I remember when I was a kid, I loved playing with puzzles more that I did with dolls. A challenging puzzle solved was worth it's while. I particularly enjoyed playing with jigsaw puzzles, and as I grew older, I started enjoying logic puzzles. It's a good idea to introduce kids to puzzles early on. Puzzles stimulate their minds and encourage logical thinking in kids. In this day and age, a good puzzle is worth a million video games! Here are some great puzzles and toys based on logic which kids will really enjoy.
1. The Infinite Cosmos Jigsaw Puzzle
Melissa and Doug
Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of the cosmos? Here's a jigsaw puzzle based on the universe which won't help you solve that mystery, but is great fun to tackle anyway. This 300 piece puzzle from Melissa and Doug is of excellent quality and can be used again and again. Kids will love looking at the vibrant colors of the planets as they swirl through the cosmos. A great kids puzzle for ages 8 and up.
2. World's Largest Crossword Puzzle
Cadaco
This monster of a crossword puzzle is being included in here because it's so different! The puzzle itself is huge - you can hang it on the wall and solve it bit by bit. Kids will love solving the easy clues and you can chip in by trying out the tougher ones. Great for a wide range of ages.
3. Puzzle in a Box from Melissa and Doug
Melissa and Doug
Some of the best kids' puzzles are made by Melissa and Doug. They have such a wide variety of kids puzzles to choose from, ranging from peg puzzles for the very young to the more complicated puzzles for older kids. I liked this puzzle in a box which features 4 puzzles in one convenient carry along wooden case. The puzzles are all based on pet animals - there's a cat, dog, parrot and goldfish puzzle. This puzzle in a box is great for kids aged 3 and up.
4. Briarpatch Sudoku
Briarpatch
The Sudoku craze has got to us all! This fun game from Briarpatch makes it easy to practice your Sudoku skills. The game comes with a board on which you can work with the numbers using the tiles provided. The Sudoku game saves you the hassle of using pencil and paper, and it's extremely convenient to erase if you've made a mistake. You can even pick up the kids version of Sudoku for your younger ones. Sudoko is a great kids' puzzle.
5. Rubik's Cube
Winning Moves
The Rubik's cube is one of the most interesting puzzles ever invented. An all time classic - the Rubiks cube is back. I remember playing with the Rubik's cube from my childhood days. It was such a thrill to finally figure out the cube after hours and hours of effort! Get your kids a Rubik's cube - you won't regret it.
6. Make 'em Move Happy School Bus Puzzle
Great American Puzzle Factory
The Great American Puzzle Factory makes wonderful puzzles. This cheerful puzzle from the Great American Puzzle Factory is unique because once you've assembled it, you can actually play with it too! The pieces on this kids' puzzle actually move. The wheels of the school bus can go round and round, the Stop sign can be moved and there's a little gate which can be moved up and down. A great kids puzzle for kids aged 3 and up.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean Puzzle
Buffalo Games
There are 3 puzzles in the Pirates of the Caribbean puzzle line from Buffalo Games - Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Captain Jack with Davy Jones. Each high quality puzzle is in full color, featuring pieces that snap together. A bonus poster from the movie is included with the puzzle too. This puzzle makes a great gift for any pirates fan.
8. Nerdy Wordy
Briar Patch
If you like crossword puzzles, you will like Nerdy Wordy. Nerdy Wordy is the ideal word puzzle/game for families who love to play around with words. The aim of the game is to create as many 2-5 letter words you can, choosing letters from the stash in the center. Players get awarded points for creating words within words too. This is a really fun game which you can lose track of time with. Good for ages 4 and up.