November 2007 New Toys — Puzzles & Skill

F-117 Stealth Fighter Wooden Puzzle by PUZZLED, INC.

Assembling Size: 10.5"L x 9"W x 9.5"H 9/7/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Self-Checking Math Puzzles – Series of 6 by GARLIC PRESS

Each set contains 10, 6”, two-sided puzzles. One side of the puzzle contains basic math facts, and the other side has a photograph. Each puzzle has its own clear plastic tray and lid.  Math facts are solved in the bottom tray (the answers are all the shame shape). The lid is closed and the puzzle is turned over. If the photo is jumbled, the math facts have not been completed correctly. Launch date: September 2007. 8/29/2007 (Price: $15.95)

Don't Break the Bottle™ by FAMILY GAMES INC.

Pour friends a stiff measure of mischief with the game’s fine selection of wine bottle puzzles, initiating sparkling dinner conversation at the next family get-together, holiday celebration or corporate event. Players can use a standard wine, champagne, liquor, vinegar or olive oil bottle to play the game. The Don’t Break the Bottle series includes the Original, Caddy, Corkscrew, Press and Vise versions. The MSRP is between $10.00 and $15.00. 8/24/2007 (Price: $19.98)

Romantic Anniversary Puzzle by J.C. AYER & COMPANY

J.C. Ayer can turn a treasured photo into an heirloom-quality jigsaw puzzle, such as this design that includes a wedding photo with drop-out lettering of the wedding date. A cut above typical cardboard photo puzzles, these hand-crafted wooden jigsaw puzzles transform images into masterpieces. Prices for custom puzzles are as follows: 8” x 10” (about 160 pieces) - $190; 11” x 14” (about 350 pieces) - $320; and 16” x 20” (about 700 pieces) - $550.
— “The custom puzzles can include the customers’ own picture, [plus] special shapes and letters, and the whole puzzle can be shaped uniquely,” Founder Jim Ayer of J.C. Ayer & Company told TDmonthly. 8/22/2007

The Elephant and the Mouse by J.C. AYER & COMPANY

Part of J.C. Ayer’s Exotic Art Collection, this 13.75” x 8.75” wooden puzzle features the Hindu God of Welcome and the Patron Saint of Drummers. 8/22/2007 (Price: $200.00)

Jungle Scene by J.C. AYER & COMPANY

Part of the Haitian Artwork Collection offered by J.C. Ayer, this scene by Millevoix is captured on a 14.5” x 19.25” wooden puzzle. “Our puzzles have extremely intricate shapes because we use a custom-designed water jet system rather than a jigsaw to cut the puzzles. The images on the puzzles are seen nowhere else,” Founder Jim Ayer of J.C. Ayer & Company told TDmonthly. 8/22/2007 (Price: $470.00)

Alphabet Sound Puzzle I by MELISSA & DOUG

With this wooden puzzle, kids can hear the names of 26 letters and objects that begin with the letters.
— Puzzles by Melissa & Doug, especially the company’s sound puzzles, are best sellers at Red Wagon Toy Co. in Woodstock, Vt., Owner Kim Smith told TDmonthly in summer 2007.
— Puzzles and other products by Melissa & Doug are also best sellers at Clever Kids in Rochester, Minn. “The prices are great and the product is of high quality,” Owner Michelle Beyer told TDmonthly in late 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $19.99)

15 Puzzle - Sliding Numbers by WOOD EXPRESSIONS INC.

In the late 1870's, the Fifteen Puzzle was widely introduced in the United States by Sam Loyd who stirred-up interest for the game by promoting a contest.  He offered a thousand dollar reward to the first person who could solve his number sliding puzzle.  The contest puzzle tiles were arranged in numerical order with only the 14 and 15 tiles reversed.  You then have to skillfully and systematically slide the tiles with out removing them from the board until you recover the original numerical sequence of 1-15 as show on the box.  The one thousand dollar reward for the first correct solution remains unclaimed, and people continue to rack their brains.  This item will be shipping in our exclusive and beautiful Value Line packaging. 8/14/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brainpaths by ANIMALATIONS

This plastic plastic device features engraved (or raised) grooves that form a path. Since the fingertip is a superhighway to the brain, fingertip movement along the paths provides tactile brain stimulation. Brainpath uses the fingertip's touch receptors (over 3,000) to stimulate the brain in the same way Braille stimulates the brain. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations, Brainpath tools will teach kids to focus — a skill they will need when learning to read. This product is a 2007 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence award winner. Launch date: October 2007. 8/2/2007 (Price: $19.95)