Where can I get a good puzzle in the West suburbs of Chicago?

I’m looking to get a nice puzzle to kill some time around the apartment, but the problem is … I don’t know where to even start. I’ve seen puzzles. I’ve done puzzles. But I’ve never bought puzzles. And I can’t remember where I’ve seen them!

I’d preferably like to get an MC Escher (he’s my favorite rapper, yo) puzzle, but if any of you could point me in the right direction of a good place to find a variety of puzzles in the west 'burbs of Chicago, I’d be much obliged.

Thanks!

Jigsaw puzzles? Any toy store should carry them, as well as walmart, target, etc.

There’s always my favorite, www.jigzone.com , for jigsaw puzzles on the internet.

Pros:

You can choose your picture AND your cut. There’s almost three dozen different cuts and a few gazillion pictures to choose from.

The cat can’t knock any of the pieces to the floor. I don’t know about you, but in MY house, this is a prime consideration.

It’s free.

There’s a new puzzle a day each day, including weekends and holidays, plus a choice of various puzzles in an assortment of popular cuts each day.

Cons:

Well, it does have advertising, even popups sometimes. Hey, they gotta pay the bills SOMEHOW.

You can’t put the puzzle away for later, you have to finish it or not in one sitting.

You can’t work on a puzzle with another person. Well, not easily.

If you want some real life jigsaws, any number of toy stores carry them. Or you can buy them online at http://www.bitsandpieces.com/ (fairly pricy, but an excellent selection of puzzles, games, brainteasers) or even good old Amazon.

You can also get them for about a dime at garage sales, but there’s less selection, and you have to take their word on missing pieces (but do ask. They may well be honest about it). I have actually had pretty good luck, as far as missing pieces go.

And make sure you have some way to cover your puzzle when you’re not working on it, especially if you have cats.