(Mudpuppy 13.99) This won't be easy, not just because there are 500 pieces, but the image itself has so many small images. It's a real challenge...but one that puzzle mavens will love working on. This is one of those projects that can be fun for the whole family to work on over time. Put it on a table where family members can stop by and do a few pieces when the mood strikes or time allows. Make it a joint cooperative project. 8 & up Ages: Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2019 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.com
(Mudpuppy $14.99) For kids who are into outer space, this rocket ship traveling to a far distant place is colorful and loaded with satellites, shooting stars, spaceships, planets, and astronauts. It’s 42-pieces big and to add to the fun, it comes with a “Revealing Wand” (image below) that changes the look of certain parts of the puzzle image once it is all assembled. A nice added touch that sort of rewards getting it all together. Marked 3 and up, this is more like a puzzle for experienced puzzlers of 5-6. Ages: Early School Years Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2019 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.com
(Mudpuppy $7.99) A fun twist on the classic game of Old Maid. Divide the cards and each player looks at her cards ( don’t show them to others) and then puts all the matches possible on the table. Now the real fun begins! With the cards left in each player’s hand, players takes turns taking a card from the other player’s hand. If they match something in the players hand— put the new pair down. Play continues until all the cards are matched…but watch out! You don’t want to be left with the Lucky Llama card! Good fun while making matches, taking turns and learning that you win some and lose some. Marked 4-10, we think preschoolers will have trouble holding all these cards. Probably a better bet
(Mudpuppy $12.99) Instead of numerals and matching the letters of B-I-N-G-O, players toss the wooden die with faces that match the geometric images on the bingo cards. All players can put a marker on the matching image on their playing card. Everyone will have a matching image, but not necessarily in in the same place on their card. To win the round, you need to get three in a row horizontally, vertically of diagonally. Can be played by 2-4 players. Ages 3-5. Ages: Preschoolers, Young Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2019 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.com
(Mudpuppy $17.99) Dog lovers will enjoy this Monopoly style game. Players buy two businesses as they make they away around the playing board. There are happening cards that may cost you money—your dog may need food or a grooming or a trip to some other pet care business. If so you’ll need to pay up…but you may get lucky and collect from players who land on your business sites. There is a spot where players also contribute to a Jackpot and if lucky, land on the jackpot, winning all the money in it. All the play money is printed on round playing pieces that are worth $20 each. So, there’s some easy math involved, all based on adding by twenty. The object is to be the first to win 6 heart shape
(Melissa & Doug $49.99) Our 3-year old tester had a great time at a family gathering, selling ice cream cones and cups to everyone. Set this up on a counter and “buyers” can see the choices and they can order from the menu. Looks like the case in a fancy Gelato shop! The ice cream vendor works on the other side of the counter and needs to listen well to fill the orders. The set comes with a two sided tote style wooden counter and clever 27 other pieces…waffle cones, scooper(that attaches and lifts the scoops of ice cream, many scoops of ice cream in different flavors, toppings that attach, a cup, spoon, tongs, and six dollar bills, all perfect pretend props for preschoolers. Ages: Preschoole
