We enjoy putting puzzles together; it’s something fun that we can start together and sometimes even finish together, depending on when we finish. Puzzles are such a great activity because you can work on them for awhile, go do what you have to do, and then come back to them.

I was introduced to Ji Ga Zo Puzzle before Toy Fair, but while at Toy Fair, I got to see how it actually works during the Hasbro Showroom Tour. Let me tell you, I was excited to come home and show it to my guys because it was right up our alley. It does require an adult to get it started. The puzzle comes with software and instructions, but don’t be intimidated by the word software; it’s super easy to install and use. I did it in two shakes the other night. Basically, you install the software, and then you’re able to upload a picture of someone’s face or maybe even a pet. Once you have the picture uploaded and situated, the software will make an icon map for that picture, and you can print that out. Then off you go to put your puzzle together.Also included are 300 two-sided puzzle pieces. One side matches the colors/symbols on your icon map; the other side is shaded with a faded out symbol. You use the numbered/lettered icon map to help you put together your puzzle. Ji Ga Zo also comes with an assembly grid that keeps you from getting rows/columns mixed up.This was important when we all started working on it at the same time.It was a blast! We actually put together a puzzle in one night, Dan and I finishing it after the kids went to bed because we didn’t really want to stop.:) It’s really kinda relaxing and somewhat of a stress relief. Now, the puzzle says it’s for ages 8 and up, but with a little help, Jaden was able to participate right along with us.We just had to help him because it can get confusing having to make sure the symbols are lined up and turned in just the right direction, matching the icon map.That was the tricky part, but honestly, it was really very easy and just plain fun. We printed out an icon map for our cat Harold and put that together. I think that I should have maybe resized my picture, made it smaller and more of a close-up because normally, the puzzle picture is a bit more clear than ours turned out.You can purchase Ji Ga Zo for $24.99 from Hasbro; I highly, most definitely recommend this puzzle for all ages and give it two thumbs up. It’s a great rainy day activity, and it promotes great thinking skills, visual skills, etc. It’s great for color & symbol  recognition, as well, with littles. Be sure to Like Family Game Night on Facebook and follow @FamilyGameNight on Twitter.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of Ji Ga Zo, from Hasbro/Hunter PR, for the purposes of this review.)