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Puppet Toys Australia - Hand Puppets and Finger Puppets for Kids
Puppets are one of the most timeless and imaginative toys a child can have. At Peekaboo Baby, our range of puppet toys spans hand puppets, finger puppets and glove puppets in a wonderful variety of characters - from friendly animals to storybook favourites. Puppets encourage language development, storytelling, creative play and emotional expression in ways that screens simply cannot replicate. Browse our puppets alongside our pretend play toys, plush toys, teddy bears and full playtime range for a toy box that sparks real imagination.
Puppet play is beneficial at a wide range of ages. Even babies from around six months enjoy watching a puppet move and hearing different voices - it is captivating and stimulating for developing minds. From toddler age, children start to use puppets themselves, creating stories, acting out scenarios and exploring emotions through characters. Puppet shows between siblings, with parents or in a small group develop social skills, turn-taking and empathy. Our puppets are made from safe, soft materials suitable for little hands. Peekaboo Baby offers free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $129, dispatched from Melbourne.
What to look for in puppet toys for kids
- Age-appropriate size - finger puppets suit toddlers' small hands while hand puppets are better for preschoolers and older children
- Safe materials - look for soft fabrics with securely attached features; avoid small parts for children under three
- Engaging characters - familiar animals, story characters or funny faces spark more imaginative play and storytelling
- Durability - puppets get a lot of handling, so reinforced seams and quality fabric withstand regular enthusiastic use
- Moveable mouths - hand puppets with working mouths allow kids to give their character a more convincing voice
- Sets and collections - themed sets (farm animals, ocean creatures, fairy tale characters) allow children to create richer narratives
Puppets pair beautifully with our pretend play toys and kids dress-up costumes for full imaginative play sessions. Also explore our wooden toys, musical toys and educational toys for more play inspiration.
Puppet Toys - Frequently Asked Questions
Puppets can be enjoyed from around six months, when babies start responding to faces and movement. Finger puppets are popular from around 12 months. Hand puppets with moving mouths are generally best from age 2-3 upwards when children can fit their hand inside and start creating their own shows.
Puppet play supports language development by encouraging children to give voice to characters. It supports emotional development by allowing children to explore feelings through a character. Social development is also strengthened through puppet shows involving other children or adults, building turn-taking and cooperation skills.
Most puppets are safe for toddlers, but always check for small parts that could be a choking hazard. For children under three, look for puppets with embroidered features rather than plastic attachments. Soft plush puppets without small parts are the safest option for the youngest children.
Finger puppets are small characters designed to fit over one finger - ideal for tiny hands and multiple characters at once. Hand puppets are larger glove-like toys where you insert your whole hand and operate the puppet's head and mouth, allowing for more expressive movement and larger-scale play.
Yes - puppets are a widely used therapeutic tool for shy or anxious children. Speaking through a puppet character removes the self-consciousness of direct communication, allowing children to express thoughts and feelings more freely. Many educators use puppets specifically to help quiet children find their voice.
Many soft fabric puppets can be hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent and air dried. Some may suit a delicate machine wash cycle in a laundry bag. Check the care label before washing and ensure the puppet is fully dry before returning it to your child.