With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
If you're trying to puzzle together which toys to carry in your store, you've come to the right place. In July 2014, TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers on their best-selling puzzles. Take a look at the toys below, then decide if any of them could help piece together your store's offerings.
*No manufacturer paid to be included in the Top-10 list below. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
Where to Put It? by RAVENSBURGER
Instead of jigsaw pieces, this puzzle is made up of distinct, smooth-edged, and glare-free shapes that combine to form a picturesque moment in time and pull apart to show that moment in black and white underneath! But this puzzle also reveals in those who complete it the ability to strategize, manipulate space, and exercise manual dexterity. Ravensburger puzzle pieces are extra durable to withstand the demands of little hands and promote the development of fine motor skills, association, task completion and independent play. — In a July 2013 survey, five out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand. — In a July 2014 survey, four out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.
Help each magnetic animal find its place and environment. This magnetic book with removable pieces is "bound" to amuse and educate with pet, farm, wild and undersea animal shaped magnetic pieces. — As of 1/17/2013 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Good for travel; Easy enough for young children but challenging enough to hold their interest. Cons: Pictures begin to fade after a while. — In a November 2013 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that puzzles, especially from Melissa & Doug, are a best-selling education toy.
Perfect for more advanced puzzlers, these awesome 100-piece puzzles come packaged in a cool towerlike box and include high-interest themes with detailed illustrations. Made entirely from recycled materials, these puzzles are great for bigger kids ready for a bigger challenge than standard floor puzzles. Ready! Set! Race! From monster trucks to souped-up race cars, this super fun puzzle is packed with wacky action. Kids can learn about the different kinds of crazy racing that really exists, like tractor pulling and monster truck racing, right on the box! — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthlythat Crazy Car Race from Innovative Kids was their store's best-selling puzzle.
Round Table Collection - Legendary Landmarks Puzzle by A BROADER VIEW
Introducing the Round Table Puzzles, the new way to do puzzles! These circular puzzles have the top of the image in the center & the bottom of the image around all the edges. Just as the Knights of the Round Table all had an equal seat around the table, everyone has an equal seat around the puzzle. The Legendary Landmarks Version allows one to view the world’s most famous landmarks from the bottom up at every angle. Jigsaw puzzles are a timeless family tradition, but traditional puzzles present a problem to those working on them—typically only one person (the person building from the bottom of the puzzle) has a normal view of the puzzle image. The Round Table Puzzles now eliminate this problem. As you work around the Legendary Landmarks Puzzle, you visit some of the world’s greatest landmarks. Enjoy building the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Devil’s Tower, the Washington Monument, and Saint Basil's Cathedral in a monumental puzzle experience! Can you identify each landmark? 500 pieces. — In a July 2014 survey, four out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Roundtable Legendary Landmarks from Broader View was their best-selling puzzle.
Schimmel Glow in the Dark Friends Around the World 100 Piece Puzzle by CEACO
This 100 piece glow in the dark puzzle was designed by Schim Schimmel. Features a snowy baby seal and his little penguin friend. Puzzle Size: 15" x 11". — In July 2014 Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told TDmonthly, "We love Ceaco puzzles; they sell very quickly."
The Tantrix™ line is expanding! Hot on the heels of our popular and multi award-winning Tantrix™ Discovery Puzzle, comes our Discovery Game Pack, bursting with challenging solitaire puzzles and strategy games for 2 to 4 players. Fifty-six numbered and color-coded tiles invite players to enter the twisted Tantrix world where loops, lines or forms must be created. Skillful moves and a competitive spirit are your only entrance fee! — Debbie Gray, owner of Bear and Friends in Johnson City, Tenn., told TDmonthly in a July 2014 survey that Tantrix from Family Games are one of their store's best-selling puzzles.
Featuring detailed images of 8 favorite noisy vehicles, this wooden peg puzzle makes the vehicle sound when a piece is placed correctly in the puzzle board. Eight sounds in all. Full-color, matching picture under each piece. Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.7" Assembled. AAA batteries not included. — Michael O'Dell of Toys from the Attic in Rehoboth Beach, Del., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 10 Melissa & Doug sound puzzles each month. — As of 7/12/2011 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Affordable; engaging. Cons: Many reviewers said the sounds were poor quality. — In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, three out of 14 retailers said that puzzles from Melissa & Doug were their best sellers in the category. “Melissa and Doug has been a core of the store for years and years," Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly.
500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. Second Place winner of the 2012 Springbok Image Contest. These twists of color will point you to lots of fun as you piece together their bright and winding rainbow hues. This puzzle is full of deepening hues of bright color and unexpected shadows making for a fun challenge. — In a July 2014 survey, two out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Twist of Color was their best-selling puzzle.
This colorful 654 piece puzzle will challenge puzzle lovers old and new with its swirling spiral design. — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthlythat Colorful Krypt from Ravensburger was their store's best-selling puzzle.
Walt Disney and all the wonderful things that sprang from his amazing imagination remains everybody's all time favorite. Whether you are a new young fan or a member of the older generation remembering the characters from your childhood, our Disney collection always guarantees fun, joy and wonderful memories! Look for more fabulous puzzles from our World of Disney Collection. — In a July 2014 survey, four out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
