If you love puzzles that are a little different, the Brainstring Original is guaranteed to get your brain working. At first glance it looks like a colourful ball of tangled strings, but this clever puzzle is far more intriguing than it first appears. The challenge isn’t simply untangling the knot in the centre – it’s figuring out how all the strings can move and swap places without ever creating a permanent knot. It’s oddly satisfying, surprisingly addictive and definitely one of those puzzles you’ll keep picking up “just for another go”.

The transparent design lets you see all the colourful strings twisting and moving inside, making it feel more like a piece of puzzle art than a standard brain teaser. By sliding the coloured buttons around the outside, players can create knots, untangle them and even invent their own challenges. It’s the sort of puzzle that appeals to both children and adults, making it ideal for family games nights, long journeys or simply keeping hands busy during quiet moments.

Compact enough to pop into a bag or pocket, Brainstring Original is a brilliant travel companion and a great screen-free activity. It encourages logical thinking, patience and problem-solving skills, while still being genuinely fun to play with. Dads, teens and puzzle lovers in particular will enjoy the challenge, but anyone who likes fidget toys or brain teasers will quickly become hooked.

Product Information

  • Product: Brainstring Original
  • RRP: £17.99
  • Stockist: Mulberry Bush
  • Age Recommendation: 9–99 years
  • Size: 17 x 14 x 12 cm
  • Perfect For: Puzzle fans, travel entertainment, family challenges and screen-free fun

Overall, Brainstring Original is a unique and cleverly designed puzzle that offers endless replay value. It’s challenging without being frustrating, visually appealing and satisfying to solve – the perfect gift for curious minds.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.