With my daughter all puzzle-crazy these days, I am adoring the heirloom-quality Cinderella puzzle illustrated by children’s book artist Jen Bulthuis of Fidoodle and accompanied by the classic tale reimagined by writer Shannon Gerard. The magnetic pieces come apart to convert to stick puppets or fridge decor, if your kid will allow you to take it apart once she’s gotten it together. Mine won’t.
We spotted it at Reform School Rules, easily one of the most original and totally cool web shops anywhere. Categories of fun little goodies from indie artists are all grouped by school subject – Library for books, Art 101 for prints, Child Development for baby and kids gifts, and Organic Chemistry for (no, not drugs) bath and body products.
One more cool thing about the site is the Student of the Month category featuring limited edition pieces. Worth a look: The spectacular hand-painted and silkscreened Fijian stool in a collaboration between Mali tribespeople and LA artist Kat Brecher with proceeds supporting a local school. Just make sure your kid plays with the puzzles instead. –Liz
