The Human Body

On June 14, 2020 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

This puzzle was very good quality, which is unfortunately NOT something I have said about the last few Eurographics puzzles I’ve assembled. Unlike those, this puzzle had thick pieces, many shapes, and a good fit. I love to be happily surprised by a brand that I’ve had issues with before!

Eurographics quality has gone down in my opinion, but this puzzle has bucked that trend and I’m happy that at least their children’s puzzles seem to have been made with a little more effort. I still wouldn’t buy an adult jigsaw puzzle from this brand for myself, but I’m happy that this one was much better quality than I expected. 🙂

Educational puzzles are so entertaining for me to put together, even if they’re made for young children. Sometimes I get to re-learn something I already knew, and sometimes I get to find out something new and interesting – and I LOVE THAT!

The smaller colored areas were easy to assemble, but the two human figures in the center were much more difficult…

The Human Body 3

Bones and muscle on both sides, looking very much the same, made it more difficult to assemble this part; and it was the last thing I put together. But I think that’s a very good thing; if a puzzle is too easy it becomes boring, and we don’t want our kids to be bored with puzzles we want them to be engaged and excited by assembling them. All the health and intellectual benefits of puzzling are even more pronounced for children; it helps their developing brains and they become better learners. I’m a huge proponent of puzzles for kids!

The Human Body 1

I enjoyed reading each of smaller sections on the different systems of the human body. It’s aimed at children, but it’s always good to give yourself a little basic refresher course. The circulatory system was the first section I assembled after completing the edge.

The Human Body 2

I find the spine fascinating, so I definitely enjoyed this small section – besides it was very colorful, which is always a plus.

Each section of this puzzle was bright and colorful, entertaining, and educational. In short… what a great puzzle!

Review: Solar System

On February 21, 2020February 20, 2020 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Puzzle reviews, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

Now this is the kind of quality I love to see on a kids puzzle, extremely thick pieces, great fit, beautiful image reproduction, and a finish that you can clean off to keep the puzzle in good condition. An excellent puzzle all around, and even though it was only 48 pieces I had a great time putting it together.

Melissa & Doug puzzles are excellent quality, and even though all of their puzzles that I’ve assembled have been secondhand, I’ve always found them to be excellent quality. They take care to make puzzles that will withstand the rough and sometimes careless play of children; the chipboard is extremely thick and sturdy, and the finish is one that can be cleaned off if a messy or sticky hand is used to put pieces together. 🖐

Educational puzzles like this one always make me smile, and even if I know all the information they’re still fun. I’m a big proponent of giving children jigsaw puzzles, they’re so good for developing brains! They help teach problem solving, spatial awareness, hand/eye coordination, and many other skills that help young brains learn and grow.

Delightful puzzle with amazing quality – it is very highly recommended – I loved it!

Details:

Title: Solar System
Artist: Melissa & Doug
Brand: Melissa & Doug
Piece count: 48 pieces
Size: Approx. 36 x 24 in. (91 x 61 cm)
Purchased: Used, thrift store

Quality:

Board: Excellent
Cutting: Excellent
Image: Excellent
Box: Very good, sturdy
Fit: Very good
Puzzle Dust: None
Piece cut: Grid cut
Piece shapes: Very good variety
Finish: Slightly shiny finish, easy-clean surface, lays flat

Overall Rating: Excellent, very highly recommended

Penguins

On October 28, 2019October 27, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store PuzzlesLeave a comment

Unfortunately for me this is the last puzzle from the box of 20 that mom and I found at a local thrift store. I’ve had such a great time putting these together that I’m a little sad that they’re all done.

I consider myself educated and intelligent, but I have to tell you I was surprised to learn from this puzzle that there are penguins native to Africa. I may have heard that before, but I obviously didn’t process or retain it. To me the continent of Africa brings to mind deserts, jungles, safaris, and heat. Penguins in Africa? How awesome!

Penguins 1

I have to get myself to the thrift stores to see what other treasures I can find. My black belt thrift store shopping puzzle dealer isn’t around anymore to keep me swimming in interesting and beautiful puzzles – it’s time I started supplying myself. It’s worth a little pain to get myself out of the house and searching for some fun and unique puzzles.

Trains

On October 25, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

It’s hard to see in this picture, but this puzzle is missing a piece. Can you spot where it is?

When I started assembling each one from this big box of kids puzzles, every one I grabbed was complete, and I had high hopes that every one would be all there. Unfortunately my wish wasn’t granted and I had to send three of them to the recycling bin, including this one.

I assembled this puzzle with the educational side up, I usually do. I find them much more interesting and I love seeing what there is to learn about the subject of the puzzle.

Trains 1

I enjoyed the explanation of how a steam engine works, and it was interesting to see how trains have changed over the years. Just because this puzzle is only 24 pieces and geared towards children doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it or even learn something from it.

I really need to get my butt out of the house and get to the thrift store. Who knows what other wonderful treasures are waiting there for me to find?

African Animals

On October 18, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

This is one of the last few kids puzzles from the box of 20, and one of the last complete ones too. I found this box at one of our local thrift stores while mom and I were shopping many, many months ago and I’ve been parsing them out here and there.

I find the educational side more entertaining than the picturesque side, I love the facts and lists they have. On the back of this puzzle were all the species pictured above and a map of Africa showing where they are found

Animals 1

I’m a bit sad these puzzles are coming to an end; I’ve enjoyed assembling them all, and learning and re-learning all sorts of things. I may have to get myself back to the thrift stores and find out what other fun puzzles I can get my hands on!