If you’re looking for a fantastic, unique little gift for a 3 year old – 7 year old in your life…you’ll want to keep reading. Recently, my sister-in-law Arti, picked up a puzzle called Around the World by Micah Player for our nieces and one for Jai too (thanks, Arti Foi!). This puzzle is awesome because it’s been designed with a beautiful concept in mind, sends a beautiful message and to top it all off…it’s beautiful itself!
Around the World (priced at around $14.99) is a global themed 16 piece puzzle featuring vibrantly illustrated characters from 32 countries. Each puzzle piece has two different children from two different countries in their ethnic garb represented on it – one on the the front and one on the back. The artist used amazingly vivid colors in his artwork…they are each so absolutely stunning. I love the facial expressions and look of each of the ‘representatives’ from every country. The pieces themselves are also very high quality – so they will last. What’s really cool is that the puzzle pieces fit together to create countless configurations….one of my favorites is creating a circle. I love the fact that you can turn the pieces over to reveal a different child on the other side but they can all hold hands either way. If your child is visual, they will go totally enjoy everything about this puzzle.
Granted, Jai is a little too young to fully enjoy the puzzle yet…but he’s really into the color of the box (we’re convinced orange is HIS color!) and the pictures of the kids on it. Just putting the puzzle box in front of him, makes him smile his gummy little smile. Again, he’s too young to understand it all but I do go over a few puzzle pieces with him every time we bring it out. Of course at this point, he just wants to put it all in his mouth but I know in due time, he will enjoy it to the fullest.
On the other hand, our niece Shriya who is four, has enjoyed it a lot. How adorable is she…sitting right in the middle of all her global friends?!
It’s an easier puzzle for slightly older kids to put together. I think between the ages of 3 -5 especially, this puzzle would be a great way to to introduce kids to other cultures and countries of our world. And because the puzzle is designed so that all the little children from all the countries hold hands, it promotes a sense of world peace and unity. Isn’t that such an important lesson to teach from an early age? To not discriminate, to love and welcome everyone with open arms…regardless of the color of their skin, their race or cultural background.
Because I thought this puzzle was so wonderful, I was anxious to look into other creations by Micah Player. So far, I know he’s got a book called Chloe, Instead and a game called the Sports Matching Game out there. Chloe, Instead may be a good book for you or anyone you know with an older child who is having a hard time adjusting to a younger sibling being in the picture. Here’s a little excerpt from Amazon:
“Molly always dreamed of having a sister who is just like her. But she got Chloe, instead. These two sisters are nothing alike: Molly loves to color with crayons. Chloe prefers the taste of wax. Molly loves to read. Chloe prefers to nibble a book’s spine. Molly is frustrated! But then she realizes that maybe sisters aren’t the ones next to you on the piano bench, they’re the ones dancing to the music you play! This humorous, perceptive snapshot of sibling love is perfect for those who may need a bit of convincing what fun little siblings can be!”
So, so cute.
If you also have any of Micah Player’s creations such as Chloe, Instead, the Sports Matching Game or the Around the World puzzle, let me know what you think. I’m really into his stuff and can’t wait to add to Jai’s collection when he’s a little older!
-Shraddha
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We love the around the world puzzle!
We do too!!