Personalized Gifts with Piczzle Picture Puzzles {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 5/21

The Kids love puzzles.

LOVE.

Seeing a three-years old reaction to having their picture on a puzzle really is hilarious. Think Thomas the Tank Engine.

But the puzzles aren't only a kids toy...

Piczzle Photo Puzzles Make Wonderful Memories!

For our review, I chose a basic design, medium sized cardboard picture puzzle with 48 pieces. There were ten piece size options ranging from 6-3,000 pieces! A puzzle for all ages.

The puzzles are constructed of a premium grade cardboard that has been laminated with a glossy finish. Piczzle's cardboard puzzles are precision press cut so that all pieces will be perfectly separated from one another. They are printed using an advanced digital printing technique that results in sharp, multicolored prints that achieve real-life Puzzle pictures.

As for the picture, I selected the same one from last years Christmas cards because I liked it. I didn't give any consideration to whether or not it would make a good puzzle for three year olds. Fortunately, there was some variance in colouring (although there was a lot of grey and flesh colours) and didn't prove too difficult for the kids. If you're planning on getting a puzzle as a keepsake then this is not an issue.

The final design step was to select the text. While they clearly state that "...for optimal results; font, color, size and position of your personal puzzle text will be determined by our professional graphic designers", I wish that I could have picked the font as I'm not big on italics. However, I was fine with the colour, size and position and it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the puzzle at all.

The puzzle arrived standard delivery within six business days and was packaged in it's own "personalized puzzle box".

Not only did that add to the cool factor but it proved very functional as Artemis referenced the picture on the box many times to find out where a piece went.

The picture I took shows that the not all the pieces lay completely flat on the top (they do on the bottom), however, my picture is exaggerated as you can hardly feel the raise with your hand. The thickness of each piece is measurable (1/16"), the cuts are clean and when compared to the original, the picture of the original on a cardboard puzzle is an excellent reproduction.

The kids have tons of cardboard puzzles that are already peeling, warped or broken before they're even out of the box. What a waste of money. While I understand that "the others" don't cost $14.95, I think that these puzzles are worth their value not only for the quality but the fact that you can't put a price on Grandma Joy's face when she receives such a unique gift.

Personalize Your Gift with Piczzle Photo Puzzles!

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Win a Piczzle Puzzle for Yourself Below!

@OutsetMedia is More Than Just Games $75 #giveaway! US/CAN, 03/01

When I was a child, I didn't eat candy.

For Halloween, I'd trade my stash with my brother in exchange for chores. Easter was better, I'd receive gifts.

Puzzles were my favourite, however, I have many fond family memories of sitting around a board game and spending time together.

When I received the opportunity to share Outset Media Games with you (for a second time, I knew that I wanted to get the kids involved and,

Start a new Easter family tradition of our own.

Who better to do that with than a great Canadian company like Outset Media Games. Since 1996, they have been producing high quality entertainment that promotes learning, fun and family time. They are 100% Canadian owned and one of their many awards is the Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) "Supplier of the Year" of which they are a five-time recipient.

It was hard to choose what to get as there was so much variety, even for kids as young as three!

We received several different sized "Create your own Puzzles", pencil crayons, and Farm Dominos.


Artemis took to the puzzles like a fish to water. She loves them as much as I did as a child. Max enjoyed deconstructing them. The pencil crayons are triangular which made it easier for small hands to grip and kept them from rolling away. We even tried creating a puzzle with markers and it turned out great. Next up, crayons.

A really cute touch was the "this puzzle created by" label on the back of the puzzle. And an added bonus, the puzzles are for sale at the National Art Gallery Gift Shop in Ottawa!

The Farm Dominos were a hit. The kids loved looking at the nicely illustrated cards and calling out all the animals and their sounds. The box says that the game is intended for ages 3+, however, Sidney came over and joined in the fun and she's just over two years old.

I look forward to playing this game with the kids for years to come.

Want something for grown ups? You have to check out their "What" game and "Canadian Trivia Family Edition" to name a few. Journeys of The Zoo is not responsible for the hilarity that will ensue.

Connect with Outset Media via their Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Now what you've all been waiting for, Outset Media Games is giving away a $75 gift certificate for their products and/or Cobble Hill or Jack Pine Puzzles.

Enter to Win Below!

Outset Media What? $250 Game Pack #holidayshowcase US/CAN, 12/02

Remember how I told you about how Ed was just chalk full of useless information?

Well, I've found the perfect use for all that knowledge with board games for the whole family from Outset Media.

Outset Media has been around since 1996 and is 100% Canadian! Not only that but much of their product is manufactured in Canada and the USA.

I'm the type of consumer that votes with their wallet and that fact makes me really happy and proud.

When I visited their website, a bunch of games jumped out at me and after watching some of their brilliant YouTube videos, I know what I'm taking over to my neighbours for Christmas; Canadian Trivia Family Edition.

Not only because I'd love to learn even more about Canada but because I think that I could actually get a few questions right for once.

Make sure you don't have any milk in your mouth while watching this video. It hurts when it comes out your nose.

So, how many did you get right?

I dare you to check out some of their other games like; American Trivia Family Edition, What? party game, Professor Noggin's, What Bird Am I? and Cobble Hill Puzzles. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Connect with Outset Media on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget to enter to,

Win a $250 Outset Media Prize Pack!