Are you on the hunt for the perfect toy that can entertain your child and help their development? If so, we’re here to help you in your quest. We’ve put together a list of the best puzzles for toddlers and kids.
In fact, puzzles are a great way to get your child away from technology. It allows children to use their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities (1).
Interested? Let’s get started.
Finding the Perfect Puzzle
With such a huge selection available, it can be difficult knowing where to start. Also, some parents find it challenging to find the right puzzle for their child’s age. Let’s work out some of the kinks first, and go through our favorites later.
Toddlers
Toddlers love animals, colors, textures, and new things to explore. There are lots of great puzzles available.
That said, keep in mind that some puzzles are designed for bigger toddlers, closer to the preschool age. These may have smaller pieces which can become a hazard, or are simply too challenging for a young mind.
For young toddlers (ages 1 to 2), puzzles are typically made out of wood. They usually feature a small number of large 2D or 3D pieces which your child has to figure out how to rotate to make them fit. Some puzzles are similar to a jigsaw, while others may be a box with various cutouts.
Preschoolers
Children aged 3 to 5 can easily take on more educational puzzles. Everything from learning the ABCs to more advanced jigsaw puzzles. There will be smaller but more numerous pieces to the puzzles.
An educational puzzle is a super fun way for your preschooler to learn words and numbers. These puzzles could be alphabet cutouts, planet puzzles, maybe even a map.
The best thing is that your child will learn without feeling bored or forced.
Older Children
As children exit the preschool stage, puzzles will become more advanced. There are still lots of options when it comes to interesting educational puzzles. But as they get older, something more challenging, like a 1000-piece jigsaw, might be more fun.
3D puzzles are also an exciting option for bigger children. These can resemble animals, buildings, or other large objects. Some 3D puzzles are also quite large, so your child might see it as a huge triumph once finished. Just make sure you have enough floor space!
The Best Puzzles for Toddlers and Kids of 2020
Now you have this information, we hope you’ll find it easier to choose the best puzzle for your child’s age. Keep reading to see our list of the best puzzles for toddlers and kids.
1. Melissa & Doug Solar System Puzzle
This extra large floor puzzle could be just the tool for your child to get to know the solar system. The set features 48 thick pieces that are easy for children, aged 3 and up, to handle. The pieces also have a glossy finish so they’re easy to clean.
The artwork is incredible and, to make it even more educational, the names of the planets are listed on the puzzle as well, so spelling practice is an option too.
2. Ravensburger Horse Dream Puzzle
Let your child’s imagination run free as they assemble this colorful puzzle. When finished, the puzzle will show a magical unicorn, rainbow, and butterflies.
When finished the puzzle measures 14 inches by 19 inches. To make it even more girly, the puzzle pieces are decked out in glitter. It features 100 pieces — an excellent size for children aged 6 and up.
3. The Learning Journey Spelling Puzzle
Learning to spell can be quite a challenge for some kids. Luckily though, there are ways to make it accessible and less daunting.
With these self-correcting puzzles, your child has to match the pieces to form the correct words and pictures. It could be a great learning tool for children aged 4+.
The 20-piece set features only three or four-letter words. There are also other sets available which feature letters, upper and lowercase, even rhymes.
4. Gybber&Mumu Colorful Shape Puzzle
Young toddlers love bright colors and fun shapes, therefore, this puzzle could be an excellent choice. It features large, wooden shapes, and your tot has to figure out how to place them on the board.
The manufacturer created this puzzle with all the safety concerns in mind for children aged 12 months and up. The pieces are large, smooth, and have been painted with water-based paints, so it’s safe for your child to bite the pieces.
5. Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Puzzle
This 60-piece puzzle is great for dinosaur-loving children aged 5 to 7. It features some of the most popular dinosaurs, with a volcano ready to erupt in the background.
The puzzle is made out of a durable cardboard material. It’s an excellent way for children to use their problem-solving skills as they put the pieces together.
6. BeginAgain Animal Parade Puzzle
This alphabet animal parade was designed with clever little 2-year-olds in mind. It features a variety of animals that hook together in an impressive display. While mom or dad could help a toddler with this one, due to the challenging configuration, it may be more suitable for preschoolers.
Made from eco-friendly rubberwood, each animal piece has a letter. On one side you’ll see the letter in uppercase, the other side shows the lowercase. A wooden storage case is included.
7. Melissa & Doug 3D Medieval Castle
Children aged 6 and up might be feeling brave enough to take on a 3D puzzle. This medieval castle is made up of over 100 cardboard pieces, number coded for ease of assembly. It features everything from a dragon to knights in shining armor.
One of the best parts about this puzzle is that once assembled, your child will not only feel a great sense of achievement, they’ll have the castle to play with long past the assembly date.
8. Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Puzzle
This safari-themed jigsaw puzzle features 24 pieces and stretches 2 feet by 3 feet when assembled. It presents a child-friendly African artwork depicting animals belonging to the savanna, such as an elephant and a giraffe.
The pieces are extra large and thick, suitable for children from 3 years. What’s more, they’re also easy to keep clean due to the glossy finish.
9. iPlay, iLearn Wooden Solar System
Outer space is a mystery waiting to be explored — your child may already be interested in stars, planets, and aliens. This unusual wooden puzzle is great for children aged 3 and up.
It features 48 large pieces that fit together to form a circle. The pieces are made out of natural, non-toxic wood. The edges are also smooth to prevent any unwanted splinters.
10. Joyin Toy Educational Sorting Puzzles
In this package, your toddler will receive four 3D wooden puzzles. Each one features a unique puzzle with shapes and colors. It’s been designed to develop hand-eye coordination, counting, sorting, stacking, and more.
The pieces are large, colorful, and made of wood, plus they’re also free of any toxins — making them safe for children aged 18 months and older.
11. White Mountain Puzzles Candy Wrappers
Children aged 12 and up might like a more challenging puzzle. Something like this 1000-piece jigsaw could really test their limits and resolve.
It’s large, colorful, and decked out in brightly-colored candy wrappers. You might just find your favorite candy among them? For the parents, they’ll have a walk down memory lane as well, with some old-school candy brands included.
12. The Learning Journey USA Map
If you’re looking to teach your little one early geography skills, this puzzle could help. It features 40 large pieces representing the 50 US states. Each state includes a landmark or fun fact and the pieces are slightly raised for easy placing and lifting.
For ages 3 and up, but given the content, we think older children would also greatly benefit from this one.
13. Ravensburger 3D World Globe Puzzle
This amazing globe puzzle was designed for children ages 7 to 12 years. With 180 pieces, the high-quality, peel-resistant pieces click into place when correctly assembled.
Once your child has completed the 3D puzzle, which is almost 8 inches in diameter, they can put it on the display stand that comes with the set. You never know, the globe might just become a centerpiece on your child’s dresser.
The Last Piece of the Puzzle
No doubt, assembling a puzzle can be great fun as well as challenging. Not only is it a family bonding activity, but your child gets to work on their patience and problem-solving skills. Once the puzzle is completed, your child will surely feel accomplished.
Even though all the puzzles on our list are great, we have to favor the Melissa & Doug Solar System Puzzle. The artwork is beautiful and the size makes it even more likable.
Do you like to join your child when assembling puzzles? Interested in trying a 3D puzzle? Which one is your favorite? Please share or leave a comment (or two) below.
