Love National Parks? Bring Them Home for the Holidays
Have you seen the National Park jigsaw puzzles from Xplorer Maps? My favorite is a 1,000-piece depiction of Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, and it’s quite impressive, not just for its quality but also for its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
About the Xplorer Maps & the National Parks Collection
Xplorer Maps is a Montana-based family business started by brothers Chris and Greg Robitaille. Over the past 10 years, the duo have continually refined their vision of using incredible story maps with the opportunity to help local communities raise awareness for conservation and wildlife worldwide.
Chris, a talented globe-trotting artist, and Greg, an entrepreneurial Montana geography buff, convey their visions of bringing together art, history, culture, education, and conservation. Through these beautifully illustrated story maps, Xplorer Maps hopes to provide people with unique memories of wherever their journeys have taken them (or where they hope to go) and help raise awareness for the special places we all live or visit.
The National Parks Collection by Xplorer Maps features 100% original artwork created by world-renowned Canadian illustrator Chris Robitaille.
Each national park map is the result of a collaborative partnership with Xplorer Maps, the National Park Service, and each of the park’s official non-profit partners. As such, these maps are fully vetted and approved for educational merit, historic and geographic accuracy, and cultural relevance and these products are then sold in national park stores and on the brand’s website.
Xplorer Maps are part of the 1% For The Planet initiative, contributing a significant portion of their proceeds to conservation efforts. It’s great to see a company actively supporting environmental causes through their products.
What’s particularly commendable is their approach to sustainability. The puzzle is produced using soy-based inks and recycled materials, aligning with the growing need for eco-friendly products. This commitment to the environment doesn’t compromise the quality of the puzzle, which is both durable and vibrant.
About the Isle Royale National Park Puzzle by Xplorer Maps
The puzzle itself is quite a feat of craftsmanship. It’s sturdy enough to handle interactive challenges like the ‘TikTok Flip’ and comes with a helpful reference poster. The imagery is a detailed representation of Isle Royale, capturing its natural beauty and landmarks, making the assembly process an exploratory journey in itself.
“When Isle Royale is closed for the season, this Xplorer Maps puzzle becomes my winter escape. Each piece is a reminder of the island’s beauty, bringing its vivid landscapes right into my living room. It’s more than just assembling a puzzle; it’s like reliving my travels and keeping the island’s spirit alive during those chilly evenings.”
– Ashley pichea, AwesomeMitten.com
This puzzle also serves as an excellent gift choice, suitable for a wide range of ages and interests. It’s not just a pastime but a thoughtful way to share a love for travel and the environment.
The emotional connection this puzzle fosters is evident in stories shared by customers, like one who framed their completed puzzle as a lasting memento of Isle Royale. It’s more than a simple jigsaw; it’s a keepsake that encapsulates memories and joy.
More Than Just Puzzles
Not into puzzles? No worries! The National Parks Collection from Xplorer Maps comes in a variety of product options including posters, puzzles, mugs, kitchen towels, coasters, blankets, bags, and more!
Here are a few of my other favorite items in this line…
Yellowstone National Park Hand-Drawn Map
This lithographic map art print features a hand-illustrated map of Yellowstone National Park. With original hand-drawn pen and ink/watercolor artwork, the Yellowstone National Park Map is 18″ wide and 24″ tall.
Yosemite National Park Jigsaw Puzzle
This 1,000-piece art puzzle is an exact replica of the unique, hand-illustrated artistic map exclusively designed for Xplorer Maps. It makes perfect gifts for the traveler, nature-lover, or natural park enthusiast and can be framed for permanent display. Puzzle Size: 19.8″ x 26.4″, recommended for ages 8+.
Olympic National Park Map Ceramic Mug
Designed around the exquisite map art by Xplorer Maps co-founder and illustrator Chris Robitaille. These ceramic, BPA-Free Mugs hold 16oz of your favorite brew. These are perfect gifts for national park lovers, map connoisseurs, and anyone who’s ever visited these incredible places.
Zion National Park Map Kitchen Towels
Make dishwashing more adventurous! Featuring digital pigment print and 20×20 thread count, these art pieces will dry dishes for many years. The kitchen towels are made of 100% cotton-flour sack and measure 18″ x 24″ flat.
Rocky Mountains National Park Ceramic Coasters
These Xplorer Maps ceramic coasters are highly absorbent, vibrantly colorful, and have a cork backing to prevent slipping and scratching. Featuring original National Park Xplorer Maps art in fine, full-color detail, these coasters measure 4″ x 4″ and are sold individually.
Which one(s) will you gift to your National Park-loving friends and family this holiday season?!?
Note: Xplorer Maps provided product for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. Product photos courtesy of brand.
This article was originally published by Ashley Pichea – Rooted Wanderings
