Banana Panda makes fun books, puzzles, and games for babies and kids — here are some of my toddler's favorites

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Banana Panda puzzles and games are designed to help kids learn in fun and creative ways.Alicia Betz

• Toddlers are sponges that quickly soak up information, so it's important to provide them with toys and games that support their rapid learning.
• Banana Panda makes puzzles, games, and more for newborns through kids 6 years old that are fun, engaging, and support learning and development.
• My toddler enjoys her Banana Panda games, often choosing them over loud and flashy toys.
• Check out our guide to the best kids' board games for more options.

When I find a brand I love, I tend to stick with it, and that's especially true for products I use with my 19-month-old daughter. Like every parent, I want only the best for my child, especially when it comes to educational toys and games.

Now I've found engaging, high-quality games and puzzles from Banana Panda, a company that offers educational puzzles, toys, and games for ages new newborn through 6 years old. Banana Panda sent us six of their puzzles and games for toddlers to try out. Now my daughter can often be found running back to her bedroom to pick out a Banana Panda game to play.

One of the reasons I think she enjoys them so much is because the recommended ages are spot-on to meet her in her zone of proximal development. This means they're challenging enough that she's learning, but not so much that she gets frustrated. The ones that aren't quite on her level are easily modified. Banana Panda even offers ideas to modify many of the products.

All of the puzzles and games are made of thick, high-quality materials — similar to a nice, sturdy board book — and are bend- and tear-resistant. My 6-month-old nephew even got his mouth on a few. Though I wouldn't recommend them for teething, they passed the baby "everything goes in the mouth" test.