Mandala Stones Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  Amazon Link

Mandala Stones Puzzle Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 300 Large Pieces Finished Dimension: 18” Square

My Newbie Difficulty Rating; easy 

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Mandala Stones Puzzle Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 300 Large Pieces Finished Dimension: 18” Square

Mandala Stones Puzzle

Buffalo Games
Ribbon Cut
300 Large Pieces
Finished Dimension: 18” Square

Quick, colorful and fun! After completing a difficult, time consuming 1000 piece puzzle with a lot of dark and black areas, and the annoying quality issues of loose piece fit and false fits, this was just what I needed . . .

Quality: Perfect!!!!! Okay, if having a pristine box is important, not quite perfect. Buffalo’s environmentally conscious packaging is not shrink wrapped and the pieces are loose in the box, so no plastic bag. However, to guarantee no loss of pieces, the sides of the box are glued shut. Splitting them apart causes some damage to the cardboard. It does not show when the box is closed. That said, there are no other negatives to report. The full design is on the box top and a poster is included. Color match illustrations to pieces was spot on. There was no puzzle dust, the solid pieces have low gloss, but it didn’t interfere with puzzling at night with overhead lighting. No pieces were damaged or together uncut, and none were missing. There were no false fits and piece fit was pick up off the table tight.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. With only 300 pieces, I bothered to sort each individual stone. Okay, it took some time, perhaps longer than the . . .

Construction: I built the frame first; it had so much color information. I pieced together the stones from the center out, picked up each, sometimes quite large, section and attached it to the frame or to its neighbor. I think I even said “Wow!” out loud when I picked up the first one. I’ve only been puzzling for 14 months, so I can’t say I remember when every puzzle was like that. But, I certainly have been annoyed with loose piece fit in today’s puzzles, more often than not. With each addition, this little fun puzzle became more visually cheerful. Put in the few filler pieces and fini! Happy puzzle, happy puzzler.

Final thoughts: I do understand that challenge is part of the joy of puzzling, but why can’t the process of making 300 pieces into one object be just as joyful, just as satisfying? Think of the simple household chores that are happily satisfying when complete. Most of them don’t take 300 steps to feel that way! (Putting away folded laundry from the dryer and clean dishes from the dishwasher come to mind. Neither appliance holds 300 items.) And puzzles are clearly so much more fun!!!

My grades: Quality A+, Fun Factor A++

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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)