HOW SHOULD I USE YOUR PUZZLES WITH MY TODDLER?

You might notice that our puzzles are a little different than other puzzles on the market. While most puzzles are generally pictures that are cut up into interlocking pieces, our puzzles feature recognizable pieces in and of themselves.   This allows your child the added opportunity to discern relative shapes of the characters in addition to realizing subtle differences between pieces.  Talk to your child as they take each piece out.  Ask them what it is and what it does.  (Play with the pieces outside of the puzzle...."Can you put the Flamingo on top of the hippo's back?")

WHICH PUZZLES ARE BEST TO START MY CHILD WITH? 

Remember that it is best to challenge but not frustrate your child.  Start them with a puzzle that will give them a sense of accomplishment.  Then try to give your child a variety of design experiences and step them up through ability levels.  If you do this, you've given your child a spatial problem solving experience that will benefit them for years to come!

WHICH DESIGN SHOULD I PICK? 

Its always a tough decision for adults picking between puzzle designs in the same age group.  If your child is there, ask them which one they like!  If not, try to think of what the child is exposed to and what they get excited about.  Kids who live near zoos might appreciate a design like "Earth Summit" more than a child who lives in the country who may prefer "EIEIO".  Children who live near the ocean might be more likely to appreciate "Family of Whales".  A child who has parents who garden, might love our "Vegie Garden" puzzle.  We try to provide a variety of design possibilities so that there are choices for most any interest level!

WHEN IS THE "TEN NUMBERS PUZZLE" APPROPRIATE?

Even though this puzzle is intended for children who are starting to recognize numbers and count, many parents have discovered that it can be used much earlier.  It can first be used as a color puzzle. (ie;  Where's the red piece?)  Then your child can discern light versus dark colors. (ie; Where's the light green "5"?  Where's the dark green "6"?)  Next you can count the "counters" under each piece.  (Let's count the Scottie Dogs under the number "2"!)  Once your child has learned the numbers, he or she can then take the numbers out of the puzzle to create bigger numbers. (See if you can make a big number like "452"!)  So, for those who might want to get one puzzle that can provide a lot of puzzling mileage, "Ten Numbers" is a great choice!

DO YOU DONATE PUZZLES TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS?

Over the years we have been approached by a variety of organizations for donations to help raise funds. We are committed to supporting those involved in helping people and children less fortunate than ourselves. (please see our service oriented "Links" page.) As we've grown, we have been able to increase our donations! Due to our being a small (2 person) business, we have had to limit donations to our local community. Thanks to your support, we have been able to donate hundreds of puzzles to charitable organizations!