Puzzles for children aged 18 months to 4 years: large-knob inset puzzles, 9-piece 'mummy and baby' puzzles, sound puzzles, layered puzzles, number and shape puzzles, then 24-piece wooden puzzles for the older ones.
Made of wood or soft plastic, they are easy for small hands to grip and help develop fine motor skills, observation and concentration. They come from brands such as Viga Toys, Small Foot, Goula and Educa, and from the Eveil Montessori selection.
For other ages, from 12 months to 8 years, see all our educational puzzles.
Frequently asked questions
Guide: around 18 months to 2 years, inset puzzles of 2 to 5 pieces with knobs; between 2 and 3 years, 4 to 12 pieces; between 3 and 4 years, 12 to 24 pieces; after 4 years, 24 pieces and more. Every child goes at their own pace: if they become discouraged, go back to a simpler puzzle. Our guide ‘ How to Choose a Puzzle by Age ’ explains these steps.
Before 3 years, choose wood or soft plastic: the pieces are thick, easy to grip and hold up when the child chews on them. Cardboard is better suited to puzzles of more than 24 pieces, from around 3-4 years.
The pincer grip between thumb and index finger, hand-eye coordination, shape recognition and patience. By naming the animals or objects pictured, they also build their vocabulary.
