Mindware Wood Alphabet Puzzle
(Mindware $16.95)
A classic wooden alphabet puzzle with smoothly finished upper-case letters that lift to reveal a familiar item that starts with that letter. Note the picture above with an owl under the "O" and an elephant under the "E". Unlike many look-a-likes, this wooden board and letters are splinter free and crafted with care. It’s marked 2+, but smart as your two-year old may be, we suggest this is a better choice for older pre-schoolers of 3 and 4 and even 5. Knowing letters names and the sounds they say is not important business to 2s who are learning to communicate.
Ages: Preschoolers
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2022
It’s also perfect for reinforcing early literacy skills. I could see this working well in restaurants, too, especially if paired with check presenters. While adults settle the bill, the puzzle can keep kids entertained at the table. It’s a win-win: parents appreciate the extra effort, and the restaurant benefits from creating a more welcoming environment for families. Simple tools like this can really make a difference.