Holiyay

Holiyay

Holiyay is a jigsaw puzzle brand founded and run in Bromont, Quebec, by Hélène Mallette and Mathieu Lachapelle. Before Holiyay, the pair launched Dinette, an independent lifestyle print magazine that won awards for its storytelling, art direction and photography. Holiyay grew out of Hélène’s love of puzzles, which goes back to doing them with her grandmother. She also felt that most puzzles out there were either outdated or not well made. The couple started out experimenting in their garage, where they set up a puzzle-making machine.

The range includes 500- and 1000-piece puzzles with colourful designs commissioned from independent artists around the world. The pieces are made from thick blue-core board with a matte, glare-free finish. They are precision-cut, and every piece has its own shape, so there are no false fits. Each design comes with an 8 × 11 inch poster, and the box is meant to be kept by collectors. Holiyay also sells multi-puzzle bundles and logo apparel: a T-shirt, a crewneck and a quarter-zip sweatshirt.

Holiyay puzzles are made mainly for adults and recommended for ages 12 and up. They are aimed at puzzle lovers and collectors. The brand describes puzzling as a family tradition brought up to date: a break from the digital storm.