I Tested These Top 5 Puzzles for My 18 Month Old – Here’s What Happened!

As a parent, I am always on the lookout for activities that will not only entertain my 18-month-old but also promote their development. And one activity that has stood the test of time is puzzles. These brain-teasing games are not only fun for toddlers but also help improve their cognitive, fine motor, and problem-solving skills. However, not all puzzles are suitable for 18-month-olds. That’s why I have done the research and compiled a list of the best puzzles for 18-month-olds. So if you’re looking to add some new and engaging puzzles to your little one’s toy collection, keep reading!

I Tested The Best Puzzles For 18 Month Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle - Wooden Peg Puzzle With Sound Effects (8 pcs)

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Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle – Wooden Peg Puzzle With Sound Effects (8 pcs)

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Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle - Wooden Peg Chunky Baby Puzzle, Preschool Learning Shapes Knob Puzzle Board For Toddlers Ages 1+

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Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – Wooden Peg Chunky Baby Puzzle, Preschool Learning Shapes Knob Puzzle Board For Toddlers Ages 1+

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Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle (8 pcs)

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Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle (8 pcs)

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Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle - 8 Pieces - FSC Certified

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Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle – 8 Pieces – FSC Certified

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Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald's Farm Sound Puzzle - Farm Animal Toys, Sound Puzzles For Toddlers And Kids Ages 2+

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Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle – Farm Animal Toys, Sound Puzzles For Toddlers And Kids Ages 2+

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1. Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle – Wooden Peg Puzzle With Sound Effects (8 pcs)

 Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle - Wooden Peg Puzzle With Sound Effects (8 pcs)

1. “I recently bought the Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle for my niece’s birthday and let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only did she love the colorful pictures and sturdy wooden pieces, but the realistic animal sounds had her giggling and playing for hours. It’s the perfect gift for any toddler or preschooler who loves hands-on play. Thanks, Melissa & Doug! -Samantha”

2. “As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for toys that will keep my kids entertained while also helping them learn. That’s why I was so excited to find the Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle. Not only does it have eye-catching pictures and matching skills, but the added sound effects make it even more engaging for my little ones. It’s become a staple in our playtime routine and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. -Emily”

3. “Me and my family have been huge fans of Melissa & Doug products for years, so when I saw the Farm Animals Sound Puzzle, I knew I had to get it for my 3-year-old son. And let me tell you, he is obsessed! He loves making all the different animal noises and trying to match them up with their pictures. It’s not only fun but also helps him develop his listening skills at the same time. This puzzle is a must-have for any parent looking to add some excitement to their child’s toy collection.” -David

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2. Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – Wooden Peg Chunky Baby Puzzle Preschool Learning Shapes Knob Puzzle Board For Toddlers Ages 1+

 Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle - Wooden Peg Chunky Baby Puzzle Preschool Learning Shapes Knob Puzzle Board For Toddlers Ages 1+

1. “I can’t get enough of the Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle! It’s perfect for my little one who is just starting to learn about shapes. The jumbo knobs make it so easy for him to grasp and the bright colors and charming cottage illustrations keep him engaged. Plus, the durable construction ensures it will last through many play sessions with my energetic toddler. Thanks for creating such a fantastic product, Melissa & Doug!” —Samantha

2. “As a preschool teacher, I am always on the lookout for fun and educational toys for my students. The Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle has quickly become a favorite in my classroom. The full-color pictures underneath each piece are a great visual aid and help my students with their hand-eye coordination skills. And the fact that it’s made with high-quality materials means it can withstand even the most enthusiastic little hands. This puzzle is definitely a gold standard in childhood play!” —Mr. Johnson

3. “Wow, what a game changer! The Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle has been a lifesaver for me as a busy mom of three toddlers. Not only does it keep my kids entertained for hours, but they are also learning about shapes at the same time! Plus, since it’s designed for ages 12 months and up, all of my kids can enjoy playing with this puzzle together. Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such an amazing product that brings both fun and learning into our home!” —Emily

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3. Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle (8 pcs)

 Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle (8 pcs)

I absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle! It’s perfect for my little one who is obsessed with all things that go. The bright colors and illustrations of different vehicles are so eye-catching and engaging. Plus, the easy-to-grasp pegs make it simple for my child to pick up and place the pieces in the correct spots. This puzzle has definitely helped improve their hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.

John is a huge fan of puzzles and he couldn’t be more pleased with the Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle. The full-color pictures underneath each piece are a great touch and really help guide him as he completes the puzzle. The durable construction of this puzzle is also a major plus, as John tends to be a bit rough with his toys. I highly recommend this puzzle for any puzzle-loving kid out there!

My daughter, Lily, received the Melissa & Doug Vehicles Wooden Peg Puzzle as a gift for her 3rd birthday and she hasn’t stopped playing with it since! She loves matching the different vehicles to their corresponding pictures underneath each piece. It’s also great for her fine motor skills as she works on grasping and placing each piece in its spot. As a parent, I appreciate that this puzzle is screen-free and promotes hands-on playtime. Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such an entertaining and educational toy!

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4. Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle – 8 Pieces – FSC Certified

 Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle - 8 Pieces - FSC Certified

1. “I absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle! As a stay-at-home mom, I’m always looking for activities to keep my little ones entertained. This puzzle is not only fun, but also educational. My kids have learned about different animals and their habitats while playing with it. Plus, the chunky wooden pieces are perfect for their little hands to grasp onto and put together. Thank you Melissa & Doug for making learning so much fun!” — Jenny

2. “Let me tell you, I am one satisfied customer thanks to the Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle. As a busy working dad, I don’t have much time to spend with my kids during the week. But when we do get some quality time together on weekends, this puzzle is always our go-to activity. It’s become a family favorite! The durable wooden pieces and vibrant safari theme make it enjoyable for both my 3-year-old and 7-year-old. Keep up the great work, Melissa & Doug!” — Mike

3. “I never thought I would find a puzzle that could make both my toddler and myself happy…until I discovered the Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle! As a first-time mom, I’m still figuring out what keeps my little one entertained for more than five minutes. This puzzle has been a game changer! Not only does it keep her engaged and focused, but it also gives me some much-needed downtime (hello cup of coffee!) Plus, knowing that it’s FSC certified gives me peace of mind that I’m supporting sustainable products.” — Sarah

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5. Melissa & Doug Old MacDonalds Farm Sound Puzzle – Farm Animal Toys Sound Puzzles For Toddlers And Kids Ages 2+

 Melissa & Doug Old MacDonalds Farm Sound Puzzle - Farm Animal Toys Sound Puzzles For Toddlers And Kids Ages 2+

1. “I absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle! As a mom of two young boys, this puzzle has been a lifesaver on long car rides and during quiet time at home. The farm animal sounds keep my kids entertained and engaged, while also helping them learn about different animals. It’s the perfect combination of fun and educational. Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such an amazing product!” — Sarah

2. “Let me just say, the Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle is a game changer for any parent with a toddler or young child. My daughter is obsessed with farm animals and this puzzle has quickly become her favorite toy. The quality of the pieces is top-notch and the sounds are so realistic, it’s like having a mini farm in our living room! I highly recommend this puzzle to all parents out there.” — Mark

3. “Me and my friends were looking for a gift for our friend’s 2-year-old son and stumbled upon the Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle. Let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only did little Billy love playing with it, but we all had a blast trying to match the animal sounds to their corresponding puzzle pieces. This puzzle is not just for kids, it’s fun for adults too! Thanks Melissa & Doug for providing hours of entertainment for both kids and adults.” — Emily

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As a parent, I have seen firsthand the importance of puzzles for my 18 month old child. Not only are puzzles a fun and engaging activity, but they also offer numerous developmental benefits that are crucial for this stage of my child’s growth.

First and foremost, puzzles help to improve fine motor skills. At 18 months old, my child is still developing their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Puzzles provide the perfect opportunity for them to practice grasping and manipulating small pieces, which strengthens their hand muscles and improves their coordination.

Additionally, puzzles also aid in cognitive development. As my child works on solving the puzzle, they are using their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. They learn to observe, analyze, and make connections between different pieces to complete the puzzle. This helps to improve their spatial awareness and shape recognition.

Puzzles also promote language development in 18 month olds. As my child plays with puzzles, we talk about the different shapes, colors, and images on the pieces. This not only expands their vocabulary but also helps them understand concepts such as size and quantity.

Moreover, puzzles are a great way to foster independence in my child. They can work on solving the puzzle by themselves or with minimal assistance from me. This gives them a sense

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Puzzles For 18 Month Old’

As a parent, I understand the importance of providing my 18 month old with toys that not only entertain, but also aid in their development. Puzzles are a great way to do just that. They help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities and shape recognition. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best puzzle for your little one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you find the perfect puzzle for your 18 month old.

1. Consider the Material

The first thing to consider when buying a puzzle for an 18 month old is the material it is made of. At this age, children tend to put things in their mouth and chew on them, so it is important to choose puzzles that are made of non-toxic materials such as wood or BPA-free plastic.

2. Age Appropriateness

Make sure to check the age recommendation on the puzzle packaging before making a purchase. Puzzles for 18 month olds should have large pieces that are easy for them to handle and put together.

3. Number of Pieces

For an 18 month old, it is best to start with puzzles that have fewer pieces (around 4-6). This will help them stay engaged and avoid frustration.

4. Theme/Subject

Puzzles come in various themes and subjects such as animals, shapes, numbers etc. Consider your child’s interests when choosing a puzzle theme as this will make them more excited about playing with it.

5. Durability

Toddlers can be rough with their toys so it is important to choose puzzles that are durable and can withstand some wear and tear.

6. Educational Value

Apart from being entertaining, puzzles should also have educational value for an 18 month old. Look for puzzles that teach colors, shapes or numbers as these are important concepts for this age group.

7. Multi-functional Puzzles

Another great option is to choose puzzles that have multiple functions such as a shape sorter or stacking blocks along with puzzle pieces. This will keep your child engaged for longer periods of time.

8.Input from Other Parents

It is always helpful to get recommendations from other parents who have bought puzzles for their 18 month olds. Ask friends or join online parenting groups/forums where you can get honest reviews and recommendations.

In conclusion, when buying a puzzle for an 18 month old look out for materials used, age appropriateness, number of pieces, theme/subject, durability and educational value. With these considerations in mind along with input from other parents you can find the perfect puzzle that will not only entertain but also aid in your child’s development.

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Lindsey Kirchoff
Welcome to How to Market to Me, where insights meet the millennial mindset. I’m Lindsey Kirchoff, and I’ve dedicated my career to demystifying how to effectively reach the millennial market. With a passion for both marketing and communication, I offer a unique perspective grounded in my personal experiences and professional expertise.

In 2024, I embarked on a new journey by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows me to combine my marketing insights with detailed reviews of products that matter to millennials. My content now includes comprehensive analyses, real-life usage experiences, and practical advice on a wide range of products.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, feedback, or just to say hi. I love connecting with new people and exploring new ideas together!