The best puppet theatre toys for kids

This wooden table-top puppet theatre gives your child no-bounds to their backstage area, and we like that is has a chalk board on the front so kids can add showtimes and their show name. The sturdy stage also comes with a red silk effect curtain to add suspense inbetween the different acts. Because it is a table-top theatre you can place it on a table that is the perfect height for your kids, and throw a table cloth over the surface so the audience can't see the puppeteers as they bring their puppets to life!

The toy is recommended for 3+ years. One reviewer said, "For a nearly 6-year-old with a great imagination this was an instant hit with a few bought hand puppets and a few home knitted finger puppets. Big cousin (8) also enjoyed making up stories and 'performing'." This customer also thought the theatre was easy to assemble and take a apart for transportation and storage, saying it's "very strong and well made", mentioning that that the curtains can be fixed back with knobbed ties and that they draw across very well - although one customer says, "The only slight point is that the curtains have to be tucked into loops at the side of the stage, which takes a few seconds when the audience are waiting."

Unfortunately there are no puppets included, so you'll have to buy a set separately or get the kids to make some with their craft supplies - which adds to the fun! Overall, this is a good-sized puppet theatre toy, buyers like that "there is no plastic in sight", and thought that it is long-lasting and good value for money.

If little ones would prefer to keep their backstage area more hidden, this doorway puppet theatre lets them hide of sight below the stage and to the wings. This funky fabric puppet theatre can be suspended from doorways up to 100cm in width, and can even be personalised with your child's name for that extra special touch.

Customers seem to like this puppet theatre, saying "it's beautifully made and great quality". They like the clever design but some thought it was a bit pricey for what you get, considering the whole thing is made from fabric and it doesn't come with the puppets. There are matching puppet sets available, but you'll have to buy these separately.

We like the no fuss design and the idea of hanging the theatre in a doorway with a telescopic pole, but keep in mind that kids will need help with this before they can get on with their rehersals! As it's made from 100% cotton fabric this theatre is easy to wash and machine washable for added convenience.

Part of the multi-award winning Honeybake collection, the Le Toy Van Showtime Puppet Theatre is for kids serious about show business! This gorgeous interactive wooden theatre has three different play windows, with one main window for the puppet show, a side window for ticket sales and another side window for snacks - for even more variety and imaginative play. Kids will love the authentic retro design of the theatre and enjoy realistic details like the live/interval reversible sign and chalkboards for personalising snack menus, ticket prices and show details.

We like that the theatre provides plenty of room for two to three children to fit inside and the curtain back-closure allows for easy access. The theatre comes flat-packed and is easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes, so that all you need is a screwdriver. Customers have said they can assemble the theatre single-handedly, but one buyer warns not to use any power tools as the wood can't handle it. Keep in mind also that once assembled the theatre is going to take up quite a bit of space, and as you would have to unscrew everything to take it apart, it's might be best to have a permanent spot if you have the space.

This big, sturdy wooden puppet theatre provides plenty of space for a single puppeteer or two thanks to the open back design - although some parents have mentioned that they'd have liked a curtain for a more 'closed-in' feeling backstage. The theatre features a sturdy, non-tip base, plush curtains, a clock, and a chalkboard. Customers say it's easy to put together and pretty simple to pack down when not in use.

Customers like the quality and the fact that the theatre is designed not to tip over. One reviewer says, "Fantastic - looks great, good quality and sturdy. My two-year-old loves it and I can see this lasting many years to come. We have it in the front room at the moment and she does little shows and warbles little songs. We have a good time with this as a family - lovely!"

Bringing the truly iconic and adored Elmer character to life, this adorable little finger puppet will be a firm favourite! It's a super cute miniature replica of the most-loved Elephant and is perfectly sized for pockets and adventures to keep little ones entertained on-the-go.

Made with soft materials and tested to the highest possible standards, we like that it has embroidered eyes making it safe for little ones to play with - so the toy is suitable from birth! We also love that there is a hand puppet option for even more expressive fun and interaction.

The Melissa and Doug Farm Hands Animal Puppets set includes four soft hand puppets including a cow, a horse, a sheep, and a pig. The puppets are sized to fit children and most adults. One reviewer says, "They are small enough to fit a child’s hand and big enough for a large female hand" - although customer opinions are mixed on size with some saying that they are designed more for kids, and one reviewer saying they were; "A bit cramped to use for adult operators."

The puppets would go well with the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theatre, but this is purchased separately. We like that hand puppets are easy to use and can be enjoyed independently with or without a toy theatre, for role-play and storytime. This also makes them entertaining for younger kids who are still learning hand-eye coordination as parents can do the movement while kids join in with role-play. The farm theme is popular too, encouraging educational and imaginative play with animal sounds. Customers like the bright colours and plush fabric saying that these makes the puppets more engaging for kids.

Most fairy tales include a dragon, right? This soft and friendly dragon has legs and feet so it can be animated to 'walk' and 'run' with the shiny fabric on the wings and tummy adding an engaging touch. One reviewer said, "My 9 month old girl is mesmerised, fits perfectly and very expressionate in its features. Shininess in the chest and wings is certainly noticed by my daughter. So happy with it, I've ordered a second for a friend's little one."

Some customers mentioned that the sizing is on the smaller side and more suitable for kids, with one reviewer describing the puppet as; "fairly small to fit little hands." However, another buyer mentions, "I specifically wanted to comment on those reviews that state it is hard to fit your fingers in... It is initially but it stretches quite quickly so after a couple of weeks it no longer feels tight."

We like that this puppet has a movable mouth so it can 'speak' and become your child's best friend, with customers also saying the puppets are "good to cuddle up to at night".

How cute are these Woodland Finger Puppets? With five furry friends for each finger, these will encourage hours of imaginative play. One buyer says, "Excellent quality puppets, my 6 month old daughter loves them, great fun to play too."

The set includes a squirrel, hedgehog, fox, badger and rabbit, each measuring about 8cm long and made from polyester, so they are soft to wear. Overall parents found these finger puppets to be cute, but some though they were slightly overpriced for what they are.

You could make your own sock puppets, or try on one of these larger than life characters for size! This fabulous, fun, knitted sock puppet has a large moveable mouth, a squeaker in its tongue, and is brightly coloured to encourage tots to play along.

We like that the puppet is designed to be super expressive, with a big friendly face and a big mouth with the squeaker for even more fun and entertainment when playing role-play with little ones or using the puppet during storytelling. One reviewer said, "My goddaughter absolutely loved this, she was in fits of giggles as her Mummy and Daddy entertained her with it and they said it was the best gift she has had. Lovely big bright face and great quality."

One customer thought it was a bit expensive for what it was, but agreed it was a lot of fun. Another buyer who bought the sock puppet to entertain their children when they were young said, "Seems expensive for a puppet but it is well made and lasted a long time." They also pointed out that scratches to the eyes can remove the paint and warned to be extra careful. They liked the squeaker in the tongue saying it made their children laugh, and overall described it as; "a quality item worth every penny."

As well as their Farm Hand Puppets, you can tell fun and fascinating stories with the Melissa & Doug Blue's Clues & You! Hand & Finger Puppets. Featuring three hand puppets, Josh, Blue and Magenta, and two finger puppets, Mr Salt and Mrs Pepper, this is going to be a hit with fans of the show.

One reviewer says, "This is a rather adorable, nicely made set of puppets (...) The puppets are well-made and were readily recognisable to my little nephew." Another customer describes the puppets in more detail, saying, "All 5 characters are made from a fine-pile, printed plush fabric with internal padding – though Blue and Magenta both have embroidered noses, Magenta has embroidered-on glasses, and the finger puppets have felt arms. Soft, cuddly, and very sweet."

We like that there is a variety of hand and finger puppets, making them suitable for different aged siblings to play together. We also like that they are washable, and customers thought they got great value for money. Opinions are mixed on size though, with one buyer saying, "I bought these to entertain my grandson, I only have small hands and struggle to get them on. I guess they are designed for children's hands, but as my own children loved interacting with puppets I decided to purchase a set."

Another story children will love to bring to life, is The Gruffalo's Child. These true-to-character finger puppets represent the main characters from The Gruffalo's Child book and are perfectly sized for children's fingers. Kids will love telling their own stories or playing with the finger puppets as you read the modern classic book.

We like that alongside the puppets, there's also a tree carry case - ideal for play-on-the-go, storing the puppets, or using as a prop in storytelling adventures. One reviewer said, "Bought this for my grandchildren. As they love the Gruffalo Child book they adored these finger puppets. They are well made and I particularly like the sturdy tree house to store them in."

Overall, buyers and their kids seem to really like this toy. They do think it's more expensive than other finger puppet toys, however, they also feel like they're worth it and good value. One reviewer said, "Yes it is pricey, but well made and as a licensed product, these are always higher cost." Another reviewer said, "They are small and seem expensive compared to other finger puppets but I look forward to using them with my children to tell the Gruffalo stories together."

Whilst shadow puppets may seem easy to make, what you try to make with your hands may not be so easy to distinguish when projected onto a wall. This pack of six animal fabric bracelets will help turn your child's hand into a hedgehog, deer, turtle, snail, bunny, or giraffe - all instantly recognisable for effective storytelling. All you need is a lamp and a wall.

Customers really like this shadow puppet set and think they are good quality. One reviewer said, "These are very effective and fun! The felt is quite stiff so they hold their shape very well." However, it might be tricky for younger kids to master accurate shadows, as another reviewer shared; "You have to hold the bracelets JUST RIGHT in order to accomplish an accurate shadow. It's difficult as an adult and my child can't do it at all. Kind of frustrating."

We do like that the concept is simple and makes creating shadow puppets more accessible for kids with the easy-to-wear bracelets that also have adjustable wrist bands to fit kids and adults. There are plenty in the box for more than one to play at once too, with 6 puppets altogether.

For extra creativity and imagination, get your kids to create their own puppets! You can do this with bits and bobs around the home, but this set provides great value and everything you need to make fun and friendly characters from scratch - there's googly eyes, decor felt shapes, colourful pompoms, and more. One reviewer said, "Me and my 18-month-old had a great fun creating puppet animals. So easy to use and so much entertainment once they were made! There are so many different pieces, so we ended up creating some other animals."

We like that the quality of the puppets are good, with customers saying the felt isn't flimsy. Unfortunately the child-safe PVA glue doesn't seem to be the most effective. One reviewer said, "Lovely quality and fun. But doesn't stick with PVA. So I've bought stronger glue. Not used yet, but this means I can't make them with my 2.5-year-old now as the glue is not appropriate. It would be much better if the right glue came with the pack."

Others also thought it was a bit on the pricey side but that it was good value for money due to the quality: "I thought it was a little expensive but on arrival the quality of all the contents is really good, not flimsy. My boys are playing with the puppets too so more than just the fun craft activity to be had" said a reviewer.