Since the right puzzle will largely depend on your child’s age, finding the right one can be a bit tedious. However, there are some features that a puzzle should have no matter what age you’re shopping for: a clearly defined image, non-toxic materials, and pieces that will click and stay together easily. We researched popular puzzles from trusted brands with these features in mind. These are the best puzzles for kids on the market today. Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $10 Reviewers praise this puzzle as a great gift and an excellent tool in helping kids learn to spell their name. Custom options include a choice of letter color, engraving on the back, pegs on the letters, and more. Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $15 Parents praise this puzzle with the only drawback being that the puzzle image doesn’t include labels identifying the animals. Price at time of publication: $17 Each piece has an uppercase letter on one side and a lowercase letter on the flip side. Younger kids will enjoy playing with all the animals and older children can be challenged to complete the parade puzzle. The beechwood storage box holds all the animals and looks bright and colorful in a playroom or displayed on a bookshelf. Price at time of publication: $35
Babies: Most puzzles are designed for children over 2, as puzzle pieces can be choking hazards for smaller children. Puzzles that are safe for children under 2 are often large overall and feature a few large pieces instead of many small ones. The se puzzles encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills.Toddlers: Puzzles with large knob pieces work best for children ages 2 to 3. Playing with these puzzles develops fine motor skills, and kids can work their way up to puzzles with more pieces.Big kids: Children around the age of 7 and up can handle puzzles with more pieces and can even solve them independently. Depending on your child’s age, they may be able to solve up to a 500-piece puzzle.Tweens and teens: With guidance and patience, tweens and older can solve just about any puzzle they’re given, and will build fine motor and strategic thinking skills while they do.
Durability
For little kids that like to gnaw on their toys, a durable and non-toxic puzzle is essential. Most large puzzles designed for smaller children are made from wood. It’s a sturdy material that many companies cover with a non-toxic finish, in case a child puts a piece into their mouth. For older kids, you’ll want a puzzle that fits together well, with pieces that don’t rip or warp with handling.
Storage
There is nothing worse than losing a piece to a puzzle. Going for a puzzle that comes with its own storage box can help you corral all of the tiny pieces.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Her husband is a “puzzle person” and loves to complete puzzles with (or more realistically without) help from the rest of the family. “When we do puzzles together, everyone has an age-appropriate task that’ll help us complete the puzzle,” Maya says.
