Image: MomJunction Design Team
Puzzles with different themes are foundational to improving your child’s logical and constructive thinking, motor skills, focus, and hand-eye coordination. We have listed some of the best puzzles for 8-year-olds to share with you. These puzzles can keep your child away from screens and keep them engaged for hours. While choosing the puzzles, pick one that suits your little one’s interests and makes it a fun learning experience. Check out this list featuring the best-selling and time-tested puzzles for 8-year-olds and choose the perfect puzzle for your little one.
Top Picks
11 Best Puzzles For 8-Year-Olds
1. Best For Math Skills: Coogam Wooden Blocks Puzzle
The tried-and-tested Coogam wooden block puzzles can improve your child’s mathematical skills and concentration and enable them to think logically. They also promote shape recognition and help develop imagination and hand-eye coordination. With these colorful wooden puzzle blocks, you can create different shapes, such as umbrellas, pyramids, and airplanes. This set includes 40 high-quality chunky puzzle pieces and a smooth wooden base plate.
Pros
- Smooth edges
- Non-toxic
- Odorless
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Storage box not included
- Puzzles may be a little thin
"This puzzle strikes a chord with both kids and adults and is versatile enough for solo or group activities. A carry case for the pieces would be handy, but even without one, it is a worthwhile addition to my son’s toy collection."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 12,682 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Motor Skills:EuroGraphics Sharks Jigsaw Puzzle
The shark-themed puzzle set includes 100 pieces made of recycled board and vegetable-based ink. The pieces are easy to fit and durable, suitable for little hands. They can improve your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making it a perfect puzzle for your little one. With 20 shark species, this educational kids’ puzzle set can enhance parent-child interaction.
Pros
- 07-inch blue board puzzle pieces
- Non-toxic
- Easy-fit
- Forest Stewardship Council-certified
Cons
- Reference picture not included
- Pieces may bend a little over time
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,928 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
3. Best For Problem-Solving:Bearun 3D Coloring Puzzle Set
The Bearun puzzle set offers coloring and model-building activities with five large 3D shapes, including a butterfly, dinosaur, Eiffel Tower, seaplane, and peacock. The 3D puzzle is designed with different patterns to improve your child’s creativity and includes 12 dual-tip markers with fine and brush tips. These kids’ puzzles can help develop children’s motor, problem-solving, and visual-spatial skills, improve focus, and reduce screen time by keeping them engaged in a craft activity. Take a look at this video to get more information on this 3D puzzle for kids.
Pros
- Non-repeating coloring pattern
- Instructions sheet included
- Marker comes in a sturdy storage box
- 30 days guarantee
Cons
- May need adult supervision
- May be a bit challenging for some
4. Best Easy-To-Carry:Vileafy Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles
The 12-pack ocean-themed jigsaw puzzles include a mermaid, jellyfish, lobster, whale, dolphin, and more. These puzzles for kids teach children about shapes and animals in an interactive way. The puzzle pieces are made of durable wood and feature a compact, small size, making them easy to carry while traveling. The package includes 12 organza bags to make party-favor gifts.
Pros
- Round corners
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Comes with reference pictures
- Fun and easy to assemble
Cons
- May be a little difficult to dismantle
- May be smaller than expected
5. Best Educational:Quokka Floor Puzzles Set
Quokka floor puzzle set includes three puzzles–a world map, a solar system, and a map of the USA. Each puzzle has 100 pieces made of thick cardboard for durability. The map puzzle helps your child learn about different states and flags, while the solar system-themed puzzle educates them about rockets, planets, and more. Moreover, the puzzle set improves their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Pros
- Non-toxic ink
- Smooth surface and edges
- Storage boxes with reference image
- Suitable for independent or group play
Cons
- Some pieces may not lay flat
- Some pieces may have creased edges
"Their ability to double as educational tools made me zero down on these puzzles. I wish the set came with a larger picture guide, but the puzzles have done a brilliant job of inculcating an interest in different cultures in my child."
6. Best For Teaching Astronomy: iPlay, iLearn Wooden Solar System Floor Puzzles
The wooden solar system jigsaw puzzle helps children learn Astronomy education from a young age. They will be fascinated to explore space and planets while playing. This 48-piece floor puzzle helps improve children’s imagination and hand-eye coordination and has different levels of difficulty. The pieces are made of durable natural wood to ensure long-lasting usage and safety and are large for easy assembly. This wooden puzzle set includes a guidebook with step-by-step instructions for better understanding.
Pros
- Polished pieces
- Easy to grab
- Comes with a 1:1 scale instructions
- Storage box included
Cons
- Pieces may fit too tightly
- Some pieces might have repeated shapes
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,263 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
7. Best For Groups:Quokka Jigsaw Puzzle
Quokka jigsaw puzzles include 100 finely carved wooden pieces. The wooden puzzles are based on the galaxy, construction, and animal themes. Each puzzle has more than 24 pieces, and children can play it in groups. These puzzles for kids are made of organic materials and painted with scratch- and water-resistant paints. The direct printing on wood keeps the colors bright for years.
Pros
- Unique shapes
- Detailed colorful illustrations
- Smooth edges
- Non-toxic and durable material
- Helps develop problem-solving and fine motor skills
Cons
- Pieces may be a tight fit initially
- Unpolished finish
"These wooden puzzles keep my little one captivated with their vibrant colors. The fit of some of the pieces could be slightly snug; however, this does not diminish its entertainment factor. Plus, the unique shapes of the pieces add to the puzzles’ attractiveness. Overall, a good purchase!"
8. Best For Creativity:Ravensburger Orca Paradise Jigsaw Puzzle
The kids’ puzzle from the trusted brand Ravensburger is uniquely designed with linen-structured paper and thick cardboard for an anti-glare surface. This 200-piece puzzle game has an underwater animal theme, offering children a challenging and adventurous playtime. It can improve creativity, hand-eye coordination, patience, and focus, making them a perfect learning tool. You can play with it alone or in a group setting for quality bonding time. These chunky puzzles are made of thick, durable cardboard with finely finished corners to prevent injuries.
Pros
- No sharp edges
- Virtually no puzzle dust
- Helps develop fine motor skills
- Extremely engaging
Cons
- Frame not included
- May be time-consuming
"This 200-piece Ravensburger puzzle stands out for its appropriately sized pieces. Once completed, it offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment. It is an ideal option for kids who are fascinated by sea life."
Quick tip9. Best Ocean-Themed:Ravensburger Ocean Turtles
The Ravensburger Ocean Turtles puzzle pieces made of thick and durable cardboard interlock precisely to provide a seamless look when assembled. The puzzle for kids includes 200 easy-to-assemble, smooth-edged, and glare-free pieces with colorful images of tropical fishes and corals. The learning tool measures 19.5 x 14.25 inches when assembled and is a great option for independent or group play.
Pros
- Free of puzzle dust
- Vibrant colors
- Durable
- Available in multiple themes
- Helps develop patience, motor skills, and concentration
Cons
- Some images might be slightly blurry
- Some might find assembling it time-consuming
"Its glare-free pieces make it easier for everyone in my family to quickly decipher and build the puzzle. And the thick base keeps the pieces from sliding. Overall, it has been a worthy investment for enhancing the fun during family game nights."
10. Best Long-Lasting:Momo & Nashi World Map Puzzle
The 75-piece World map puzzle can improve children’s geographical education from a young age. It helps develop awareness about continents and important landmarks. This puzzle game is made of durable chipboard materials, and the puzzle pieces are polished by gloss printing for long-lasting use. This engaging play-and-learn puzzle for kids can develop your child’s memory and problem-solving skills.
Pros
- Puzzle pieces in the shape of each state
- Comes with a storage box
- Easy to assemble
- Compliant with ASTM F963 and CPSIA
Cons
- May only fit loosely
- Frame not included
11. Best Durable:Runlycan Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzle
If your eight-year-old loves nature, brain teasers and dinosaur themes, then this Runlycan 100-piece puzzle game can be ideal for them. The puzzle for kids is made of durable cardboard material, and the pieces are thoughtfully sized, ensuring they are comfortable to hold and easy to carry while traveling. Their corners are finely processed to ensure the children’s safety while playing.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Reference picture included
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for gifting
- Can be used as a decorative piece
Cons
- Frame not included
- Pieces might not stay flat over time
How To Choose The Right Puzzles for 8-Year-Olds?
Consider these points when buying puzzles for eight-year-olds.
1. Material: Puzzle pieces and frames should be made of organic, durable, and safe materials that can withstand the test of time and rough play. Puzzles made of eco-friendly materials can be a safe and conscious choice for the environment. The paints used for coloring the pieces must be water-resistant and non-toxic.
2. Safety: Choose jigsaw puzzles with fine finishing and smooth edges to avoid injuries, ensuring your child’s safety.
3. Size: Choose mini floor puzzles that are easy to hold in little hands and travel-friendly. Ensure you have enough space to spread out the puzzle pieces if you choose a big one.
4. Skills: Choose puzzles that can improve your child’s required skills and help in their education.
5. Age: Make sure the puzzles you choose are appropriate for your kid’s age and learning level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many puzzle pieces should an eight-year-old solve?
Puzzles for eight-year-olds are available in many themes, sizes, and pieces. The complexity of a puzzle varies not just with the number of pieces but with the colors used in the picture and the puzzle size. Your child at eight years of age might be able to solve anywhere from 50 to 200 pieces or even more depending on their cognitive ability.
2. Can an eight-year-old solve a 500-piece puzzle?
Not all children can or are interested in solving 500-piece puzzles. However, an eight-year-old with good problem-solving skills can solve complex puzzles.
3. At what age should a child be able to complete a 24-piece puzzle?
A 24-piece puzzle is appropriate for children aged three years and above.
4. What does it mean if a child is good at puzzles?
It means they are exercising their brain and using their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These children possess good cognitive, visual, and spatial learning skills.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose, our product writer and reviewer, who covers toys and gifts, has done extensive research on different products and user reviews to bring you this list of the best puzzles for eight-year-olds. She has included those puzzles that are consumer-tested to be interesting and developmental and provided a detailed description of each puzzle. Furthermore, Priti has also added a buying guide mentioning all the important factors you need to consider when choosing educational puzzles for kids.
Opt for the best puzzles for 8-year-olds to make your child’s vacations or playtime productive. These time-tested puzzles can help reduce their screen time and promote their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a puzzle is ideal when your child plays with their friends, as it helps develop their social skills. It is best to settle for a puzzle set made of materials such as wood as it is both durable and safe. Also, ensure that the puzzle strikes the right balance between easy and challenging.
Infographic: How Puzzles Can Contribute To Developing New Skills
Solving puzzles has the potential to improve memory, enhance attention span, and promote the ability to think logically. As your child solves puzzles, they learn different skills that can contribute to their development. Read through the following infographic to better understand the skills that solving puzzles can develop or improve. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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