You’ll Want The Local Puzzle Co’s Cute Sydney Eastern Suburbs Jigsaw Puzzle Under Your Tree This Christmas

The festive season is, somehow, already upon us. And if you’re feeling puzzled about what gifts to buy this year, The Local Puzzle Co’s nostalgic jigsaw of Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a joyful stocking filler.

The 1000-piecer features a colourful map that highlights the landmarks and icons of the eastern suburbs. Louise Milazzo, a born and bred east-sider, is behind it. She launched The Local Puzzle Co last year following the lockdowns – a time when, like many of us, she turned to jigsaws to keep herself entertained.

“Puzzles were one of my favourite activities for those long and repetitive weeks at home,” she tells Broadsheet. “But I found it difficult to find creative and bespoke puzzles that were not stock photos.”

Noticing this gap in the jigsaw puzzle market is what inspired Milazzo to create her own. She selected each venue, landmark, animal and figure herself, and worked with illustrator Prajana Param for more than three months to perfect the design.

“I felt like the only way to capture all of the detail and the personality of the eastern suburbs for the puzzle was through illustration,” she says.

The end result? A vibrant, cartoon-style map showcasing the local gems that define Sydney’s east. And on the back of the box, you’ll find each suburb listed alongside its Aboriginal place name.

Make a start on the outer edges, where scuba divers are swimming on the coastline of La Perouse. Then pass the bin chickens and work your way up to The Ritz in Randwick.

With 1000 pieces and more than 30 landmarks, Milazzo confirms it is a moderately difficult puzzle. But it’s certainly an achievable – and enjoyable – family-friendly activity to have on the dining table these summer holidays. Plus, its balance of animals and iconic venues means there are elements that’ll appeal to everyone.

It’s the first design from The Local Puzzle Co and there are plans to cover other areas, including a Sydney city and inner west jigsaw, followed by a north shore puzzle.

thelocalpuzzleco.com.au
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