July 2010 New Specialty Toys — Puzzles & Skill

The Living Seas jigsaw puzzle series with vibrant colors and popular sea life combine in each aquatic image. Dive into the mysteries of the deep with the playful images of The Living Seas. Relax and explore the underwater world of dolphins, whales and tortoises in each of these vibrant scenes.

Buffalo Games' Shorelines 500pc jigsaw puzzles allows one to discover peace and serenity along the water's edge. Each masterful painting such as this Dawn's Early Light, was selected to provide the perfect escape and captures the spirit of our most impressive maritime landscapes.

Dennis Lewan 1000pc jigsaw puzzle American Holiday is inspired by the Old Masters. Lewan relies on his extensive collection of refernces, accumulated over some twenty years, to capture the nostalgic lifestyle of the 18th and 19th centuries.

This unique African Spots 700-piece specially-shaped jigsaw puzzle features an upgraded, thicker puzzle board.

The 658-piece Classic Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle of Castle Neuschwanstein is 15.75" by 20.75" in size. Jeff Elridge, manager at Liberty Puzzles, told TDmonthly, "No two pieces in any puzzle are alike, and each puzzle features dozens of intricate, charming whimsy pieces."

A 443-piece large wooden jigsaw of Vincent Van Gogh's "Blossoming Chestnut Branches" painting, this puzzle measures 16.25" x 12.75". Liberty Puzzles Manager Jeff Elridge told TDmonthly, "Our puzzle designs are modeled after some of the most intricate jigsaw puzzles ever made."

Reeves International's innovative brain bender features its most recognizable animal and symbol for conservation: the Panda. The package includes a 15-piece Panda themed beechwood 3D puzzle and playing instructions. The wood used in this toy is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, signifying compliance with the highest environmental standards. Launch date: 2010.

These hardwood maple and cherry chess pieces are made in Vermont. The pieces are blocks with a traditional characters engraved on two sides. All the pieces are 1" wide and 1" deep, varying in height depending on the strength of the character. The pawn stands at 1.25" tall and the Queen is 2.25" tall. Each set comes with a cloth pouch for piece storage when not in use. Barbara Rainville, marketing manager for Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "Each piece has a diagram to show how that character moves engraved on the bottom — for new players or those just a bit rusty." Launch date: March 13, 2010.

The Name Puzzle Stool can be personalized with child's name and has a back that flips down so child can use it as a step stool. Launch date: April 2010.