 1.1 inch across [1]. That is big enough for small hands and older eyes.
Bits and Pieces cuts with a random die so no two pieces are alike, which means no false fits [1]. A piece either belongs or it does not, which saves the frustration that makes kids quit.
The pieces are recycled cardboard with a thick chipboard backing and lock together tightly, so the finished puzzle can be slid aside for dinner without falling apart [1].
Who will find it too easy
Five hundred pieces is a weekend, not a winter project. Families who do thousand piece puzzles will race through it.
The nativity theme is the point of this gift, and it will not suit every household. Bits and Pieces makes plenty of winter scenes if you need a secular one.
It also needs a table that can stay covered for a few days. A puzzle mat helps if the dining table is in daily use.
Making it the first of many
Wrap it with a note that says this is the family's Christmas puzzle, and do one every year. The tradition matters more than the picture.
From this guide, it pairs with the Presto PopLite for an evening of popcorn and puzzling, or with Sushi Go Party! for the nights when the puzzle is done.
Glue the finished puzzle and frame it if it turns out to be a favorite.
FAQ
How big is the Bits and Pieces In the Manger puzzle?
The listing says the 500 piece puzzle measures 18 by 24 inches when finished, with pieces about 1.1 inch across [1]. That fits most dining tables with room to spare for sorting edges and colors, and the pieces are large enough for younger helpers [1]
Is a puzzle this size good for a family?
Yes, for a mixed age family it is a good size. It is challenging enough for adults and doable for kids, and Bits and Pieces says its no false fit cut makes it more enjoyable [1]. Most families can finish it over a few evenings at the table [1]
Who makes Bits and Pieces puzzles?
Bits and Pieces is a long-running American puzzle brand. This listing notes recycled cardboard with a thick chipboard backing and a random die cut so no two pieces are alike [1]. The In the Manger art is by Ruanne Manning, a painter known for nativity and holiday scenes [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Bits and Pieces In the Manger 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.