Genuine Fred: Quirky Jigsaw Joy
Colorful, quirky, and full of personality — puzzles that make you smile piece by piece.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com —May 31, 2023*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Genuine Fred is known for its eclectic catalog of hundreds of items, and their puzzles are a carefully curated selection within that brand. They manage to breathe new life into the world of jigsaw puzzles with unique and contemporary designs, collaborating with talented artists from around the world.
Just The Deets!
• Piece Cut: Grid Cut
• Piece Fit: Snug-ish
• False Fits: Possible (Observed along the edges)
• Piece Gauge: 1.8 mm
• Puzzle Finish: Moderate Gloss
• Reference Poster: Yes
• Dust Level: Low
• Puzzle Size 500 Piece: 16.5″ x 22.5″
• Made in China
Image Quality & Themes
Genuine Fred collaborates with artists globally to create visually striking puzzles. The image quality is clear and helps bring the bold, contemporary designs to life.
You can find puzzles featuring:
Abstract Patterns
Cityscapes
Nature Inspired Designs
Quirky Illustrations
✋ Hands On Experience
While the manufacturing is typical for puzzles made in China and may result in some false fits or slight defects, Genuine Fred stands out for its great customer service and unique, eclectic catalog that is genuinely worth collecting.
While working the puzzle, some false fits were noted, particularly along the edges where the pieces were all a solid, uniform color. Additionally, the original package included damaged pieces, which is a rare but frustrating occurrence. (See image in the above gallery.)
However, Genuine Fred’s response was excellent: after contacting them via Instagram, the issue was quickly resolved with a prompt replacement, demonstrating great customer service. The commitment to using 90% recycled material and soy-based inks is also a significant positive.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Excellent Customer Service: Quick and helpful resolution for damaged pieces.
Artist-Centric: Focuses on unique, visually striking art from global artists.
Eco-Friendly: Made from 90% recycled material and soy-based inks.
Low Dust: Pieces produced a very low amount of puzzle dust.
Reference Poster: Included in the box.
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
Manufacturing Quality: Standard quality (Made in China), resulting in some initial damaged pieces and a moderate piece gauge of 1.8 mm.
False Fits: Possible, especially in areas with uniform color.
Moderate Gloss: Some glare may be present under bright light.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If your priority is a unique, artist-driven puzzle that acts as a modern piece of art, Genuine Fred is an excellent choice. While the manufacturing quality is solid but not exceptional—typical for puzzles made in China—the brand more than makes up for it with its unique catalog, environmental consciousness, and top-tier customer service. They are definitely puzzles worth doing and keeping.
🧩 Ready for a puzzle with genuine style?
Check out the selection of Genuine Fred jigsaw puzzles on Amazon by clicking below.