How to Choose the Best Puppet?
Let’s call them old-fashioned toys or traditional toys, but puppets can’t be beaten.
They don’t need batteries, screens, or instructions, just a hand, a voice, and a bit of imagination!
At Puppets Ireland, we believe puppets are one of the most timeless ways for children (and adults!) to express themselves. They spark creativity, build connection, and create those belly laughs and quiet bonding moments that stay in a child’s and family's memory forever.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or just love the magic of play, there’s a puppet for every age, stage, and story. Here’s how to choose the best one:
Sockettes: Big Personalities with detailed features and designs
If you want instant laughter and lively interaction, Sockettes are your go-to puppets! These knitted, colourful characters bring pure joy and energy to any playtime. With long arms, expressive faces, and movable mouths, they’re brilliant for storytelling, jokes, and silly voices.
Children love them because they’re funny and full of character. Adults love them because they encourage confident self-expression, communication, and emotional release. Perfect for family playtime, circle time in school, or even puppet therapy, a Sockette can turn shy giggles into confident storytelling in seconds!
Shop Sockettes
Sesame Street: The Sesame Street characters appeal to all children and adults!
They come in various size and up to 65 cm. The super large ones are mouth moving and both hands can also be used. Ideal for puppets enthusiasts who like to tell stories, encourage interactive play and enjoy unlimited fun! The Count is definitely a favourite around Christmas time, I suspect for parents!
Check Sesame Street Puppet Characters:
Puppet Story Sets: The Magic of Stories and Storytelling
If you enjoy reading stories with your child, puppet story sets make it twice as fun. Each set includes a main character hand puppet and a cast of smaller finger puppets, think Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, or Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
They turn bedtime stories into interactive adventures, helping children remember details, sequence events, and express feelings through play. Even reluctant readers light up when the characters “come alive” in their hands.
Large Puppets
Realistic, Expressive, and suited for older children who like puppetry
For storytelling that really comes to life, large puppets are unbeatable. These impressive hand puppets allow full mouth and hand movement, making them ideal for expressive, lifelike play.
Children adore their big size and detail, whether it’s a friendly dragon, a chimp, or a character. Grown-ups love that large puppets open the door to meaningful connection and help children express emotions, build confidence, or work through tricky topics safely.
They’re also a favourite for teachers, therapists, and performers who want to engage a group and bring storytelling to another level.
Don’t Forget the Classics
Our full range also includes Finger Puppets, My First Puppets, and Monster Puppets. All perfect for the youngest hands and biggest imaginations. Each puppet, from the tiniest animal to the cuddly bedtime friend, helps children communicate, imagine, and explore the world around them.
Puppets have long been used not just for play, but also for therapy and education. They encourage language development, social skills, motor coordination, and emotional awareness in a non threatening and even super fun way!
Why Puppets Still Matter
In a world filled with screens, puppets remind us that real connection happens face to face, or hand to hand! Whether it’s a toddler laughing with a monster puppet, a child retelling a fairy tale with finger puppets, or a parent using a puppet to comfort a little one, the magic is always the same: play brings people closer.
Explore our full puppet collection on PuppetsIreland.ie
Find the perfect match for your family, classroom, or therapy space.
Because when it comes to imagination, the simplest toys often make the biggest impact.