Cost: I've seen these puzzles on sale in stores for 12 - 17 Canadian dollars. In the US, I've seen them in TJX for 10 dollars and on Amazon
Play factor: Having owned this puzzle for a couple of weeks now, I think perhaps Melissa and Doug overestimated the abilities of one year olds just a little. Yes the girls love the puzzle and do try to put the pegs in the hole; but more often than not the pieces are used as nibble toys and bath toys. The most fun the twins have had with their puzzles is Sugar throwing the pieces in the bath tub one piece at a time.
Ah well! I think puzzles are best left for 18 months and older.