Melissa & Doug Magnetic Wooden Bug-Catching Puzzle Game (10 pcs)

Toys like these are great developmental tools for kids. I am completely impressed with Melissa & Doug products because of the educational and motor skills they provide to children to keep (or bring) them at or to the correct developmental stage in which they belong. I've gone to children's hospitals for much of my childhood and these were the quality toys always used there. (Remember, your child's brain is VERY active during the first 3-4 years of life so toys are not just for fun... they keep the brain and motor skills honed and stimulated and helps the child to develop at average or above average rate. It's very important.) The types of toys were also used for children's motor skills therapy and would work just as well for elderly stroke patients in recovery. I bought this for a friend's child but it's so cute and compelling that I find myself trying it out every chance I get. (Makes for good meditation time! LOL) I was a little worried that the colors were too dull or the greens too green but I am very happy with the colors now that I have it. Children love it so I'm getting a few extra M&D magnet boards and puzzles for family kids to use at my house.

My 14 month old granddaughter loves this puzzle. We tied the string shorter to about three inches long so she has better control of it. She's very happy catching all the cute bugs and enjoys putting them back so she can catch them again. The magnets are just strong enough for her to pull apart herself (not frustrating for toddler strength) which also is fun to do. Supervision is a must if baby likes to put things in the mouth but the toy is constructed well for even the younger motivated babies to work with mommy's help. Melissa & Doug is known for good construction and toys with great incentive and this puzzle adds to their great reputation.

As a disclaimer, let me just say I also have the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Fishing Game. That's a great game. The "fishing rod" magnet works fine with that one. The Bug Catching Game "Net" magnet is a lot weaker and my toddler gets frustrated trying to catch the bugs only to have it fall off or slide off the magnet. We've just been using the fishing rod from the other game to catch the bugs, but she particularly likes the net on the magnet so she tries and tries and gets frustrated. I can't even replace the magnet because it's encased within a red plastic case to prevent toddlers from swallowing the magnet. The colors are great and vibrant but when the basic premise of the game (magnet) is poor, I can't really give it the rave reviews I would have like the fishing game. I expected more from Melissa & Doug's quality control. ***UPDATED REVIEW*** I responded to the Melissa & Doug rep in my comments and she sent me a replacement fishing rod. This one works perfectly. Since the defective fishing rod magnet was my only issue, I am now changing this from 3 stars to 5 stars. Plus, if there's ever any hesitation about calling their customer service line, DO IT. They're really nice and try to help resolve the issue. Great company. Great product. Good job Melissa & Doug.

I love these puzzles and own this as well as the ocean-themed puzzle. I purchased this when my son was about a year and thought he might be too young. Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see that within about 5 minutes he had it all figured out and was becoming a master bug catcher. All the neighborhood kids of various ages wanted a turn. It is well made and I like the fact that the magnet in the bug pole is completely enclosed so there isn't really a danger of it coming out and posing a health risk. The magnets in the puzzle pieces are well secured as well. The only slight drawback, and reason why maybe my son is a little young is he puts the pieces in his mouth and the colored covering does disintegrate a bit. I love these puzzles and highly recommend them. They are not only fun, but they help promote dexterity and hand eye coordination...it is so cute to watch the little ones work so hard to balance their arms so they can carefully catch the bugs!

Grandson loves these magnetic puzzels and Melissa & Doug brand is well made for years of use.

We bought this puzzle for my son for his first birthday, not sure how well he'd do with the concept but after one day, he was catching bugs. He even knows the spider now that we've started catching the spider then singing the itsy bitsy spider and the bumble bee that goes bzzzzzz. It says it's for kids 3+, but I can see how this could get boring for a child that old. We are working on learning the different bugs and colors and sounds some make, plus what each bug does. He's a little young for those concepts, but will get them soon enough with reinforcement. I like that he can grow in to it. I also like that the magnet is completely encased in plastic so it can't fall out for my guy to swallow. The metal pieces also seem secure, so I don't feel nervous about the safety of the toy for my one year old. As for the swinging magnet, I don't know what parents think their toddlers are going to do with a toy like that, of course they're going to swing it around, but they aren't going to poke their eye out! They'll hit themselves once or twice, cry about it, then learn not to do it anymore. If that thought makes you nervous, don't get the toy.

I bought this product as a replacement for another Melissa and Doug magnetic puzzle of my daughters. I wanted to replace this because it's a great toy to teach turn-taking, something my 4 year old daughter really struggles with as a part of her Autism. I use it as part of the OT that I do with her here at home. I get a big Ziploc bag and we take turns "fishing" and holding the bag (it gives her something to keep her hands busy when it's mommy's turn!) and it works out great! She gets occupied with this game for a half hour which is amazing because of her very short attention span. Great quality product that you expect from Melissa and Doug, very durable! I am very satisfied with my purchase.

My boys LOVE this! Ages 2 and 4 and they both love it for different reasons. The 2 year old loves the magnetic option, so different and fun than other puzzles. My 4 year old loves the magnetic option but also learning the bugs and putting the shapes back.

It is so good for the hand eye co-ordination skill.

This toy packed with so many things.. it has bright colours which keep baby entertained and picking up with magnet allows them to focus and concentrate. It is worth having a kind.

A lovely simple toy, sometimes the simple ones are best. Excellent for developing hand to eye coordination. My grandson who is two loves it and best of all no batteries!

Macht Spaß,die Kinder freuen sich,wenn sie das gewünschte Tier am Magneten haben.Zum Schluss müssen sie es auch noch an der richtige Stellle wieder einsetzen.Also schon für Kleinkinder geeignet.

Its a good product.