Jan van Haasteren Jubilee puzzles: a complete overview
Several special puzzles have been released, because certain organizations existed for a number of years and that was certainly worth a party / anniversary! In honor of this special anniversary, various puzzles in various formats have been published in recent years by the artists of the Jan van Haasteren studio.
Which anniversary puzzles are there?
All Jan van Haasteren Jubilee puzzles in a Video
An overview with all Jan van Haasteren videos in one video. Do you like them? Subscribe to my Youtube channel!
Hockey Championships
This puzzle was drawn back in 1997, which means not all well-known recurring characters are present yet. This summer, 2026 (August 15 to 30, 2026), the Hockey World Cup will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium. To mark this occasion, a reissue of this puzzle has been produced.
This is the puzzle box:
and this is the puzzle:
Want to know more? Read more about this 'Hockey Championships' puzzle
'Hooray, Jan is 90!' – Jan van Haasteren turns 90 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026
This puzzle will be revealed on February 19, 2026. Jan van Haasteren will turn 90 on Tuesday, February 24! A special 'Jan van Haasteren Expert puzzle' was released. This puzzle features Jan van Haasteren on the front of the box. He's sitting at his drawing table surrounded by nothing but cakes, in honor of his 90th birthday.
This is the puzzle box:
and this is the puzzle:
And the video about this puzzle:
Jan van Haasteren 'Remia 100 Years' – The company 'Remia' has been around for 100 years!
To celebrate Remia's 100th anniversary, a special anniversary puzzle was released in 2025: Remia Sauzenfabriek – 100 Years. This edition is based on the puzzle "De Chocoladefabriek" (The Chocolate Factory) and was specially adapted in the style of the iconic sauce factory in Den Dolder, where Remia has been located for decades. The puzzle was exclusively handed out during the grand anniversary celebration on October 25, 2025, where artists such as Gerard Joling, Donnie, and Davina Michelle performed. Employees received not only an anniversary book but also this unique Jan van Haasteren 1000-piece puzzle as a gift. A cheerful, chaotic factory full of French fry sauce, humor, and recognizable Jan van Haasteren characters – a true tribute to 100 years of Remia, the brand that has been bringing flavor to the table since October 19, 1925.
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Remia Sauce Factory 100 Years'
Jan van Haasteren 'Birthday Job Foundation' – The Jarige Job Foundation has been around for 15 years!
Stichting Jarige Job is a Dutch organization that is committed to giving children from families who are struggling financially a fun birthday. They do this by putting together and sending birthday packages to these children. The package includes decorations, treats for school and home, presents and things to celebrate a party. The goal of the foundation is to make children feel that their birthday is special, even if their parents do not have the money to organize it themselves. Stichting Jarige Job is located in Rotterdam and was founded in 2010 by Huib Lloyd and his wife Barbara Kathmann. Since then, they have helped thousands of children to celebrate their birthday. Their approach is accessible and practical: parents or caregivers of children who qualify receive an application form from aid agencies with which they can request a birthday package. The packages are sent discreetly, so that the child and their environment do not notice the family's financial situation. On their Facebook page they write 'On February 26, 2025 we celebrate our own 15th birthday'. then let's assume they were founded on February 26, 2010.
NOTE – By purchasing this puzzle you contribute to a Jan van Haasteren Junior puzzle for the birthday box. This gives your puzzle extra meaning and you give a child an unforgettable birthday present. Good to know, this puzzle is almost identical to the puzzle 'Children's Party', which was already released in 2020.
Video about the 'Birthday Job' Foundation
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Video about this puzzle
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Foundation Jarige Job 15 Years'
Jan van Haasteren 'NK Mens Erger Je Niet'. The 45th edition of the NK Mens Erger Je Niet
The game 'Mens Erger Je Niet' is also published by Jumbo and so it was an ideal combination to hand out this puzzle during this 45th edition of the NK 'Mens Erger Je Niet'! The 45th edition of the NK Mens Erger Je Niet in Emmeloord attracts more than 1 players from all over the country on Saturday 250 February. They compete for the title and the main prize of 400 euros. One of the participants is Ineke Zuidema from Tollebeek. You can see a video about this here:
The NK was won in 2025 by (not by Ineke!): Charlotte van Rossum (13) from Hilversum. She also won this NK in 2024! In 2022 and 2023 this NK was won by Bob Herrebout from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Video about this puzzle
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'NK Mens Erger Je Niet'
Jan van Haasteren 'Xenos 50 Years of Pleasantly Different'. The Xenos has been around for 50 years
First a bit of history about the Xenos: “Xenos is a Dutch retail chain that specializes in the sale of home, garden and gift items. The name “Xenos” comes from Greek and means “strange”. This refers to the origins of the company, which started by selling 'foreign' products that were not so common in Dutch stores at the time. Xenos was founded on July 5, 1973, so if we're talking about a 50th anniversary that would be in 2023. The store chain originated from a wholesaler of residual consignments from the company SHV, the Steenkolen Handels-Vereeniging. The first store was opened in Eindhoven. The founding of Xenos came from the idea of being a kind of import store, where products from distant countries were sold at low prices. Xenos emerged from the initiative of the SHV company, so it was not the work of one specific “founder”. SHV had several business activities, and Xenos was one of them. Over the years, Xenos has developed and evolved. The range became wider and the stores increasingly started to become a place where customers could go for trendy products for home and garden at affordable prices.”
Suddenly, on October 15, 2023, a message appeared on a Facebook page from someone who had the puzzle 'Jan van Haasteren Xenos 50 Years – Cozy Different'. This puzzle was given to the staff because Xenos existed for 50 years. Initially an exclusive edition and only given to Xenos staff, not available through stores. Huh? No one knew anything about that, and suddenly the collectors' run on this puzzle begins! However - update dated October 17, reporting from Xenos is 'In the week of November 6, 2023 it is still possible to buy the puzzles in our stores and via the Xenos website! So good news for the collectors…..It's the puzzle 'Holiday jitters' which has already been published in 1000 pieces and the artist was Dick Heins. This beautiful puzzle 'Vakantiekriebels' has been republished by Xenos. This puzzle from Xenos differs from the Holiday Jitters puzzle in a number of ways, namely:
– The name of the puzzle is different, namely 'Xenos 50 Years – Cozy Different'. Puzzle 'Holiday Jitters' is called 'Holiday Jitters'
– The song is different from Vakantiekriebels. The number of the Xenos puzzle is 1119800056 and that of Vakantiekriebels is 20049 (this came in a 2-in-1 box btw)
– The puzzles have been adjusted; It says 'Xenos' in several places and several items on the puzzle have the corporate colors of the Xenos, namely the black dots on a white background.
– The Xenos puzzle consists of 1500 pieces, while the puzzle 'Vakantiekriebels' consists of 1000 pieces.
– The 'Holiday Jitters' puzzle was in a 2-in-1 together with the 'Music Shop' puzzle and the Xenos puzzle is a separate box of 1500 pieces.
See the two puzzles compared here:
 | |||||
| Number | Name | Number of pieces | years | draftsman | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20049 | 2 x 1000 Music Store | Holiday jitters | 1000 Pieces | 2012 | Dick Heins | |
 | |||||
| Number | Name | Number of pieces | years | draftsman | |
| 1119800056 | Xenos – 50 Years – Cozy Different | 1500 | 2023 | Dick Heins | |
Jan van Haasteren 'Jan van Haasteren Studio 10 Years'. The Jan van Haasteren Studio exists 10 years
The Jan van Haasteren Studio will be 2023 years old in 10 – Jumbo therefore takes the year of foundation 2013 (not 2014) as a starting point. If you want to know everything about the Jan van Haasteren Studio, read the page 'Everything about the Jan van Haasteren Studio'. How is this anniversary celebrated? In the various ways:
1. Issue puzzle 1000 Pieces 'Jan van Haasteren Studio 10 Years'
This puzzle is an anniversary puzzle! And a very special one. This puzzle was revealed during the NK puzzles held on May 7, 2023 in Roelofarendsveen. This puzzle was part of the XXXL puzzle 'Jan van Haasteren XXXL Puzzle 30200 Pieces – 10th anniversary Jan van Haasteren studio'. This XXXL puzzle consisted of 10 puzzles and was already announced on February 24, 2023 (Jan van Haasteren's 87th birthday!). HOWEVER - of these XXXL puzzles, only 9 were announced on February 24, 2023 and the last 10th puzzle was only revealed on May 7, 2023. An exciting denouement during the NK Puzzles 2023.
2. A JvH Studio exhibition in Harderwijk City Museum
There will be a JvH Studio exhibition City museum Harderwijk. This exhibition is called: “All kidding in a piece!”. The exhibition can be seen from May 2023 to early January 2024.
3. Issue of an XXXL puzzle
A mega large XXXL puzzle of no less than 7 pieces will appear on May 2023, 30.200! This will be revealed during the NK Puzzle. This puzzle weighs 20 kilos. More info about this puzzle.
It's this puzzle box:
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Jan van Haasteren XXXL Puzzle 30200 Pieces'
Jan van Haasteren 'Poiesz Supermarkets 100 Years'. Poiesz Supermarkets exist 100 years
Poiesz Supermarkets celebrated their 100th anniversary, exactly on April 19, 2023! This was celebrated with various 'Jubilee Bangers', as you can see in their folder. One of those stunners is this Jan van Haasteren puzzle in a limited edition. So it is a Limited Edition. Because it says Op=Op in their folder. The promotion is further described as follows: 'Together with suppliers we have developed a number of unique jubilee products to celebrate our 100th anniversary this year. Each timelessly fun and delicious'. In addition to the Jan van Haasteren puzzle, you could also buy socks with 'Poiesz 100 Years' printed on them. Per pair for 1 euro. The Poiesz supermarket was founded on April 19, 1923 and will therefore celebrate its 19th anniversary and existence on April 2023, 100. What is the history of Poiesz?
Establishment of Poiesz – On April 19, 1923, Lodewijk Poiesz and his wife Wietske open a 12m² greengrocer's shop on Havenstraat in Sneek. Due to the success of the shop on the Havenstraat, Lodewijk Poiesz is looking for a larger building. He buys the Grootzand 30. This too soon becomes too small. Over the years, the business has been renovated and expanded three times. Gerard and Willem Poiesz – the sons of Wietske and Lodewijk – peddle fruit and vegetables on a cargo bike and with a handcart in the working-class neighborhoods of Sneek. This provides an important additional turnover for the company. Theo, the youngest son, was already helping in the shop. The Fruithal is moving from Grootzand 30 to the larger building at Grootzand 22 in Sneek. After a tip from a neighbor who had just returned from a business trip from America, the new business is called 'Supermarket'. Poiesz joins Superunie, a purchasing organization that represents independent supermarket organizations in the Netherlands. Many of the supermarket chains affiliated with Superunie are, like Poiesz, family businesses. The professional knowledge of the regional and local market often gives the members affiliated with Superunie an advantage. On September 1, 1969, the Poiesz supermarket in Franeker on the Jan Stapertlaan opens its doors.
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Poiesz Supermarkets 100 Years'
Jan van Haasteren 'Stichting Recycling Center Spullenhulp' – SKS. Exists 50 Years
SKS Store has been a household name in Soest and Soesterberg since 1973. With our 49th anniversary, we are one of the oldest recycling companies in the Netherlands. Thanks to the efforts of 19 professionals and more than 90 volunteers, there is a beautiful recycling center at De Schans. We are proud of this! They will have a new website (February 2023), this is their website. More about 'SKS Store'. SKS Store has been a household name in Soest and Soesterberg since 1973. With our 50th anniversary, we are one of the oldest recycling companies in the Netherlands. Thanks to the efforts of 22 professionals and more than 40 volunteers, there is a beautiful recycling center at De Schans. We are proud of this!
SKS Store, our official name, is a non-profit foundation. We were established to collect, separate, recycle and/or sell reusable goods in our shop. Thanks to the proceeds from our thrift shop, we can continue to exist independently. We can therefore also offer work experience and development to the unemployed, volunteers, trainees and people with disabilities. Every year we support local charities with goods or financial resources. SKS Store obtained ANBI status in 2014. Our foundation is managed by six board members. The daily management is in the hands of our manager.
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Stichting Recycling Center Spullenhulp' – SKS'
Jan van Haasteren Studio 10 Years - puzzle 30200 pieces
Not just it 10-year anniversary of 'De Jan van Haasteren Studio' was celebrated with the release of this puzzle, but on February 24, 2023, Jan van Haasteren turned 87! So double party. And for that, a unique XXXL puzzle was unpacked. The XXXL puzzle consists of 10 puzzles of approximately 3000 pieces each. You can then buy them together in 1 box. And put together. It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read more about this puzzle 'Jan van Haasteren Studio 10 Years'
Blokker 125 years - puzzle 1000 pieces
The puzzle 'Blokker 125 Jaar' – this is number 81862, issue in 2021 on April 25, because then Blokker 125 Years will exist because Blokker was founded on April 25, 1896 in Hoorn. This puzzle is drawn by Dick Heins Studio Jan van Haasteren. It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Blokker 125 Years'
Bruna 150 years - puzzle 1000 pieces
The real Dutch retail chain Bruna was founded on February 14, 1868 by Albert Willem Bruna. He takes over a book and paper trade and publishing house in Haarlem and transforms it into the largest book store in the Netherlands. Exactly on February 14, 2018 Bruna will be 150 years old. This 150th anniversary is celebrated by Bruna with all kinds of special activities.
From April 16, 2018, the special puzzle 'Bruna 150 years' was available in the Bruna stores. This puzzle has the number 81580. Please know: this puzzle is a variant of the puzzle published in 2001 'Shop till you drop' or 'Sale' – almost exactly the same, only then it says 'Bruna' on the signs in the store. The Puzzle 'Sale' is this:
'Bruna 150 years' is this puzzle:
Intertoys 40 years
Intertoys, the toy store known to almost everyone, was founded on June 25, 1976 and therefore existed no less than 2016 years in 40! Intertoys has 203 (date: March 2020) stores throughout the Netherlands. Until December 2017, Intertoys was part of Blokker Holding. On October 12, 2017, Intertoys was sold by Blokker. The 'Intertoys 40 years' puzzle was published in 2016 and the artist was Jan van Haasteren. This puzzle has the number 81506, and is a so-called Scandinavia puzzle. Intertoys has published a lot of puzzles by Jan van Haasteren, especially many 3-in-1 combo boxes.
It's this puzzle box:
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Intertoys 40 Years'
Kruidvat 40 years - puzzle 1000 pieces
Kruidvat was founded in 1975 by the de Rijcke family. Since then, it has undergone rapid growth. Just eight years after its founding, the 100th store opened. In 2015, Kruidvat celebrated its 40th anniversary. In 2015, Kruidvat also published the puzzle "Hoera Kruidvat 40 Jaar" (Hooray, Kruidvat 40 Years), illustrated by Jan van Haasteren. This puzzle is number 81306. This puzzle, "Hoera, Kruidvat 40 Jaar" (Hooray, Kruidvat 40 Years), is a reissue of the puzzle "Happy Birthday', which was already published in 2006. This 'Kruidvat' was then reissued in 2015 with a revised edition. Jumbo and Kruidvat do have a special partnership. Kruidvat publishes 'separate' Jan van Haasteren puzzles of 500 and 950 pieces. These have also always been available in 1000 pieces.
The puzzle 'Happy Birthday (Happy Birthday)' adjusted to the 'Hooray, Kruidvat 40 years'. It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Kruidvat 40 Jaar'
Miffy 65 years old - puzzle 1000 pieces
Dick Bruna is the well-known artist of Miffy in the Netherlands. In 1955 Dick Bruna drew a Miffy for the first time, so in 2020 Miffy will be 65 years old. And that is celebrated exuberantly. Miffy does not only appear in books, but also in puzzles.
This is the box:
Miffy 65 years is this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Miffy 65 years'
Jumbo 150 years - puzzle 1000 pieces
In 2003 Jumbo Spellenfabriek will be 150 years old and in 2004 Jan van Haasteren's puzzle 'Jumbo 150 years' will be published. The draftsman is Jan van Haasteren, with number 00996. 'Jumbo' is located at Kromboomsloot 57 in Amsterdam. The Hausemann & Hötte company, better known under the Jumbo brand name, has been established there since 1853. In addition to puzzles, Jumbo is particularly known for the large amount of games.
This is the puzzle box:
And this is the puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Jumbo 150 years'
Artis 150 years - puzzle 1000 and 5000 pieces
Artis, the beautiful zoo in Amsterdam, was founded on May 1, 1838. In 1988, on the 150th anniversary, the Planetarium was opened. In 2003 a puzzle of 1000 and 5000 pieces was issued for this purpose. The nice thing here is that it is quite unknown if and why the link with those 150 years exists. Finally I was able to figure it out. It's like this. You see the royal couple Willem Alexander and Maxima on the puzzle anyway. The celebration consists of Artis celebrating its 24th anniversary on April 2002, 150! I got the following text from the website of the Royal house about this:
“Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will attend the celebration of 24 years of Royal Artis in Amsterdam on Wednesday 2002 April 150. During the celebration, Princess Margriet will accept the Patronage of Artis. She is following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. The Princess will also be officially opening a series of recent expansions and renovations of the zoo this afternoon. Almost 150 years ago, on May 1, 1852, Artis received the Royal predicate from King Willem III. Since then, the zoo has been known in full as the Royal Zoological Society Natura Artis Magistra. King Willem III was patron of the Society. He was succeeded in this position by Queen Wilhelmina and later Queen Juliana. The current Artis expansions are located at the Entrepotdok. The eye-catcher is the Africa Savannah, where antelopes, zebras and wildebeest live. On this side of Artis are also the tropical Borneokas, a modern animal care center, the underground canal water purification and the center for generating natural electricity. Thanks to the extensions, Artis can also renew on a large scale in the historic garden. For example, the Giraffen Perk, the Wolvenvallei and the Bison Perk have already been redesigned. Artis will continue the expansion and innovations in the coming years. Among other things, the savanna biotope will be expanded on the current parking lot.”
In short: the 150th anniversary of Artis is being celebrated, and this puzzle was made in honor of this. You will also see '150' in the top left of the puzzle in the banner of the band playing:
It's this puzzle:
And this is the box (number 01491):
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Artis 150 years'
Droste 150 years – puzzle 1000 pieces (Chocolate factory)
Droste is the traditional Dutch brand that has been selling chocolate for many years, namely since 1863. In 1863 Geraldus Johannes Droste's confectionery and cake bakery in Haarlem opened its doors to the public. Today, in one of the few remaining large chocolate factories in the Netherlands, Droste chocolate products are still made in the same way and with as much love and attention as in the past. And in 2013 they exist 150 years and in honor of this 150th anniversary, a puzzle by Jan van Haasteren has been published. This puzzle is printed in a large edition with a can of droste chocolate as a gift if you ordered such a puzzle. Droste also ran a promotion with a puzzle in two stores: you get a frame puzzle of 150 pieces with 3 chocolate letters, but only at Albert Heijn XL and De Tuinen.
This puzzle has therefore appeared in 2 variants, 1 with the board 'Droste' in the factory and 1 with 'Chocolate Factory' on the board in the factory. The puzzle with 'Droste' (number 17452) on the board:
The puzzle with on the board 'The Chocolate factory' (number 17452):
And then the variant with the can of chocolates (number 17457):
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'The Chocolate Factory'
Margriet Winterfair – puzzle 1000 pieces
The first puzzle that Rob Derks was able to draw for Studio Jan van Haasteren was the Winter Fair. This puzzle is based on a collaboration between Jumbo and Margriet magazine. And Rob Derks was asked to make a nice viewing plate about the Winter Fair, Margriet's annual event. Perhaps this is not really an anniversary, but it is a kind of celebration of a collaboration between Jumbo and Margriet magazine. However, it was not linked to a specific number of years. But: I googled further myself and I was able to find that De Margriet existed 2013 years in 75! That can't be a coincidence because: the puzzle was made in 2013 AND you see on the puzzle that many folders / magazines are handed out that say 'Margriet 75 years'. You can see that here – notice the hand with the text 'Margriet 75 J' on it:
That 75th anniversary was celebrated in a big way in 2013 in the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. In particular, an event that attracted a lot of women, and that is reflected in the puzzle. There is even a Youtube video made of the fair in 2013, and nice to compare this with the puzzle:
Jumbo has linked a promotion to it, because whoever buys Winter Fair will receive a birthday calendar as a gift (with one page per month). For the subscribers of the magazine Margriet Margriet is holding a promotion: in Margriet no. 37 (which falls in the letterbox of subscribers on September 5, 2013) is the frame puzzle with 108 pieces. This is a puzzle in a cardboard flat box.
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Margriet Winterfair'
A puzzle of 108 pieces has also been published about the editors at the Margriet Winterfair, which is this:
Might be nice to know, the Margriet Winterfair is still a fair in 2021.
Jan van Haasteren Anniversary box 30 years (Jubilee Box 30 years)
This beautiful and unique Jubilee box is a 3-in-1 puzzle combination box. It was released because Jan van Haasteren had been making puzzles for Jumbo for 30 years. It is number: 19000. Published in 2014, artist Jan van Haasteren.
The Jan van Haasteren puzzle box 'Anniversary box 30' is a combination box (3-in-1) with 3 puzzles of 1000 pieces: 'All at Sea'(EcoMare), 'Hotel' and 'Get Well Soon' (Hospital). Only the puzzle 'All at Sea' (Eco Mare) is not available in any other way, it is only in this 3-in-1 box.
This box contains 3 very special puzzles. At the time, this box was composed as follows:
– a new puzzle came up (newly released). So that became the puzzle'All at Sea (Ecomare)'
– Jan van Haasteren was asked about his favorite puzzle. And then it was set up. That became the puzzle'Speedy recovery'. Curious about Jan van Haasteren's favorite character in the puzzles? That is Sinterklaas!
– The fans of Jan van Haasteren were allowed to vote on Facebook for their favorite puzzle. So that became the puzzle'Hotel'
It's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Jan van Haasteren Anniversary box 30 years (Jubilee Box 30 years)'
Wool Federation 75 years
This is truly a collector's item, which is very rare. This is a puzzle of 80 pieces, published in 1994, the artist is Jan van Haasteren. The estimated price of this is 25-45 euros. However, around 80 euros is regularly asked. what is the Wool Federation? From their website a short description: “The Dutch Wool Federation has major interests in the wool processing industry in the Netherlands. She participates in blanket factories, spinning mills, a carpet factory and a wool laundry. The Dutch Wool Federation will become the owner of a number of companies.” The Dutch Wool Federation was founded in 1920 and in 1995 it existed for 75 years.
It's this puzzle:
Rain of Ribbons (Limited edition)
From May 7, 2013 the puzzle will appear 'The inauguration' in a special box because of the ribbon for Jan van Haasteren. Jan received this ribbon from Queen Beatrix on April 26, 2013. This special edition of the puzzle was developed by Jumbo to thank Jan van Haasteren for the many puzzles he has drawn. Jan van Haasteren and his wife Romi (deceased in 2015) knew nothing about this. On April 26, Jan van Haasteren was picked up from his home to be taken to the new museum in Bergen, where the ribbon was awarded. Jan van Haasteren is appointed Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau and the ribbon is presented by the mayor of Bergen. A Youtube video was made of this:
On the puzzle you see the city of Amsterdam and many partying people. This is during the inauguration of King Willem Alexander. King Willem Alexander will therefore be appointed king in 2013, which is the reason for the puzzle 'The Inauguration' in 2013. However, Jan van Haasteren will also receive a Ribbon in 2013, and from there the puzzle 'Ribbon Rain' arises, which is a very appropriate name. The puzzle in the 'Ribbon Rain' box is therefore not a new puzzle, but the box will become a collector's item in the future. The title is 'Ribbon rain' and it is only released in the Netherlands. The puzzle in the Ribbon Rain box is therefore exactly the same as the puzzle in the 'The Inauguration' box and it is this puzzle:
The puzzle 'The Inauguration' is in this box:
So there are small differences in the box: the Ribbon Rain box has a ribbon on it and the Inauguration box has the Dutch flag on it in the orange box version. The puzzle 'The Inauguration' is also available in the well-known blue box, in both 1000 and 2000 pieces.
The puzzle 'Ribbon Rain' is in this box:
Want to know more? Read my review about this 'Ribbon Rain' puzzle
Jan van Haasteren 'The Opening' – Dutch Games Factory (NSF)
This puzzle was only published in 500 pieces with the number 01572, in 2007 and the artist is Jan van Haasteren. That's this puzzle:
If you look closely at the person getting out of the car, it must be Queen Maxima, the puzzle was released in 2007. The Nederlandse Spellenfabriek was indeed opened on October 17, 2007 by Queen Maxima, and this is also the year of issue of this puzzle. However, what is the connection between the 'Nederlandse Spellenfabriek' and 'Jumbo'? Just a bit of history from the website of the Dutch Games Factory:
“In 1853, Koninklijke Hausemann & Hötte NV (H&H) was founded in Amsterdam. After decades of steady growth and the introduction of classics such as Mecano and Dinky Toy, H&H decided to open its own production facility in 1950; 'the Dutch Games Factory'. Millions of H&H products, known under brand names such as Jumbo, Papita and King, rolled off the production line at the NSF. First in Amsterdam, later in Wognum and since 2006, after the opening by HKH Maxima, in Medemblik.”
And there is still a whole report of the entire opening by Queen Maxima from the website of the Royal House:
“Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands will open the NSF, the Dutch games factory of games publisher Koninklijke Jumbo, in Medemblik on Wednesday 17 October. The Princess will punch a unique puzzle and then get a tour of the factory. There she will speak with Jumbo employees. On the opening day, children from the area are invited to come and play games. Jumbo has been inventing, developing and selling games and puzzles since 1853. The company is recognizable by the logo with the red elephant and is known for games such as Stratego, Pim Pam Pet, the Ik leer-game series for children and the classic Mens Erger Je Niet, of which four million copies have now been sold in the Netherlands. In the games market, Jumbo has licensing agreements with companies such as Disney and Rubik's Cube and makes games around TV programs such as Deal or No Deal and Idols. The company also develops new games, such as Cinderella's Magical Slipper, based on the Disney movie, and constantly renews existing concepts: last year Stratego got a female spy. The puzzle collection ranges from puzzles for small children to 3000 piece puzzles for adults. About 20 percent of the range is renewed annually. The most popular are the puzzles designed by cartoonist Jan van Haasteren, of whom three new puzzles are released every year. Four years ago, the company struggled with disappointing results. In the reorganization that followed, it was decided to keep production in the Netherlands. This meant, among other things, cutting the workforce by 40 percent and selling real estate. The reorganization has been completed with the relocation of the Wognum factory to a smaller building in Medemblik. Jumbo in the new form is mainly a publisher of game concepts and puzzles.”
So, what exactly is the date of the founding and opening of NSF?
The Dutch Game Factory (NSF) has a rich history dating back to 1950, when it was founded by Hausemann & Hötte (H&H), makers of well-known brands like Jumbo, Papita, and King. Initially, production took place in Amsterdam, but as demand grew, the factory moved to Wognum, where countless games and puzzles were produced for years. When this location also became too small, a completely new and modern facility was chosen in Medemblik. This factory was officially opened by Queen Máxima on October 17, 2007. The opening not only marked a new chapter for the Dutch Game Factory but also the transition to a future-oriented, sustainable, and automated production of puzzles and board games.
The text on the box is beautiful:
'Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands performed this opening on 17 October 2007. As an opening act, the Princess punched out the first copy of this special puzzle. A portion of the proceeds from this valuable puzzle will benefit a specific cause within the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund; by purchasing this puzzle you contribute to a pleasant distraction for children in hospitals.'
This is the front of the box:
Also, a very small detail of the large puzzle of 500 pieces has been published as a puzzle of 15 pieces:
This very small puzzle was sent to the people who received an invitation to attend the openings of the Nederlandse Spellenfabriek. This puzzle is not in a box by the way.
Jumbo 170 years - puzzle 1000 Pieces
This puzzle was published in 1000 pieces with the number 1119800222, on September 23, 2023 and the artist is Jan van Haasteren. This is a one-time release, so the numbers of puzzles released are limited. It will not remain in production. So a Limited Edition. That's this puzzle:
This puzzle ties in with the story above. In 2023, the 170th anniversary of Jumbo will therefore be celebrated. However, the puzzle described above has been slightly modified by Mars Gremmen. So the puzzle of 500 pieces 'The Opening' has been given a new look. Not entirely new, therefore, and not 'really' newly drawn by Jan van Haasteren.
and this is the box:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Jumbo 170 Years'
Van Wijhe Paint 105 years – 1000 Piece puzzle
This puzzle was only published in 1000 pieces with the number 81988, in 2021 and the artist is Jan van Haasteren. That's this puzzle:
and this is the box
This puzzle is called 'Building together', number 81988. It was published in early December 2021 on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Koninklijke Van Wijhe Verf. Only 5000 of this puzzle were made (Limited Edition!). All copies have been distributed and the few that remained have gone to the food bank. Wijzonol is surprised by the many requests (50) for this puzzle. Unfortunately they have no more stock and they will not have new copies made. This is therefore a special edition, produced once for the anniversary of Van Wijhe Verf.
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Van Wijhe Paint 105 Years – Building Together'
KNHB 100 years
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Dutch Hockey Association, the puzzle 'hockey' published in 1989 with the number 01677. On the back of this puzzle is a very long story, and it says what the KNHB wants to do as a contribution in combination with their 100th anniversary. In short: The KNHB wants to purchase building land and build a new house on it next to Dar-UL-Sukun (The 'House of Happiness' of Gertrude Lemmens - Pakistan) to give the 'children' of sister Gertrude Lemmens extra space, living space, living quarters and workspace. This home provides accommodation for 150 children and adults. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this puzzle will therefore benefit this action. In addition, it says on the back of the box, you can also donate directly.
“In 1980, when the Dutch Hockey team was in Karachi (Pakistan) for the first time for the Champions Trophy, a number of players and officials visited the Dutch sister Gertrude Lemmens in Karachi at the Dar-UL-Sukun. Sister Truus Lemmens founded Dar Ul Sukun, the House of Happiness, in 1969. A home for children with mental and/or physical disabilities. Caring for the less fortunate, the disabled, the elderly, polio girls and orphaned girls in Karachi and other cities in Pakistan became her life's work. Sr. Lemmens founded 5 homes. The work of mr. Lemmens is continued after her death in 2000 by sister Ruth Lewis. In 2005 Mr. Morris Khurshid appointed by the Home Front Foundation Zr. Lemmens to take on the business leadership of the Dar Ul Sukun organization and Sr. Ruth Lewis to assist with the management of the homes. Sr. ruth and mr. Khurshid lead a staff of 12 people. The Dar Ul Sukun organization employs 60 staff.” All information about Sister Gertrude Lemmens can be found on a special website about this. If I read further on the website, you can also see what houses are there (taking care of children), and it is striking that a building is also called 'The Hockey Building'. Would that sentence (partly) financed by the KNHB?.
I did some further searching on the internet and can also find the end result of this donation campaign of the KNHB for Dar-UL-Sukun, with which 380.000 euros has been raised! At the time, ex-top hockey player Paul Litjens opened the new construction of the Dar Ul Sukun home in Kararachi. Paul Litjens was the ambassador of the action.
That's this puzzle:
and this is the box:
And in 1998 the Hockey World Cup was also held in Utrecht (Stadion Galgenwaard). This World Hockey Championship was in 1998 the first World Cup in which both the men and the women became World champions. And that in our own country and that in the year of the 100th anniversary of the KNHB! Previously, the World Cups of 1986 (women, Amstelveen) and 1973 (men, Amstelveen) were also organized by the KNHB. So it seems that visitors to the Hockey World Cup in 1998 were given (or were able to buy?) this puzzle at the time. The 'Hockey' / 'Hockey Championships' puzzle is appeared in 8 variants. The KNHB was founded on October 8, 1898 in the Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam, the Dutch Hockey and Bandy Bond. At the time, the sponsors of the KNHB were Rabobank and Shell and you can see these two sponsors in the puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this 'Hockey' puzzle
Jan van Haasteren 86 years and 200th unique drawing by Jan
On February 24, 2022, Jan van Haasteren will celebrate his 86th birthday (Jan was born on February 24, 1936). And Jumbo wants to celebrate that with a puzzle that will be published on that day, namely 'The Soapbox Race'. We have not forgotten the beautiful congratulations on his 85th birthday:
This puzzle is also an anniversary edition, because it is the 200th unique drawing by Jan van Haasteren himself! That is a unique milestone.
That's this puzzle:
Want to know more? Read my review about this puzzle 'Soap box race'
Tour de France Yellow Jersey 100 Years
A special puzzle has been drawn by Jan van Haasteren of the Tour de France and in honor of the 100 Years Yellow Jersey. This puzzle has the number 81692 and was published in 2019 by Blokker in a beautiful yellow puzzle box:
What is the Yellow Jersey and how and when did it originate in the Tour de France? From a good source of the website'Brusselsgrandepart':
During the 11th edition of the Tour de France in 1919, Henri Desgrange, founder and director of this race, created the myth of the “Maillot Jaune” in the colors of the newspaper L'Auto, which at that time was the main sponsor of the Tour . From that moment on, everyone could automatically recognize the 1st of the general ranking among the riders. The Yellow Jersey will be awarded for the first time on July 19, while the Tour is already underway. And it hits the spot right away, because it is immediately established with both the riders and the public, and a real eye-catcher of every ride. In July, the heat weighs heavily on the crowds on both sides of the course, as the first cars arrive. Then it's time! After a long wait, the audience craving sports adrenaline finally sees the riders approaching in the distance and look, everyone is looking among the riders for that one, unique rider with… the “Yellow Jersey”. In 2019 it will therefore be 100 years ago that this bright yellow jersey was designed for the riders! The dream of children, the ideal image of amateurs, the myth of cyclists, the symbol of success... Whoever has worn it speaks of it with respect and emotion: a token of unconditional love for this golden trophy that Eddy Merckx, the undisputed master and master of the bike, a whopping 111 times in his career. A record he still holds today.
To once again enjoy a number of historic Yellow Jersey wearers in the Tour de France:
Want to know more? Read my review about this 'Tour de France' puzzle
Holdson Funny World 70 Years
In 2009, Holdson Funny World celebrated its 70th anniversary. They were founded in 1939. They are a puzzle manufacturer from New Zealand. A puzzle was released to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the New Zealand puzzle brand Holdson Funny World (HFW). This company was founded in 1939 and therefore celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009. Therefore, this puzzle must also have been released in 2009. Besides puzzles, they also produce games and toys. This puzzle, "Circus Time," has also been released in several other variations, also published by puzzle manufacturers Beverly Enterprises (Japan) and Ceaco (USA). However, all other puzzles in this variation are called "The Circus," and this HFW variation is called "Circus Time." The "Circus" puzzle should not be confused with "Acrobat Circus," by the way. It's a fairly rare puzzle, and you'll have to search for it on various secondhand puzzle websites in New Zealand and the surrounding area. In any case, expect substantial shipping costs and a long delivery time! It's a unique piece, one that any collector will definitely want. For the average puzzler, it's not particularly special, as they've already made this puzzle in a Jumbo version, for example.
It's this puzzle:
And this is the box:
Want to know more? Read my review of this puzzle 'Circus Time'
Dutch Games Factory (NSF) 75 Years
This puzzle was published to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NSF (Dutch Games Factory). In 1950, H&H decided to open its own production facility to become independent in the production of games and puzzles. This factory was named "The Dutch Games Factory." The exact date in 1950 is unknown. So, in 2025, the NSF will be exactly 75 years old! The Dutch Games Factory was opened on October 17, 2007, by Queen Máxima. In 2007, the factory moved to a completely new location in Medemblik. This modern production facility was officially opened by Queen Máxima on October 17, 2007—a symbolic moment marking the transition from traditional to sustainable, automated production.
It's this puzzle:
and this is the box:
Want to know more? Read my review of this puzzle 'Dutch Games Factory'