Strands #580 (Oct 4): theme and spangram

Item Details
Theme Bring it home
Spangram SOUVENIRS

Hints for today’s grid (spoiler‑light)

  • Think mementos you bring back from a trip.
  • Common items you’d see in a tourist gift shop.
  • Starting fragments that can help you trace paths: PO, JE, SH, MA, KE, SP.

Full answers for Strands #580

Word What it refers to
SOUVENIRS (spangram) Travel keepsakes; the unifying idea across the grid
POSTCARD Picture card you mail or keep to remember a place
JEWELRY Ornamental pieces, often featuring local materials or motifs
SHIRT Wearable memento, typically printed with location graphics
MAGNET Fridge magnet showcasing landmarks or city names
SPOON Collectible spoon with a decorative emblem
KEYCHAIN Keyring charm tied to a destination or attraction

Quick primer: how Strands works

Strands plays out on a 6×8 letter grid where every letter is used exactly once. You trace answers through adjoining letters in any direction, and paths can turn. Each puzzle has a hidden theme that ties all answers together, plus one “spangram” that names the theme and spans from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge. Find non‑theme words to bank hints; typically, three valid non‑theme finds unlock an extra nudge. Theme words highlight in blue when found; the spangram highlights in yellow.

If you’re still mid‑solve, focus on two items that clearly belong together; once you spot that pair, the rest of the grid tends to fall into place.