Two Dollar Toy; Three Ways to Fun!

1. Stop by your local dollar store and purchase one pack of crayons and one jigsaw puzzle. Make sure to pay attention to the recommended age range on the puzzle. For example my four year old can do a 100 piece puzzle alone but struggles with a 200 piece puzzle, even with help.

2. FIRST FUN - Assemble the puzzle! Make sure to do this on a table so you're ready for the next step. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three days or more depending on the complexity of the puzzle and your child's skills.

3. Gently slide the puzzle onto a magazine or folded newspaper, then carefully flip the assembled puzzle over. Reassemble any dislocated pieces. The puzzle should now be picture side down.

4. SECOND FUN - Color the puzzle! Get out those crayons, markers, and pens and draw to your hearts content. Be creative - include pictures, words, shapes, and more. Make sure each piece has some color on it. And consider including things that will help orient the puzzle - perhaps, a sun at the top right or the child's name across the bottom.

5. Disassemble the puzzle. This can be fun, too; just make sure not to misplace any pieces.

6. THIRD FUN - Reassemble the puzzle! But this time use the side with your hand drawn picture. This is likely to be a little harder since you won't have a picture to refer too. You'll have to rely on your memory. But you'll have the only puzzle of it's kind! Enjoy!

If you like this you may want to consider purchasing blank jigsaw puzzles to decorate and put together. If you paint both sides, that will be four ways to fun! Some thin blank jigsaw puzzles can even be printed on your printer. Some come in different shapes for special occasions. Consider using small ones as invitations, gifts, party favors, and the like. And if you want a real challenge, spend a little more and try this with a Ravensburger!

Have fun!