Ravensburger Kids Puzzles vs Big-W vs Mideer

  • By Hey Kids
  • Aug 11

Puzzles are not just fun for young children—they are powerful tools for early development. Engaging with puzzles helps kids improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Puzzles also encourage critical thinking and spatial awareness, laying the foundation for later cognitive tasks. Additionally, completing a puzzle fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting a child's confidence.

Age-Appropriate Puzzle Selection: 2, 3, and 4 Year Olds

When choosing puzzles for young children, it’s crucial to consider their age and developmental stage. Let's compare three popular brands: Big W, Ravensburger, and Mideer, focusing on puzzles suitable for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.

Puzzles for 2 Year Olds

  • Product Name: Ravensburger - Jolly Dinos My First Puzzle
  • Recommended Age: 18m+
  • Includes: 4 Puzzles (2P - 5P)
  • Price: $24.99
  • Purchase Link: Ravensburger
Features:
  1. Best Quality FSC Premium and Time-tested Materials
  2. Extra-thick Cardboard
  3. Fine Linen-structured Paper
  4. Glare-Free Puzzle Image
Kids Jigsaw Puzzle - Mideer Level 1: Animals
  • Product Name: Level Up! Toddler Puzzles with Storage Bag - Level 1: Animals 2P-6P
  • Recommended Age: 2+
  • Includes: 10 Puzzles (2P - 6P)
  • Price: $23.95
  • Purchase Link: HeyKids Australia
Features:
  1. Large Pieces, Suitable for Small Hands
  2. Puzzle Pieces Increases Level by Level
  3. Pattern - From the Familiar Things to the World
  4. Storage Bag with Corresponding Puzzle Icons
  5. Smooth & Burr-free Edges
  6. Food-grade, Thick Paperboard
  7. Printed with Soy-based Ink
Kids Puzzles - Dinosaur, Truck
  • Product Name: Level Up! Preschool Puzzles with Storage Bag - Level 2: Dinosaur Projects 9P-16P
  • Recommended Age: 2.5+
  • Includes: 3 Puzzles (9P - 16P)
  • Price: $23.95
  • Purchase Link: HeyKids Australia
Features:
  1. Large Pieces, Suitable for Small Hands
  2. Puzzle Pieces Increases Level by Level
  3. Pattern - From the Familiar Things to the World
  4. Storage Bag with Corresponding Puzzle Icons
  5. Smooth & Burr-free Edges
  6. Food-grade, Thick Paperboard
  7. Printed with Soy-based Ink
  • Big W: We don't find puzzles specifically for 2-year-olds.
  • Ravensburger: A premium brand, Ravensburger provides high-quality puzzles that are durable and well-crafted. For 2-year-olds, Ravensburger’s Jolly Dinos puzzle is a standout, offering slightly more intricate designs and robust pieces that can withstand rough handling. Although pricier, the investment is justified by the superior build quality and more engaging themes.
  • Mideer: Mideer’s Level Up! series is designed with toddlers in mind, featuring puzzles made from safe, food-grade materials. These puzzles gradually increase in difficulty, supporting cognitive development as children grow. The vibrant colors and whimsical designs are particularly appealing, making Mideer an excellent choice for parents looking for a balance of safety, challenge, and educational value.

Puzzles for 3 Year Olds

  • Product Name: Bluey Floor Puzzle 46 Piece
  • Recommended Age: 3+
  • Includes: 1 Puzzle (46P)
  • Price: $16
  • Purchase Link: Big W
Features:
  1. The Cute Aussie Pooches from The ABC Hit Show
  2. Large Sized Pieces Ideal for Small Hands
  • Product Name: Ravensburger - Working on The Farm Puzzle
  • Recommended Age: 3+
  • Includes: 2 Puzzles (12P)
  • Price: $19.99
  • Purchase Link: Ravensburger
Features:
  1. Best Quality FSC Premium and Time-tested Materials
  2. Extra-thick Cardboard
  3. Fine Linen-structured Paper
  4. Glare-Free Puzzle Image
Kids Puzzles - Construction Truck, Car
  • Product Name: Level Up! Kids Puzzles with Storage Bag - Level 3: City Teamers 24P-35P
  • Recommended Age: 2.5+
  • Includes: 3 Puzzles (24P - 35P)
  • Price: $23.95
  • Purchase Link: HeyKids Australia
Features:
  1. Puzzle Pieces Increases Level by Level
  2. Storage Bag with Corresponding Puzzle Icons
  3. Pattern - From the Familiar Things to the World
  4. Smooth & Burr-free Edges
  5. Food-grade, Thick Paperboard
  6. Printed with Soy-based Ink
  • Big W: Known for its budget-friendly options, Big W offers simple puzzles with large pieces, like the Bluey Floor Puzzle. These puzzles are easy for little hands to manipulate and feature familiar, appealing characters. However, the designs tend to be basic, with limited educational value beyond simple image recognition.
  • Ravensburger: Ravensburger steps up the complexity with puzzles that feature more detailed images and a greater number of pieces, such as farm scenes or animal habitats. The brand’s focus on quality ensures that these puzzles are both durable and engaging, providing a satisfying experience as children develop their puzzle-solving skills.
  • Mideer: Mideer’s Level 3 puzzles are designed to enhance fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. With intricate, vibrant designs that capture a child’s imagination, these puzzles are slightly more complex and are intended to challenge 3-year-olds while keeping them engaged and entertained.

Puzzles for 4 Year Olds

  • Product Name: Ravensburger - Working Trucks Puzzle
  • Recommended Age: 4+
  • Includes: 2 Puzzles (24P)
  • Price: $24.99
  • Purchase Link: Ravensburger
Features:
  1. Best Quality FSC Premium and Time-tested Materials
  2. Extra-thick Cardboard
  3. Fine Linen-structured Paper
  4. Glare-Free Puzzle Image
Kids Puzzles - Dinosaur Age
  • Product Name: Level Up! Kids Puzzles with Storage Bag - Level 4: Dinosaur Age 54P-88P
  • Recommended Age: 3.5+
  • Includes: 3 Puzzles (54P - 88P)
  • Price: $26.95
  • Purchase Link: HeyKids Australia
Features:
  1. Puzzle Pieces Increases Level by Level
  2. Storage Bag with Corresponding Puzzle Icons
  3. Smooth & Burr-free Edges
  4. Food-grade, Thick Paperboard
  5. Printed with Soy-based Ink
Kids Puzzles - Plane, Trucks, Flights
  • Product Name: Level Up! Kids Puzzles with Storage Bag - Level 4: Transportation 54P-88P
  • Recommended Age: 3.5+
  • Includes: 3 Puzzles (54P - 88P)
  • Price: $26.95
  • Purchase Link: HeyKids Australia
Features:
  1. Puzzle Pieces Increases Level by Level
  2. Storage Bag with Corresponding Puzzle Icons
  3. Smooth & Burr-free Edges
  4. Food-grade, Thick Paperboard
  5. Printed with Soy-based Ink
  • Big W: We don't find puzzles specifically for 4-year-olds.
  • Ravensburger: For 4-year-olds, Ravensburger offers puzzles with even more pieces and intricate designs, such as detailed landscapes or complex scenes with multiple characters. These puzzles challenge a child’s cognitive abilities and are made to last, justifying their higher price point.
  • Mideer: Mideer’s puzzles for this age group often include up to 88 pieces, offering a significant challenge that promotes cognitive development and patience. The brand’s focus on imaginative designs and quality materials makes their puzzles a top choice for parents looking to invest in their child’s educational playtime.

Overall Comparison

  • Price: Big W is the most cost-effective option, making it accessible for families on a budget. Ravensburger is more expensive but offers exceptional quality and durability, making it a good investment for long-term use. Mideer falls between the two, providing high-quality puzzles with innovative designs at a mid-range price point.
  • Design & Quality: Ravensburger excels in durability and detailed designs that engage children at different developmental stages. Mideer stands out for its progressive difficulty levels and vibrant, imaginative designs, making it a great educational tool. Big W, while more basic, is still a reliable choice for younger children or those just starting with puzzles.
  • Educational Value: Mideer and Ravensburger offer the most in terms of educational benefits, with puzzles designed to challenge and develop cognitive skills. Big W’s puzzles, while less complex, are still valuable for introducing young children to the concept of puzzle-solving.

Conclusion

When selecting puzzles for your child, consider their age, interests, and developmental needs. Big W offers budget-friendly options ideal for beginners, while Ravensburger and Mideer provide higher quality and more engaging designs that grow with your child. For parents looking to invest in puzzles that offer both fun and educational value, Mideer and Ravensburger are top choices, particularly as children advance in age and ability.