Stick Puppets

Simple puppets for different ages

This set includes friendly animal, people, nature and story-themed puppet designs with clear spaces for colouring and cutting. Younger children can colour large shapes and ask an adult to cut around the outside. Children who are ready for more detail can cut carefully, add patterns, and create a group of characters. The finished puppets work well for pretend play, simple conversations and short stories. Children can use one puppet at a time or make a small set for a family or classroom scene.

Ideas for home and class

At home, invite your child to give each puppet a name, voice and favourite food, then act out a short story. In class, use the puppets for a morning greeting, a retelling of a familiar folktale or a pair activity about taking turns. Put the finished pieces on craft sticks, paper straws or clean ice cream sticks. Children who enjoy puppet play may also like finger puppets. Keep a small basket nearby so the puppets can be used again during free play.

Helping with cutting and puppet balance

Children often cut through a small detail or leave too much paper around the outline. Show your child how to turn the paper instead of twisting the scissors, and remind them to cut slowly around corners. A puppet may flop if the stick is attached too high or too far to one side. Place the stick along the centre of the back and use enough glue to hold it in place. For a child who finds cutting tiring, an adult can trim the outside while the child colours and adds the finishing details.