Editorial Review

Honk! Honk! It's gridlock and the little red car can't move.The player is a traffic cop in the Rush Hour Traffic Jam Puzzle wherethe objective is to get the red car off the road. To play, pick one of40 challenge cards; solutions are printed on the back of each card.Then set up the cars and buses in a specified pattern on the6-inch-square road grid. Move the vehicles one by one (obey those trafficlaws!) until the red car can escape the traffic jam. There are fourlevels of difficulty. Kids can alternate turns with another player orjust "play in traffic" alone. The game from Binary Arts received anational award from Mensa and is used in elementary school mathclasses. The design includes clear instructions printed on the sturdybox, which can be used both as a playing tray and for storage. The gamecards stow away in a drawer in the road grid. This is a 1999 Parents'Choice recommended toy. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (96)

Excellent intelligent game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different levels. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Awesome Game!!
I first encountered this game at a friends house while I was house-sitting, and I tell you...without it, I think I would have lost mt mind!It is basic yet challenging all at the same time...and it really is for all ages!Since I bought it off amazon.com, my niece and my father-in-law have both enjoyed the thrill of playing Rush Hour.I would strongly recommend this game for anyone who thinks they would be too good for this game...cause they won't be!!

Great fun and awesome game!!!
My husband and I gave this game to our daughter for Christmas. When she first unwrapped the present she looked uninterested. Later that day she pulled it out and asked what it was about. We got it out and tried it out. Instantly she was hooked as was I. This game is really a great game, but it is also a wonderful educational product. It truly teaches thinking skills and as a homeschool parent I can truly appreciate that. I highly recommend this for anyone regardless of where or how your children are schooled!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Board Games    2. Family Favorites    3. Puzzles    4. 3-D Puzzles    5. Strategy Games    6. Brain Teasers    7. Activity    8. Games    9. Grid Games    10. Brain Games    11. Learning   

Reviews (9)

Excellent motivator and great fun
As a child I used to play with K'nex a lot. I just dug up an old model I built to hold my poker chips today that I'd made years ago, and I decided to look around for the biggest set I could find.

As a college student now, I can see the value of playing with the K'nex set as a kid: creativity, problem-solving, even common sense about the laws of physics (big stuff that falls down tends to go boom, for example), all have been boosted thanks to this toy, I think. It's no wonder I'm able to learn new techniques and ideas so quickly now (as opposed to some of my friends).

All you have to do is show your child how to connect the pieces in different ways, plop a models book in front of them, and let them have at it with your encouragement. Just don't let them put anything in their mouth: some of the pieces are less than an inch long.

What a GREAT simple toy
I bought a 22 piece set of these for my 5 1/2 yr old daughter. She played with those 22 pieces for over an hour just ditting there.

I can't say enough...they are easy to clean up since they are magnetic. The only things I'd say as a caution are that the metal balls hurt if they stray away and you step on them so keep it contained.

My sons favorite toy!
I have a 6 year son that was bored with legos and licoln logs, but loved to try and build things. So, we got him this set for Christmas. He loves it! You are not limited to what shapes you can make with the other building sets. he will go to his room and build things himself from looking at the directions. Since christmas we have bought him a few of the smaller sets to go along with this set. My husband and I like to play with it to. I would recommend knex to everyone! They are worth evey penny! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. 3-D Puzzles   

Reviews (5)

Great Puzzle for Little Ones
My 28 month old son got this puzzle for Christmas and loves it.He put it together the first time out of the box himself. It is the first thing he does every morning and then several times a day.My almost 5 year old likes it too. It is not as sturdy as the Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, but it still really sturdy.

Nice picture making for an easier puzzle
My 2 year old daughter has this puzzle and thinks its wonderful.

Unlike many puzzles, with just one character on it, the picture is brilliant having lots of different trains, etc on it.It is easy to fit togehter, with parts of a different character or scene on every piece.She can easily put Thomas, the sheds, Harold, etc together thus eventually making the whole puzzle.

This is by far her favourite puzzle.For one, it's Thomas!And for 2, it's well-made and 'easy' to work out how to put together.

Most Beloved Toy
My son who just turned 4 years old in December received this for Christmas.I'm amazed at the beauty and durability of the pieces.He put it together about three times (with help) the first time we opened it!I never seen him so excited about a toy and to my greater surprise--a puzzle!Each time he placed a new piece in (sometimes with my assistance and sometimes not), he'd ask me to turn around and then ask me to look.When I looked I praised him for his accomplishment and he squealed with excitement.He literally jumped up and down almost after each piece was placed!He told me this was his favorite gift for Christmas and believe me he had quite a few more that were more expensive.I'll be buying more Thomas puzzles from this company in the near future as I'm very impressed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Toddler    7. Activity   

Reviews (42)

Well-made product
A sturdy and well-made puzzle. My twin girls are a little late in developing fine motor skills, so this was a great choice for them. It's a BIG puzzle and the individual pieces are large enough that they're hard to lose. They're well-finished enough that it seems safe to let the little ones chew on them. The variety of shapes and images underneath are nice.

Super Developmental Activity for Little Ones!
I purchased the Jumbo Knob Puzzle: Shapes for my son's 1st birthday.It was too difficult at first, but he quickly grew into it.We'd work it together, and I'm still amazed how much he'd retain the next time we would attempt to put it together.I like that we could work on shapes, colors, matching, and developmental skills in the same toy.Additionally, the jumbo knobs are easy to work, and the pieces don't have to go in with the label upright.This is especially helpful when placing the octagon, and the pentagon pieces.William was fond of this puzzle, and it's held up extremely well.He finally allowed me to put it in the closet with the rest of his baby toys, and he's almost 4-years old.

There are pictures underneath, but not the pictures of the shape.This toy requires a bit more thinking than the typical "pictures under the pieces" puzzle.The pictures are animated objects that reflect everyday life, such as, a clock, a house, and a school bus.The pieces are very chunky for little hands, and have large jumbo knobs.My only gripe is with some of the picture selections.The diamond picture is a close-up of a diamond window.My son didn't know what it was, and when I asked him today he said, "I guess it's a diamond, mom."Perhaps, a better choice would be a kite.At any rate, the puzzle makes an excellent activity for young children. I definitely recommend it.

too expensive
this puzzle costs entirely too much for what it offers. you can get the same quality puzzle for $15.00 less at a local store. It held my 2 year old's attention for about 5 minutes and that was it. B-O-R-I-N-G. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Toddler    3. Activity    4. Puzzles    5. Wood    6. Pegged    7. Learning    8. Shapes    9. Baby and Infant   

Editorial Review

One of the first steps in learning to read is being able torecognize and label symbols. While your baby may not be naming theentire alphabet by the time he's 1 year old, this interlocking setcertainly offers a firm foundation for future reading. Each12-by-12-inch piece contains an easy-to-grasp, pullout letter of thealphabet; there are 50 pieces in all. Parents may need to help youngtoddlers with assembling the floor mat, since it requires more detailedpuzzle-fitting skills. But children as young as 1 year old can learn tofit the letters into the slots by themselves. This also makes acomfortable tumbling mat or a nicely cushioned play area. The set comesin a clear vinyl storage case with a zip closure. --HannahReynolds ... Read more

Features

• Toddlers may need some guidance from adults when assembling
• Comes with a clear vinyl storage case
• Good base for future reading skills
• 50-piece floor puzzle

Reviews (9)

Excellent toy!
I have a 21 month old son who loves this mat!It keeps him busy long enough for me to get things done around the house!I recommend this to anyone with a busy body child!

All For Fun
I love this mat! I got this for my 9 month old daughter and she immediately took to it. She loved the vibrant colors and the fact that she can pull out the letters, within a couple of days she found out that she could pull the whole mat appart (a lot of work for the parent...but all comepletely worth it). Friends have pulled it appart and have used it as a hop-scotch board and built things out of it. The foam is a little flimsy though, so I would recomend watching children when they are teething and figuring out the capabilities of their teeth. But over all I love this and have recomended it to many people.

If you have hardwood floors, buy this
We have hardwood floors, which are nice, but when you have a baby who wants to be on the floor, it's hard on everyone.So, we went out and bought this.It's much better than the floor, but it's not carpeting.They're pretty durable - my son has taken all of the letters and the numbers out and put them back and they don't seem to be very worn yet!(He's 18 months and we've had it for at least 12 months.)For a long time, that was one of the things he enjoyed doing the most, taking the letters out, walking around with them, and chewing on them.He would also put them back in later, but not as often as he would take them out.I didn't really worry much about the small pieces - the small circles for the inside of the eight, six, zero, b's, etc - since we're with him when he plays with this.But if you are, you can simply take them out and put them away for later.Of course, that means that your child will be able to pull out the letters and numbers more easily, but that's part of the fun. (Little ones have a hard time getting much of a gripe on the letters and numbers when they're pushed flush with the blocks.)Also, I think that it's nice to have the alphabet out and some numbers.My one complaint is that the one we got, when it's put together has six vertical stripes through all the letters, but then the numbers don't continue it.I guess I wish ours was more random, which some are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Learning    4. Floor Puzzles    5. Foam Puzzles    6. Baby and Infant    7. Toddler    8. Activity   

Reviews (8)

Beautifully Made Puzzle
The quality of this puzzle is outstanding!The wood is thicker than most puzzles and the sturdy knobs and high-quality finish will make this last for many years.The farm theme appeals to my daughter and she enjoys playing with this.Pictures underneath the puzzle pieces make it easier for little ones to complete.I highly recommend this puzzle.

My son loves this puzzle
My son received this for his 1st birthday and loves it.It has been a great teaching tool too.I ask him where is the duck and he picks up the duck piece, he is even getting pretty good at putting the pieces back in place - in only a month.

Heirloom Quality Puzzle
Lights, Camera, Interaction! makes beautiful products and this puzzle is no exception.The wood makes it durable and attractive, the pictures under the pieces make it appropriate for babies as young as 12 months, and the knobs are easy for small hands to manage.The pieces are cut to fit perfectly, so that they slide into place easily once the child has aligned it correctly.

My 12 month old baby is beginning to enjoy this, and my three year old still plays with it too.I can't recommend the toys and puzzles made by this company, also known as Melissa and Doug, highly enough.They are all excellent quality and provide fun learning opportunities for kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Wood    3. Pegged    4. Farm Animals    5. Preschool    6. Learning    7. Baby and Infant    8. Toddler    9. Activity    10. Hand-Eye Coordination   

Reviews (18)

Excellent "intelligent" game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different combinations are possible. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Challenging and fun
This game is a real attention-grabber for my 5 year old. Keeps him busy and quiet--great for me, too! :)

A game help children learn to use their minds!
I bought this game for my 5 yr old.She loves it and is challenged by the game.Even some of her older cousins enjoyed playing with it over the holidays. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 3-D Puzzles    2. Brain Teasers    3. Activity    4. Games    5. Strategy Games    6. Learning    7. Board Games    8. Family Favorites    9. Brain Games    10. Puzzles   

Reviews (9)

Fun, but kind of cheaply made
My boys are 3.5 years and 18 months. Theylove these puzzles and never get tired of them. My only complaint is that they are rather cheaply made. The paper peels up and I've had to glue it down on the actual puzzle board as well as the puzzle pieces themselves. Other than that, they take a lot of wear and tear and have held up OK so far.

Well made toy
I am impressed with the way these puzzles were made.I was looking for wooden puzzels and these have painted on pictures, not decals.I am not worried about my daughter ruining them.I am a little disappointed as others have said with certain aspects.I didn't read the reviews before I bought this one.I will be more careful next time. I just bought it for the good price.One puzzle does not have pegs.None of mine have the pictures under the pieces, only the words.My daughter doesn't mind as she can't read; however, I think that the pictures would better facilitate her learning and the pegs would make it easier to use.

Great Toy
I bought this toy for my 2 year old daughter and she just loved all four puzzles.These puzzles also served a valuable purpose in that my daughter thought she was playing, but she was actually learning the different animals, foods, transportations, and so forth.She has never got bored with these puzzles . . . and these were all she had!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Wood    4. Pegged    5. Toddler    6. Activity   

Reviews (14)

Kid-approved "sneaky education"
This puzzle is my 2 1/2 year old son's absolute favorite.He does it on his own, and is starting to know the state names.He will do it over and over and over again, and thinks it's great fun.I think it's a great way to help him learn!It's kind of nice when a learning tool has to be pried out of my child's hands....

If I had one complaint, it would be that Alaska is on the bottom left corner of the puzzle; it would have been nice if they'd made the puzzle larger so they could stick Alaska in roughly the right place.Not a big deal, though.

A GREAT educational toy!
My 3 year old son spotted this puzzle while we went browsing in the store.He wanted it SO badly even though it was rated for older children.Within 3 days of playing with this puzzle, he quickly mastered all 50 states, knew exactly where they all go at a moment's notice.Then in a few days, he is able to clearly identify and pronounce each state accurately.He can read a little bit, and I had to show him North and South so he could place the Dakotas in their places.We had moved to Arizona from California a few months earlier, so he understood that his "small house" was in CA and that we now live in AZ.Two weeks after playing this puzzle, we went to California to visit our old friends and favorite places.Upon returning home, he demonstrated he really understood the map even more and even knows Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean and several cities. Because he has 2 other USA maps, he has said several times that "Michigan is a mistake!They forgot to cut out Upper Peninsula (Upper Michigann)"!!!!I was originally from Michigan and know that Michigan has 2 parts.What I'd like to see in this puzzle is 50 individual pieces, even though they may be small and that their cutouts reflect more accurate shapes (maybe make the states a bit bigger!).My parents still have the wooden puzzle from late 1960's with all 50 pieces.Now, where can I find wooden maps of other places:Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, showing pictures of the countries, along with capital cities and other information?My son is already learning a few countries in Europe and is so eager and so ready to absorb more information in geography!We play the USA map puzzle practically every evening before he goes to bed!He's already map-literate far ahead of his peers and even amazed his summer camp teacher!Who says a 3 year old can't learn geography?!;-)

A good start
I would have liked more information to be included on the puzzle.Each piece is cut out in the shape of the state and has the state capital printed underneath.I think they could have taken this a step further adding key information about that state such as it's nickname, state flower or other educational information.It is a good way to get very young children to learn their state capitals and the shape and geography of the U.S. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Learning    3. Geography    4. Preschool    5. Jigsaw Puzzles    6. Easy Puzzles    7. Wood    8. Pegged    9. Activity    10. 100-999 Pieces   

Editorial Review

The aMAZEing Labyrinth uses a clever board design to create aseries of ever-changing mazes that one to four players must movethrough. The object of the game is for each player to collect asquickly as possible all seven treasures depicted on their individualtreasure cards. To add to the challenge, players know what the nexttreasure is only after they find the one before it. Before each turn, amaze card is pushed into the maze in a strategic place, helping theplayer make his or her way to the prize. This means that the entiremaze shifts and changes on each turn, confounding some and helpingothers. Players will need to think ahead to choose just the right spotto shift the maze in their favor. This is an excellent game to get lostin. A simpler version can be played by younger children. --LeeStrucker ... Read more

Features

• For 1 to 4 players
• Playing time 20 minutes

Reviews (3)

'Mazing
This strategy game is one of the best birthday presents my children ever got. You can play once or several times, and never grow tired of the game, as each set of mazes is different than the last.

Playing is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or evening with your children. The game requires non-verbal skill and logic, but is fun as heck. Very often, the children do better than the grown-ups.

Highly recommended.

Good game
We love this game.It makes you think, so it keeps us all interested. This is one of the few games that we all enjoy playing together because it is challenging enough for our overachieving 8-year old, and also interesting for our 6-year old.It is difficult to find games that do all that these days, because the 6-year old is refusing to learn how to read well enough to be able to enjoy "older kid" games, and we have all become bored with the "little kid" games.This game requires no reading, which (obviously) is a plus for us right now.

Great Family Fun
Our family really likes this game.It is a great strategy game.You have to think ahead and try to plan moves to help yourself but not others.It really keeps you thinking and the kids love it when they make a move that really messes up Mom or Dad.It is not so hard however, that a younger child of 8 or 9 would get frustrated. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Mazes    4. Family Favorites   

Reviews (6)

Great Learning Puzzle!!!
Definitely a must buy!!!!My two year old learned her right hand from her left hand by using this puzzle.Not only does she understand the concept of counting from 1 to 10, but she also understands that each finger on each hand is different from the other.This puzzle teaches spacial concepts, counting, colors, and coordination.I wish there were more puzzles like this one. If anyone knows of any, please contact me through Amazon.

chrischem

Great Puzzle
My little boy loves puzzles, and this is probably his favorite one. And I like that it's so sturdy and will be able to be passed down to his sister!

Excellent for persistent little ones!!!
My little girl received this puzzle along with two other ones on her second birthday. I thought it would be a little too advanced for her but it turned out to be her favorite one!She showed me that with persistence little hands can achieve great things.She is two and half now and she still loves this puzzle, whether it is to count the objects on each finger or to learn the names of the fingers it keeps her busy each time she picks it up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Toddler    2. Activity    3. Preschool    4. Learning    5. Puzzles    6. Math    7. Wood    8. Pegged   

Editorial Review

This is a strategy game with a twist--if you lose, you'relunch. You've taken your trusty Safari Rover deep into the bush; nowmaneuver it through the maze of hungry animals and get back to camp inone piece. An 8-by-7.25-inch plastic game tray forms a kind of grid foryour vehicle and the 3-D plastic animal pieces (including elephants,rhinos, and a termite mound). Draw one of 50 cards (10 of which areextra-easy, for younger players) to determine the initial board setup.Then move pieces, according to strict rules, to make your escapethrough the only exit. A cloth bag for all the game pieces is included.--Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun but bulky
Our family truly enjoys the Rush Hour game and tried this one as well - it is bigger and bulkly and convenient for travel.I alos find the puzzles to be a bit easier.The pieces don't slide as well as Rush Hour.

Good toy for everyone
I knew this game at a friend's house and love it even I was 30 already at that time.I bought several when I went back to visit my family and they all love it.When I told my mom that I would give my brother's 1st grad boy a set, she told me he won't like it since he doesn't like the brain games.But he loves it soon after my sister explain to him the rules and he enjoys to do it.My little one, almost 23 months old now, likes those animals and loves to put all of those animals to the board one by one and kind of learn the size and arrange the place.It's not only for 8 and up.

Great game; an attention grabber
I bought this for my 6 year old. She played with it for an hour the first time.It is a game she can play solo. After using the Junior cards, she went on to the beginner. She is still progressing.This is a great thinking game. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Wild Animals    3. Learning    4. Games    5. Board Games    6. Family Favorites    7. Brain Games    8. Puzzles    9. 3-D Puzzles    10. Strategy Games    11. Brain Teasers    12. Activity   

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Puzzles    3. Jigsaw Puzzles    4. 100-999 Pieces   

Reviews (2)

An Awesome T-Rex
My four year old grandson has had this puzzle for two years and has probably assembled it over 100 times!He still loves it more than any other puzzle we've given him, probably because it's in the shape of a T-Rex.I highly recommend it for any dinosaur loving child.

dinosaur shaped large floor puzzle, very good quality
Typical of this manufacturer, the cardboard pieces are strong and durable. The graphics are a high quality printing. Without abnormal abuse this puzzle will last for many years.

The puzzle is shaped like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It is large. Will be loved by dinosaur fanatics like my son!

I highly recommend all carboard and wooden peg puzzles by Lights, Camera, Interaction for their durability and high quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Wood    5. Pegged    6. Learning    7. Activity   

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Activity   

Editorial Review

Like well-illustrated books, Tell-A-Story offers worlds forchildren to enter. In this game, 50 picture cards teach memory, reading,and storytelling skills as children invent stories to match thepictures. Whenever a player collects five cards with the same character,he or she arranges the cards to create and tell a story. Parents mayneed to help little ones lay out the cards, but once they're launched,kids will want to return to the same story over and over again.--Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cards    2. Games    3. Memory    4. Preschool    5. Board Games    6. Learning    7. Activity    8. Card Games   

Reviews (5)

Educational
Your 5-7 tear old will really enjoy this. Puzzles are always such a treat and this one is a really durable set.

Very fun & Educational, but...
The United States puzzle is a bit out of the 3-year age range.My 3 year old LOVES all of the 4 puzzles though, even the US one. I don't know WHY they made a puzzle for toddlers with so many little pieces! :)It's a wonderful puzzle set to have though, and I absolutely love the wooden storage case!

Lots of fun for my God Grandson!
I gave this to him for his birthday ,and as his Mom was talking to me about how much he loved it,I could hear him laughing with delight in the background.He got on the phone and said "t'ank you,Gamma!!" I am so glad he and his Mom and Dad think it is a good gift.This is the kind of "toy" that develops a life-long love of learning.It's colorful,and not extremely easy,so it attracts him to it,and encourages thinking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Wood    4. Pegged    5. Learning    6. Toddler    7. Activity    8. Jigsaw Puzzles    9. 100-999 Pieces   

Reviews (3)

Get this for your toddler!
My 2 year old son loves it! Granted...it was put away a few weeks after he clocked his sister with one of the pieces. However, no harm done and he still loves the puzzles! :-)

Great puzzle
This is a great puzzle book. Magnetic pieces really help. My 18 month old loves puzzles and this one is her favorite.

Too much toddler fun!
My 18 month old toddler loves this book!

This combines a couple of his favorite things right now, puzzles, books, magnets and simple words.He has played so much with this book, and goes to it at least once a day.
A complete bargain! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Puzzles    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Shape Sorting    6. Games   

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Jigsaw Puzzles    3. Easy Puzzles    4. Trains    5. Preschool    6. Floor Puzzles    7. Toddler   

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Learning    3. Stuffed Toys    4. Baby and Infant    5. Activity