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12 Best Jigsaw Puzzles – 2020 Reviews

Jigsaw puzzles are fun for the whole family. More than just entertainment, jigsaw puzzles can also be effective teaching tools, too. Kids can learn math, geography, spelling and more. Plus, finished puzzles can be framed and used as a decoration.

Another great feature of puzzles is their variety. You can find simple puzzles with just a few pieces for younger kids as well as complicated puzzles with hundreds of pieces for older kids. Looking for the perfect jigsaw puzzle? Here’s our guide to the best jigsaw puzzle for kids in 2020.

Melissa & Doug Vehicles 4-in-1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Designed for kids between the ages of three and six, Melissa & Doug’s 4-in-1 puzzle kit contains four separate 12-piece puzzles. Each puzzle has a vehicle theme. Kids can build a race car, fire engine, steam engine or school bus. All 48 pieces are stored in the wooden storage box, which also doubles as a puzzle board.

Preschoolers will love the colorful, familiar images. Plus, the puzzles are simple enough to be completed without adult help, but still challenging enough to be entertaining. Regular use helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Ceaco 4-in-1 Disney Dreams Collection

These four puzzles from the Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams Collection are finally available for online purchase. Collection includes The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Tinkerbell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland, and The Princess and the Frog.

Each puzzle is lavishly illustrated and filled with detail. Five hundred pieces each, the whole family can work together on these large puzzles. The puzzles are 14 by 18 inches when completed. Perfect for fans of both classic and modern Disney characters.

The Learning Journey Match It!

More than a puzzle, The Learning Journey’s Match It helps kids as young as three learn addition, subtraction and other math skills. The set includes 30 two-piece puzzle pairs. Ten of the pieces teach addition, 10 teach subtraction and 10 teach counting.

The Match It puzzles are an intuitive way to introduce basic mathematic concepts before children start school. The puzzle format helps kids develop focus and concentration. Plus, when they connect the pieces, the correct answer to the math equation is automatically revealed.

Ravensburger Curious Cupboard Kitchen 1000 Piece Puzzle

This 1,000 piece puzzle makes a fun family project. Kids of all ages will love the unique image. Created by acclaimed puzzle artist Colin Thompson, the Curious Cupboard Kitchen features tons of tiny details and fun discoveries.

The quality of the puzzles if very high. Using softclick technology, pieces will stay together even if you need to move the partially-finished puzzle from surface to surface. Finished size is 69.9 cm by 49.7 cm.

Bable Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Crete Night Sight

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Puzzles are a great way for kids to explore the world. As you and your child work together, the two of you can talk about the puzzle’s location. This 1,000 piece wooden jigsaw puzzle from Bable features an impressive HD photograph of Crete in the evening overlooking the Aegean Sea.

This is a family puzzle which probably requires the help of an adult to find the right pieces at times. But placing the pieces into the puzzle is surprisingly easy. All Bable puzzle pieces are made from multiple layers of pressed basswood. Can be disassembled over 20 times without loss of precision. Also strong enough to be displayed vertically when assembled.

The puzzle is family safe and environmentally friendly. All materials are non-toxic. The advanced surface ink won’t fade over time.

A Broader View Kids’ Puzzle of the USA

Get a jumpstart on geography with this Kids’ Puzzle of the USA from A Broader View. Each puzzle piece is shaped like a different state. Plus, each piece includes fun facts like state nicknames, landmarks and more.

The puzzle has 55 jumbo sized pieces. Can be put together and taken apart as many times as you like. A surprisingly effective way for kids as young as preschool or as old as middle school to learn about the geography of the U.S.

Frozen Puzzles

Chances are probably pretty good you know a child or teen who is interested in Disney’s Frozen. This four pack of Frozen puzzles features Princess Elsa, Princess Anna, Olaf and Kristof. Each of the four puzzles has 60 pieces with a completed size of 11 by 15 inches.

The suggested age range is between four and 15 years old. Younger kids will have a fun figuring out the puzzle. Older kids will assembly the puzzle quickly but can still enjoy hanging the finished product on a bedroom wall.

MasterPieces Animal Planet 4-pack Multipack 100 Piece Puzzles

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Animal lovers will go ape over this four-pack of Animal Planet puzzles. These four puzzles feature lively illustrations of forest animals, jungle animals, sea animals and more. Each puzzle is eight by ten inches and has 100 random-cut puzzle pieces.

Plus, a portion of all sales go to R.O.A.R. charities, which provide support for both wild and domestic animals. The puzzles are made with recycled paper and soy-based ink for minimal environmental impact.

Melissa & Doug 60 Piece Land of Dinosaurs Jigsaw Puzzle

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Step back in time with this 60 piece Land of Dinosaurs jigsaw puzzle from Melissa & Doug. The completed puzzle is a detailed illustration of dinosaurs on the land and in the sky, with an exploding volcano in the background.

Each piece of the puzzle is more from extra-thick cardboard. Kids can put the puzzle together and take it apart many times without bending the pieces. At 14.25 by 10.24 inches, this puzzle will comfortably fit on most tables.

Ravensburger Puzzle Sort and Go Jigsaw Puzzle Accessory

While this isn’t a puzzle, the Ravensburger Puzzle Sort and Go is a great accessory for puzzle fans of any age. These six stackable sorting trays help you manage larger count puzzles. Simply sort pieces by color for instant organization.

The trays are deep with indented ridges so puzzle pieces stay in place. Plus, the trays can be linked together to form one large tray. A great way to take your puzzles with you in the car, on the plane or anywhere else.

Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle

Blast off into outer space with this Solar System Floor Puzzle from Melissa & Doug. Forty-eight extra-thick cardboard pieces create an original scene with all of the planets in the solar system plus the moon and sun. Each celestial body is clearly labeled to help kids learn.

This floor puzzle is a large two by three feet when fully assembled. Kids can play directly on the puzzle without causing damage. The surface is durable and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

The Learning Journey Glow In The Dark Space Puzzle

Turn off the lights when you’re finished building this puzzle from The Learning Journey – because it glows in the dark. One hundred pieces are used to create a detailed scene of nine planets orbiting the sun. The opposite side of the puzzle is actually an inverted black/white version of the front.

At three feet by two feet, this is a giant puzzle. Once assembled, it can act as a soft nightlight for a child’s room. Helps introduce basic concepts such as stars and planets. Suitable for ages three and up.

Frequently Asked Questions

All puzzles aren’t the same. When buying a jigsaw puzzle for a child, you want to consider their abilities and interests. Here’s are the answers to common questions about how to find the best jigsaw puzzle in 2018:

How Do I Find Age-Appropriate Puzzles?

Usually, this is pretty easy. Puzzles should have recommended age guidelines printed right on the box. Generally, puzzles for toddlers will have just a few, large pieces. Many puzzles for little kids are also geared towards teaching a subject like math, astronomy, etc.

The biggest concern is a young child accidentally eating and swallowing a small puzzle piece. That’s why you want to keep “adult” puzzles on a high table or otherwise out of reach of any toddlers in the house.

But once a child is old enough to no longer put non-food items in their mouth, the age-range for a puzzle will mainly relate to intellectual ability. Kids in elementary school usually enjoy puzzles with 50 pieces of less. Once they reach middle school they’ll be able to handle (and have fun with) puzzles with 100 pieces and more.

Larger puzzles can still be lots of fun for a family. With the help of mom and dad, kids can help build puzzles with 500 or 1,000 pieces. Family puzzle nights bring the whole family together to learn, laugh and bond.

What Should the Puzzle Pieces be Made From?

Kids aren’t always very careful, so you want to make sure the puzzle is durable. Most puzzle pieces for kids’ puzzles are made from thick, multi-layered cardboard or wood. This lets the puzzle be assembled, taken apart, and reassembled many times. While wood and cardboard pieces are often treated to be somewhat water-resistant, you’ll still want to keep most puzzles inside in a dry area.

What Benefits Do Puzzles Have for Kids?

Puzzles help both physical and mental development. They engage both the logical and emotional parts of the brain. The puzzle builder learns to recognize shapes, colors and patterns. At the same time, looking at the picture as its forms helps spark the imagination.

Puzzles also help kids learn patience and long-term problem solving. There’s no shortcut for building a puzzle. Kids have to persevere piece by piece until the picture is complete.

Final Thoughts

Great toys don’t always run on batteries or require access to the internet. Puzzles are a timeless classic which are just as fun today as they’ve ever been. Aside from helping develop motor skills and problem-solving abilities, specific puzzles can also help kids learn math, science, spelling and more. Plus, larger puzzles can be fun for the whole family to work on together.

Puzzles help link entertainment with education for kids of all ages and interests!