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What 3D Model Puzzle Kits Are Good for Adults? 20+ Puzzles

The idea that puzzles are only for children is a myth!

Both 2D and 3D puzzles are great hobbies for children and adults alike and are a great way to stimulate your mind and keep yourself busy.

You might be wondering what type of 3D puzzle kits are best suited for adults – and I’ve got you covered! 

What 3D model puzzle kits are good for adults? 3D model puzzle kits come in wood, plastic, metal, and cardboard versions with difficulty ranging from easy to very complex to satisfy any adult’s tastes. Generally, the more pieces there are, the harder the puzzle will be. Architectural models and skyline replicas are very popular.

No matter what your other interests are, there’s a 3D puzzle kit for you!

In this article, we’ll look at what 3D puzzle kits are, some frequently asked questions about them, and some of the best options in the different material categories.

Let’s get into it so that you can too! 

What Are 3D Model Puzzle Kits?

Going a step beyond traditional 2D jigsaw puzzles, 3D model puzzles combine the fun of doing a jigsaw puzzle with building a 3D model of an object of sorts.

These puzzles are typically centered around subjects such as trains, vehicles, weapons, and more. 

When it’s time to decide what your next 3D puzzle will be, you’ll also be able to choose between wooden, plastic, metal, and cardboard/paper puzzle kits.

Wooden 3D Puzzle Kits for Adults

When it comes down to wooden 3D puzzle kits for adults, there are plenty of fantastic options available.

There are a diverse range of options to choose from. When you do, you’ll have hours of fun while you build your puzzle.

If you’re a fan of trains, you could try your hand at building Wood Trick’s Locamotive Train Set (405 pieces) puzzle.

Wood Trick Wooden Toy Train Set with Railway - 34x7″ - Locomotive Train Toy Mechanical Model Kit - 3D Wooden Puzzles for Adults and Kids to Build - Engineering DIY Wooden Models for Adults to Build
  • NATURAL WOOD – Our fascinating train building kit is made entirely of wood and requires... 
  • KING OF RAILWAY - In this wooden train puzzle for adults, we combined emotions of an...

If you’re looking for something a little easier or quicker, you might want to try your hand at this 19th Century Grand Prix Car kit(1:16 scale)

ROKR 3D Wooden Puzzle for Adults-Mechanical Car Model Kits-Brain Teaser Puzzles-Vehicle Building Kits-Unique Gift for Kids on Birthday/Christmas Day(1:16 Scale)(MC401-Grand Prix Car)
  • 【Scale Model Vehicle】It is inspired by the evolution of road vehicles back to the 19... 
  • 【No Glue Needed】Unique Mechanical 3D Puzzle,laser-cut ply wood,no tonxic...

If you’re looking to build something that could be functional, you’re in luck!

You could assemble a musical wooden jewelry box (278 pieces) – and it doesn’t even require glue!

Wood Trick Mystery Flower Für Elise Wooden Music Box Kit - Keepsake & Jewelry Box - 3D Wooden Puzzle for Adults and Kids to Build - DIY
  • BEAUTIFUL DESIGN - This for elise music box is a happy blend of flowing lines and crisp... 
  • STURDY & SECURE: ​Elegant and stylish, 3d music box puzzle has reliable structure with...

Alternatively, you could give assembling a fully functional clock for your home – there are many terrific options to choose from that vary in difficulty. 

If you’re looking for a wooden 3D puzzle with a modern twist – one that would even brighten up your home – you might want to consider this Tower of Serenity 3D puzzle.

Fitted with LED lights, which are included, you can brighten up your workspace. 

COTYNI Tower of Serenity 3D Wooden Puzzle for Adults & Kids - DIY Wooden Miniature Model Kits Puzzle with LEDs Perfect As Home & Plant Decor Or Model Kits for The Family
  • MORE THAN JUST a WOODEN HOUSE: Your DIY model kits are a fun and unique challenge... 
  • PREMIUM MATERIALS AND a RICH DESIGN: We carefully select and create a unique blend...

Plastic 3D Puzzle Kits for Adults

If you’re looking for a plastic 3D puzzle kit, you’re in luck!

These puzzle kits are also known as crystal kits, and there are plenty of diverse options for you to consider.

You can even shop for them via color options, depending on where you look. You’ll also be able to buy these at your local hobby shop.

Let’s get right into a few of the standout kits for your consideration. 

If you’re a fan of the seaside, you could try your hand at putting together a 216-piece lighthouse that will look stunning on your shelf afterward.

If you’re dreaming of travel, you could try your hand at a 3D puzzle replica of the Eiffel Tower or London’s Big Ben.

From the Taj Mahal to the Colosseum to the Statue of Liberty, the possibilities are endless!  

You could brighten up your desk with this crystal 3D puzzle kit that features a cat and kitten duo – twice the assembling fun to be had!

Alternatively, you could build this 3D crystal treasure chest – it might just make the perfect paperweight! 

Here’s what a few of them look like for inspiration:

Ravensburger Statue of Liberty 108 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids and Adults - Easy Click Technology Means Pieces Fit Together Perfectly , Blue
  • HIGH QUALITY COMPONENTS – Ravensburger’s 3D jigsaw puzzles will bowl you over with... 
  • PRECISION FIT – No matter how large or small our puzzles, each is precision made so that...
Bepuzzled Original 3D Crystal Puzzle - Cat & Kitten, Clear - Fun yet challenging brain teaser that will test your skills and imagination, For Ages 12+
  • The Cat and Kitten 3D Crystal Puzzle from BePuzzled is a sleek, translucent, crystalline... 
  • Take puzzling to a whole new dimension with this cat and her cute kitten
Bepuzzled Original 3D Crystal Puzzle - Treasure Chest, Black - Fun yet challenging brain teaser that will test your skills and imagination, For Ages 12+
  • The Black Treasure Chest 3D Crystal Puzzle from BePuzzled is a sleek, translucent puzzle with 52 unique interlocking crystalline pieces, including key
  • Take puzzling to a whole new dimension with this stunning, yet functional crystal puzzle

Metal 3D Puzzle Kits for Adults

When it comes to metal 3D puzzles, you already know your end product is going to look stunning!

What it ultimately comes down to is what you decide to assemble!

There are a wide variety of options for you to consider if you’re looking for a metal puzzle kit! 

You could go full-fantasy and assemble a fearsome dragon with 115 pieces, perfect for fantasy fans!

Not as fearsome but equally majestic, you could assemble a vibrant 100-piece peacock with bright metal colors! 

Piececool 3D Metal Model Kits-Colorful Peacock DIY 3D Metal Puzzle for Adults, Great Birthday Gifts, 100 Pcs
  • Brand:                        Piececool
  • Puzzle type:              Jigsaw
  • Number of Pieces:   100

If you’re a fan of architecture, there are a variety of puzzles to choose from!

If you’re up for the challenge, you could build a 3D replica of a Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower (357 pieces).

Microworld 3D Metal Puzzle, Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower Metal Model Kits, Chinese Architecture DIY 3D Puzzles for Adults, Assembly Puzzle Brain Teaser Art Craft Toys - 357 Pcs
  • 【Original Design with Exquisite Details】The Yellow Crane Tower metal puzzle is an unique... 
  • 【No Glue Required & Detailed Instruction】No glue or solder needed and all metal parts...

If you’re looking for one a little simpler, you might consider checking out this 122-piece model of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Piececool 3D Metal Puzzle for Adults, Notre Dame De Paris Church Metal Model Kit, French Cathedral Architecture Building Kits, Great Birthday Gifts (Silver)
  • 【FAMILY TIME】- Thrill the entire family and provide fun and entertainment piecing this...
  • 【FUN TO ASSEMBLE & CHALLENGING】- 3D metal puzzles are suitable for teenagers...

If you’re a movie fan, there are plenty of great 3D film prop replicas!

You could bring the Black Pearl ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to life in as little as 49 pieces or 1000 pieces – the choice is yours! 

Piececool 3D Puzzle for Adults Metal Model Kits-Black Pearl Pirate Ship DIY 3D Metal Puzzles, Flying Dutchman Model Ship STEM Building Kit Puzzle Toy, Great Birthday Gift Idea-49 Pcs
  • 【FUN TO ASSEMBLE & CHALLENGING】- 3D metal puzzles are suitable for teenagers...
  • 【EXQUISITE HOME DECORATION】- The metal craft kit is not only functional and...

Cardboard/Paper 3D Puzzle Kits for Adults

There are plenty of great cardboard or paper 3D model puzzle kits readily available online!

Paper and cardboard is a great choice of material if you’re looking for an eco-friendly puzzle. Here are some fantastic options you should consider! 

If you’re looking for a great 3D cardboard puzzle, you could consider this one which features the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, The Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe.

CubicFun 3D Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 LED Paris Cityline, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 8-12 STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12 Gifts for 8 Year Old Toys for 8 Year Old Girls Lighting Architecture
  • 【4 Paris Landmarks in One】Recreate the magnificence of Paris's architecture with...
  • 【Lighting Paris View at Night】We make an upgrade for your Paris city line building kit...

Alternatively, you could assemble the skyline of Dubai, featuring the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the 7-star hotel, The Burj Al Arab. 

CubicFun 3D Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 LED Dubai Cityline, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 8-12 STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12 Gifts for 8 Year Old Toys for 8 Year Old Girls Lighting Architecture
  • 【4 Dubai Landmarks in One】Recreate the magnificence of Dubai's architecture with... 
  • 【Lighting Dubai View at Night】We make an upgrade for your Dubai city line building kit...

There’s a San Francisco variant and a London skyline one too for your consideration.

CubicFun 3D Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 LED San Francisco Cityline, Arts and Crafts for Kids Ages 8-12 STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12 Gifts for 8 Year Old Toys for 8 Year Old Girls Architecture
  • 【7 San Francisco Landmarks in One】Recreate the magnificence of San Francisco's... 
  • 【Lighting San Francisco View at Night】We make an upgrade for your San Francisco city...
CubicFun 3D Puzzles for Adults London Cityline Puzzles for Gifts for Teenage Girls Architecture Building Gifts for Women Men, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, 107 Pieces
  • REALISTIC LONDON CITY LANDMARKS - The 3d puzzle toy features 6 iconic buildings...
  • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS & EASY TO ASSEMBLE - The 107-piece puzzle is made of...

If you’re looking to explore foreign landmarks in more detail, there are more detailed options available, such as this Leaning Tower of Pisa 3D puzzle

CubicFun 3D Italy Puzzles Architectures Model Building Paper Craft Kits and Toys for Adults, Children and Teens, Leaning Tower of Pisa, 27 Pieces
  • Built-up Model Size: 5.63" L x 5.63" W x 9.84" H/14.3 x 14.3 x 25 cm
  • Medium sizes with medium complexity

There are more types of model kits that are perfect for adults. Be sure to check out this page to explore fun options – everything from cars, planes, and ships to dollhouses and Gundam!

Related Questions:

Are 3D Puzzles Difficult?

These 3D model puzzle kits vary in terms of the number of pieces included in the kit and the level of difficulty thereof.
There is usually a correlation between the two; the harder it is, the more pieces there will be, and vice versa. 

What’s the Best Glue for 3D Puzzles?

If you don’t want to take your puzzle apart to enjoy building again later, you can use a special glue while building your puzzle to preserve it.
If you don’t want to take your puzzle apart to enjoy building again later, you can use a special glue while building your puzzle to preserve it.
The glue you’ll need is a craft glue known as Mod Podge, which provides the necessary adhesive to hold your puzzle together.

Mod Podge CS11201 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, 8 oz, Gloss
  • CONVENIENT & VERSATILE SIZE – Add this multi-purpose, all-in-one glue, sealer, and...
  • STUNNING, DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue comes in a beautiful clear...

These glues can also provide a glossy or matte coating to your 3D puzzle, depending on the type you buy. 

How Can You Preserve a 3D Puzzle?

When you’re done building your 3D puzzle, in addition to specialized glue, you can use a conserver spray.
You can purchase these online along with your 3D puzzles or at a local hobby shop.
By spraying your 3D puzzle with a conserver spray, you will give it a glossy coating while also protecting it from water damage. 

Ravensburger Puzzle Conserver Puzzle Glue 17954—200 ml Bottle of Puzzle Adhesive, Seals 8 (500 pieces) or 4 (1000 pieces) Puzzles
  • Bestselling puzzle brand worldwide - With over 1 billion puzzles sold, Ravensburger is the...
  • What you get – one 20 ml bottle of permanent puzzle conserver

Conclusion

There’s a 3D puzzle kit for everyone, and then a few more!

Whether you want to build film replicas or functional objects like clocks, there are a wide variety of 3D puzzle kits for you to consider.

These kits vary in terms of the materials used – from wood to metal to cardboard and plastic – and levels of difficulty. 

You can start off easy, completing 3D puzzles with fewer pieces and gradually upping your piece count!

Eventually, you will be a 3D puzzle assembling pro. If you use specialized craft glue or a conserver spray, you can preserve and display your completed 3D puzzle proudly. 

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