There’s just something magical about The Gruffalo that little ones—and parents—can’t get enough of. With its mix of silly humour, fun characters, and a story that’s as clever as it is engaging, it’s no wonder this book by Julia Donaldson has become a classic. The Gruffalo might be a bit scary, but he’s also hilarious, and the quick-witted mouse? Well, he’s the true hero we all secretly root for!
As a fellow Gruffalo-obsessed parent, I totally get how special it is to bring this beloved story to life for our little ones. So whether your tot is already a fan, or you’re on the hunt for the perfect Gruffalo gift, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together the ultimate guide to all things Gruffalo—from books to cute outfits to wellies that can handle the messiest adventures. But first, let’s take a look at some common questions parents often have about this much-loved character.
Who doesn't love the Gruffalo?
Since its publication in 1999, The Gruffalo has become a firm favourite with both kids and adults and makes a great bedtime story. As with all Julia Donaldson books, we love the sense of adventure, imagination, and the rhyming story which entertains even the littlest bookworm. With fun illustrations by Axel Scheffler, it's not surprising that so many Gruffalo-themed toys, clothes, and books available to bring the story to life in your own home and help to develop imaginative play.
From soft plushies and puzzles to interactive games, Tonie figure, wellies, and puddle suits, Gruffalo-themed items encourage both creative and independent play. They give your little one the chance to role play with their favourite characters, whether it’s the fox, the snake, the owl, the Gruffalo himself, or the clever little mouse. There’s a toy or outfit to make every child’s face light up. They’re perfect gifts for kids of all ages—and let's be honest, grown-ups love them too!
What’s the story of the Gruffalo?
The tale follows a clever mouse who uses his wits to stay safe in the deep dark woods by inventing a fearsome creature, the Gruffalo, to scare off predators the fox, the owl, and the snake. The twist? The Gruffalo turns out to be real! It’s a funny and engaging story that keeps little ones captivated from start to finish.
What’s the message of the Gruffalo?
At its core, The Gruffalo teaches kids the power of quick thinking, bravery, and believing in yourself. It’s a reminder that even the smallest creatures can overcome big challenges with a little confidence and creativity.
Best Gruffalo toys at a glance
• Best Gruffalo gift overall - tonies Toniebox Julia Donaldson Bundle including 1 Creative & 4 tonies - Gruffalo, Gruffalos Child, Stick Man & Highway Rat, Pink - Buy now on Amazon
• Best Gruffalo wellies - JoJo Maman Bébé Gruffalo Wellies- Buy now on Next
• Best Gruffalo puddlesuit - The Gruffalo Recycled Waterproof Puddlesuit - Buy now on Baby Mori
• Best Gruffalo hoodie - Gruffalo™ Outdoor Adventure Hoodie - Buy now on Blade&Rose
•Best Gruffalo jigsaw: Ravensburger The Gruffalo Jigsaw Puzzles - Buy now on Amazon
•Best Gruffalo costume: Gruffalo Mouse Costume - Buynow on Smiffy's
•Best Gruffalo card game: Gruffalo Top Trumps - Buy now on Amazon
•Best Gruffalo Tonie: The Gruffalo Tonie - Buy now on Tonies
The best Gruffalo gifts for little fans
Gruffalo toys and books
Best Gruffalo gift overall
Best Gruffalo gift overall
Looking for the perfect Gruffalo gift? Look no further than the tonies Toniebox Julia Donaldson Bundle including 1 Creative & 4 tonies - Gruffalo, Gruffalos Child, Stick Man & Highway Rat in Pink. This bundle is an excellent way to introduce your little one to the magical Gruffalo stories. These tales, narrated by the fantastic Imelda Staunton, are captivating and engaging—plus, with zero screen time, they provide a refreshing, audio-only experience.
Best Gruffalo Tonie
tonies.com
If your little one already owns a Toniesbox but hasn’t yet added a Gruffalo Tonie to their collection, now’s the perfect time! This handy Tonie figure lets them enjoy the full Gruffalo story anytime, and it’s perfect for children aged four and up. But honestly, my toddler son, who's only 20 months, absolutely loves it too—so it really depends on your little one's interest. Plus, the detailed hand-painted figure makes it a fantastic addition to any Gruffalo fan's Tonie collection.
While we love the convenience of screen-free listening to The Gruffalo at any time, it’s worth noting that the running time for this Tonie is just 17 minutes. So, while it’s great for bedtime, it might not keep your little one entertained for an entire long car journey.
Pros
- Hand-painted figure with lots of detail
- A perfect bedtime story for fans of the Gruffalo
Cons
- Running time is only 17 minutes so won't entertain for long
Material: | Plastic |
Running time: | 17 minutes |
Age suitability: | 4 years + |
- Tells The Gruffalo story
- Hand-painted figure
- Great addition to any tonie collection
- Screen free entertainment
tonies.com
If you’ve got the Gruffalo Tonie, you definitely need to add The Gruffalo's Child Tonie to your collection! This one has a running time of about 15 minutes and is narrated by the wonderful Imelda Staunton. The storytelling is pure magic, perfectly capturing the innocence and curiosity of the Gruffalo’s child as she bravely explores the woods, asking questions and venturing out despite being a little afraid.
It’s become a favourite in our house and is always on repeat. I can’t help but mimic the voices myself, which my son absolutely loves! What I adore most about Tonies is that there’s no screen involved, yet the fun and imagination it sparks are endless. My favourite line from the Gruffalo's child story is when the clever mouse says, ‘He’s down by the lake – eating Gruffalo cake,’ to which the Gruffalo’s child replies, ‘I’m not scared.’ And, of course, the sing-along after the story!
Best Gruffalo jigsaw puzzle
These puzzles are perfect for little Gruffalo fans, and are suitable from four years plus. The box includes two 24-piece puzzles to keep little ones entertained and busy. One mum tester, Sophie, said: "We love jigsaws and The Gruffalo is a huge hit in our house, with my three-year-old daughter and my six-year-old son, too; they're a bit tricky for my youngest so we do them together, and then my oldest likes to do them by himself. We like to read the book first, then do the jigsaws for extra entertainment."
With the pieces made from thick, high-quality board, they're durable and can withstand little hands. Plus the puzzles are made with FSC-certified material to help support sustainability.
While these puzzles are fun, with 24 pieces, they may be a bit tricky for younger Gruffalo fans, so they aren't ideal for younger children. However, older children will enjoy recreating the scenes over and over again.
Pros
- Made with sustainable cardboard
- Two puzzles in the box
Cons
- Not great for younger children because they could be tricky
Size: | 26 x 18 x 0.1 cm |
Number of pieces: | 24 per puzzle |
Material: | Cardboard |
Age suitability: | 4+ |
- Made with sustainable cardboard
- Two puzzles
- Suitable from 4+
- Good quality material
A fantastic way to introduce your little one to the world of the Gruffalo is through this classic book. With over 13.5 million copies sold worldwide, The Gruffalo has become a modern classic. This rhyming tale of a clever mouse and a not-so-scary monster has found its way into the hearts of children everywhere. This sturdy board book is perfect for younger readers, featuring a redesigned cover and a beautiful finish—ideal for small hands!
The sequel to The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child is a must-have to complete the story. This bestselling follow-up continues the adventures of the Gruffalo’s little one, with the same witty rhyming text from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s stunning illustrations. Your child will want to hear this story again and again!
direct.asda.com
What’s better than a Gruffalo? A Gruffalo cushion! This adorable, officially licensed cushion is shaped just like the lovable monster. It’s the perfect addition to any Gruffalo fan’s room. Approx. size: 32 x 32cm. Spot clean only.
Best Gruffalo card game
A must for fans of The Gruffalo and Top Trumps. Suitable from four years of age, this fun game will encourage memory skills as well as observational skills, while being entertaining for all the family. One reviewer said it is great for younger children too, commenting: "my granddaughter loves the Gruffalo so it's a no-brainer. No need for reading skills as categories are colour coded."
We love that it includes more than one game, with Mini Top Trumps, Spot the Difference, Take 5, Pairs, and Observation Quiz all available to play in the pack; one customer said: "it has few additional games in the pack and 12 actual Top Trump cards, which I guess is a good idea since small children have a short attention span."
However, one reviewer noted that "half the cards are filled with other games, so there are not very many actual Top Trump cards. If you actually want to play Top Trumps with your child or with more than two players then it doesn't really work."
Pros
- A choice of games to keep little ones entertained
- Suitable from four years, the cards are colour coded to make it simpler
Cons
- Only 12 Top Trumps cards so hard to play with more than two players
Dimensions: | 9.5 x 2 x 14 cm |
Number of players: | 2 |
Age suitability: | 4 years + |
- Additional games to play
- Suitable from 4 years
- Comes in a protective case to keep cards clean
Looking for a Gruffalo plush? This 7-inch soft toy is a fan favourite on Amazon with nearly 2000 positive reviews. Made to capture all the key features of the Gruffalo, this plush has soft fabric, a wart on the nose, and even nobbly knees—just like the one in the story! A great size for little hands and sure to be loved by any Gruffalo fan.
Best Gruffalo wooden game
We love this classic wooden game which has ten pieces, all Gruffalo characters, which you have to carefully balance. It is fun for both children and adults and great for developing hand/eye coordination. It is the perfect game for independent play, or for team work, plus we also like that little ones can use the characters for role play games too.
One reviewer, Sean, said: "these are a great size for little hands, robust, and finished to a high quality. My little boy loved them." However do bear in mind that one customer commented: "some supervision maybe required as a few characters are small."
Pros
- Classic game made with sturdy wooden characters
- Can be used independently or as a team
Cons
- Some pieces might be too small for younger children
- Familiar characters
- Helps to develop hand eye coordination
- Made from wood
- Great for independent play or team work
- Ten pieces included
Best Gruffalo travel toy
For screen-free entertainment, the Voxblock is perfect and this starter set is ideal for all little Gruffalo fans, or fans of Julia Donaldson's lyrical rhymes. Not only is it screen free, but we love that there is no requirement for WiFi or apps, so it can be used straight out of the box. Plus it also has a headphone jack so your little one can listen to their stories while on public transport, or without disturbing others.
We like that it has 14 hours of playtime, and a bedtime function which provides 20 minutes of calm before it turns off. Plus, when your little one changes between stories, reviewers noted that they like how: "the story goes back to the same place when you replace the story block." Another reviewer Anna was impressed, saying: "the little books are perfect for my daughter to use and she loves listening to her stories in the car." The manufacturer says that the Voxblock is suitable from the age of three, but it might be a little tricky for children aged three to operate independently. However, it is designed to be robust and withstand some knocks and bumps, which we love.
Pros
- No need for WiFi or apps
- Great for use on long journeys, or on public transport
Cons
- Might be tricky for children aged three to use independently
Dimensions: | 30 x 20 x 10 cm |
Play back time: | 14 hours |
Standby time: | 25 days |
Age suitability: | 3 - 12 years |
- Screen free entertainment
- Great for travel
- 14 hours of listening time
- Bedtime switch off function
Best Gruffalo fox toy
If the fox is your little one's favourite character then they will love this cute little plush fox in a bag. Suitable from birth, it is made with high-quality materials and is soft and cuddly. We like the decorative bag too which older children might love to carry around with them.
Although it is suitable from birth, the bag might not be ideal for young babies. It will make a great gift for all Gruffalo fans though and has great attention to detail.
Pros
- Makes a great gift for Gruffalo fans
- Includes a cuddly fox and illustrated bag
Cons
- Although suitable from birth, the bag is better for older babies and toddlers
Size: | 10 x 6 x 18 cm |
Material: | Polyester |
Age suitability: | 0 - 8 years |
- Cute design including toy and bag
- Suitable from birth
- Soft fabric
Best interactive Gruffalo toy
To make your adventures through the deep dark wood really come to life, we love this noisy book. You can read the story with your little ones and they can press the buttons for sound effects. It's a great way to make reading really interactive. One reviewer, Gemma, said: "I have a Gruffalo-obsessed daughter and this went down a treat; great noises and illustrations and fun for them to join in and press the characters."
With the familiar illustrations, and of course the story they love, kids will enjoy reading this together, or alone, and using the eight buttons to add sound effects. One reviewer did comment that the sound is "a bit weak" but we like that it has an on/off switch to preserve the battery.
Pros
- Eight buttons to create sound effects for an interactive read
- On/off switch to preserve the battery
Cons
- Volume is not very loud and can't be adjusted
Number of pages: | 32 |
Age suitability: | 3-7 years |
Dimensions: | 31.1 x 1.8 x 24.7 cm |
- Eight sound effect buttons
- Colourful illustrations
- Encourages interactive reading
- On off switch to preserve the battery
Best Gruffalo's Child toy
These cute finger puppets are great for both independent play and also for reading together and bringing the stories to life. With all the characters from The Gruffalo's Child book, your little one will love recreating the scenes as you read. One reviewer said: "my son actually took these into school as part of the talent show and used them to help tell the story of the Gruffalo."
Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, bought these for her daughter and said: "they are perfect for encouraging imaginative play. My little girl can easily wear them on her fingers and so can I, they are a perfect size. Plus, they are simple to pull on and off without much hassle and the fabric is soft and not scratchy." However, one reviewer did comment: "they are small and seem expensive compared to other finger puppets."
Laura also said: "the tree where they all live is brilliant storage. They fit neatly inside and it hangs on the door handle of my daughter's room so she can easily access it for bedtime stories. Sometimes she doesn't use them as finger puppets and enjoys just moving them around as characters to recreate her favourite scene. "
Pros
- Great for encouraging imaginative play
- Includes useful tree for storage
Cons
- Quite expensive for the size of them
Dimensions: | 12 x 8 x 20 cm |
Number of pieces: | 6 |
Material: | 95% Polyester, 5% Plastic Pellets |
Washing instructions: | Surface washable |
- Great for imaginative play
- Includes all the characters from The Gruffalo's Child
- Include a tree for storage
Best personalised Gruffalo toy
www.my1styears.com
For the perfect Gruffalo gift, we love this beautiful set which includes a paperback copy of The Gruffalo and a lovely soft Gruffalo toy, with can be personalised. Plus it is presented in a pastel gift box. One reviewer said: "it's a perfect toy for a perfect little person who loves The Gruffalo. Very well made and a lovely size for little hands. It was beautifully packaged. Being personalised added to this."
Reviewers felt that the toy was really well made and it's lovely to be able to read the book while cuddling the Gruffalo, even with his terrible teeth and green wart. While it is lovely to personalise this item, especially if it is a gift, do be aware that personalisation costs £5 extra and you can only add eight characters.
Pros
- Lovely soft Gruffalo toy with book
- Perfect gift for Gruffalo fans, presented in a gift box
Cons
- Personalisation costs £5 extra is limited to eight characters
Age suitability: | 36 months + |
Height: | 23cm |
Material: | Polyester |
- Includes book and toy
- Can be personalised
- Presented in gift box
Gruffalo clothes and shoes
16.
Gruffalo wellies
Best Gruffalo wellies
Best Gruffalo wellies
www.next.co.uk
Perfect for puddle jumping, these Gruffalo wellies from JoJo Maman Bébé are a must-have for rainy or chilly days. With a cosy fleece lining and a fun Gruffalo print, these wellies are made from natural rubber, making them soft, flexible, and comfortable for little feet. The grippy sole provides extra stability on slippery surfaces—ideal for all those outdoor adventures.
Best Gruffalo set
Best Gruffalo set
babymori.com
Ideal for nursery days or outdoor adventures, this Gruffalo sweatshirt and ribbed leggings set from Baby Mori is designed for comfort and fun. The organic cotton sweatshirt has poppers on the shoulder for easy dressing, while the leggings have a bit of stretch for all-day comfort.
The sweatshirt is made from 100% organic cotton and has got an oversized fit. The leggings are made of 67% bamboo, 28% organic cotton, 5% elastane and have an elasticated waistband and cuffs on the legs.
direct.asda.com
This adorable 2-piece set comes with a Gruffalo hat and matching mittens. Featuring 3D ears and horns and an embroidered "Oh help! Oh no! It's a Gruffalo" slogan, it’s a cute and cozy set for little ones. The fleece lining ensures extra warmth for those cold days, and it’s available in sizes 1-3 years and 4-8 years.
19.
The Gruffalo hat
Best Gruffalo hat
Best Gruffalo hat
www.next.co.uk
This Gruffalo hat from JoJo Maman Bébé is a real winner! It’s cosy, cute, and features the friendly Gruffalo face complete with ears, horns and teeth. Made with recycled materials, it ties under the chin to stay in place and is easy to wash—making it perfect for chilly days.
www.next.co.uk
For colder days, this Gruffalo puffer jacket from JoJo Maman Bébé is just what you need. Perfect for autumn or spring, it has fun Gruffalo details like a hood with horns and Gruffalo faces on the pockets. With cosy wadding and high-quality fabric, this jacket will keep your little one warm on those chilly walks through the "deep dark wood."
www.argos.co.uk
If you're looking for the cosiest Gruffalo-themed slippers for your little one, these soft and fluffy faux fur slippers are the perfect choice. These slippers are not only adorable but incredibly comfortable, making them perfect for keeping little feet warm during the chilly winter months. They’re a great addition to any Gruffalo fan’s collection and make an excellent gift for the festive season. Plus, they’re easy to maintain with a simple wipe-clean design, so your little one can enjoy them all season long.
Best Gruffalo hoodie
Best Gruffalo hoodie
This Gruffalo Outdoor Adventure Hoodie from Blade&Rose is perfect for playdates and nursery days! This cosy hoodie is not only great for layering in colder weather but also super practical for all the fun and action that comes with a busy day.
The brown and khaki green colours, along with the playful 3D detailing, make it fun and stylish, while the zip-up front and fleece-lined hood provide comfort and warmth. Plus, with its ribbed cuffs and hem, it stays snug and in place, even during those active play sessions. Whether your little one is off to nursery or heading out for a playdate, this hoodie is sure to keep them comfy, warm, and ready for anything!
Best costume from The Gruffalo
www.smiffys.com
If your little one wants to recreate their favourite scenes from the book, then they will love dressing up as the mouse strolling through the woods (or your garden). This cute costume is an all-in-one with a hood and a sweet tail.
We really love the fun mouse head on the hood - it's much more practical than a mask, which could irritate children by covering their face. While we really love this costume, it is only available up until age nine, so might cause disappointment to any older Gruffalo fans.
Pros
- Cute, practical hood
- Perfect to recreate your favourite scenes from the book
Cons
- Only available up to age 9
Age range: | 3 - 9 years |
Material: | Not specified |
- All in one costume
- Features mouse head hood and tail
- Fun to recreate your favourite scene
- Great for World Book Day
babymori.com
Gruffalos love playing outdoors, so why not let your little one embrace the rain in style? This Gruffalo puddle suit is fully waterproof with tapered seams to keep them dry during rainy days. The hood features the Gruffalo's face, and the cotton lining showcases an exclusive Gruffalo print. With adjustable foot straps and a 3000mm waterproof rating, this is the perfect outfit for outdoor fun! The shell is made from 100% recycled polyurethane and 100% organic cotton lining. It has adjustable foot straps and easy popper fastenings.
What age is The Gruffalo for?
While it seems that adults and children of all ages enjoy The Gruffalo, it was originally aimed at children aged three to seven years, and it does make a great book for three year oldsand above. Written in rhyme, it follows the story of a little mouse wandering through the deep dark wood describing what he encounters along the way. It appeals to children's imaginations and sense of adventure.
Why do children love The Gruffalo?
The book is written in rhyme which means the rhythm naturally flows as you read, and it gives a song-like quality to the story which children enjoy. It also includes repetition of words which is enticing to children, who can join in on familiar lines. The illustrations are fun and colourful, as well as entertaining, and the characters themselves appeal to little ones, with well-known animals they can identify. The story of the little mouse's adventure, and the eventual discovery of The Gruffalo, really captures the imagination making it a very popular children's book.
What does The Gruffalo teach children?
The Gruffalo has a sweet message behind the fun story and that is to be brave. The little mouse continuously faces his enemies (or predators) and doesn't cower in fear; he overcomes his fears and carries on with his adventures. It also shows children that no matter how scary things might seem, such as a frightening fox or sinister snake, everyone has a weakness and that is OK. It encourages a sense of adventure too, maybe even inspiring children to go Gruffalo spotting.
Structurally, due to the repetitive nature of the story, it also helps children understand narrative and the sequence of story telling, as well as encouraging their imagination.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.