puzzle recommendation

[polkadot14]

i have been looking for puzzles/games to keep my 2 yo busy, and i've been considering a melissa & doug 'latches' puzzle, but there seem to be 3 variations.

there's a basic latches puzzle:

http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=106

then there's a latches box:

http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=241

and then a latches fire truck:

http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=240

my question is: since there's a pretty big price difference, is it sufficient to buy the simple latches board, or would one of the other two keep my son interested longer? does anyone have any experience with these puzzles?

what about games? any favorites out there?

thanks!

kelly

[Momof3Labs]

Have you tried a floor puzzle? Colin loooooves his floor puzzles! Even though he can't do them himself, he loves playing with the pieces and then directing us as we put the puzzle together for him.

[caleymama]

I would not recommend the first one (the latches puzzle board). We've had it for a while and it's still difficult for DD to do by herself - some of the latches really stick. Also, she often does it on the floor and leans her hand on the puzzle while she's working on it. She's pinched her finger a time or two doing that. She does like the toy, especially if I do it with her, but I'm willing to bet there are other, better options out there for latches/locks. HTH.

[August Mom]

We have the basic latches puzzle. DS likes it, but like a PP said, he needs assistance on some of the latches because they really stick. However, I doubt this would be different on the latches box or firetruck. So, for the general principle of opening/closing latches, I would just go with the board.

Some puzzles that my DS enjoys more than the latches board are the Lauri puzzles. http://www.liveandlearn.com/lauri/puzzles.html

Also, the M&D Magnetic Hide and Seek Doors is really fun. http://www.kidsurplus.com/lig143.html And, the M&D Magnetic Fishing Game is fun. (We have a tow truck that lifts other vehicles). http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=4

Puzzibilities makes some really neat puzzles too. We have a couple with sounds (which I never knew existed). He loves this dump truck puzzle. http://www.smallworldtoys.com/Webvis...=productdetail

[polkadot14]

thanks for all of the recommendations! based on your advice, i decided to skip the latches for now - i went with the magnetic hide and seek doors, a BIG floor puzzle of a fire truck, and some lacing cards.

kelly