No ordinary jigsaw, this puzzle assembles into a 9.5-inch globe with a surface image created from old mariner's charts. To enable freestanding rigidity, the extra-thick cardboard pieces are designed to fit together a mite more snugly than typical puzzle pieces. There are two construction methods: tough (use the numbers and arrows on the back of each piece as a guide) and really, really tough (just use the map image on the front). The specially designed "trap door" at the north pole allows you to master the fiddly but oh-so-satisfying last piece. Cardboard base and full instructions are included. --Richard Farr
This 530 piece jigsaw puzzle assembles into a free standing sphere. Unique to 3D puzzles, these are made with traditional jigsaw pieces and require no internal support. Antique Globe - This beautiful example of ancient cartography shows the world of long ago. Incredibly detailed artwork shows just how much we knew of our Earth - and how much we didn't,