I have fond memories of the puzzle phase with my boys. The simplicity of a wooden puzzle with five pieces. The joy on each son’s face when he’d finally figure out which spot that airplane fit into. My mom had saved a number of puzzles from my childhood that she passed down to us when my boys were old enough. It was so fun to pull them out with my own sons, together playing with the same puzzles pieces that I had played with as a child. It is amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy.
Doing puzzles with your preschooler is a great way to spend time together and develop your child’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. They store fairly easily, are usually battery-free, and come in a variety of topics to entertain any child. Plus, getting your preschooler hooked on puzzles will not only improve his cognitive and motor skills, but will lead the way to bigger puzzles and smaller pieces (and hours more of quiet time for you!). Here are a dozen of our favorite puzzles for preschoolers; they’ll be hooked — trust us!
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Best Puzzles for Preschoolers
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Melissa & Doug ABC Puzzle
Every family needs a classic ABC puzzle and this one is the perfect way to introduce your child to the world of puzzles. Beyond the bright colors and large, easy-to-grab wooden letters, this ABC puzzle has an extra "see inside" feature that reveals a picture underneath each puzzle piece that starts with the same letter.
Price: $12
Learn morePhoto: Amazon
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Hape Creative Peg Puzzle
We love this non-traditional puzzle that goes beyond just matching one shape to one spot: It includes a four-piece base (that is a puzzle itself!), as well as 12 colorful shapes that you twist and turn to fit onto the posts. It's a stacking/sorting/puzzle toy that preschoolers looking for a challenge are sure to enjoy.
Price: $18
Learn morePhoto: Amazon
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Melissa & Doug Large Shape Jumbo Puzzle
A perfect option for new puzzlers, this jumbo puzzle has eight simple shapes with large, easy-to-grab knobs that helps tots still working on their fine motor skills grab the pieces with ease.
Price: $18
Learn morePhoto: Target
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Edushape Edu-Tiles Foam Numbers and Letters Set
If you have enough floor space to assemble this 72" x 72" puzzle, this one works as physical activity, learning opportunity, and playmat in one. The 36 colorful pieces fit together in any arrangement, allowing your child to work on her ABCs, arrange letters into words, or put the pieces together randomly. Inside each piece, the letters and numbers also come out which can equal a huge mess and a whole lot of puzzle fun.
Price: $38
Learn morePhoto: Target
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Melissa & Doug Farm Animal Sound Puzzle
Add another layer of fun to your puzzle time with one that makes sounds. Available in themes such as Farm Animal, Vehicles, and Shapes, this puzzle rewards your child with a baaaaaa when they match the sheep to the correct spot, a vrooom when the jet lands. This not only helps teach your child key sounds, but gives them added motivation to finish the puzzle.
Price: $14
Learn morePhoto: Target
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Hape Happy Zoo Animal Puzzle
This puzzle is another great option for kids who are ready for a bit more of a challenge. It includes nine blocks that can be arranged to create six different animals. But here's the catch: Kids not only have to determine the right sides to create the animal, but not all the animals are in a three-by-three shape. The giraffe is tall and the alligator is long, providing added interest and challenge to this puzzle.
Price: $14
Learn morePhoto: Amazon
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Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Letter Puzzle
Teach letter names and sounds with this great find. Preschoolers can learn while they play as they match up each of the 26 letters of the alphabet with an accompanying picture. The pieces are self-correcting--each piece has only one match that fits -- making it easier for kids to find the match. Plus, the pieces stash away in a convenient wooden box for easy storage.
Price: $11
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Photo: Amazon -
Hape Your Body Puzzle
Admittedly this puzzle is a bit....different. It comes with 28 pieces that assemble to show five different layers of the body: skeletal, respiratory, digestive, muscular, and epidermal. While the concept may be too much for some kids, this puzzle can provide a great entry to talking about the body, its parts, and what makes boys different from girls.
Price: $23
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Photo: Amazon -
Damhorst Toys Puzzle Stool
Making unique handmade wooden puzzles since 1971, these personalized picks from Damhorst Toys are part toy, part seat, part stepstool! Choose from a natural wood, white, or black frame and either primary- or pastel-colored letters. Your child will learn the letters in his name and you'll get a functional stool for your home.
Price: $65 to 85
Learn morePhoto: Damhorst Toys
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Learning Journey Giant ABC & 123 Train Floor Puzzle
Introduce your child to floor puzzles with this two-pack of puzzles. With extra large, preschool-friendly pieces, your tot will learn his ABCs and 123s as he puts them together. Each puzzle includes 30 sturdy cardboard pieces and assembles to create a five-foot long train.
Price: $12
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Photo: Amazon -
Melissa & Doug Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up Puzzle
Let your preschooler play dress-up with this fun find. The set comes enclosed in a cute wooden box and includes 45 mix-n-match pieces to change the face and clothes of Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear.
Price: $14
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Photo: Melissa & Doug -
Roundabout Puzzle
Minimalist mommas will love this simple, modern puzzle. With nine color-coordinated cylinders and posts, it offers simple fun without any obnoxious colors or sounds. Best for tots over age 2 (those removable pegs are on the small side), this is one puzzle you won't mind leaving out on your living room table for guests to find.
Price: $29
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Photo: Land of Nod
