Perhaps you’ve noticed that I don’t do many product reviews here on the blog. That’s mainly because KFDC focuses on events, activities, and places to enjoy with kids around the DC area. Also, I simply don’t have the time. So, if I am reviewing a product, you likely can assume it’s for something good. And Nene Imagination Puzzles are good, really good, in my opinion.
Pretty penguins, birds, and butterflies
I was intrigued from the first email I received from the puzzle creators. For starters, I love hearing about parents who re-routed their careers or created something novel with the new insight and lifestyle that comes from having children — it’s inspiring and something I can relate to. This was the case with local parents Ade Luque and CJ Krizan, both economists who became interested in toys and games for their twins and decided to develop their own. What really drew me in, however, were the puzzles themselves — or the descriptions of them, anyway, when Ade first reached out to me:
We currently make two kinds of puzzles: Puzzles Without Borders (‘Animal & Friends’ series) and Tiles of Infinity. Each puzzle contains 2 or 3 shapes that can be used to create an extensive variety of patterns. Each of the shapes fits together in a certain way, but nearly each time you put the shapes together, a different pattern emerges. You can choose to put the pieces together randomly and watch a pattern emerge effortlessly, or create a planned pattern.
A team effort
Sounds pretty awesome, right? Watching the puzzles being demo-ed on the website sealed the deal, and I asked them to send some samples for my kids to try for themselves. When they arrived and Sasha gave them the first test-run, my initial reaction was to the aesthetics, the pretty, complementary colors and super cute animal designs coming together so pleasantly. And seeing every single piece fit together in some way to form interesting, whimsical, and beautiful designs is kind of riveting. On top of that, it’s fun, like free-style puzzle playing (I guarantee that parents will want to try them, too).
Sasha designs with turtles, squid, and ray
The verdict: They are a hit! Both of my kids really dig the puzzles, Sasha (5) mainly plays with the Puzzles Without Borders, while Owen (8) enjoys creating designs using the Tiles of Infinity. And I love seeing their minds, particularly their imaginations, at work.
Owen and friend create a fireball breathing dragon
Taking a turn with the Tiles of Infinity
Nene Imagination Puzzles are available for purchase online for $21.99 or you can find them at local retailers. You can also enter the giveaway for a chance to win one.
Giveaway: Three winners will be selected, as I have one of each of Penguins & Friends, Turtles & Friends, and Tiles of Infinity to give away. To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me one item on your child’s holiday gift wish list. To be eligible, you need to subscribe to KidFriendly DC (see the sign-up on the upper left hand side of the blog) and “like” KFDC on Facebook. This giveaway will run through the weekend, and a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good Luck!
