Ripples of Joy
Home/Play Basket/Finger Puppets Basket
Finger Puppets Basket
Play Basket

Finger Puppets Basket

A tiny cast of felt animals that live on little fingertips and turn any lap into a stage.

This page may contain affiliate links. I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Ages 3-65 min setup, 20 min if sewing new ones prepSave to Pinterest

Finger puppets are the smallest theater we own, and somehow the one we use the most. They fit in a pocket, a handbag, a car door, and they have saved more waiting room afternoons than I can count.

The magic happens the moment a little tiger slides onto a finger. Suddenly my son has a deep growly voice, grandma is sweet and a little forgetful, and the frog always, always gets the last word. I ask the puppets about their day, and somehow the puppets know a lot more about kindergarten than my son ever tells me.

Now they live together in one small basket, waiting for the next show. Most nights it starts with one puppet saying goodnight, and ends with the whole cast taking a bow.

The whole cast in the basket, with a few actors waiting backstage.
The whole cast in the basket, with a few actors waiting backstage.
Making new ones: felt, glue and tiny googly eyes.
Making new ones: felt, glue and tiny googly eyes.
A shoebox lid becomes the stage, and the show begins on little fingers.
A shoebox lid becomes the stage, and the show begins on little fingers.

What you'll need

  • 6-10 felt finger puppets (store-bought or handmade)
  • For making new ones: felt squares, fabric glue, tiny googly eyes
  • A shoebox lid to use as a mini stage
  • Colored paper to draw a backdrop scene
  • Optional: a small tea light (unlit) for a spotlight effect

How to make it

  1. 1

    Lay out the finger puppets in a row in front of the basket like actors waiting backstage.

  2. 2

    If making new ones, cut two identical rounded rectangles of felt for the body and glue the sides together, leaving the bottom open for a finger.

  3. 3

    Glue on eyes, ears, and a tail. Let dry for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Decorate the shoebox lid with a paper backdrop — a forest, a house, or the sea.

  5. 5

    Slip a puppet onto each of your child's fingers and one onto yours.

  6. 6

    Start with a question: 'Who's ready to tell us what happened today?' and let the puppets take over.

Tip

Keep the puppets sorted by scene in small pouches so setup stays quick on busy mornings.

Loved this basket?

Covers of the four Ripples of Joy coloring books: spring, summer, autumn and winter

Get our 4 Seasons coloring pack, free

Four printable nature coloring books, about 100 pages of animals, flowers and treasures from every season. Then one small idea a week: a craft secret, a nature whisper, or a question for your family table.

By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy. Free, every Sunday morning. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Keep the magic going

Next basket to explore