One player brain teaser puzzle games and toys

These one player brain teaser puzzles and games are great for kids and adults alike. Keep kids entertained without using screens. Most of them are very travel friendly. They are great for developing critical thinking skills.

1. Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube has been around for over 40 years and it is not going away any time soon. These amazing cubes are challenging, fun, and addictive. Test your skills and solving the cube without any help. Or use one of the many tutorials to learn the algorithms, then challenge yourself to memorize the steps to solve it without help. Can you solve it in under 5 seconds?! These cubes are also great fidget toys. You can buy the original or one from a number of other manufacturers. They come in a variety of colors, with pictures, or stickerless. There are magnetic cubes and cubes built for speed. Why stick with a 3x3 cube? There are a variety of other unique shapes and styles!

2. Perplexus 3D Ball Maze

I don't know who can resist trying a Perplexus 3D Maze! They are fun and challenging. They provide hours of entertainment. A word of warning, try not to drop the ball. We have had a couple of broken maze pieces after a big fall.

3. Kanoodle

Kanoodle is a 3D and 2D brain teaser puzzle. It comes in case and is great for traveling.

4. ThinkFun Brain Games

I played Rush Hour Traffic Jam for the first time over 20 years ago. It has stood the test of time and is still a favorite. ThinkFun has created a variety of great brain games. I especially enjoy Chocolate Fix. There is something for everyone's interest:

5. SmartGames

SmartGames is another fabulous company that makes excellent single player problem solving puzzles. I love that they have games for all ages, including preschoolers. This is a great way to help young kids develop critical thinking skills.

I particularly love the storybook puzzles: Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White! Click on Little Red Riding Hood below to get to the Amazon link for all of these puzzles.

6. Wooden and Metal Puzzles

I love having a game or puzzle available on my coffee table ready to play. These games are classic and look great displayed.