Much evidence suggests that wood puzzles date back as far back as the Greek and Roman empires.  Even though the world has changed by leaps and bounds since, these toys remain a mainstay in our homes generation after generation.  Wood products, and puzzles in particular, are not only better for the environment, but they also are a meaningful and durable solution to stimulate brain development.

Here are the 5 reasons why wood puzzles are still a good purchase.

Reason 1: Puzzles made from wood Are Better For The Environment.

Unlike plastics, which are made from harmful and non-renewable energy resources, wood is a sustainable building material.  Modern forestry practices include replanting trees after forestation occurs.  This means that purchasing toys that are made out of wood are a vote for the environment.

Wood is also biodegradable.  So even if the toy is no longer played with and disposed of, wooden pieces will not remain in landfills or oceans for an almost indefinite period of time like plastics.

Reason 2: Puzzles Help Stimulate Brain Development

Your brain requires the same amount of exercise each day that your body does.  Stimulating yourself by performing puzzles is a great way to promote brain health and memory.

Wood puzzles also help develop hand eye coordination, logic response and problem solving.  This is true in younger children as it is in adults.  Spatial awareness, fine motor skills, rational size recognition and logical sequencing are also highly developed while playing with puzzles.

Reason 3: Puzzles made of Are Durable

Puzzles fashioned from wood are extremely durable.  It is not uncommon for a wooden puzzle to be passed down from family to family.  Unlike their cardboard counterparts, they can withstand liquids, tears, rough handling and misuse.  The puzzle will remain intact and usable over its lifespan.

This makes them perfect toys for children of any age, since they are mostly immune to the behaviors that would easily destroy other toys.  And since there is no battery to speak of, they cannot be exhausted or cost additional money to maintain like a battery powered counterpart.

Reason 4: Puzzles Are Meaningful

Despite our modern culture’s dependence on plastic, there has been a resurgence in the number and quality of wooden toys since the 1970’s.  Some even remain hand-made to this day!  Wooden puzzles feel different because of their weight.  There is an expectation that they are going to last and that their craftsmanship will stand the test of time.

This is evident when you handle a wooden toy or puzzle.  They ‘feel’ better than a conventional plastic, therefore the perception of value is higher and the puzzle feels more meaningful.

Reason 5: Wood Puzzles Come With Options Other Puzzles Do Not

Most wooden puzzles are presented and stored in a wooden tray.  This tray often has pictures of the corresponding pieces directly beneath it.  This serves as a guide for small children, in lieu of a box or other picture.

Puzzles in wood for younger children have pegs attached to them.  This lets younger children manipulate the pieces easier than cardboard puzzles.

Puzzles have remained a best-selling children’s toy for a variety of reasons for the last fifty years.  Their environmental friendliness, cognitive development qualities and durability means they will continue to have the staying power they always did.  My Kiddies World has a variety of puzzles (wooden) available on their website that are the perfect gifts for multiple occasions.