TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Puzzles & Skill Product Category

Under the Sea Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

Measuring 48” x 18” when assembled, this expansive, 100-piece floor puzzle from Melissa & Doug features an illustrated cross-section of ocean life from the sea floor to the water's sunny surface. Fish, vegetation and bottom-dwelling creatures mingle in vivid colors. The extra-thick pieces are designed to be durable and easy to handle.
― “The Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles. You can't go wrong with those,” said Genevieve Collonge, manager of The Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, Calif., of her top-selling puzzles in June 2010.
― “[Our top seller] has been the floor puzzles from Melissa & Doug. [It's] always done really well, and we keep a nice big selection,” said Jason Curtis, owner of Funtopia in Middletown, Calif., in summer 2010.
― Nine of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles are some of their best-selling puzzles. 7/21/2010 (Price: $12.99)

Wonders of the World Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

Teenagers, adults and families can assemble this challenging 2,000-piece puzzle to a finished size of 38.5” x 29.5”. The picture is a richly colored montage of the world's great wonders, from ancient Stonehenge to the majestic Statue of Liberty. The photos are clustered around an image of the globe.
― “Ravensburger is my top brand,” said Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, during a summer 2010 survey.
― “For the most part, our business is under 12, but we sell a surprising amount of the adult [Ravensburger] puzzles,” remarked John Naisbitt, owner of Thinker Things in Solana Beach, Calif., in June 2010.
― Nine of 40 retailers listed Ravensburger 1,000-piece puzzles as top-selling puzzles in summer 2010. 7/21/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dress Up Duel Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

This durable, 35-piece puzzle measures 11.5” x 8.25” when complete. Assembled, it features a softly watercolored illustration of two happy little ones roleplaying a sword-fighting princess and a mighty dragon in a room full of toys and dress-up accessories.
― “We always do well with Ravensburger because of the quality,” said Diane Sartain, owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 2010.
― Sandy Jones, owner of The Learning Faire in Napa, Calif., said in summer 2010 that “anything less than 65 pieces” from Ravensburger makes up her best-selling puzzles.
― Fifteen of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in June 2010 that Ravensburger is their best-selling puzzle brand. 7/21/2010 (Price: $9.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Under the Sea Giant Floor Puzzle by INNOVATIVEKIDS

Packaged in a reusable tote box, these 35 oversized pieces are easy for little fingers to assemble. When all the pieces are put together, a dazzling underwater scene is uncovered. 7/20/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Princess Wooden Puzzle by INNOVATIVEKIDS

These four mini-jigsaws are each divided into four colorful pieces. This set features young princesses accessorized with crowns and wands. 7/20/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ready, Set, Go Wooden Puzzle by INNOVATIVEKIDS

These four mini-jigsaws are each divided into four colorful pieces. This set features a train, plane, truck and boat. 7/20/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

IcoSoKu by RECENT TOYS USA

Icosoku is a puzzle designed to make simple addition a challenge. Users explore every angle of this puzzle as they make all of the dots touching a yellow peg add up to that number. The puzzle can be solved regardless of how the yellow pegs are arranged, so there are thousands of games to play. It offers "the ability to play a new puzzle every time the number pegs are rearranged," Brandi Field, general manager of Recent Toys, told TDmonthly.
—  Two of 12 retailers named games from Recent Toys among their favorite products at ASTRA 2010, during a June 2010 TDmonthly survey. ( Watch Video) 7/9/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jack Straws by PERISPHERE & TRYLON INC.

This construction skill game includes dozens of multicolored play pieces. ( Watch Video) 7/9/2010 (Price: $5.00)

Wooden Fishbowl Jumbo Knob Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

This fishbowl features three happy residents for puzzle play. The extra-thick, three-piece wooden puzzle includes a fish, a turtle and a crab, each with jumbo wooden knobs for easy grasping. Full-color, matching pictures appear underneath each piece.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, 5 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that wooden peg puzzles from Melissa & Doug were their best-sellers in the category.
— As of 7/12/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 32 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; age-appropriate; puzzle pieces fit well. Cons: One reviewer said the veneer on the puzzle pieces began peeling a month after purchasing it.
— In a June 2010 survey of 40 specialty retailers, 15 percent named Melissa & Doug as an overall top-selling brand. Two retailers told TDmonthly that the brand’s puzzles sell especially well. 7/8/2010 (Price: $9.99)

Cafe at Night 2000pc puzzle by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

This 2000pc puzzle features the famous painting Cafe Terrace at Night by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh - the first painting in which he used starry backgrounds. Painted in September 1888 in Arles, France where still today, visitors of the site can take the place where the artist set up his easel. 7/7/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Las Vegas at Night 2000pc Puzzle by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

Often billed as The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, United States an internationally renowned major resort city for shopping, entertainment, and gambling. This 2000pc puzzle captures the essence of the Las Vegas Strip. 7/7/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Starry Night 2000pc Puzzle by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

The Starry Night by Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh is the most renowned achievement of his illustrious career setting the stage for a style of painting called Expressionism. This 2000pc puzzle features the famous work. 7/7/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Times Square 2000pc Puzzle by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

Sometimes referred to as the Crossroads of the World, Times Square typifies all the bustle and excitement engendered by the Big Apple. New York’s Times Square is the ultimate tourist destination, encompassing the best of Broadway, commerce, street life and dining; it is estimated that 80 percent of visitors to the city make it a destination. This puzzle frames a whirlwind, first-impression view of one of the most exciting places on earth. 7/7/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzle Doubles Fun Facts! Animals of the World by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

This series of Puzzle Doubles! combines a beautifully illustrated floor puzzle along with twelve fun animal facts into a high-quality educational experience. Children will first enjoy assembling the large, colorful puzzle. Flip the puzzle over to learn fun facts about the pictured animals. All Fun Facts! Puzzle Doubles! encourage parent-child interaction. Each 50-piece puzzle measures a giant 3’ x 2’! Ages 3+ years. 7/7/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cliko by FOXMIND GAMES

An exquisite game of spatial logic where players attempt to reconstruct 3D models based on 2D images. Logical analysis is brought into play as players progress trying to resolve the more advanced challenges. This ingenious game is for players, 8 years and over, who enjoy sophisticated puzzles.
Awards: Triple Star Canadian Toy Testing Council 6/23/2010 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tangramino by FOXMIND GAMES

Using the Architect precision blocks, players attempt to replicate the Tangram models illustrated in the challenges book. Initially, the puzzles are illustrated on a scale of 1:1 allowing players to experiment on the puzzle surface itself. As players advance, the illustrated models are reduced, thereby introducing the concept of scale. In addition, players are required to use the pieces horizontally and vertically, exposing them intuitively to more advanced concepts in geometry. Tangramino offers creative play for players 6 years and over.
Awards: Triple Star Canadian Toy Testing Council 6/23/2010 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Oops by FOXMIND GAMES

In this delightful and deceptively simple logic puzzle game, players attempt to figure out the necessary moves that will permit to assemble back Simon, the scattered magician. An escalating level of difficulty allows children to start playing and progress at their own pace. Rather quickly, however, the game attains a level presenting a fun filled challenge to any puzzle loving adult.
Awards: Game of the Year 6/6 Consumer Guide of Canada 6/23/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Turbo Mind Twister by FOXMIND GAMES

In this puzzle, players slide the cars and twist the sphere in an effort to park each car beside its matching color spot. 6/23/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Dino and Friends" Multi-Layer Puzzle by George Luck by AMERICAN PUZZLE COMPANY

George Luck's classic wooden puzzle features various dinosaurs. 6/16/2010 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Periodic Table of Elements Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle features an up-to-date element table in English, French, Spanish and German. All elements are shown with their atomic weight, number, name, symbol and electronic configuration. The 26.5" x 19.25" puzzle is made from recycled board, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. 6/14/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dinosaurs - 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle features over 20 dinosaurs and Pterosaurs, including T-Rex and archeopteryx. All specimens are beautifully illustrated and proportional in size. The 26.5" x 19.25" puzzle is made from recycled board, recycled paper, and vegetable-based ink. 6/14/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rockets Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 100-piece children's jigsaw puzzle features almost 20 rockets, including Apollo 5 and the Space Shuttle. All models are beautifully illustrated with country and first launch date. The 13" x 19" puzzle is made from recycled board, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. 6/14/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Instruments of the Orchestra by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle features more than two dozen instruments used in the classical symphony orchestra, including the saxophone, the tuba and the clarinette. All description are in English, French, Spanish and German. The puzzle measures 26.5" x 19.25", is made from recycled board, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. 6/14/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wizards & Dragons Scramble Squares® by b. dazzle, inc.

Scramble Squares® are nine-piece puzzles that feature original art and only one solution. They're designed for everyone from age 4 to 104.
— Teri Lucas of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine loved Scramble Squares, describing them as “the puzzle lover's challenge, the perfectionist's nightmare, and loads of laughs.”
— Living Sola Gratia’s Brandi found Scramble Squares to be deceptively simple. She suggested keeping an unopened Scramble Squares on hand as a perfect last-minute gift. 6/14/2010 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Big Face Puzzleball by RAVENSBURGER

The 60 curved pieces in this 4.5" x 4.5" x 2.5" Hello Kitty puzzle assemble to form a solid, smooth ball. The kit also includes a standing base so that the finished puzzle can be easily displayed.
— Three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in late spring 2010 that puzzles are a best seller in their stores. Two of the three cited Ravensburger as a top brand. 6/7/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]