Choose from traditional Japanese Trick opening puzzle boxes or tricky little Chinese mystery boxes, even a secret opening wooden box especially designed to hold money or tickets. Often called Chinese puzzle boxes, Oriental puzzles boxes or even Asian puzzle boxes, in reality what we instantly recognise as a puzzle box is actually a Japanese puzzle box. We have a full range of these and also other trick or secret opening boxes. Use them to hide a secret, present a gift with an extra challenge, or just for the fun of trying of open them. Also a high quality range of mystery opening money boxes reflecting their precision German design.
The puzzle is to open the puzzle box. Great for hiding a small gift inside to add an extra level of frustration for the recipient. If they can't do the puzzle, they can't have the gift. This puzzle is sometimes known as the Magic Crate or the Magic Box. It was first distributed at IPP16 in Luxembourg in 1996 under the name of Willies Wonder by Kobus de Beer from South Africa. Each box has been opened and checked by us and repackaged with our own detailed solution.
Size - 105mm x 65mm x 45mm (space inside the box is 84mm x 27mm x 15mm) Other similar puzzle boxes: Large, higher quality Trick Puzzle box Click here. For a more complex three stage opening puzzle box. Click here for details.
There is money inside the Wonder Fool Box. If you can take it out within 5 minutes without breaking the box it's yours! Hmmmm..... yes, well we know it's 'funny' money only. But it's still a great reward for getting the box open.
A great little box to present a small gift and add an extra level of frustration for the recipient. They can see it but they can't get to it! This puzzle is sometimes known as the Magic Crate or the Magic Box. And we sell a small wooden version of this one too. Click here. Being plastic this one won't be affected by changing moisture conditions either.
Size - 75mm x 55mm x 40mm (space inside the box is 65mm x 37mm x 25mm)
This is a three stage opening puzzle box. Great for hiding a small gift inside to add an extra level of frustration for the recipient. Or somewhere to hide small items you don't want to risk laying around the house. Each box has been opened and checked by us and repackaged with our own detailed solution.
The Size - 150mm x 75mm x 48mm (space inside the box is: small compartment 50mm x 27mm x 22mm & larger compartment 90mm x 45mm x 22mm) Click here to see our small single stage opening puzzle box or here for large single stage opening puzzle box.
The puzzle box looks like there's no way in; no obvious lid; no obvious base. Just a sealed box with no obvious opening.
Alan Boardman designed a mini (actually microscopic better describes it...) box puzzle called the Aha Box in 2004. He presented it in the Edward Hordern Puzzle Exchange at IPP24 held in Tokyo.
This puzzle has been upsized from that so there is enough space inside if you want to include a surprise. It's great to give just as puzzle box though.
Just the right size to put a gift card inside for that extra puzzling fun at Christmas!
The puzzle is to open the puzzle box. Great for hiding a gift inside to add an extra level of frustration for the recipient. If they can't do the puzzle, they can't have the gift. This puzzle is sometimes known as the Magic Crate or the Magic Box. It was first distributed at IPP16 in Luxembourg in 1996 under the name of Willies Wonder by Kobus de Beer from South Africa.
Size - 150mm x 95mm x 46mm (space inside the box is 123mm x 63mm x 25mm) Boxes are made from Indian Rosewood (aka Sheesham wood) with decorative brass trim. The inner drawer is made from MDF. This is more stable than using sold wood to help ensure that over time the fit of the drawer does not get too loose).
This box is also available in a smaller version. Click here.
The puzzle is to try to open the wooden box and get the money, tickets or whatever out.
Instead of giving money in a plain white envelope, slip it into this crafty wooden puzzler and watch the recipient turn green!
Fits gift certificates, concert, airline or lottery tickets, paper money, greeting cards, paychecks... Inside space is: 160mm x 70mm and it will fit 6 - 10 sheets of regular paper inside. I folded an A4 standard sheet of paper in half, then in three, and it fitted comfortably.
Drop in your coins, accumulate the cash, and make a withdrawal? Not so fast! Money talks and it's telling you to invest in the future. It could take a long time before you figure out how to release your savings!
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in just three moves. But one of them is quite a unique movement compared to other Japanese puzzles boxes and so it's hard to open it without being shown. A very tricky little puzzle box!
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Walnut wood.
Size outside: 47mm x 47mm x 47mm Space inside: 22mm x 19mm x 33mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in just two moves. But one of them is quite a unique movement so don't be fooled that that makes it easy to open!
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Katura wood (a type of Cherry tree).
Size outside: 42mm x 42mm x 60mm Space inside: 31mm x 17mm x 24mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle group is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in four moves. One of them is quite unconventional which makes the overall solution very interesting.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Oak.
Size outside: 42mm x 47mm x 60mm Space inside: 30mm x 26mm x 25mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this group of puzzles is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. First, it has a very obvious separate base. Second, when you rattle it you can hear an object rolling around inside. No force is required, no tapping, or hitting the puzzle, none what so ever.
Maybe you can take some clue from the words of the Japanese designers "Even though you try to open it 'in your hands', it isn’t easy to open. You may not think you need a desk, but it sincerely is helpful to solve the puzzle." Or maybe that will only confuse you more.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Maple wood.
Size outside: 48mm x 34mm x 42mm Space inside: 25mm x 25mm x 25mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. It is not the hardest puzzle box in this series but its a very interesting play on the idea of a traditional Japanese puzzle box with a very elegant solution.
The designers words about this puzzle are: "I believe you can find the first step easily. The second moves in unexpected way that is different from standard Secret Boxes. And the third step is the solution. The first and second steps are the keys of the third step. But, add to this, the first and second steps are useful for how to move the third step."
This very special puzzle box is crafted in teak wood.
Size outside: 50mm x 50mm x 40mm Space inside: 18mm x 20mm x 25mm
Not very big but a challenging 7 moves to open. To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Perfect gift box for that very special small gift. Imagine if someone has to find these moves before they can receive their gift? Perhaps you're giving a very special piece of jewellery, perhaps a ring, maybe even a diamond? This will certainly prolong the suspense.
Size: 2 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 60mm x 46mm x 37mm Space inside: 35mm x 32mm x 25mm Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside. Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding panels hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. There are 10 separate moves or 10 steps to open this box. A fantastic way to prolong the excitement of giving a gift. Imagine Dad on Father's Day or you brother at Christmas trying to open this trick opening puzzle box.
Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 120mm x 83mm x 52mm Space inside: 80mm x 63mm x 38mm Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Even the bottom and top panels move with this one. There are 21 separate moves or 21 steps to open this trick opening puzzle box. Just the thing if you really want a challenge. Or what a way to prolong the gift giving if the person has to find all these moves to get their present.
Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 119mm x 83mm x 52mm Space inside: 73mm x 60mm x 32mm Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
This is a new type Secret Opening Japanese Puzzle Box. To open this Japanese puzzle box and reveal the secret compartment you must make 18 moves in the correct order. Unlike the traditional secret box, like the Koyosegi 2 and 4 sun boxes we also sell, where only 4 faces of the box move, all 6 surfaces of this box must slide in a set combination to allow this box to be opened. Even if you've solved Japanese puzzle boxes before this one can be a little tricky!
This very special puzzle box is made of walnut with decorative strips of contrasting coloured woods on all six sides beautifully inlaid. The box is made from Walnut and the inlaid woods are: White - Maple Red/Purple - Purple Heart Black - Wenge Size outside: 80mm x 80mm x 80mm Space inside: 35mm x 30mm x 30mm
To open this Japanese puzzle box you must slide hidden panels in order. There are 21 moves to make in the correct order and still this box holds one more secret. One more move is required to find the second secret compartment. Can you find the yen coin as well?
This very special puzzle box is made of walnut with decorative strips of contrasting coloured woods on both top and bottom. There are 4 different designs to choose from - pick the desired design code from the drop down box. The finish on all aspects of this box is amazing; even other sliding panels on the walnut face are well matched so that they are almost impossible to see.
Size: 5 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length - 3.03cm to be exact) Actual size outside: 150mm x 100mm x 68mm Space inside: 100mm x 76mm x 42mm Space inside extra compartment is really only for paper or coins or something like that. Size: 3mm x 30mm x 75mm Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside.
This very beautifully made puzzle box is in the shape of a house. There are 7 well disguised moves to open this puzzle box. It was only after 1870 that Mr Ohkawa started to develop more complex "tricks" to open the boxes; the first Himitsu-Bako made in Hakone. Himitsu-Bako means Secret Box in Japanese and these boxes are commonly known as a "Personal Secret Box".
These boxes are sourced directly from Japan. They intricately designed and handmade by Japanese Craftsmen; a very high quality work of art. Packaged in a lovely gift box with a brochure explaining the history of Himitsu-Bako. A solution is provided.
Size of base 120mm x 75mm Height: 93mm Space inside: 43mm x 45mm and the height at the apex of the roof is 57mm
This very beautifully made puzzle box is in the shape of a house. There are 12 well disguised moves to open this puzzle box. It was only after 1870 that Mr Ohkawa started to develop more complex "tricks" to open the boxes; the first Himitsu-Bako made in Hakone. Himitsu-Bako means Secret Box in Japanese and these boxes are commonly known as a "Personal Secret Box".
These boxes are sourced directly from Japan. They intricately designed and handmade by Japanese Craftsmen; a very high quality work of art. Packaged in a lovely gift box with a brochure explaining the history of Himitsu-Bako. A solution is provided.
Size of base 150mm x 77mm Height: 105mm Space inside: 84mm x 46mm and the height at the apex of the roof is 67mm
The objective of the puzzle is to separate the two halves of the apple.
A beautiful example of an impossible dovetail, made for generations in wood, but being precision made in alumnium you can't beat the accuracy.
Once you open it you'll discover a nice lock, not too difficult and space inside to put a small ring. It must be a ring because like any other apple it has a core; but there's a space around the core. An alternative to a more traditional puzzle box to present a ring.
Size: Diameter of the apple is 33mm. Maximum outside diameter of ring inside is 25mm. Diameter of the apple core is 12mm.
The puzzle is to open the puzzle box. The Bearer of Secrets is an unusal savings box with an invisible seal. Putting money in the Trick Box is childsplay. But how do you get it out again? You can shake this stylish and modern savings bank and tug it towards you - it's no use. You can only prise the secrets out of the Trick Box if you know which part of the box you have to tug on. Try it! Good design becomes a reliable bearer of secrets. We also have a similar puzzle in a budget wooden version. Click here.
The puzzle is to get your money out! Adding money to your stash is easy, but to get it out you'll need to solve the puzzle of how to open the money box.
A very high quality precision engineered product from very sleek black polycarbonate by German designers Troika. This puzzle has the same opening mechanism as the aluminum cube version but much more dexterity is required.
The puzzle is to get your money out! Adding money to your stash is easy, but to get it out you'll need to solve the puzzle of how to open the money box.
This puzzle jewellery box has a single move so it's not too complicated but tricky for the novice. Lovely geometric shape carving and brass vine leaf design in the lid.
Size - 250mm x 150mm x 80mm (space inside the box is 203mm x 102mm x 40mm) Boxes are made from Indian Rosewood also known as Sheesham wood with brass inlay decoration. They are hand made in India and whilst not the quality or complexity of the Japanese made boxes this is reflected in the price.
There's a slight trick to get the lid open. Not very complicated but it can be a bit of a trap for those new to puzzles. Lovely carving and brass vine leaf design in the lid.
Size - 200mm x 125mm x 55mm (space inside the box is 175mm x 100mm x 45mm) Boxes are made from Indian Rosewood also known as Sheesham wood with brass inlay decoration. They are hand made in India and whilst not the quality or complexity of the Japanese made boxes this is reflected in the price.
There's a slight trick to get the lid open. Not very complicated but it can be a bit of a trap for the uninitiated. The box sits on small legs and there's more decorative carving and slightly larger than the other boxes.
Size - 250mm x 150mm x 80mm (space inside the box is 203mm x 102mm x 40mm) Boxes are made from Indian Rosewood also known as Sheesham wood with brass inlay decoration. They are hand made in India and whilst not the quality or complexity of the Japanese made boxes this is reflected in the price.
Edward Hordern Puzzle Exchange - Gold Coast, Australia, August 2007 Presented by Bill Darrah. Made by Brian Young @ Mr Puzzle Australia. Designed by Bill Darrah.
The puzzle is to disassemble and reassemble the 12 piece burr so that all the decorative routing is symmetrical. The puzzle can go together in two different ways. A very elegant design by Bill Darrah who is well known for designing very difficult puzzles. As well as being a burr it is actually a box with an inside space of 45mm x 45mm x 45mm.
Only the Rooster left of the 12 different Mongolian zodiac animals. Each of these animals has a different set of pieces and therefore a different solution. There is a small space inside each box to allow storage of a trinket. The puzzles range in difficulty but in general they are similar to the easiest of the Japanese puzzle boxes or the small mystery box.
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle series is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. The box has an obviously separate bottom so you seem to have a clue about where to start but that just makes it more intriguing.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Rengas wood.
Size outside: 47mm x 47mm x 47mm Space inside: 25mm x 25mm x 20mm
Mr Puzzle - We've got puzzles! 
Choose from traditional Japanese Trick opening puzzle boxes or tricky little Chinese mystery boxes, even a secret opening wooden box especially designed to hold money or tickets. Often called Chinese puzzle boxes, Oriental puzzles boxes or even Asian puzzle boxes, in reality what we instantly recognise as a puzzle box is actually a Japanese puzzle box. We have a full range of these and also other trick or secret opening boxes. Use them to hide a secret, present a gift with an extra challenge, or just for the fun of trying of open them. Also a high quality range of mystery opening money boxes reflecting their precision German design. 
