The 10 Best Pegged Puzzles
Editor's Notes
August 14, 2019:
When children are very young, they lack the dexterity and cognitive skills required to tackle framed, floor, and jigsaw puzzles, which is where knob and pegged puzzles come into play. They're designed specifically to cater to the learning stage that babies and toddlers are at, and they feature small, easy-to-grab pegs that allow tots to remove and replace pieces without becoming frustrated.
When kids use these toys, there's an astounding amount of cognitive development at work, with the added benefit that playing with these diversions will prime them for more advanced puzzles as they get older. By rotating them in with other educational games, pegged puzzles can help a child grow leaps and bounds during their most critical development stage.
We felt that in addition to traditional peg puzzles, toys like the Hape Creative Toddler and Skoolzy Montessori challenge youngsters further and help them utilize the skills they're already learning to complete new and exciting tasks, which can do wonders for confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment.
Popular with parents and known for their thoughtful designs and high quality, Melissa and Doug products snagged the top two spots on this list, as well as our #9 pick. That #9 offering, the Melissa & Doug Around the House, is especially entertaining thanks to its integrated sound effects, however, the board is outfitted with light-activated sensors, which means your child must always play in a well-lit area. It may also go off if exposed to light when pieces are elsewhere. Because of this, the puzzle can sound off at inopportune times or function improperly in strong, direct sunlight, so bear that in mind.
Transportation obsessed little ones are sure to get a kick out of Professor Poplar's People Movers, while budding astrophysicists will be delighted with Gleeporte Learning Educational. We also ensured there were units with land and sea animals, numbers, letters, and familiar objects. Durability, safety, and ingenuity were our top priorities when making our selections.
Before purchasing any of these items, remember to check the manufacturer recommended age of the product to ensure it is right for your youngster. Even then, you should inspect the toy upon reception and frequently thereafter to make sure it's in good shape, and never leave your children unattended while they play.