Square Petals 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.  Square Petals Amazon link

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

Square Petals Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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

Square Petals

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

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Easy

Such a pretty rainbow of colors. My easy rating is based on the puzzle being only 300 pieces, but there were some tricky aspects. And, some that actually made me smile. There were a few times when I found a piece that would fit the shape, said to myself “that can’t possibly go there”, and lo and behold it was a perfect color match. Did that make you smile? I hope so.

Quality: Just excellent in every regard. Well, okay, about the box. It is not shrink wrapped. The sides of the top and bottom are glued together. Splitting them apart tears some of the cardboard. It does not show when the box is closed. But if a pristine box is important, that is a minus. Otherwise it truly was perfect. The box is small and sturdy. The full image is on the box top. Inside, the pieces are loose, and a poster is included. Color match illustrations to pieces is great. There was no puzzle dust. Piece fit is pick up off the table tight. The sturdy pieces are a good thickness with only a low sheen. None were together uncut, none were damaged, and none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I built the frame and sub-sorted the colors by light, dark and hue. The frame offers a lot of color information to begin the build.

Construction: Pretty straight forward. With careful sorting, laying out each sort by shape, and referencing the repeated pattern, this little puzzle is quite delightful to put together. The left side took longer than the right, but the fun continued throughout.

Final thoughts: Three hundred piece puzzles are great when there is only limited puzzling time. I like to do one if I’ve just finished a time consuming, difficult puzzle. It’s like a reward. I am a patient, methodical, slow puzzler when it comes to the process, and I’ve picked puzzles with areas I know will take some time to complete. Large areas of similar color or design — I actually quite enjoy them, they are not quick tasks, every piece I finally place is so satisfying. But, after a while, I do just want to see the puzzle finished. Clearly not an issue with a little puzzle like this!

I have done several of these smaller Buffalo Games puzzles. The only quality deficit I’ve seen in any of them is one or two slightly damaged pieces. Never irreparable and no visual hinderance to the completed picture. Their puzzles come in a myriad of designs and are well priced. Whatever the difficulty level, the process is the same, clearing your mind and feeling calm. So please try one. Give your brain a break, even if it’s only for a little while!

My ratings: Quality A+ (I can forgive the box), 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)