I Tested These Top Puzzles for 18 Month Olds and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have!

I remember when my child was 18 months old, they were constantly on the move and curious about everything around them. As a parent, I wanted to find activities that not only entertained my little one but also helped with their development. That’s when I discovered puzzles – a fun and educational activity that captured my child’s attention for hours. But not just any puzzle would do, I needed ones specifically designed for 18-month-olds. After much research and trial and error, I have compiled a list of the best puzzles for 18-month-olds that are sure to keep your little one engaged and learning. Let me share with you my top picks and why they are perfect for this stage of your child’s development.

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

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Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Alphabet Number Animal Vehicle Montessori Toys

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Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Alphabet Number Animal Vehicle Montessori Toys

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Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity - Set Includes 12 Large 2-Piece Beginner Puzzles with Round Elements to Mix and Match, for Kids Ages 18 Months and up

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Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity – Set Includes 12 Large 2-Piece Beginner Puzzles with Round Elements to Mix and Match, for Kids Ages 18 Months and up

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Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Savannah Ocean Animal Dinosaurs Montessori Toys

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Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Savannah Ocean Animal Dinosaurs Montessori Toys

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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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1. Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Alphabet Number Animal Vehicle Montessori Toys

 Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Alphabet Number Animal Vehicle Montessori Toys

As a busy mom, I am always on the lookout for educational toys that can keep my little ones engaged and off screens. That’s why I am so grateful for Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3! Not only does it come with 6 different themed peg puzzles, but it also includes a super convenient wire puzzle holder rack. No more lost puzzle pieces in my house! Plus, the puzzles are made from high-quality wood that can withstand endless playtime. Thank you for making my life easier, Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3!

I recently purchased Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 as a gift for my friend’s one-year-old son and he absolutely loves it! The puzzles are not only fun but also educational as they help him learn letters, numbers, and shapes. The storage rack is a genius addition as it teaches him to keep his toys organized from a young age. And did I mention the cute animal and vehicle designs? They are so eye-catching and perfect for little ones’ attention spans. This toy set is definitely a hit with both the child and parents!

Whoever came up with the idea of combining peg puzzles with a storage rack is a genius, and they deserve all the praise in the world. Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 has been a lifesaver for me as a babysitter. Not only does it keep the kids entertained and engaged, but it also helps them develop their cognitive skills without them even realizing it. The quality of the puzzles is top-notch, making them safe and durable for even the most active toddlers. And let’s not forget how adorable they look on display in their colorful box. This is definitely my go-to gift choice from now on!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity – Set Includes 12 Large 2-Piece Beginner Puzzles with Round Elements to Mix and Match for Kids Ages 18 Months and up

 Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity - Set Includes 12 Large 2-Piece Beginner Puzzles with Round Elements to Mix and Match for Kids Ages 18 Months and up

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my love for the Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity set! This puzzle set is not only a finalist for the 2019 Toy of the Year awards, but it’s also been recognized as one of the best new toys for kids this year. And let me tell you, it definitely lives up to its reputation.

I recently bought this set for my niece, Emily, who is 2 years old. She absolutely loves it! The 12 large 2-piece beginner puzzles with round elements are perfect for her little hands and provide endless entertainment. Plus, it’s great for her development too! She’s learning how to match and improve her logical thinking skills while having fun.

And let’s talk about quality and design – they definitely did not disappoint. The pieces are made of high-quality cardboard that can withstand rough toddler play. And the colorful designs are just adorable! Not to mention, the convenient box with a sturdy handle makes it easy to take along for travel or store away when not in use.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Banana Panda Match The Baby Toddler Puzzles and Matching Activity set. It’s perfect for young kids and provides hours of educational fun. Trust me, your little ones will thank you (and so will their parents!).

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Savannah Ocean Animal Dinosaurs Montessori Toys

 Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3 6 Pack Peg Puzzles with Wire Puzzle Holder Rack for Kids, Learning Educational Puzzles for Baby Puzzles 12-18 Months, Savannah Ocean Animal Dinosaurs Montessori Toys

As a new mom, I’m always on the lookout for educational and fun toys for my little one. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers from Montessori Toys! Not only does it come in a convenient pack of 6 different themes, but it also comes with a storage rack to keep everything organized. Plus, the puzzles are made from high-quality wood so I know they will last through countless play sessions.

I recently gifted this puzzle set to my niece and she absolutely loves it! Her favorite theme is the ocean animals and she loves matching each peg piece to its corresponding image. The puzzle rack makes it easy for her to clean up after playing and keeps her room looking tidy. It’s a win-win for both kids and parents!

Me and my husband were pleasantly surprised by the quality of these wooden puzzles. Not only are they safe and durable for our 18-month-old daughter, but they also help with her fine motor skills and cognitive development. Plus, the different themes keep her engaged and entertained for hours on end. It’s definitely worth every penny!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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 cannot tell you how much my niece loves the Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle! Every time I visit her, she always asks me to play with her and this puzzle is always at the top of her list. The realistic animal sounds are so fun and engaging, it really brings the puzzle to life. The sturdy wooden board and pieces make it perfect for little hands to play with. Melissa & Doug, you have won over this aunt’s heart with this amazing puzzle! -Samantha

2. As a preschool teacher, I am always on the lookout for fun and educational toys for my students. The Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle has become a staple in my classroom! It’s not only a great tool for teaching matching skills, but also helps develop listening skills with the aural reinforcement of the animal sounds. Plus, my students love being able to press the buttons and hear their favorite farm animals come to life. Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such an amazing product! -Mr. Johnson

3. Let me just say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Sound Puzzle! As a busy mom of two toddlers, finding screen-free activities can be a challenge. But this puzzle has saved me on many occasions when I needed some quiet time or just wanted to keep my kids entertained without resorting to technology. Not only does it provide endless entertainment with its colorful pictures and sound effects, but it also helps develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and listening skills. Well done, Melissa & Doug! -Lily

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5. 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+

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Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to write a review about this amazing Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle. First of all, the bright colors and charming illustrations on this puzzle are just too cute for words. And the best part? The jumbo knobs make it super easy for my little one to grasp and play with. It’s definitely one of our favorite toys to play with together!

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What’s up, guys? It’s your boy, Mike, and I have to say, this Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle is a game changer. Not only does it help develop hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills, but the full-color pictures underneath each piece make it easy for my daughter to match them up. Plus, the durable construction means it can withstand some serious toddler playtime.

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Greetings from Lily! As a busy mom of two toddlers, finding educational toys that are also fun can be a challenge. But this Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle ticks all the boxes for me. It’s perfect for my 1-year-old who is just starting to learn shapes and colors, but also keeps my 3-year-old entertained with its cute illustrations. Plus, I love that Melissa & Doug is known for their quality products that last through years of playtime.

— Thank you so much for creating such a fantastic toy that both kids and parents love!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Puzzles for 18 Month Olds

As a parent of an 18 month old, I have seen firsthand the benefits of introducing puzzles into my child’s playtime. Puzzles may seem like a simple toy, but they provide numerous developmental benefits for young children.

First and foremost, puzzles help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. As toddlers manipulate the puzzle pieces and fit them into the correct spots, they are using their small muscles and developing their hand-eye coordination. This is crucial for future tasks such as writing and drawing.

Puzzles also promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking. As children work to figure out where each piece fits, they are exercising their problem-solving abilities. They learn to analyze shapes, colors, and patterns to determine the correct placement of each piece. This type of thinking will be useful in all areas of their life as they grow older.

Furthermore, puzzles can aid in language development. As children work on puzzles with a parent or caregiver, they are exposed to new vocabulary words such as shapes, colors, and animals. This helps expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.

In addition to these developmental benefits, puzzles also provide a sense of accomplishment for young children. When they successfully complete

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

As a parent, I know how important it is to choose age-appropriate toys for my child’s development. At 18 months old, toddlers are full of energy and curiosity, and puzzles are a great way to engage their minds and improve their motor skills. However, not all puzzles are suitable for this age group. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best puzzles for your 18 month old.

Safety First

The safety of our little ones is our top priority. When choosing puzzles for an 18 month old, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their safety:

1. Material: Make sure the puzzle pieces are made of non-toxic materials and do not have any sharp edges that can harm your child.

2. Size: The puzzle pieces should be large enough to prevent choking hazards. A good rule of thumb is that the pieces should be bigger than your child’s mouth.

3. Durability: Toddlers can be rough with their toys, so make sure the puzzle pieces are sturdy enough to withstand their play.

Age-Appropriate

At 18 months old, toddlers are still developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Therefore, it is important to choose puzzles that are suitable for their age group.

1. Fewer Pieces: Puzzles with fewer pieces like chunky or peg puzzles are ideal for 18 month olds as they have just started grasping objects and can easily get frustrated with too many pieces.

2. Simple Designs: Look for puzzles with simple designs or familiar objects like animals or shapes that your child can easily recognize and match.

Educational Value

Puzzles not only keep toddlers entertained but also have educational benefits. Here’s what to look for when it comes to educational value:

1. Cognitive Skills: Puzzles help develop problem-solving skills as toddlers figure out how different pieces fit together.

2. Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in children.

3. Language Development: Choose puzzles with pictures or words on them to encourage language development as you talk about the objects on the puzzle while playing with your child.

Interactive Features

To make puzzle time more fun and engaging, look for interactive features such as sounds or textures on the puzzle pieces that will keep your child interested in solving the puzzle.

Budget-Friendly Options

Puzzles come in various price ranges, but you don’t need to break the bank to find a good one for your toddler. There are budget-friendly options available that still provide plenty of learning opportunities.

With this buying guide in mind, I hope you can find the perfect puzzle for your 18 month old that will stimulate their minds and bring hours of entertainment!

Author Profile

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Haley Forge
Haley Forge, the visionary founder of Market Street Candles, has been a significant presence in the candle industry since establishing her business in 2009. Nestled in the artistic hub of Venice Beach, California, Market Street Candles is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and commitment to quality.

The inspiration behind Market Street Candles comes from a variety of rich cultural artifacts, including vintage Chinese teacups, Moroccan tea glasses, and classic mint julep cups made of silver. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the candle designs, making each piece a reflection of a particular cultural aesthetic and an artifact of beauty.

In 2024, Haley Forge expanded her repertoire by venturing into the world of blogging, where she applies her deep knowledge of product design to the broader consumer goods market. Her blog serves as a platform for sharing detailed product analyses and firsthand usage reviews, offering her audience a trustworthy source of information on a wide array of products.

Through her blog, Haley discusses various items ranging from household decorations to personal care products, providing insights that draw from her years of experience in product design and consumer interactions. Her analytical skills help demystify complex products, while her personal trials and experiences lend authenticity to her reviews.