The Savvy Five: Puzzles
It definitely can be puzzling to choose a puzzle, but we’ve done some research this month to bring you our latest Savvy Five on puzzles.
Fidoodle Jigsaw Puppet Puzzle
Good for: Collaborative storytelling
Why It Made the List: When is a puzzle not a puzzle? When it’s a Fidoodle. These hand-printed puppet puzzle sets are based on classic stories such as Cinderella and include a variety of characters that can be used as puppets (with the included sticks) or as free-standing figures to act out the story, which is included in the accompanying booklet). Handmade by mom entrepreneur Jen Bulthuis with wood from well-managed forests and non-toxic inks, and packaged in organic cotton twill, these heirloom-quality puzzles ($135) create a limited eco-footprint while growing the artful process of imagining for kids of all ages. (Available at PlanetKid.ca)
Ravensburger 2 x 20
Good for: The old school puzzle fan
Why It Made the List: Everybody loves a two-for-one deal and puzzlers are no exception. In our experience, Ravensburger makes some of the highest quality puzzles out there, with their well-fitting pieces, grained paper (think glare-free) and exceptional durability. You can’t go wrong with any of their vast assortment of puzzles, but kids love the 2 x 20 series, which come with all the pieces to make two different puzzles at the same time, and are available in a variety of different scenes (age 4 and up). (Available at Mastermind.ca, $10.95)
My Woodness Me Name Puzzle Stool
Good for: Learning to spell your name AND reaching the sink at the same time
Why It Made the List: A long-time Savvy fave, name puzzle stools look great, are very durable and give children a little real estate pride, no matter where the stool ends up in the house (we use ours in the bathroom). The removable letters fit in place only in the intended order so children can use them to help learn how to spell their name. They make a great baby shower or birthday gift for a young child ($65, 8 letters). (Available at Name Your Tune)
GeoPuzzle
Good for: The budding geographer or the ‘wish I was travelling’ type
Why It Made the List: The pieces of each GeoPuzzle are shaped like individual countries, so children learn geography as they put the puzzle together. GeoPuzzles help to build fine motor, cognitive, language, and problem-solving skills, and are a great introduction to world geography for children 4 and up. Jumbo sized and brightly colored GeoPuzzles ($18) are available for all 5 major continents and are made with recycled material. But most of all, they make learning geography a world of fun! (Available at Canadian Home Education Resources)
Rush Hour Game Jr. Traffic Jam Puzzle
Good for: An early introduction to strategy games and the car enthusiast
Why It Made the List: Kids love the challenge of trying to help the ice cream truck break out of the traffic gridlock and get safely home before the ice cream melts. The gameboard comes with 16 playing pieces and a set of cards with 40 challenges. Players match the car and truck playing pieces to the colour-coded puzzle card and slide their car to the single exit. For kids age 8 and up, there is also the original Rush Hour game, which offers harder challenges for the players to determine where to move their pieces. (Available at Mastermind.ca, $19.95)
So think outside the (puzzle) box and leave the puzzling stuff to the kids.