Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles

By Justina Huddleston
August 2013

TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in July 2013 to find out about their best-selling puzzles. RAVENSBURGER was the most popular puzzle manufacturer, followed closely by MELISSA & DOUG.

Learn more about all of the top-10 best-selling puzzles below.

Where to Put It? by RAVENSBURGER

Where to Put It? by RAVENSBURGER 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. 7/24/2012 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Numbers 24 Piece Children's Puzzleball® by RAVENSBURGER

This puzzleball from Ravensburger is designed especially for pre-school kids. Extra large plastic pieces support 3D comprehension and fine motor skills. The 24 piece puzzleball comes with an assembly aide for the little puzzle beginners. 24 curved plastic pieces fit together to form a perfectly smooth surface. No glue required. The finished puzzleball is a "picture-perfect" decoration for every kids room. Colorful and age-appropriate puzzle fun for children from 4 to 6 years. Each puzzle piece is numbered on the back so kids can puzzle by the image or by number – their pick.
— In a July 2013 survey, five out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand. 9/26/2011 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 to 6)

United States of America Sound Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

This picture-filled wooden puzzle of the United States includes 40 pieces created to help develop map skills. When each puzzle piece is placed in the correct location, the puzzle speaks the names of the states and capitals. It measures 0.8” x 15.8” x 11.9”. It requires three AAA batteries (not included).
— Ten percent of 40 retailers named Melissa & Doug as a best-selling brand when it comes to educational products. LB Toys in Media, Pa., sells about 30 per month of the U.S. wooden map puzzle, Owner Jamie Burdette told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Michael O'Dell of Toys from the Attic in Rehoboth Beach, Del., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they don't sell many electronic or battery operated toys, but of those they do have, sound puzzles from Melissa & Doug sell best. 11/24/2009 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Vehicles Sound Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

Vehicles Sound Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG Featuring detailed images of 8 favorite noisy vehicles, this wooden peg puzzle makes the vehicle sound when a piece is placed correctly in the puzzle board. Eight sounds in all. Full-color, matching picture under each piece. Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.7" Assembled. AAA batteries not included.
— Michael O'Dell of Toys from the Attic in Rehoboth Beach, Del., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 10 Melissa & Doug sound puzzles each month.
— As of 7/12/2011 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Affordable; engaging. Cons: Many reviewers said the sounds were poor quality.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, three out of 14 retailers said that puzzles from Melissa & Doug were their best sellers in the category. “Melissa and Doug has been a core of the store for years and years," Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly. 7/12/2011 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 2 to 4)

Dinosaur Travel Pouch Puzzle by CROCODILE CREEK

Dinosaur Travel Pouch Puzzle by CROCODILE CREEK 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. 7/6/2012 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Fairytale My First Puzzle by CROCODILE CREEK

Fairytale My First Puzzle by CROCODILE CREEK 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. 7/24/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 2 and Up)

a-ha! Brainteaser Blockout by THINKFUN

a-ha! Brainteaser Blockout by THINKFUN ThinkFun a-ha! Brainteasers are designed to inspire special a-ha! moments for novice and seasoned problem solvers alike. A player will need all his brainpower for this one. The goal is to fit all four cubes into the box so they sit flush with the rim. Expert, Level 4. Launch date: 2010.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va, told TDmonthly in a July 2013 survey that ThinkFun Brainteaser Puzzles were among her store's best-selling puzzles. 12/16/2009 (MSRP: $7.99; Age: 8 and Up)

a-ha! Brainteaser Star Burst by THINKFUN

a-ha! Brainteaser Star Burst by THINKFUN For novice and seasoned problem solvers alike, the object of the Star Burst is simple, the solution is elusive. Just take the Star Burst apart and put it back together again. Simple. Or is it? Medium, Level 2. Launch date: 2010.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va, told TDmonthly in a July 2013 survey that ThinkFun Brainteaser Puzzles were among her store's best-selling puzzles. 12/16/2009 (MSRP: $7.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Schimmel Glow in the Dark Friends Around the World 100 Piece Puzzle by CEACO

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." 7/24/2012 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Yes & Know® Mr. Mystery Books by LEE PUBLICATIONS

Be a super detective! Use your Invisible Ink pen to uncover the truth and solve the mysteries. Here are just some of the games you will find inside this book, decode the cryptograms, decipher Krazygrams, and nab the crook in jailbreak.
Each book includes 48 pages of fun and a special pen.
― Out of 39 retailers, four named activity books from Lee Publications as their top-selling travel item in March 2010, reporting sales averaging 24 per month.
― Kristen Dolle, manager of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that Magic pen books by Lee Publications were a best-selling travel toy.
— In an April 2012 survey about best selling travel toys, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly: "As a category, Lee Publication’s Yes & Know books continue to sell out during travel time due to their wide age range and low retail price."
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Playthings Toy Shoppe. 4/9/2010 (MSRP: $3.99; Age: 3 and Up)