July 2012 Notable Toys — Puzzles & Skill

Six large pieces make this puzzle ideal for those beginning puzzlers with Little Hands. Six colorful farm shapes with a colorful associated piece to match up and a farmer to help.

Pack the ice so that every puzzle tile can fit on the game board and all the penguins are in the right spot. A super cool game of logic with 5 unique shape-shifting pentomino playing pieces. 60 challenges from easy to difficult.

Playful Puzzles featuring Artwork of Pop Artist Romeo Britto. This puzzle features a bold and vibrant birdhouse and bird in the sunshine. Color variances, playful patterns and bold, black lines are the ideal reference points for a fun and challenging puzzle. 24 x 36 inches; 24 big, color pieces.

This 100 piece glow in the dark puzzle was designed by Schim Schimmel. Features a snowy baby seal and his little penguin friend. Puzzle Size: 15" x 11".
— In July 2014 Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told TDmonthly, "We love Ceaco puzzles; they sell very quickly."

Three great, rugged puzzles of increasing difficulty. 6-piece, 9-piece, 12-piece. Perfect for little fingers. Comes in a wonderful, brightly-illustrated storage/carrying case. Puzzles are 8 X 10. Package is 6”W X 6”H X 6”D. Ages 2+. Crocodile Creek products conform to all of the appropriate safety standards.
— In a July 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.

This large format jigsaw puzzle features a photograph by Brian Lawrence of Big Ben in London, England. The puzzle contains 300 pieces and measures 21.25 by 15 inches. Large format puzzles feature over-sized pieces that are easier to handle than regular puzzles, making them easier for children.

Instead of jigsaw pieces, this puzzle is made up of distinct, smooth-edged, and glare-free shapes that combine to form a picturesque moment in time and pull apart to show that moment in black and white underneath! But this puzzle also reveals in those who complete it the ability to strategize, manipulate space, and exercise manual dexterity. Ravensburger puzzle pieces are extra durable to withstand the demands of little hands and promote the development of fine motor skills, association, task completion and independent play.
— In a July 2013 survey, five out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.
— In a July 2014 survey, four out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.

Chunky Puzzles are 2-in-1. Put the fat chunky pieces in place on the board, matching by picture and shape. Or stand them up, move them about, and play pretend.

Ravensburger’s Augmented Reality technology makes puzzles come to life. Download the free AR Puzzle app from the App Store that utilizes the camera function of the iPhone or iPad versions 2 and 3 to animate the scene. Experience a totally new visual reality and reveal audio details, sound effects and factual information. Watch these fascinating animals roam through their natural habitat and listen to the sounds of Africa.
— As of 07/23/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Great picture quality; has a nice mix of easy and difficult sections; AR component can help encourage kids to play with a more traditional toy (you have to complete the puzzle before you can unlock the digital components). Cons: One reviewer said the interlocking pieces were looser than is usual for a Ravensburger puzzle; only works with iPhone or iPad.

Place the puzzle pieces inside the trucks so that they don't stick out. There is only one solution, yet 48 challenges. These little trucks combine a great puzzle with a fun toy. Trucky 3 is made from sustainably-harvested, eco-friendly wood from rubber trees, and plastic.
— As of 07/20/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Portable; fun even for younger kids who don't understand the challenges; variety of challenges provide lasting fun for kids of different skill levels. Cons: Answer key is easy for kids to see.

Brain twisting game of 40 challenges. Four challenge levels accommodate the skills of everyone in the family. Develops reasoning abilities and fine motor skills. Tactile, dual-colored design. Includes folding hexagon puzzle, booklet with 40 challenges.

Ten fun origami brainteasers with solutions. Created by famed puzzle inventor Ivan Moscovich. Build mathematical thinking, logic abilities, fine motor skills and patience. Heavy-duty laminated puzzles designed for repeated folding and multiple uses.

Hand crafted from hardwood the 38 piece hand held version of Mentagy measures just over 6" x 6". To play simply mark the blank spaces with the black pegs and seed letters with the red letters. Players are now ready to use the remaining white letters to solve the puzzle. One advantage of the wooden Mentagy ™ set is that players can solve the puzzles without using an eraser. If a player is in the middle of solving a puzzle and has to stop, they simply place the top on the base and the pegs cannot move. Take the Mentagy ™ set anywhere and continue where the game was left off.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner
— As of 12/6/2012 Mentagy: The Next Puzzle Craze (the book) had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.

Join Puff and friends in the magical land of Honalee.  Act out the story with these stand-up puzzle pieces.  Story is printed on back of puzzle board for adult to read as child plays.  A classic, beautifully constructed, wood puzzle fitting of this timeless tale.  6 puzzle pieces and  board are made from premium birch ply-wood. Map of Honalee, Puff and Friends are printed directly to the wood for a nostalgic look and added durability. Launch date: August 2012.

A classic, beautifully constructed, wood jigsaw puzzle fitting of this timeless tale. Display and play. This puzzle is so beautiful that when not in play it makes a fabulous décor addition to your child’s room. Puff and Friends are printed directly to the wood for a nostalgic look and added durability. Images printed on both sides furthers the quality while making the puzzle more challenging. Launch date: August 2012.

Plus-Plus is a brand new breed of construction toy. Made in Denmark (the land of LEGO!), it is the ultimate in open-ended, imagination-driven simplicity. Each piece is the same shape - two plus symbols joined together - allowing for endless possibility. Available in Basic or Neon colors, and in 100pc, 300pc, 600pc and 1200pc. MSRP from 9.99 to 59.99. Launch date: July 2012.
— In a September 2014 survey, Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that Plus Plus is one of the store's best-selling novelty items.

Our unique package design has made these puzzles instant best-sellers. Great themes and illustrations. Unique compelling design. Eye-catching, reusable package. Each 100-pc puzzle is 8" x 12". Pouch is 5.5"W x 7.25"H x 2" D. For ages 5 & up. Crocodile creek products conform to all of the appropriate safety standards.
— Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that they sell 10 of this item each month.
— In a July 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.

Four (bulldozer, fire truck, school bus, train engine) new shaped puzzles made from 1/8" hardwood plywood. They are approximately 11" high and 12" long. Each colorful puzzle has 11 to 12 interlocking pieces. Each puzzle is printed with durable, bright non-toxic inks. Puzzles come shrink wrapped and have a drawstring pouch for each storage. "Our product is made here in the USA," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager for Maple Landmark Woodcraft told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2012.

These unique National Geographic puzzles are great for puzzle fans who love animals and nature. Puzzles come in four themes: Into the Wild, Natural Wonders, Monumental Marvels, and World Travel.

Easy to learn and quick to play, Quadefy uses visual spatial skills and strategies to keep players on their toes. When playing Quadefy, players have to think a little bit strategist and a little bit puzzle builder. Players take turns stacking their game pieces on the base, each attempting to keep their entire game piece "in bounds." "In bounds" means that the piece must be completely over the game base and no more than four "cubes" high. The first player to force their opponent to have to play out of bounds wins. Every move is both offensive and defensive. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Quadefy is pretty enough to be left out on the coffee table or bookshelf to be played again and again. Playing time: 3-5 minutes; 2 players.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys

In Pathagon, players take turns placing their wooden game pieces on the board in an attempt to build a path from one side of the game board to the other. There is a "trapping" move that allows a player to "trap" and remove one of their opponents game pieces from the board. The first player to complete the path wins. The catch is that the two paths cross. Every move has an offensive and defensive consideration. Pathagon is simple enough to be played by children, strategic enough to engage a true gamer. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Pathagon is pretty enough to be left out on the coffee table or bookshelf to be played again and again. Playing time: 10-20 minutes; 2 player game.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys

The Pharaoh's Egypt puzzle captures a significant event of historical relevance in ancient Egypt. Details that define the location or time are vividly portrayed throughout this 300-piece puzzle.  Icons depicting the historical theme border the finished puzzle and are hidden within the artwork.  A day in the life of the Egyptians along the Nile of Pharaoh’s time becomes a second game once the pieces are in place. Look around the border and deep inside the scene to “find it” – a list of 40 Egyptian items from sandals, sword, necklace, wine jar and pottery, to animals like a cobra, crocodile, leopard, jackals and monkey. Instead of putting the pieces back in the box for another day, consider framing the handsome historic scene. The included key explains the significance of each found object. Puzzle features vibrant artwork from painter Rachel Land and are suitable for framing. Finished puzzle measures 20.75" x 15".
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20

Among the most difficult, as well as among the most beautiful Scramble Squares® puzzles, the Hummingbirds Scramble Squares® is a wonderful gift for bird enthusiasts, naturalists, gardeners and for anyone needing a little humility.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys

Both men and women are among the amazing athletes whose gravity defying feats, grace, speed and endurance are depicted on this modern basketball Scramble Squares® puzzle.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys