Holiday Gift Giving Guide–Perplexus by PlaSmart, Inc. –A Great 3D Puzzle for the Entire Family (Product Review and Giveaway)

CLOSED -- Congrats, Donna J.!!!

Product Features:

• A maze game where players must maneuver a small ball around challenging barriers inside a transparent sphere
• Provides a three dimensional experience
• Shift, flip, and twist the sphere to guide the ball
• Entertaining, educational, and great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• No set-up, clean-up or batteries

You won’t be able to put Perplexus down - though you may have trouble holding onto it. Everyone wants a chance with Perplexus.  Clearly enticing, mentally stimulating, and often wrestled over - Perplexus is a brainteaser like few others. Turn, angle, and balance the entire puzzle ball to keep the metal sphere rolling on track. Sound easy? Maybe here and there. Though at times the obstacles in your way are sure to stump you or throw you off course. Rare is the individual who masters the maze challenge of Perplexus easily. That's why it's called Perplexus.


My Thoughts:

Perplexus, a clear acrylic sphere puzzle, is so addicting.  Even though it says it is great for kids age 6-12, my husband and I have been playing with Perplexus since I received it in the mail to try.  And, we still haven’t been able to complete the difficult and mind-bending maze.  The object of this maze/puzzle is to flip, twist and turn the sphere, moving the ball through each numbered section.  But, be careful not to shake or move the sphere too hard, or the ball will drop out of the maze and you will have to start all over.  So frustrating!!!!
You don’t know how many times I have gotten close to completing the maze/puzzle, only to have the ball drop off the maze.  I remember the first day we received the Perplexus puzzle ball, my husband thought it was going to be easy to solve, and ended up spending 3 hrs. trying to get the ball from start to finish.  He has gotten so frustrated with the game, that he has had to take a break for the past 2 days, in order to compose himself and work on a so-called game plan to beat the game. Stay tuned, as we will see if he can solve the puzzle this weekend. 
For myself, I find this puzzle not only entertaining, but as a way to unwind after a crazy day with 2 children under the age of 2.  It is a great way to relieve stress, as you have to concentrate on the puzzle and forget about everything else you have on your mind.
With the holidays right around the corner, this would be a great gift, not only for children and teens, but also for adults who love puzzles/mazes.  It will provide hours of entertainment for anyone who picks up the Perplexus sphere. I know, as it was a hit at our house this past Thanksgiving.  Everyone wanted a turn, and no one succeeded in solving the puzzle.

---BUY NOW---

You can buy Perplexus online at Amazon, or use the store locator here to find a retailer selling Perplexus products near you.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will receive a Perplexus puzzle to drive them crazy trying to solve. To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure to include your email address with your comments, so that I can contact you if you win.  Good luck!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
Based on my above review of Perplexus, why do you want to win this product? Did you know about this award-winning and holiday must have item before my blog post? Who would this puzzle be for (yourself, child, family, etc.)?
EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)
1) Subscribe to my blog via email and/or become a GFC follower (2 entries each)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 3 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)
Enter to #win a Perplexus Puzzle Sphere @Perplexus1 @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 12/15)

7) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day; Note:  You can only your one vote per day on ONE giveaway; duplicate comments on other giveaways on the same day with be void)
8) Add to a Giveaway Linky site  (5 entries)
9) Like Perplexus on Facebook (1 entry)
10) Follow Perplexus/PlaSmart, Inc. on Twitter (1 entry)
Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on Dec. 15, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.
Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.