Review: Halloween Cookies Puzzle

Julie Smith reviewed the Cobble Hill Puzzle Company jigsaw puzzle titled Halloween Cookies in the Jigsaw Puzzle Connections Facebook Group and it has been reprinted here with her permission. Thanks Julie - this is a terrific review for others to hear all about your encounter with it.

Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company Title: Halloween Cookies Puzzle Artist: Cobble Hill Creations Pieces: 350 Family Size Size: 19.25" x 26.625"
Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company Title: Halloween Cookies Puzzle Artist: Cobble Hill Creations Pieces: 350 Family Size Size: 19.25" x 26.625"

Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company

Title: Halloween Cookies Puzzle

Artist: Cobble Hill Creations

Pieces: 350 Family Size

Size: 19.25" x 26.625"

"If you are like me, you probably overlook the 350 and 400 pc Family puzzles when you do your puzzle shopping. Too much $$ for too few pieces, right. Well this puzzle I believe may have changed my mind at least for the Cobble Hill ones. 

I am not one to review puzzles but as I was working this I just kept thinking, Cobble Hill got so much right with this puzzle. If you know me at all, you know I love Halloween so that is what drew me to this puzzle. Linda Richard can attest I have a massive collection of Halloween puzzles. Enough to do her Halloween contest without buying another puzzle for at least 3 years or so.

Anyway, at first when I opened up the box and saw a lot of super huge pieces, I was thinking uh oh, I am going to whip through this in 30 minutes and then it's over. I was even thinking, this may even be too easy for the kids. Boy was I wrong. 

Here was what I liked about the puzzle and why I think Cobble Hill was smart.

First, they wisely did not underestimate the capabilities of kids. So many kids puzzles are so easy that kids can whip through them without any real challenge and then they are on to the next one. They don't teach much about patience or take a lot of effort or require much skill at all. They are just kind of disposable. This is not that kind of puzzle. It's very high quality and the random cut combined with the cookie design actually makes it a real challenge, even for an adult. If you and your kids work this, you will be spending some real time with it. Depending on the patience level and attention span of kids, this could easily be a 2-3 night family experience.

Second, even if you don't have kids, I would easily recommend this for adults and that's not something I usually would say about a family size puzzle. Even though it's only 350 pieces, I definitely enjoyed this as much as a 500 piece puzzle and it's not a quick puzzle even for an adult.

Third, holiday puzzles are just smart. These are the kinds of puzzles you actually want to do more than once. It's a nice personal or family tradition to pull out a holiday puzzle leading up to the holiday or on the holiday each year.

Fourth, and maybe most importantly if you have kids, as I was working this, I thought, you know - Cobble Hill should really market these family puzzles of this caliber as puzzles that your kids WILL NOT outgrow. This is the kind of puzzle that young kids will enjoy with help from parents. As they get older, they can take on more and more of the puzzle on their own with some patience. It's definitely still a puzzle that is thoroughly enjoyable to work as an adult and finally it's one they can pass on to their kids."

Julie Smith

Halloween Cookies 350 pcs Cobble Hill Puzzles

More Cobble Hill Family puzzles.....

More Ice Cream, A 400 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Cobble HillMore Ice Cream, A 400 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Cobble Hill
Candy Counter puzzleCandy Counter
Cobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzle - Sheep Field - Sample Poster IncludedCobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzle - Sheep Field - Sample Poster Included
Gingerbread Houses puzzleGingerbread Houses
Cobble Hill Noah's Gathering 400 Piece Family PuzzleCobble Hill Noah's Gathering 400 Piece Family Puzzle
COBBLE HILL Family Puzzle (350 Piece)COBBLE HILL Family Puzzle (350 Piece)

About: Enhanced Puzzle Enjoyment: The Benefits of EZ Grasp and Extra Large Piece Jigsaw Puzzles for Seniors and Children

Introduction

Jigsaw puzzles are not only a fun and entertaining pastime but also offer numerous cognitive and therapeutic benefits. For seniors and children facing specific challenges such as arthritis, dementia, or sore hands, EZ grasp and extra large piece jigsaw puzzles provide a solution that enhances their puzzle experience. In this article, we explore the advantages of using these specialized puzzles and highlight some notable brands that offer them.

Improved Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

Seniors and children often encounter difficulties with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. EZ grasp puzzles feature larger, easier-to-handle pieces that enable individuals with arthritis or sore hands to engage more comfortably. These puzzles reduce strain and allow users to maintain a better grip, promoting improved dexterity and coordination.

Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Skills

Jigsaw puzzles are excellent tools for cognitive stimulation. They require concentration, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. For individuals with dementia, puzzles can provide a sense of accomplishment, boost memory recall, and help maintain cognitive function. The larger pieces in EZ grasp and extra large puzzles make it easier for seniors and children to see and distinguish the details, enhancing their focus and cognitive engagement.

Reduced Frustration and Increased Confidence

Traditional puzzles with small pieces can be challenging for seniors and children, leading to frustration and discouragement. EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles alleviate these frustrations by offering larger, more manageable pieces. This allows individuals to participate in the puzzle-solving process with greater ease, leading to increased confidence and a sense of achievement.

Notable Brands Offering EZ Grasp and Extra Large Piece Puzzles

Several puzzle companies recognize the importance of catering to the needs of seniors and children with specialized puzzles. Cobble Hill, Springbok, Ravensburger, and White Mountain are notable brands that offer EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles.

Cobble Hill is known for it's quality, colorful and variety of images for those with sensitive or small hands.  No matter the season, there's a product available to share the family fun. 

Springbok offers a variety of puzzles designed specifically for seniors and children. Their EZ grasp puzzles feature large, easy-to-handle pieces and vibrant, captivating images that cater to various interests and skill levels.

Ravensburger, a renowned puzzle brand, also offers a range of extra large piece puzzles. Their high-quality puzzles are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for seniors and children, with larger pieces that are easy to grip and assemble.

White Mountain offers nostalgic and visually appealing puzzles with extra large pieces. Their puzzles are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and beautiful artwork, making them a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts of all ages.

Conclusion

EZ grasp and extra large piece jigsaw puzzles offer numerous benefits for seniors and children facing challenges such as arthritis, dementia, or sore hands. These specialized puzzles enhance dexterity, hand-eye coordination, focus, and cognitive skills. By reducing frustration and increasing confidence, they provide an enjoyable and rewarding puzzle experience.

Notable puzzle brands like Cobble Hill, Springbok, Ravensburger, and White Mountain recognize the unique needs of seniors and children, offering a wide range of puzzles designed to cater to their requirements.

Whether it's for therapeutic purposes or simply for fun, EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles open up a world of possibilities, enabling seniors and children to engage in the joys of puzzling while overcoming physical and cognitive limitations.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)