A process for making a puzzle includes the step of cutting puzzle pieces from a sheet of material and subsequently printing an image on the cut pieces. The resulting puzzle is far more durable than a conventional jigsaw puzzle and because of the process used to make it also benefits from the ability to replace individual pieces if lost. The puzzle is packaged intact in a packaging sleeve assembly designed to durably and aesthetically package the puzzle.

An illuminating puzzle apparatus includes a puzzle base and a puzzle piece removably placed on the puzzle base. The apparatus further includes a light sensor disposed on the puzzle base that emits an activation signal when the light sensor transitions from a light receiving state to a darkness state. The apparatus further includes a light disposed on the puzzle base and in proximity to the light sensor. The apparatus additionally includes a processor that obtains the activation signal from the light sensor when the puzzle piece is placed on the puzzle base above the light sensor and transmits a command signal to the light to illuminate the light, responsive to obtaining the activation signal.