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Toy Box: Puzzle Racks

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:00:11 -0800

Puzzles are a great way to challenge your kid's thinking on all different levels. Both my daughter and son have long been fans of Melissa & Doug wooden ones which are easy for lil fingers to maneuver. But no matter how organized we are with our storage basket, some pieces turn up in another room or find their way under an area rug. I recently came across a few helpful helpful racks that make sliding and securing finished puzzles into place a cinch! Check out the well made and economically priced options below.

Puzzle Storage ($13)	Puzzle Storage ($20)
Puzzle Storage ($30)	Puzzle Storage ($40)	Puzzle Storage ($40)

Toy Box: Melissa and Doug's Chunky Puzzles

LilSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:30:58 -0700

Chunk pieces are perfect for small fingers. Some youngsters are interested in puzzles, but have a hard time putting them together. Melissa & Doug offers a line of chunky puzzles ($8) specifically designed for wee ones that feature shaped blocks instead of flat cutouts to fit the molds. The raised wooden parts are easy to grab and lay on the board. After getting frustrated with the more traditional version of wooden puzzles, my 18-month-old son received one of these as a gift and has just enough patience to put it together. Available in many colorful themes from shapes to the alphabet to an animal farm and safari, there's one for every tot.

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Toy Box: IMAGIplay Puzzles

LilSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:00:38 -0700

Traditional puzzles are put to shame by these colorful, three dimensional wooden ones by IMAGIplay.

Priced between $13 and $30, the interlocking shapes are a great way for your mini me to get his lil mind working.

Offering everything from rainbow snails to monkeys and koalas in trees, your tot is sure to find a favorite animal puzzle.

And, you can relax since the toys are made of rubberwood and chemical free paint.

To see more fun puzzles, read more.

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Toy Box: Never Forget a Face

babysugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:00:53 -0800

Celebrating diversity is a valuable lesson for children to learn in this growing global world of ours.

Eeboo lends parents and teachers a hand with the I Never Forget a Face matching game ($14). Children can sharpen their memory and match–making skills while learning about different cultures and customs.

Lil ones will delight in learning about their friends around the world. Japanese, Swedish, African, Hispanic and Indian backgrounds are just a few of the many represented.

Put Your Self Portrait in a Star Wars Puzzle

GeekSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:34:39 -0700

Not only does Shutterfly make it easy to create fun photo books and transform your photos into canvas art pieces, but they have just announced a new lineup of puzzles entitled: Star Wars and Me, Darth Vader and Me and The Clone wars and Me. All you have to do is upload a photo of your child, boyfriend, friend, mom, husband, etc., and Shutterfly will superimpose the photo onto the Star Wars puzzle of your choice! These 125-piece puzzles are the ultimate gift for any Star Wars fan, and they only cost $35 each. May the force be with you and your puzzle creation!

It's On: The New York Times Crossword Puzzle Hits the iPhone

GeekSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 06:00:48 -0700

Long known as separating the men from the boys (and the women from the girls) in the brainiac trivia lover department, the New York Times crossword puzzle has challenged millions of people weekly (watch out for that Sunday edition, yow).

Now you can puzzle yourself anywhere you can take your iPhone (yep, I guess that means the bathroom too) with the standard for all crosswords with the NewYork Times Crossword Puzzle iPhone App.

The downside is that the app costs $10, but it is the exact same crossword that's published in the papers, and you get to compete online, as well as access to the front page of each paper.

Plus, somebody's gotta help the Grey Lady stay afloat in these print-unfriendly times.

Wooden Puzzle Toys . . . Not Just For Human Children

PetSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:20:47 -0700

While many dog toys end up gutted and filthy in no time, puzzles are an interactive option that are taken out only for playtime. The interactive, wooden Nina Ottosson games work for yum-driven pooches since they all have a space to stash snacks and dogs have to use noses and paws to receive a reward.

Very sturdy by nature, since you take them away when the lesson is done, they'll last for years of learning and entertainment (for both you and your pet). Check out a few of my faves below.

dog twister ($48)	dog fighter ($48)
dog brick ($47)	dog trigger ($46)
dog turbo ($48)	dog tornado ($46)	dog spinny ($37)

Lil Links: Oblo Didactic Puzzle

LilSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:19:15 -0700

Oblo didactic puzzle - Alpha Mom
Father arrested for leaving son at restaurant - Parent Dish
Jamie and Jools Oliver offer their daughters balance - Celebrity Baby Blog
Guy Ritchie said Madonna will decide if they have more kids - Celebrity Baby Scoop
My mom ate my homework - The Poop
Feeling kinda sassy - Green Mom Finds
Puzzle dinner tray from Royal VKB - Ohdeedoh

Puzzle Table: Part Art Piece, Part Desk

GeekSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:01:07 -0700

The design concept of the Puzzle Table was inspired by sliding puzzles. Apparently, designer Hsien Chang came up with the idea so that users have better access to what's in their desk (all you have to do is move the dividers on the desk). The grids can be designated to store different items according to the users' needs of storage and usage. As someone who works on a open desk without any shelves I love the idea of having sorting space on my desktop.

Source

Pampered Pals: Puzzle Toys For Persistent Pups

PetSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:15:16 -0700

Are you trying to raise your pet's IQ? From toys for instinctive cats to other problem solvers like the popular Kong, making your furry friend work for his toys and treats can not only entertain him longer, but help develop doggie intelligence. These toys involve pulling, prodding, and puzzle solving – and most come in various sizes from junior to jumbo to make sure the "prey" is the right size for your pooch's chompers. See the whole set when you read more.